Register now to vote this fall

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While it seems like summer just started, fall is right around the corner which means elections are coming up quick. Before voting, residents must register and now is the time to do it.

In Minnesota voters can register in advance or on election day at their designated polling place. Registration stays current until a voter moves, changes his or her name or doesn’t vote for four consecutive years.

Voters can register several ways and if you want to avoid long lines at the polls it’s best to register early. Voters can register by filling out a Voter Registration Application, which is available online at www.co.dakota.mn.us. The form is also available at Rosemount City Hall. The form is available in English and Spanish.

The city of Rosemount is split into seven precincts. To find your precinct visit the city’s web site at www.ci.rosemount.mn.us.

Dakota County residents can register at the administration center in Hastings, the northern service center in West St. Paul or the Western Service Center in Apple Valley. Those wishing to submit their form by mail can send it to the Dakota County Administration Center, 1590 Highway 55 Hastings, MN 55053.

Voters who register before the election will have their name appear on a roster at their precinct polling place, according to the Secretary of State’s web site. To get on a roster residents must register at least 20 days before the election occurs. For the 2008 state primary voters must register by Aug. 19 and for the general election by Oct. 14.

Those who have not registered or who need to update their information can do so at their polling location on election day. To register at the polls, balloters are required to provide proof of residence.

The following items can be used to verify residency: a valid Minnesota driver’s license, learner’s permit, Minnesota identity card, or receipt for any of those containing a valid address in the precinct; a student ID card that contains name, signature and address in precinct; a Tribal ID card that contains name, signature, and address; a valid registration in the same precinct under a different name or address; a notice of late registration that was sent by the county auditor or city clerk; a voter registered in the same precinct as the person registering who can confirm an address with a signed oath; an authorized employee of a residential facility where the voter resides.

In addition voters can provide a photo ID and a bill in their name with a current address that is due within 30 day of the election to verify residency. Bills accepted include gas, telephone, cable television, water, electric, cell phone, solid waste, sewer services, Internet services, student fees statements or rent statements.

The requirements to vote are as follows: must be at least 18 years old on election day, must be a United States citizen, must have lived in Minnesota for 20 days immediately preceding election day, have no felony conviction record, have not had voting privileges revoked and have not been ruled legally incompetent by a court of law.

State primary elections will take place Sept. 9 and the general election will be held Nov. 4.

For more information on voting visit the Dakota County web site at www.co.dakota.mn.us or the Minnesota Secretary of State web site at www.sos.state.mn.us.

Tags: news, election, voter, registration