*This information is current as of the 2008 November election; check back later this year for updates!*  

501(c)(3) and community organizations have credibility, trust, and access to potential voters who are often disengaged from the electoral process. As such, they can be a catalyst for a dramatic increase in voter participation through permissible, nonpartisan voter mobilization activities. Voter registration is a key component of this process as it sets the stage for participation and engagement by eligible voters.

The Basics

Voter registration is a simple process - anyone can do it - you can register as few or as many people as you are able. You can obtain voter registration application cards from the Minnesota Secretary of State's Office.

The materials below provide details on steps and tactics to voter registration, frequently asked questions, why voter participation matters, and absentee voting.

Voters with Special Circumstances

Voters with special circumstances include ex-felons, victims of domestic violence, people experiencing homelessness, and those living in residential facilities. Registering these voters is extremely important as their circumstances have often left them disenfranchised from the electoral process. The following documents provide information on voter registration for these populations.

Help America Vote Act (HAVA)
The Federal Help America Vote Act (HAVA) was signed into law in October, 2002. The law was enacted to provide funding to states to replace punch card voting systems and to improve the administering of elections. Because of the new law's requirements, some uncertainty about its implementation has been generated. During the 2004 Minnesota State Legislative Session, the Legislature passed a law to bring the state into compliance with HAVA, resolving many of the questions around implementation of the new law. Included in the state legislation is the Voter's Bill of Rights, which details a voter's rights on election day. The law dictates that the Voter's Bill of Rights must be posted in polling places throughout the state.