Voter Information

Registering to Vote in Minnesota

In Minnesota, you can pre-register to vote online by October 15, 2024 to save time on election day. Otherwise, you can register on the day you vote using your Bethany Student ID Card, but it will take longer.

• Register to vote in Minnesota

Tips for registering on the day of the election:

• If you live on campus the only form of ID you need is your Bethany Student ID Card. This is because Bethany is required to supply the on-campus housing rosters to election officials, so they already have proof of your address at the polls.
• Off-campus students: If you live in housing off-campus, proof of residency may consist of a copy of a lease or a bill inscribed with your mailing address. Students may also be asked to write down their social security number. If you do not have this documentation, you may also have another registered voter from your same precinct vouch for you. They must accompany you to the polls.

Voting in Minnesota

Options:

• September 20 – November 4, 2024: Early voting at Blue Earth County Historic Courthouse (see hours here) or request an absentee ballot from the Secretary of State and vote by mail.
• November 5, 2024: Election Day voting at the polls from 7 a.m. – 8 p.m.

Tips for each different voting option:

• To vote by mail: In Minnesota, anyone can vote by mail (a.k.a. vote absentee). You do not need an excuse or special reason. To vote by mail, request an absentee ballot online. Do this at least 3-5 days after you register to vote online, once this website shows your registration has been processed. You can request an absentee ballot through November 4, 2024, however, you should mail in your ballot well before Election Day. If your ballot arrives after Election Day it will be invalid. Make sure to send your ballot early enough so it will count! Once you have returned your ballot, you can track your absentee ballot to confirm it has been accepted.
• To vote early in person: Go to Blue Earth County Historic Courthouse. It’s easiest to do this after you’ve registered to vote. If you’re not registered, you need to have someone already registered at Bethany vouch for you by bringing them with you.
• To vote in person on election day:
  On-Campus students vote at Christ the King Church, which is approximately 1 mile from campus. If you have not registered to vote before Election Day make sure you bring you Bethany Student ID Card with you.
  Off-Campus Students: Check your polling location here.

Most states (37 plus D.C.) allow early/absentee/voting by mail. Most of these states (27 plus D.C.) allow for “no excuse” mail voting, meaning you do not need to provide a reason why you’re voting by mail. Visit vote.gov to verify your state’s important registration deadlines, options for voting in person or by mail, and to find links to your state election office.