Minnesota 2026 Voter Guide

Key Dates

Primary Election: August 11, 2026
General Election: November 3, 2026
Voter Registration Deadline (Mail): Must be received 21 days before Election Day (around October 13, 2026)
Online Registration Deadline: October 13, 2026
Election Day Registration: Available in Minnesota—you can register and vote at your polling place on Election Day

Key Races in 2026

Governor & Lieutenant Governor

Incumbent Governor Tim Walz initially filed for re-election but withdrew his candidacy in January 2026. Senator Amy Klobuchar has entered the race, joining Rick DeVoe and Christopher Seymore in the Democratic primary. This is a wide-open race for Minnesota’s top office.

U.S. Senate

Minnesota’s Class 2 Senate seat is up for election, and incumbent Tina Smith is not seeking re-election. This marks the first open race for this seat since 2002. Candidates from both major parties will compete for this crucial position.

U.S. House of Representatives

All eight of Minnesota’s congressional seats are on the ballot. Currently, the DFL and Republicans each hold four seats, making this election critical for control of the state’s federal delegation.

State Legislature

Minnesota Senate: All 67 seats are up for election. The DFL currently holds a slim majority of 34 seats, with Republicans at 33.

Minnesota House: All 134 seats are on the ballot. The chamber is currently tied 67-67 between parties, making every race potentially decisive for control of the legislature.

Statewide Constitutional Offices

Secretary of State: Steve Simon is seeking re-election (fourth term)
Attorney General: Keith Ellison is seeking a third term
State Auditor: Julie Blaha is not seeking re-election

Judicial Elections

Three of Minnesota’s seven Supreme Court justices will face re-election. Additionally, several judicial seats at lower courts will be on the ballot.

Ballot Initiatives

Minnesota does not have a citizen-initiated state ballot initiative process for statutes or constitutional amendments. However, the legislature can refer measures to voters, and charter cities (like Minneapolis and St. Paul) have local initiative and referendum processes. Check with your city clerk for local ballot measures in your area.

How to Research Candidates

Nonpartisan Resources

Ballotpedia (ballotpedia.org): Comprehensive candidate profiles, race overviews, and election coverage
Vote411.org (League of Women Voters): Voter guides with candidate responses
Minnesota Secretary of State (mnvotes.sos.mn.gov): Official election information, polling locations, and candidate filings
MPR News (mprnews.org): In-depth Minnesota political coverage

News Sources

Star Tribune (startribune.com): Major Minnesota newspaper with election coverage
Minnesota Public Radio: Nonpartisan political news and analysis

Evaluate Candidates

When researching candidates, consider:

Their positions on issues important to you
Their voting record (for incumbents)
Endorsements from organizations you trust
Campaign finance information (available at the Minnesota Campaign Finance Board)
Their experience and qualifications

How to Vote

Register to Vote

Minnesota offers multiple registration options:

Online: Visit mnvotes.sos.mn.gov/VoterRegistration (requires a Minnesota driver’s license or ID)
Mail: Download a registration form from the Secretary of State website
In Person: Register at your county elections office or polling place on Election Day

Voting Methods

In Person: Vote at your assigned polling place on Election Day (7 AM – 8 PM)
Absentee/Mail Ballot: Minnesota offers no-excuse absentee voting. Request a ballot online through the Secretary of State website.

Voter ID

Minnesota does not require ID to vote if you are registered. If you’re not registered or are voting for the first time in Minnesota, you may need to provide proof of residence.

Get Involved

Attend candidate forums: Watch for debates and town halls in your area
Contact candidates directly: Most have websites and social media
Check your registration: Verify your address and polling place before Election Day
Volunteer: Campaigns and civic organizations always need volunteers

Your vote is your voice in Minnesota’s future. Stay informed, get involved, and make your voice heard in 2026!