Many Southwest seniors will be eligible to vote in the upcoming general election, which is just over a month away. Races on the ballot will include president, U.S. senator, U.S. Representative, school board, and more. But in order to vote, you must register first. It’s an easy process that only takes a few minutes.
The easiest way to register is online before election day. Go to mnvotes.sos.mn.gov/VoterRegistration/index. You’ll need an email address and either your driver’s license, learner’s permit, or social security number. You’ll answer a few questions about eligibility and enter your information. Then you’re all set! If this method doesn’t work for you, you can also mail in a paper form found on the Secretary of State’s website. The deadline to register online and by mail is October 15th, so get it done now!
If you do miss the October 15th deadline, you can still vote in this election! While you can no longer register online, Minnesota offers same-day voter registration at your polling place on election day and it’s just as easy. You just need to bring your drivers’ license or learner’s permit. If you don’t have one of these, there are many other ways to identify yourself, which are listed on the Secretary of State’s website. You can also register at early voting locations when you go to cast your ballot.
Henry Nafziger (‘25) said the voter registration process “was super easy” and encouraged anyone over 16 to pre-register now so that you don’t have to think about it again.
Now that you’re registered to vote, all you have to do is inform yourself about the races on your ballot, find your polling location, and fill out your ballot. By entering your address at myballotmn.sos.mn.gov, you can find your polling location and a complete sample ballot which shows you what races and candidates you’ll be voting on.
Voting is an incredibly important civic right and responsibility. English teacher Margaret Berg said, “People worked really hard for us to be able to have the right to vote so I take the responsibility very seriously…it’s dumb to not vote.” Our elected leaders now will also impact us for a long time. Berg said, “I’m going to be living with the consequences for years” and English teacher Christina Jensen said “it impacts your future.” Jensen also said that the experience of going to the polls on Election Day is fun and energizing.
Election day is November 5th and polls are open from 7am to 8pm. We don’t have school that day so you have more than enough time to cast your ballot. If for whatever reason you are unable to vote that day, in-person early voting is already open. The most convenient location for most Southwest students is the Hennepin County Government Center, but there are many options, all available on the Secretary of State website. Absentee ballots are another option. We live in a state that makes voting very accessible so take advantage of that and make an impact!
