Minnesota midterm election voting guide 2026: A simple guide for first-time voters

First-time voters in Minnesota can follow a few simple steps to cast their ballots ahead of November 3, 2026, midterm elections. The Minnesota Secretary of State's Office has outlined what new voters need to know, from finding their assigned polling place and registering on Election Day to marking their ballots and submitting them.

Find your assigned polling place

Voters of Minnesota were advised to check their polling place before Election Day as the polling places are open from 7 am to 8 pm. Also Voters who are in line by 8 pm can still cast their ballots.

Minnesota law also allows employees to take time off work to vote without losing pay, personal leave or vacation time.


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Register to vote or check your registration

Minnesota allows eligible voters to register on Election Day. Those who have already registered will find their names on the voter list at their polling places. They can sign next to their names to check in.

Registered voters do not need to show identification when signing in.

People who have not registered before Election Day must provide proof of their current address. The state accepts several types of documents and identification for this purpose.

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Mark your ballot

One voter should keep this in mind that their individual vote is secret and they will vote in a private area.

You will vote with a pen or pencil. One can completely fill in the oval next to their choice. If one wants the person can also fill out their ballot using a ballot-marking machine.

It includes many options for marking your ballot. The options are large print, audio instructions, key pad or touchscreen.

The ballot will tell you how many candidates you can select for each office. In most cases, you will be asked to choose one candidate, but some local offices may have multiple seats to fill. If you think that make a mistake, you can ask for a new ballot.

Submit your ballot

Once voters have completed their ballots, they must place them in the ballot-counter machine. They can collect their "I Voted" sticker before leaving the polling place.

Minnesota's Secretary of State's Office also provides a printable factsheet for people voting for the first time.

First-time voters can visit the Minnesota Secretary of State's election website for additional information about registration, polling locations and Election Day procedures.