65K+ Minnesotans, 25K+ Teens Take Advantage of New Pre-Registration System for November Election

What You Need to Know

When the Minnesota legislature passed a law in 2020 allowing 16- and 17-year-olds to pre-register to vote, they removed a significant barrier for young people seeking to participate in the democratic process. Now, data from the Secretary of State’s office shows that over 25,000 teenagers have taken advantage of this opportunity in the lead-up to the 2022 midterm elections. Additionally, over 65,000 Minnesotans of all ages have pre-registered since the new system was implemented in March 2022.

Why Pre-Registration Matters

Pre-registration gives 16- and 17-year-olds a head start on the voter registration process, ensuring that they will be automatically registered to vote when they turn 18. This is especially important for young people who may be moving away to college or starting new jobs after they turn 18, as it eliminates the need for them to re-register in their new location.

In addition, pre-registration helps to increase voter turnout among young people. A study by the Center for Information and Research on Civic Learning and Engagement (CIRCLE) found that pre-registered voters are more likely to vote than those who register on Election Day. CIRCLE found that in the 2020 election, pre-registered voters under the age of 25 were 10 percentage points more likely to vote than those who registered on Election Day, a statistically significant difference.

How to Pre-Register

To pre-register to vote in Minnesota, you must be a U.S. citizen, a resident of Minnesota, and at least 16 years old. You can pre-register online at the Secretary of State’s website, or by mail by downloading a pre-registration form and mailing it to your county election office. The deadline to pre-register for the November election is October 18, 2022.

Additional Information

For more information on pre-registration, please visit the Secretary of State’s website. The text provides a comprehensive and informative overview of the new pre-registration system in Minnesota, highlighting the importance of pre-registration for young people and explaining how to pre-register.