Elections and Voting
Your Vote Has Power!  Voting is very important.  It is a way for you to help choose the people that will run our government.  Our government makes laws, decides how money gets spent, and much more.  Who gets picked to run the government makes a big difference for people with disabilities and their families.  If you do not vote, then you do not get a say in what happens.  Check out the resources below to make sure you have the information you need to make your vote count!

People with Developmental Disabilities Have the Right to Vote!

Everyone wants to vote, including voters with mental disabilities. If you are a voter with a developmental disability, you should know your rights. Knowing your rights will help make sure you can vote. Print this item and take it with you when you go to vote so that you know what your rights are.

You can also show this to others if you run into any problems. This paper tells lawyers and poll workers where to find the laws that protect your right to vote!

You do have the right to vote!
  • If you are a person with a developmental disability and understand what it means to vote, Federal law guarantees your right to vote.
The law that gives you that right: The Americans with Disabilities Act, 42 U.S.C. § 12132; Doe v. Rowe, 156 F.Supp.2d 35 (D.Me.2001).

You can vote if you are under guardianship!
  1. If you are under guardianship, you are still eligible to vote UNLESS a court order revokes that right.
The law that gives you that right:  Minnesota Statute § 201.014, subd. 2

You have the right to get help from a person YOU choose
  • If you can't read or need help voting because of your disability, you can have someone help you vote.
  • You can bring a friend, family member or someone else you trust. 
  • You can also ask the election judge to help you if you didn't bring anyone with you.
The law that gives you that right:  The Voting Rights Act, 42 U.S.C. §§1973aa-6; The Americans with Disabilities Act, 42 U.S.C. § 12132; Minnesota Statute §204C.15, subd. 1

If you have a problem, you can get help by calling 1-866-OUR-VOTE
  • Lawyers are available to give voters with disabilities and other voters advice and help with voting problems, so call 1-866-OUR-VOTE (1-866-687-8683).

​You have the right to vote even if you have been challenged!
  • If you are truly eligible, you MUST be allowed to vote. 
  • You may be asked questions about your eligibility, but as long as you answer truthfully and give answers that indicate you are eligible, the election judge has to give you an oath to swear that you are eligible.
  • If the you swear to tell the truth, answer the questions and sign the roster, the election judge must allow you to vote.
The law that gives you that right:  Minnesota Statute §204C.12
2023 Election Dates
What's on the Election Day ballot in 2023?

Not all areas of Minnesota will have elections in 2023. Use the Polling Place Finder to see what elections, if any, are coming up for an address. Or view a list of cities and school districts with regularly scheduled elections in 2023. A map of scheduled and special elections taking place across Minnesota on 11/7/2023 is also available.

​Voters may have one or more of these races on their ballot:
  • City Officers
  • School Board Members
  • Township Officers
  • Local ballot questions