Eligible voters can register to vote by completing and submitting a Voter Registration Application at least 21 days before an election, or they can wait to register at the polling place on the day of the election.
When to register
Residents should register to vote when any of the following take place:
- Upon turning 18 years old
- Name changes
- Address changes
Voting eligibility
To vote in Dakota County, you must:
Voters without a street address, such as homeless voters, can register to vote. They must provide a description of where they live, such as cross streets, or routes, on the form so that we can assign them to a precinct for voting. They must also provide a mailing address to receive official election mail.
Check to see if you’re registered
Go to the MNvotes.org website to find out if you are registered to vote at your current address.
Pre-registration
The cutoff for pre-registration is 5 p.m. 21 days before any election. Drop voter registration applications off at the County Elections Office in Hastings. Voters can still register at the polls on election day.
Online registration
Registration may be submitted online at MNvotes.org.
Withhold voter information
To withhold your voter information from the public information list, complete the 
Request to Withhold Voter Information from Public Information List.
Register at the polls
Go to the MNvotes.org website for registration requirements and a list of documents you can use as proof of residence on election day.
When names are removed from the voter registration list
A voter's name can be taken off the voter registration list for the following reasons:
- Voter has died
- Voter has moved out of Dakota County
- Voter is incarcerated for the conviction of a felony
- Voter request
- Voter is under a court order that revokes their right to vote
If a voter didn't vote in two consecutive general elections, they will receive a notice that their name will be removed from the active voter file unless they reply to the notice.
Questions?
For questions on voter registration, contact Dakota County Elections at elections@co.dakota.mn.us.