In general, there are two main criteria that students need to be conscious of to register to vote:
- Voters must be a U.S. citizen
- Voters must be a least 18 years old on Election Day
Whether you are looking to register for the first time or update a past registration, there are a few things to consider. These considerations will help determine whether you want to vote in Minnesota or at your permanent address in another state:
- Where you consider home
- The method of voting (in-person, absentee/mail in)
Select the option below that aligns best with your voting intentions to learn how to ensure you are properly registered to vote.
All students at St. Olaf College that are U.S. citizens and at least 18 years of age on election day are eligible to vote in the state of Minnesota. If you choose to vote in Minnesota, there are three ways to register:
Online
The MN pre-registration deadline is October 15, 2024. To register online, student will need a valid MN Driver’s license, MN Identification card, or the last four digits of their SSN. Students will also need to provide an address.
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- For your address, if you live on-campus in St. Olaf housing, use 0 (zero) for the street number. Your dorm/house name and college name will be in the street address drop down for you to select.
- Example: 0 RAND HALL ST OLAF COLLEGE
- If you live off-campus in affiliate housing, check this list for how to register using your off-campus address.
- If you live somewhere else off campus, use your full address.
- If you are registered to vote in another state, select “Yes” when asked if you were previously registered and enter your previous address. You will still be registered in your home state.
Register to vote online
- For your address, if you live on-campus in St. Olaf housing, use 0 (zero) for the street number. Your dorm/house name and college name will be in the street address drop down for you to select.
Paper
To register through the mail, students will need to complete and print an application online. Additional languages can be found online. The form requires a valid MN Driver’s license, MN Identification card, or the last 4 digits of their SSN. Students will also need to provide an address.
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- For your address, if you live on-campus in St. Olaf housing, use 0 (zero) for the street number. Your dorm/house name and college name will be in the street address drop down for you to select.
- Example: 0 RAND HALL ST OLAF COLLEGE
- Example: 0 RAND HALL ST OLAF COLLEGE
- See the above guidelines for how to register if you live in affiliate housing off campus, or somewhere else off campus.
- For your address, if you live on-campus in St. Olaf housing, use 0 (zero) for the street number. Your dorm/house name and college name will be in the street address drop down for you to select.
The completed form must be mailed to the address listed on the form. The envelope must be postmarked at least 21 days prior to the election in order to register.
In-Person (same day)
To register on election day, students will need to present a valid ID and address.
- If you live on-campus in St. Olaf housing or off-campus in St. Olaf affiliate housing, a St. Olaf ID card will work as an ID.
- If you live off campus within the city of Northfield, you may also use your St. Olaf ID card as proof of ID along with a housing roster that will be at your precinct if you have confirmed your off-campus address with the college (contact Residence Life at housing@stolaf.edu to do this). You can also use other acceptable documents for your proof of ID and residency.
- If you live off campus outside the city of Northfield, you will need to present proof of ID and residency. In this case, your St. Olaf ID card will NOT be accepted as proof of ID.
Top 10 states lived in by St. Olaf students
Below are the deadlines for voter registration and absentee ballot request for the 2024 general election in the top 10 states lived in by St. Olaf students. Students must have permanent residence in that state that they are voting in.
| State | Voter Registration Deadline | Absentee Ballot Request Deadline | Link to Secretary of State’s Website |
| Minnesota (MN) | October 15, 2024 (online) | November 4, 2024 (online) | Link Here |
| Wisconsin (WI) | October 16, 2024 (online) | October 31, 2024 (online) | Link Here |
| Illinois (IL) | October 20, 2024 (online) | October 31, 2024 (online) | Link Here |
| California (CA)* | October 21, 2024 | N/A | Link Here |
| Colorado (CO)* | October 28, 2024 (online) | N/A | Link Here |
| Iowa (IA) | October 21, 2024 (online) | October 21, 2024 (by mail) | Link Here |
| Washington (WA)* | October 28, 2024 (online) | N/A | Link Here |
| Texas (TX) | October 6, 2024 (by mail) | October 25, 2024 (online) | Link Here |
| Oregon (OR)* | October 15, 2024 (online) | N/A | Link Here |
| Missouri (MO) | October 9, 2024 (online) | October 23, 2024 (by mail or fax) | Link Here |
*These states automatically send mail-in ballots to all registered voters. To recieve your ballot at your St. Olaf address, contact your local election officials. It is recommended that you do this by October 5, 2024.
Each state has different voting regulations and deadlines. Make sure to check your secretary of state’s website for more information.
If you live in a different state, see the Register in a Different State tab for more information.
Eligibility
If you choose to register in a state other than Minnesota, you must have a registered permanent address in that state. States may also have other eligibility requirements.
Registration
Individual states often have unique processes and deadlines for their voter registration processes, so it is important to be proactive in learning about your state’s specific requirements well in advance.
St. Olaf’s voter registration portal can be used for any state! Also visit vote.gov to learn more about your state’s registration process. Many states now offer online registration.
How do I actually vote?
If you register to vote in your home state, you will need to complete an absentee ballot or travel home to participate in the election. Be sure to do your research on how to correctly vote in your state in a way that makes sense for you!
States and municipalities are on many different timelines for which offices are elected in certain years, and some may be holding special elections or feature ballot measures in the upcoming election cycle. Visit the Ballotpedia for more information about the 2024 election cycle.