Our Democracy is under attack.
The 2026 elections will shape what happens next for our communities, our state, and our country.
The stakes of the 2026 elections are high.
Across the country, powerful people and institutions are working to influence election outcomes by changing the rules, redrawing districts, limiting access to the ballot, spreading fear, and preparing to challenge results. It is alos likey they are preparing to have ICE at the voting polls. These attacks are meant to silence Black, Latino, immigrant, working-class, and marginalized communities. We are facing off against fascism, institutions, corporations, and super PACs, governors, senators, and the President. What happens in this election will shape the future of our state, our country, and communities around the world.
This moment is also an opportunity to build the future we deserve.
Through Democracy Defense, we can protect free and fair elections, build long-term people power, move policies that support working families in 2027, and rebuild the systems our communities need to thrive. Together, we can meet this moment with courage, organization, and collective action, and deliver on making real, tangible differences for working-class and immigrant communities.
It’s up to us.
To be ready for the 2026 elections, we must first and foremost build our networks of people to face whatever crisis comes our way. Once we do that and continue to do so for the duration of this year, then our next steps are to ensure that every voter in the state of Minnesota who is eligible to vote can do so without fear and intimidation. Below are some actions you can take to engage your block. Do note that every location will be different; use whatever resources make sense for you and your neighborhood.
Actions checklist:
Check your registration status: First, check your own voter registration and ensure that you are all set, at mnvotes.sos.mn.gov
Register to Vote: If you are not registered to vote, here are several ways to register.
Register online. Use this link to register online
Use a paper form. Download a voter registration form to print, complete, and return to your local elections office.
Register when you vote. In Minnesota, voters can register at polling places on Election Day or at early voting locations before Election Day.
Automatic voter registration. All eligible adults will be automatically registered to vote when they get a state-issued ID.
*If you submit a Change of Address with USPS, that may also trigger an update of your registration
Go early: Don't wait until the deadline. In-person early voting is available now at your local election office or designated site. Search for your early voting polling location, by county.
Check on your neighbors: Help your neighbors register and make a plan.
Check on your network: Help your immediate circle to register and make a plan. Friends, family, co-workers.
Early Voting Block Party, Friday, September 18: Help plan one in your neighborhood. Check our website for materials and resources.
The Organizing Path
Voting Process: How to Vote
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To be elegible to vote, you must be:
A U.S. citizen
At least 18 years old on Election Day (16 & 17-year-olds can pre-register)
A resident of Minnesota for 20 days
Not currently incarcerated for a felony conviction
Not under a court order that revokes your right to vote
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Before anything else, check that you are registered to vote and that your information is up to date. You can often do this through the Minnesota Secretary of State’s website
To register online, you will need:
Your Minnesota driver’s license or Minnesota identification card number, or the last four digits of your Social Security number
An email address
To be eligible to vote in Minnesota
You will need to re-register if your name or address changes.
Other Ways to Register
Use a paper form. Download a voter registration form to print, complete, and return to your local elections office.
Register when you vote. In Minnesota, voters can register at polling places on Election Day or at early voting locations before Election Day.
Automatic voter registration. All eligible adults will be automatically registered to vote when they get a state-issued ID.
If you submit a Change of Address with USPS, that may also trigger an update of your registration.
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To vote in person, you must go to your assigned polling location on Election Day or during any early voting period offered in your state:
Step 1: Find Your Location
Use the link below to quickly find your polling place: https://pollfinder.sos.mn.gov/
Step 2: Bring required materials
Do I need to bring my ID?
Whether you need to bring ID to the polls depends on whether you need to register at the polling place.
If your voter registration is current and active, you do not need to bring identification. This means you were successfully registered at least 21 days before Election Day, and you have not moved or changed names since then.
If you need to register or update your registration, or you have not voted in four years or more, you will need to show proof of residence before you vote. Register on Election Day
Step 3: Know the Hours
7 a.m.* - 8 p.m.
*In state and federal elections, towns with fewer than 500 residents are not required to open until 10 a.m., but most choose to open at 7 a.m.
View the list of towns with polling places that will open later than 7 a.m.
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Early Voting
In Minnesota, you can vote early with an absentee ballot starting 46 days before Election Day. You can request an absentee ballot online for federal, state, and county elections.
Read before you apply
For your ballot to count, remember this important information:
Read the instructions that come with your ballot carefully.
You will need a witness when you vote and complete your ballot. The witness can be either a U.S. citizen at least 18 years old on election day or a notary.
Return the ballot and forms right away after you finish. Your ballot will not count if it is received after Election Day.
Request Your Ballot
To request an absentee ballot for upcoming elections, use the online absentee application or one of the downloadable applications below.
Complete & Return Your Ballot
Return your completed absentee application to your county election office by mail, fax, or email.
Your returned ballot must be received by Election Day.
Track Your Ballot
You can track the status of your ballot and confirm that it was received and counted.
2026 Early Voting Dates
Ballots are available starting 46 days before an election (except for March Township elections, which are available 30 days before the election). Relevant dates for this year's August primary and November general election are below.
Action
Details
Primary Election
General Election
First day to vote early in person: Friday, June 26
Start of early voting: Friday, July 24
Last day to vote early in person: Monday, August 10
First day to vote early in person: Friday, September 18
Start of early voting: Friday, October 16
Last day to vote early in person: Monday, November 2