Nonpartisan call to action on National Voter Registration Day

Sept. 17 is National Voter Registration Day, a nonpartisan civic holiday dedicated to celebrating democracy and encouraging Americans to register to vote before the Nov. 5 general election.

The holiday also serves as a public reminder to U.S. citizens to check their existing voter registration status, stay updated with key election information, and arrange for absentee voting (which begins Sept. 20). Information about all of this is available on the Hennepin County Elections website.

On National Voter Registration Day, members of the League of Women Voters of Minnetonka, Eden Prairie, and Hopkins (LWV MEPH) were at Hennepin Technical College in Eden Prairie to share information and help students and staff register to vote.

LWV is a nonpartisan national political organization that encourages informed and active participation in government, works to increase understanding of major public policy issues, and influences public policy through education and advocacy.  

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Several Hennepin Technical College students stopped by LWV’s information table at lunchtime on Sept. 17, including Idman Noor, who said she would be voting in her first general election this year.

Sharon Borine, LWV MEPH’s president, said it was important to her to empower voters like Noor to exercise their right to vote. “We are here today for democracy,” she said. “We are about rights for all Americans, and the power that you can exert as an individual by voting.”

She added, “No matter who you are, the one thing you can do to make a difference is vote.”

LWV to host additional local voter registration events

Borine said LWV MEPH will host additional upcoming voter registration and informational events at local libraries, schools, and businesses. Its next voter registration event will be held on Saturday, Sept. 21, at Lush Cosmetics in Ridgedale Center, Minnetonka.

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LWV MEPH also hosted four recent candidate forums including for Eden Prairie’s city council, school board, Hennepin County Commissioner District 6, and Minnesota House Districts 49A and 49B.

Borine said that despite its name, the 104-year-old League of Women Voters welcomes everyone as members, not just women. Borine said that men make up about 20% of the organization’s membership.

LWV also takes its status as a nonpartisan group seriously, she said: “Many of us have belonged to three different political parties, and we welcome everyone. We are respectful of everyone and don’t even ask” their political party affiliation.

For more information about LWV MEPH and how to join or attend their events, visit its website.

What to know about voting

On National Voter Registration Day, Hennepin County shared important tips, dates and deadlines. All of this information and more is also available on the Hennepin County Elections website.

Before you vote:

• View your sample ballot.
• Learn about early voting options.

Vote absentee:

• Fill out your absentee ballot application and email or mail it to Hennepin County Elections.
• You can also fill out the online application. 

Vote early in-person: 

• Visit your local elections office (check with your city clerk for location and hours).
• Minneapolis Early Vote Center (Minneapolis residents only).
• Hennepin County Government Center will be open for early voting.

Important election dates

Sept. 20: Absentee voting begins for the general election.
Oct. 15: General election deadline to pre-register to vote.
Nov. 4: In-person absentee voting closes at 5 p.m. 
Nov. 5: General Election Day (polls open 7 a.m. to 8 p.m.)

Although pre-registration for the Nov. 2024 general election ends Oct. 15, anyone who misses this deadline but plans to vote can register at their polling place on Election Day. Look up designated polling places here.