As voter registration deadlines approach, many Americans are considering their role in the upcoming election. New candidates arise every four years, some recur, and new faces cast their ballots for the first time. First times are often confusing, so for some high school seniors, the process of pre-registering and voting can seem daunting.

According to a 2020 survey by the Center for Information and Research on Civic Learning and Engagement (CIRCLE), an estimated 50% of young people aged 18-29 voted in the 2020 presidential election. The United States Census Bureau (USCB) found that voter turnout was lowest among this age range and highest among those ages 65 to 74 at 76%. This data comes from CIRCLE’s and USBC’s survey, which observed the civilian noninstitutionalized population in the United States.

The Federal Election Commission provides all the base eligibility requirements for all states, including being 18 years old by election day. 17-year-olds can pre-register in some states, allowing them to skip the registration process when they turn 18. Also, every voter must be a U.S. citizen, including naturalized citizens not born in the U.S.

In Minnesota, all voters must have a residential address and have lived in the state for at least 20 days. According to the Minnesota Secretary of State’s office, having a criminal record does not affect eligibility unless incarcerated for a felony conviction. Secretary of State Steve Simon also provides a website to check Minnesota voting rights eligibility.

If all requirements are met, voters can register online through the Minnesota Secretary of State’s website. They will need a valid Minnesota driver’s license, learner permit, or state ID card and the last four digits of their social security number. They will also need to answer questions about the base requirements for voter registration, such as current resident, date of birth, and full legal name. After submitting the online registration, a confirmation mail will be sent within a few weeks. Online voter registration must be completed by 11:59 p.m. on the 21st day before the election. If a voter misses the deadline, there is always the opportunity to register in person on election day in a polling place such as a DMV, post office, or local election office.

The upcoming presidential election day will be on Nov. 5, 2024. Polling places are based on a voter’s registration address, meaning each voter will have an assigned location. A voter’s polling site may change from one election to another. The National Association of Secretaries of State provides a website to find the correct polling place to a voter’s address. Minnesota requires each voter to bring in a photo ID form.