2026 Busy Voter's Guide

What should I expect this election season?

Minnesota’s local, well-trained election officials and volunteers will administer free and representative elections – just like every year. Minnesota has high-quality, trusted voting infrastructure. Election workers and volunteers – our neighbors, friends, and family – are ready to ensure every vote is counted and that election results are fair and accurate.

Some politicians are trying to confuse and discourage voters with false claims about election fraud. No matter what, Minnesotans will defend our communities from authoritarian overreach and act together to build something better. Here’s how:

• We’re voting early in person to get our votes on-the-record ASAP.

• We’re turning out our neighbors by ensuring they have a voting plan.

• We’re ready to act together between now and January 2027 to ensure the leaders WE choose as voters are seated.

I’m worried about ICE at the polls. Is it safe to vote?

Some politicians and public figures want to trick us into being afraid of each other and of voting, but we’re not falling for it. Our country is strongest when all of us show up, speak out, and refuse to be intimidated. Here’s what all of us can do:

• Be ready. All of us should make our voting plans as early as possible. Choose the option below that feels most comfortable to you:

  • RECOMMENDED — Vote early in person: Get your vote on-the-record early, without worrying about mail delays. Early voting begins September 18. Find your early voting location.

  • Vote by mail: A popular, secure option. Request and track your ballot via the MN Secretary of State as early as possible. Then, we recommend you return it at a ballot drop box to ensure it goes directly to local election officials. If you need to return your ballot by mail, send it back with plenty of time to ensure it is received by Election Day, November 3, so that your vote is counted. 

  • Vote on Election Day: Find your polling place. Talk to a friend or neighbor if you’d like someone to walk with you to the polls. Be in line to cast your ballot by 8pm.

• Be informed. 

  • You have rights at the polls. Only authorized people are allowed inside a polling place, including voters and their minor children, poll workers, and someone assisting a voter. Unauthorized federal agents are not allowed to come within 100 feet of a polling place. See a full list of your rights from the Minnesota Secretary of State.

How can I get important updates about the election?

Minnesotans are organizing to ensure our voting rights are protected and to support our neighbors to get to the polls. To get connected, text VOTE to 30319.

What’s at stake during the midterms?

How we show up together as voters and neighbors this election season sets the conditions for our lives and our movement for decades. Who we elect in 2026 will have a say in the critical issues we are facing, including health care affordability and access, public schools, jobs and the economy, the presence of ICE in our communities, and the power of AI billionaires.

What should I do if I have a question or information to report regarding voting?

To ask questions or report information, call the national Election Protection hotline or visit their website.

866-OUR-VOTE
866-687-8683

888-VE-Y-VOTA
888-839-8682

Use B.A.L.L.O.T. to report information or potential rights violations

• Barrier: Problem, issue, or voting right being violated

• Actors: People involved, number of people

• Location: Polling place address and precinct

• Log: Contact information for people impacted

• Outcome: Result and whether it was resolved

• Time: Start time and end time

I’m frustrated with our government. Why vote at all?

Just like January 2026 when thousands of us marched in the bitter cold to keep our neighbors safe, our votes send a collective message: We refuse to let billionaires and wannabe kings run the show.

We’re choosing candidates that shift the balance of power in our cities, our state, and our country to make more possible – from winning school funding and safe homes, to investments in Minnesota’s workers, including performers.