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. 

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 by October 15, 2024, 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 by October 15, you DO still have the ability to vote! You will need to bring identification to the polls on election day to prove who you are and where you live, and they will register you at the polls prior to your ballot being cast (see below "Approved Documentation for Election Day" heading). IF YOU LIVE ON CAMPUS OR IN CROOKSTON and you are registering/voting from that address, you only need a photo ID (school ID works, or in or out state license regardless of the address on it) because they will have your name on a list of addresses U of M Crookston already sent to the county.

Minnesota law says that each student decides where their residence is, and where they vote.  Here are your choices:

  1. Register to vote (in Minnesota) using the address where you live on or near campus if you consider that your home, regardless of what your license says or where you may have your stuff stored.
  2. Register to vote (in Minnesota) where you have a Minnesota address to return to after school if you consider that your home.
  3. If you are from out of state and consider that your home, register to vote in that state. 

Where to Register?

For students wishing to register to vote in the state of Minnesota, 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 don't have a valid Minnesota ID (the address ib ut doesn't matter when registering to vote by 21 days before the election), you will click the button 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. If you live on campus, you will enter 2900 for “house number” and navigate to “University Ave” for the street (Crookston zip is 56716). 

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, present any photo identification listed in the “approved identification” list. For students living on campus or in Crookston, the U of M Crookston will have a student housing list submitted. This housing list will allow these students to present identification and register at the polls. Get 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