Election 2022: Voting Guide
(ABC 6 News) – It’s Election Day 2022.
Minnesotans will cast their vote in the primary and special elections held across the state. Below is a guide to help voters know what to expect and prepare for.
WHAT IS A PRIMARY?
A primary election determines which candidates will appear on the November general election ballot.
To help explain, the Minnesota Secretary of State’s Office provides this example: Five candidates from one political party might run for governor. The winner of the August primary election will represent their party in the race for governor on the November general election ballot.
Voters may see two kinds of offices on their primary ballots: Partisan offices and non-partisan offices. There will be a political party listed next to a candidate’s name on the ballot for partisan offices. There won’t be political party next to a candidate’s name on the ballot for non-partisan offices.
You can see a list of political parties in the state here.
HOW DO I REGISTER?
If not already eligible, individuals can register to vote in a variety of ways, including online, by filling out a print form, or in person on the voting day.
HOW DO I VOTE?
You can also locate your polling place here, which includes updated redistricting information. Polling places are usually open from 7 a.m. to 8 p.m.
The Minnesota Secretary of State’s Office reports that as long as you’re in line by 8 p.m., you can vote, even if you do not reach the front of the line until after 8 p.m.
Additional polling place rules can be found here.
WHAT SHOULD I BRING?
If your voter registration is current and active, meaning you were registered to vote at least 21 days before the election day and haven’t moved or changed names, an identification card isn’t required. If that is not the case, you will need to show proof of residence before voting.
WHAT’S ON MY BALLOT?
Enter your address to see the names of candidates and questions that will be on your ballot. Click HERE for the ballot finder.
WHEN WILL I SEE RESULTS?
According to the Minnesota Secretary of State’s Office, election results are not official until they have been reviewed and certified by a canvassing board.
On Election Night, county election officials will enter unofficial election results on the Secretary of State’s website. Following Election Day, county election officials will audit and proof their work before they canvass their results. Once results have been proofed by county election officials, the County Canvassing Board must review and approve the results before they are official. The county canvass report is then sent to the Minnesota Secretary of State’s Office, where it is carefully reviewed and incorporated into a statewide canvass report that is presented to the State Canvassing Board. This board is responsible for canvassing and certifying the results of all statewide elections.
You can learn more about the canvassing board process here.
Additionally, the Minnesota Secretary of State’s Office has launched a "Minnesota Elections Facts" webpage to answer questions Minnesota voters may have about the voting process and results.
To view state, federal, local races and referendum results click HERE.