Get out the vote: How to prepare for the upcoming elections  

MOORHEAD — Local, state, and federal elections are on the horizon this November. Now is the time for students to understand the importance of their participation in the democratic process. Voting is not just a privilege; it is a responsibility.  

Here’s a beginner guide on how to register, vote, and ensure your participation in this civic duty. 

Types of Voting  

The main types of voting available for elections are in-person voting, absentee voting and same-day registration and voting. 

• In-Person Voting: To vote early or on election day, you can go to your assigned polling place to cast your ballot. To find your polling place, search here.  

• Absentee Voting: If you can’t make it to the polls on election at, you can request an absentee ballot. Once filled out, it just needs to be mailed back by the state’s deadline. Some states also allow you to vote absentee in person at designated elections before election day. 

• Same-Day Registration and Voting: In certain states, you can register to vote and cast your ballot on the same day – usually election day itself. Just bring the required identification and proof of residency.  

Voter Registration 

All U.S. citizens are eligible to vote, and registration can be done either the same day or in advance, depending on your living situation. If you’re unsure if you are already registered or not, you can check here.  

• On-Campus Voting: If you live on campus, you can vote right here at Concordia. Bring your student ID, and you can register the same day. For those looking to register earlier, visit Minnesota Secretary of State’s website to find more information or learn how to do it by mail. They provide all necessary forms and information about ID requirements. 

• Off-Campus Voting in Moorhead: If you live off-campus in Moorhead, visit the City of Moorhead’s elections website for details on how to register and where to vote. It includes information on registering in person, registering on election day and checking your registration. The site will also direct you to your designated polling place based on your address, so you know where to go on Election Day. 

• Voting Outside Moorhead: If you live somewhere else in Minnesota and plan on voting there, you can find registration and polling information at the Minnesota Secretary of State’s Website.  

• North Dakota Residents: North Dakota is the only state that does not require voter registration. It only requires proof of residency. You can find out what forms of proof are accepted and get details about polling locations at vote.nd.gov. Make sure you have the required documentation ready when you go to vote. 

• Voting in Other States: For students planning to vote in states other than Minnesota and North Dakota, it’s important to check your state’s specific voting rules. Ballotready.org is a great resource for understanding voter registration, polling locations and absentee ballot requests tailored to your state. Once you enter your state, you will receive personalized information about the voting process. 

Important Deadlines 

Voter registration and absentee/mail-in ballot deadlines vary by state. In Minnesota, the deadline for registering to vote online is October 15th at 11:59 p.m. The deadline for returning absentee ballots is also on October 15th, but it must be received by 5 p.m. For information on deadlines in other states, check here.  

For other assistance with the voting process, ballotready.org is a great resource that can guide voters through the specifics of registering, voting absentee and understanding local election rules.