UMD students are encouraged to register to vote and exercise their right to have a voice in our democracy! The Minnesota Secretary of State's website has a special section for college students that includes helpful information to help students know their voting options. The City of Duluth also has information on elections and voter services within the city.
In Minnesota, you can vote in one of three different ways:
- Vote By Mail - Absentee ballot applications and instructions are available on the Minnesota Secretary of State website. You can apply for an absentee mail-in ballot any time during the year, except the day of the election. Be sure to leave time for election officials to mail your ballot. Your returned ballot must be received by Election Day.
- Vote Early In Person - The Minnesota Secretary of State website has information on locations where you can vote early.
- Vote On Election Day - You can vote at polling sites on election day. If you live on campus and register to vote from that address, your polling place is located in Kirby Student Center.
Decide Where You Reside
You can only vote from the address where you "reside." Your residence is the place you consider your home, from which you have no current intent to move. As a college student, if you consider your campus residence as your home, you may vote at that address, but if you consider your parents’ address (or some other address) as your home, you must vote from that address. Of course, you can only vote from one address in each election.
If you wish to vote in another state, use vote.gov to find information on how to register and submit an absentee ballot.
Voter Registration
Register to Vote - Before Election Day
The Minnesota Secretary of State Website provides options to register online or download a Voter Registration Application form. The Minnesota Secretary of State Website provides an option to request forms in multiple languages.
General Minnesota voter registration deadlines:
- The deadline to register online is 11:59 p.m., 21 days before Election Day.
- The deadline to register on paper is 5 p.m., 21 days before Election Day.
Register to Vote - On Election Day
In Minnesota, you also have the right to register and vote on Election Day when you provide proof of residence. Information about registering on Election Day is found on the Minnesota Secretary of State website.
Campus Coordinator and Voter Engagement Plan
UMD's campus vote coordinator is Associate Vice Chancellor Jeremy Leiferman (218.726.8501). AVC Leiferman will be working with the UMD Student Government Association and other campus stakeholders to develop a voter engagement plan.