Registering to Vote

Eligibility to Vote

You are eligible to vote in Minnesota if you are:

At least 18 years old
A citizen of the United States
A resident of Minnesota for at least 20 days before Election Day

New Registrants

To register to vote, you must complete a voter registration application.

You can also complete a paper application and return it in person or by mail to South St. Paul City Hall or Dakota County offices in Hastings, West St. Paul, or Apple Valley.

Printable Voter Registration Applications

When completing the application, you must sign and date the oath at the bottom. By signing, you certify that you are eligible to vote. Applications can be submitted anytime except during the 20 days before an election. It is recommended to register at least 30 days before Election Day.

If your application is received after the pre-registration deadline, you will receive a Notice of Late Registration. This notice can be used as proof of residency when registering at the polls on Election Day.

Check your voter registration status on the Minnesota Voter Registration Lookup .

Additional Registration Information

Voter registration applications are available at South St. Paul City Hall and Dakota County offices in Hastings, West St. Paul, and Apple Valley.

You can request a voter registration application by:

Calling South St. Paul City Hall at 651-554-3204
Registering when applying for or renewing your driver's license (information is forwarded to Dakota County for processing)

Change of Address

If you change your name or address, you must re-register to vote. Updating your voter registration ensures you can vote in the correct precinct for your new residence.

Canceled Registrations

Voter registrations may be canceled for the following reasons:

The voter is incarcerated for a felony conviction
The voter is under guardianship of another person
The voter has been declared legally incompetent to vote by a court
The voter is not a U.S. citizen
The voter has not voted for more than four years

Election Day Registration

In Minnesota, you may register to vote at your polling place on Election Day by providing one of the following proofs of residence:

Option 1: Identification with Current Name & Address

Valid Minnesota driver’s license, learner’s permit, ID card, or receipt showing your current address
Tribal ID card with your name, address, photo, and signature

Option 2: Photo ID + Document with Current Address

You may use an expired ID if paired with an accepted document showing your current address (electronic copies allowed).

Accepted Photo IDs

Driver’s license, state ID, or learner’s permit (from any state)
U.S. passport
U.S. military ID
Tribal ID with name, address, signature, and photo
Minnesota college, university, or high school ID

Accepted Documents

Utility bill (due within 30 days of Election Day) for:
- Phone (landline, cell, VOIP)
- TV (cable, satellite)
- Internet services
- Electric, gas, or water
- Solid waste or sewer
- Rent or mortgage statement
Residential lease (valid through Election Day)
Current student fee statement

Other Registration Options

A registered voter from your precinct can vouch for you
College students can use a student ID if their housing list is on file at the polling place
If you were previously registered at a different address in the same precinct, your name on the roster may serve as proof
Notice of Late Registration postcard
Staff from a residential facility can verify residency

Receiving Assistance at the Polls

If you need help voting, election judges at your polling place can assist you in marking your ballot. You may also bring someone to help you. Polling places are fully accessible, with marked accessible entrances and parking.

If you cannot leave your car, election judges can bring a ballot to you. If you are unable to visit the polls due to an illness or disability, you may vote by absentee ballot. Voter registration and absentee ballot instructions are available in alternative formats for individuals with limited vision.