One aspect of a BSU education is the idea that to be a member of a community, you need to be engaged with that community. For our students who are eligible to vote in United States elections, that means being a voter, having a say, and using your vote to choose and inform elected representatives in our governments, from school board to the White House.
This website will outline some of the important aspects of voting and elections. If you have more questions, check out MNVotes.gov. Not voting in Minnesota? Check out https://vote.gov/ for nation-wide information.
KEY INFORMATION FOR 2024
ELECTION DATES: The General Election (the last day to vote) is Tuesday, November 5. Register by October 15 for your information to show up at your polling place on Election Day.
REGISTRATION: To vote in Minnesota, you must be registered. Register by October 15 and you won’t need any ID on Election Day! Click here to access Minnesota voter registration online or to download a paper application.
THERE ARE THREE WAYS TO VOTE IN MINNESOTA
- Early by mail. Ballots began to mail September 20. You will need a witness who is either a registered MN voter or a Notary Public. At BSU, you can find a notary at Cashier’s or the Hobson Union Information Desk.
- Early in person. Every county has at least one location. Some have many. Some early voting locations are for residents of that city only.
- On Election Day at your polling place. Students living in the BSU residence halls reside in Bemidji Ward 1 and will vote at the American Indian Resource Center. Off campus or voting at another address? Click here to enter your address to find your polling location.
Election Timeline for 2024
| Date | Event |
| August 13, 2024 | Minnesota State Primary Election Day |
| September 17, 2024 | National Voter Registration Day |
| September 20, 2024 | First day to vote early in person |
| October 15, 2024 | Voter Registration Deadline (same-day registration available on Election Day) |
| November 4, 2024 | Last day to vote early in person |
| November 5, 2024 | Election Day |
VOTING FOR THE FIRST TIME
Check out this short video: https://youtu.be/JAI9vuvCads
BSU is committed to increasing voter turnout and inspiring an institution culture that reflects our shared value of civic engagement and leadership. The Election Preparation Team at Bemidji State University designed an action plan for the Bemidji campus with opportunities for voter participation and education.
The primary audience is undergraduate students, and the main goals are to:
- Expand voter registration
- Improve voter education to help students feel confident at the polls
- Increase voter turnout from previous presidential elections
View the full BSU Voter Education Plan (link coming soon!)
Bemidji State University Campus Vote Coordinator
NINA JOHNSON
Director, Hobson Memorial Union
218.755.3766