BY THOMAS WOODWARD
Getting the vote out this year could make or break us as a nation. Did you know there are people in our neighborhood who aren’t even registered yet? How about those who don’t even know where to get started? If this describes you, don’t feel bad. Just follow the simple checklist, and you’ll be ready come Election Day.
Check to see if you’re registered to vote
OK, so you missed preregistering to vote this year. All is not lost. There’s still time to get you registered in time, dear voter.
For those of you who are new to the Powderhorn Park area, there’s an easy way to check if you’re registered. All it takes is a simple click of a mouse. Just pull out your computer, iPad or smartphone and go to https://mnvotes.sos.state.mn.us/voterstatus.aspx.
Or just go to Google and type in “MN voter registration.” Click on the first result that comes up. Then type in your name, date of birth and zip code and hit the green “continue” button. Finally, confirm your street address, and voila! It will tell you if you are registered or not. It will even tell you where to vote on Election Day.
Not registered yet? No need to fear! Here’s how to get started …
If you aren’t registered yet, that’s OK. Just bring your valid Minnesota Driver’s license, or another type of photo ID, along with proof of address with you on Election Day. Good news: Even if your photo ID is expired, it will still be accepted. In addition, you can even show proof of address via an electronic bill on your phone.
Here are the other acceptable forms of photo ID, according to the Minnesota Secretary of State Office (choose one):
•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
And here are the acceptable proof of address documents (choose one):
•Bill, account or start-of-service statement due or dated within 30 days of the election for:
•Phone, TV or internet
•Solid waste, sewer, electric, gas or water
•Banking or credit card
•Rent or mortgage
•Residential lease or rent agreement valid through Election Day
•Current student fee statement
Registered Late?
That’s OK. If you registered late, you should have received a Notice of Late Registration in the mail. Just bring this with you to the polls and you will be all set to vote!
Don’t have a picture ID?
Not to worry – just bring a registered voter to vouch for you!
This can be an issue for college students who may have forgotten to get added to their housing list for preregistration. If you don’t have a picture ID or proof of address, we’ve still got you covered. All you need to do is go with another voter who is already registered in your precinct. That person will need to vouch for you at the polls.
Got it all figured out?
Great!— Just don’t forget to vote on Nov. 8!
See you at the polls!
