Minnesota primary — how to register, vote and follow results

Need to vote in the Minnesota primary? Start by checking your voter registration and the official election date on the Minnesota Secretary of State website. That one step tells you if you’re set or if you need to act before deadlines roll in.

How to make sure you can vote

First, confirm your registration. Use the Secretary of State’s online lookup or call your county elections office. If your name or address changed, update them right away — don’t wait until the last minute. Many counties also publish daily deadlines for mail and in-person registration, so check those details for your area.

Can you vote in a specific party’s primary? Parties set rules for their nominating contests and those rules can differ by race and year. If you’re unsure which races you can vote in, the party pages and the Secretary of State site explain who’s eligible for each ballot.

Bring ID if you have it. Rules about acceptable ID vary, so check your county’s guidance. If you encounter problems at the polling place, county election workers can help you resolve them on the spot.

Absentee ballots, early voting and polling day tips

Want to avoid lines? Request an absentee ballot early. Most counties let you request by mail or online. Note the request and return deadlines — mail systems can be slow. If you return by mail, allow extra days; many counties also offer secure drop boxes and office drop-off options.

Know your polling place and hours. Polling locations can change between elections, so verify yours before you go. Arrive with anything the county recommends, and expect a simple check-in and a paper or electronic ballot. If your ballot has errors or you change your mind, ask for a replacement right away.

How are votes reported? Primary results are posted by county and then rolled up by the Secretary of State. For presidential races or delegate allocation, party rules determine how delegates are assigned — that can mean proportional splits or winner-take-all rules depending on the contest.

Want live coverage? Use these sources: county election result pages, the Minnesota Secretary of State live updates, and trusted local news outlets. Be cautious with social media numbers—official sites are the final word. Bookmark your county’s election results page and check back as precincts report.

Quick checklist before you vote: 1) Verify registration and polling location, 2) Request or return your absentee ballot on time, 3) Bring recommended ID, 4) Know which contests you’re eligible to vote in, and 5) Follow official result pages for accurate counts.

Have questions or need reminders? Save this tag page and check back for updates and local reporting on the Minnesota primary. If anything changes close to the vote, your county and the Secretary of State are the best places to get accurate, up-to-date instructions.