17 October 2023
Election Day is Tuesday, Nov. 7, but you can vote early if you want.
General information about the Nov. 7 election is online at twincities.com/tag/elections.
In addition, twincities.com/news/politics/elections will have a full voters guide with candidates for Ramsey, Dakota and Washington county races online this month.
Here’s some information on candidates for 2023 elections in Ramsey, Dakota and Washington counties.
How to register
You can register to vote in Minnesota on Election Day, or now, at your polling place if you bring proof of residence such as a driver’s license or a photo ID along with an approved document such as a utility bill, mortgage statement or lease agreement. Check your registration status and find more information at the Minnesota secretary of state’s voter registration page.
Sample ballot
To see who’ll be on your ballot, check the Secretary of State’s Minnesota sample ballot page.
How to vote on election day
As long as you haven’t already voted early, the vast majority of Minnesotans — and everyone in the metro — can vote in person at their designated polling place.
To find out where to vote, visit the Minnesota Secretary of State’s online polling place finder at pollfinder.sos.state.mn.us.
Polls typically will be open from 7 a.m. to 8 p.m., except possibly in some very small communities, which are allowed to open later.
How to vote absentee
You can go online to request an absentee ballot be mailed to you. You can return it by mail, or deliver it in person to your local elections office before Election Day. You can also go in person and take care of it all before Election Day. Mailed ballots must be postmarked no later than Election Day.
You can track the status of your absentee ballot online.
Candidate profiles
The Pioneer Press sent questionnaires to candidates for local and state offices in Ramsey, Dakota and Washington counties. Here is how to find their responses as well as stories on some of the races:
Dakota County: There are contested races for school board in several Dakota County districts this year. Candidate surveys for those races can be found here. There also is a special election to fill an open legislative seat in a district that includes Mendota Heights and parts of Eagan. A primary will be held Nov. 16 and the election on Dec. 5.
Ramsey County: Seats are up for grabs on the St. Paul City Council and candidate information can be found here. The St. Paul School Board also has a number of races. Information on those candidates can be found here. There also are school board races in Mounds View and Roseville. And, Mounds View also has a mayoral race. White Bear Lake will elect members to its city council. For information on those candidates go here.
Washington County: St. Paul Park is holding a city council election, South Washington School District is electing members to its school board and Stillwater is holding a special election for its school board. For information on those races go here.
More election news:
Bookmark our Elections page for the latest news and features on races in Ramsey, Washington and Dakota counties as well as other political news.