NEWS RELEASE
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
October 12, 2016
CONTACT: Don Dicklich, County Auditor
(218) 726-2380
Questions about voting? Here are some answers.
With election day less than four weeks away, public attention to voting is increasing, and with that comes questions - in particular about registering to vote, and absentee voting. The Auditor's Office is responsible for ensuring all rules are followed relating to elections and voter registration in the County. Following are answers to the most frequently asked questions. More information, including links, can be found online at stlouiscountymn.gov/vote.
Who needs to re-register to vote: Anyone who has not voted in the last four years, or who has changed their name or address since they last voted, needs to re-register. Registering prior to election day can be done online, and is encouraged to save time at your polling place.
How to register on election day: Anyone registering to vote on election day must bring a valid photo I.D., such as a drivers license or learners permit; state, tribal, military or veterans I.D.; or college or high school I.D.
If the address on the I.D. is not current, the voter should also bring proof of residence, such as a utility, rent/mortgage or credit card bill that lists the current address; a residential rent or lease agreement; or a current student fee statement. A registered voter from that precinct may also vouch for them.
How and where to vote by absentee ballot: Voters can cast an absentee ballot any time from now through November 7. They no longer need to give a reason for voting ahead of election day. Registered voters can request a ballot by mail by contacting the Minnesota Secretary of State's Office.
To cast an absentee ballot in person, voters from the following communities should go to their city or town hall: Aurora, Babbitt, Biwabik, Buhl, Chisholm, Cook, Duluth, Ely, Eveleth, Gilbert, Hermantown, Hibbing, Hoyt Lakes, Mountain Iron, Rice Lake, Tower, Virginia and White Township. All other residents of St. Louis County can cast an absentee ballot at the County Auditor's Office in the Courthouse in Duluth or the Northland Office Building in Virginia.
There's been steady growth in the number of St. Louis County voters casting absentee ballots, increasing from 5.3 percent in 2010, to 8.9 percent in 2014.
How to find a polling place: The Secretary of State's website includes a pollfinder for people to search by county or ZIP Code. Or call the County Auditor's Office at (218) 726-2385.
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