Why Register to Vote?

As citizens living in the United States of America, it is part of our civic responsibility to participate in the process of electing officials. Although the University of Minnesota Crookston will not supply information on each individual candidate, we want to assist in making the election process as easy as possible for students. By registering to vote in Polk County, MN, students will not have to change residency or follow any steps that would prevent students from remaining residents of their home state. For example, a resident of North Dakota going to school in Crookston, MN, can register to vote in Crookston while still being a resident of North Dakota. 

How Does Registration Work?

Your voter registration is based upon where you live. As a college student, you are afforded the opportunity to register to vote in your hometown/state, or in the county in which you attend college. By registering to vote in Polk County, MN, you will be able to vote in Crookston on Tuesday, November 5, 2024. By registering to vote using the links below, you can head to the polls and cast your vote quickly and easily! Registering ahead of time will waive the need to bring identification to the polls. That being said, if you do not have the chance to register, you DO still have the ability to vote here in Crookston! You will need to bring identification to show that you are staying in Crookston as a student to the polls on election day, and they will register you at the polls prior to your ballot being casted  (see below “Approved Documentation for Election Day” heading). 

Where to Register?

For students wishing to register to vote in the state of Minnesota (Crookston), follow this link to the official voter’s registration page. The registration process takes no more than 5 minutes. On this page, you will follow the steps, providing first and last name, birthdate, and Minnesota ID (driver license) number. If you are NOT a Minnesota resident with a valid Minnesota ID, you will click the link that says “I do not have a Minnesota ID”, to which you will be asked to provide the last four digits of your social security number. After this, you will be asked to provide your address. The zip code in Crookston is 56716. If you live on campus, you will enter 2900 for “house number” and navigate to “University Ave” for the street. 

For out-of-state students wishing to request an absentee ballot from their home state, follow this link. After submitting your information, you will be prompted to either submit your own request form, or to check your county website. You can follow the link titled, “I want to check my county”, to see if your county provides an online absentee ballot request form. This process is very easy, as the link takes you to a different section of the Vote.org website, allowing you to select your county, enter your name and birthdate, and control all of your information. You will also have the option to have individual election forms sent to you via mail. 

Approved Documentation for Election-Day Registration

To register at the polls on election day, students must present with any photo identification listed in the “approved identification” field. The University of Minnesota-Crookston will have a student housing list submitted. This housing list will allow students to present with any identification and register at the polls. For more information follow this link. The link includes detailed information on the election day registration process. 

Approved Identification (Can be expired):

  • Driver's license, state ID or learner’s permit issued by any state
  • U.S. Passport
  • U.S. Military or Veteran ID
  • Tribal ID with name, signature and photo
  • Minnesota university, college or technical college ID
  • Minnesota high school ID