Minnesota Secretary Of State - New(er) Voters Information Skip to main content
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New(er) Voters Information

"Every election is determined by the people who show up. "
-Larry J. Sabato (UVA's Center for Politics)

 

 

What do people need to know so that they DO show up?  This page is here to explain the basics of voting and elections.  If you don't see what YOU need, just let us know.  We'll add it!

 

 

What does a polling place look like?

Who works there and what do they do?

A polling place is a bit like a store, or the DVS when you get your license.  There are steps to go through, things for you to sign, and the hope to get your stuff done and get out as soon as you can!  The people working at the polling place ('the polls') are there to help!  Click on the link to the right to see what you'll see, who works there, and where you will go to get voting.  

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Elections with an S? 
There are more than one?

Some years there are four or more elections!  Depending on where you live (all voting depends on where you live), you might have the opportunity to vote more than once, but each of those elections is different.  Click the link on the right to read about the types of elections.

Presidential Nomination Primary Ballot Sample=============================================================================================================

What does a ballot look like?

Is it complicated?

How long is it?

Ballots (click the links on the right to see some examples) are paper forms you use to choose between people who want your vote for the same office (candidates).  You vote by filling in the circle/bubble next to your choice, just like standardized tests you may have taken before in school.

 

Each vote you make on a ballot has the name of the office, the names of the people running for that office, and a line for the voter to write in the name of a person not listed on the ballot who the voter wants to vote for instead.

 

Ballots can have a single item or over 20 races and questions depending on on the election.  You decide on the races that you vote on.  If you have an opinion on one or two or four races, then just vote for those.  It's up to you.  Eventually, you may want to vote on every race, but either way no one knows but you.