One day until the August 13 State Primary Election. Here's what you need to know to vote in Cook County.
Aug 12, 2024 09:30AM ● By Content Editor
By Laura Durenberger-Grunow - Boreal Community Media - August 6, 2024
On Tuesday, August 13, many Minnesotans will head to the polls for the State Primary Election. Voters will select which candidates they hope to see on the November Election ballot for open positions in the US Senate and US House of Representatives. Some Minnesotans will cast votes for other positions, such as Judges or State Representatives. To see what will be on your ballot, visit the My Ballot Finder site here.
For many Cook County residents, mail-in ballots were received by registered voters (Cook County is considered a mail-in ballot county, meaning an area where many registered voters outside of city limits vote via a mail ballot. A mail ballot is NOT the same thing as an absentee ballot).
Mail-in ballots must be received by 8 pm on election day. Ballots can be dropped off in person at the Cook County Courthouse (411 W 2nd Street, Grand Marais, MN) in a secured box. According to the Cook County Auditor’s Office, “The drop box is a secure receptacle established to receive completed absentee ballots 24 hours per day. The drop box is continually recorded during the absentee voting period of each election; is bolted to the concrete to prevent an unauthorized person from moving, removing, or tampering with the drop box and is secured against access by any unauthorized person.”
For more information about voting by mail, visit the Minnesota Secretary of State website here.
A polling location is assigned for those who reside within the city limits of Grand Marais - typically the Cook County Courthouse or the Cook County Community Center. Polls will be open on Tuesday, March 5 from 7 am - 8 pm.
If you are not sure where your polling location is, you can use the State of Minnesota poll finder here: https://pollfinder.sos.mn.gov/
If you are not registered to vote, or your mailing address has changed, Minnesota does allow same-day voter registration. Voters will need to bring a valid, state-issued identification with a current name and address such as a driver’s license, ID, learner’s permit, or Tribal ID.
Additionally, you need a photo ID and document with your current address. The full document list can be found here, but some options are phone bills, utility bills, rent or mortgage bills, or student fee bills. You can find more information about registering to vote in person here.
If you’re not sure if you’re registered to vote, you can find that information here.
In 2022, Boreal Community Media compiled a Cook County, MN voter resource guide (the 2022-specific information has been updated, and the other information is still current and valid).
Some specific things to note:
Taking time off of work to vote
Each voter has the right to take time off of work to vote, without having to take vacation, sick time, or make up the hours. The State of Minnesota voter website has more information here.
Accessibility and voting
If you need accessibility accommodations, you have the right to get them. For example, curbside voting, bringing someone with you to help, or requesting a ballot marking machine are just some of the options. To see more, check out the State of Minnesota voting website here.
Political Contribution Refund
Did you know that the State of Minnesota offers reimbursement for donating to a political campaign? It’s true! The state will reimburse you up to $50 for donating as an individual, or $100 for donating as a couple.
Here are the specific candidates that quality:
Minnesota Legislature (state House or Senate)
Minnesota governor, lieutenant governor, attorney general
Minnesota secretary of state
Minnesota state auditor
Qualified Minnesota political parties
For a refund application or more information, visit the Political Contribution Refund page here.
For more information about voting in Cook County, Minnesota, visit the Cook County Auditor’s website here.
