Minnesota’s Primary Election is Tuesday, August 11.

Before heading to the polls, take a few minutes to make a plan for when and where you will vote, confirm your voter registration and learn about the candidates who will appear on your ballot. 

Visit VoteFMWF.org to explore candidates and access nonpartisan voting information. 

Why does the primary election matter? 

Primary elections determine which candidates will advance to the November 3 General Election. Depending on where you live, your primary ballot may include federal, state, county and other races. 

The decisions made during the primary help shape the choices voters will have in November.

Taking a few minutes to learn about the candidates and make a voting plan is an important step toward participating confidently in the democratic process. 

Important considerations before you vote

• Partisan Offices: You can only vote for candidates from one political party. If you vote for candidates from more than one political party, your votes will not count. You decide when you vote which one of the parties you will vote for. 

• Non-Partisan Offices: Nonpartisan offices will be listed on the back side of the primary ballot when there are more than twice as many candidates than the number to be elected for a particular office. You can vote for any candidate.  

Know before you go: Vote early 

Eligible Clay County voters may vote early in person at the following: 

• Location: 
  • • • Clay County Government Center (3510 12th Ave S, Moorhead, MN 56560)
• Tuesday, August 4 through Friday, August 7:
  • • • 8 a.m. –  4:30 p.m. (Tuesday, August 4 through Friday, August 7)  
      • 9 a.m. – 3 p.m. for in-person early voting (Saturday, August 8) 
• Saturday, August 8:
  • • • 9 a.m. - 3 p.m. for in-person early voting
• Monday, August 10:
  • • • The deadline/last day for in-person early voting (until 4:30 pm)

Know before you go: Election Day 

Election Day is Tuesday, August 11 and Clay County polling locations will be open from 7 a.m. to 8 p.m., except for Morkin and Spring Prairie townships (10 a.m. - 8 p.m.).  

Clay County voters must vote at the polling location assigned to their residential address.

Enter your resident address into the Minnesota Secretary of State’s Polling Place Finder to locate your polling location.  

Registering to Vote

Voters whose registrations are current and active do not need to show ID. Proof of residence is required only for voters registering or updating their registrations. 

All Minnesotans are able to register to vote at their polling place on Election Day even if they couldn't register to vote in advance. To do so, you must provide election judges at your polling location with certain acceptable forms of identification to prove your eligibility. 

For more information on Voter Registration, please visit the Minnesota Secretary of State's Office

Before you cast your ballot, VISIT VOTEFMWF.ORG

Take time before heading to the polls to review the candidates who will appear on your ballot. 

VoteFMWF.org was created to make it easier for voters across our region to find reliable, nonpartisan election information in one place. 

• Explore the candidates and races on your ballot. 
• Hear directly from candidates in their own words. 
• Find voter resources and election information. 
• Prepare to cast an informed ballot. 

Make Your Plan and Establish A Checklist  

1. Decide whether you will vote early or on Election Day.  
2. Confirm your polling location 
3. Choose a specific time to vote and add it to your calendar. 
4. Review the candidates on VoteFMWF.org. 
5. Get Out and Vote! 

Encourage Others to Vote

Remind your friends, family members, neighbors and coworkers that Minnesota’s Primary Election is Tuesday, August 11. Strong communities are built by informed and engaged citizens. 

the following template could be distributed within your organizations and work groups

Colleagues,  

For those who call Minnesota home, next Tuesday’s Primary Election is an opportunity to help shape the future of our communities, our region and our state. 

As citizens, we each have the responsibility and privilege of participating in the democratic process. Local and state elections influence many of the issues that affect our daily lives, businesses and communities, including public safety, infrastructure, economic development, workforce initiatives and quality of life. 

Whether you choose to vote early or on Election Day, I encourage you to take a few moments to learn about the candidates and issues that will appear on your ballot.  

An informed vote is a powerful vote. 

To help make that process easier, The Chamber's Center for Civic Engagement has created VoteFMWF.org, a nonpartisan voter resource designed to help voters make informed decisions. The site includes election information, voter resources and candidate video profiles that allow voters to hear directly from candidates in their own words. 

Visit VoteFMWF.org for the following:

• Learn about candidates and races.
• Watch candidate video interviews.
• Find voter resources and election information.
• Prepare to cast an informed ballot.

Strong communities are built by informed and engaged citizens. By taking the time to learn, participate and vote, you help shape the future of Minnesota and the communities we call home. 

Thank you for being an active participant in our democracy.  It matters.