A primary election determines which candidates will be on the ballot in the November general election. For example, five candidates from one political party might run for governor. Only one candidate can be on the ballot in November. The winner of the August primary election will represent their party on the November election ballot. So, voting in primaries shapes the ballot for the fall.
Tuesday, August 11, 2026, is Primary Election Day in Minnesota
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Polls will be open from 7 AM to 8 PM on Primary Election Day. Find your polling place here.
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The voter registration deadline for the primary election is Tuesday, July 21.
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Same-day registration is available at your voting location during early voting and on Primary Election Day. In order to register and cast a ballot you must present proof of your name and address like a driver’s license, current utility bill or any current, government-issued document.
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Early voting is available from Friday, June 26, to Monday, August 10.
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Minnesota does not require a voter ID to cast a ballot. If this is your first time voting, you may be required to provide proof of your name and address.
You can find more information about voting in Minnesota here. You can register to vote here. You can check to see if you are registered to vote here.
If you are from another state, you can find out about any primaries in your state here.
Make your plan to vote now.
