Voters head to the polls Nov. 6 for the 2012 General Election.
In addition to selecting a president, Hopkins voters will pick a U.S. senator and representative, a state senator and representative, a county commissioner, judges and more. They’ll also be deciding whether to include language on marriage and voter identification in the Minnesota Constitution.
Here are the details you need to have your voice heard.
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When are the polls open?
Polls are open from 7 a.m. to 8 p.m.
Where Do I Vote?
The Secretary of State’s Office has a polling place finder that allows residents to type in their address and find their polling location. Or click here for a detailed map of Hopkins precincts and a full list of polling sites.
What do I need to bring with me to the polling place?
If you’re already registered to vote, you don't need to bring anything with you to the polling place. If you plan on doing same-day registration, there are further requirements. See below for more information.
How do I know if I’m registered to vote?
Find out your status on Minnesota’s voter registration lookup tool.
What if I’m not registered to vote?
Minnesota allows voters to register on Election Day. According to the Secretary of State’s Office, same-day registration requires one of the following:
- A valid Minnesota driver’s license, learner’s permit, Minnesota ID card, or receipt for any of these
- A valid student ID card including your photo, if your college has provided a student housing list to election officials
- A Tribal ID card that contains your picture and signature
- A valid registration in the same precinct under a different name or address
- A notice of late registration sent to you by your county auditor or city clerk
- A voter registered in the same precinct as you who can confirm your address with a signed oath
- An employee of the residential facility where you live who can confirm your address with a signed oath
- Both 1) a photo ID from the list below, and 2) a current bill from the list below with your current name and address in the precinct
- Solid Waste
- Sewer Services
- Water
- Rent statement dated within 30 days of election day that itemizes utilities
- Current student fee statement
What will the ballots look like?
See the PDF above for a sample Hopkins ballot.
What are my rights as a voter?
State law lists the following “Voter’s Bill of Rights”:
“For all persons residing in this state who meet federal voting eligibility requirements:
- “You have the right to be absent from work for the purpose of voting without reduction to your pay, personal leave, or vacation time on election day for the time necessary to appear at your polling place, cast a ballot, and return to work.
- “If you are in line at your polling place any time before 8:00 p.m., you have the right to vote.
- “If you can provide the required proof of residence, you have the right to register to vote and to vote on election day.
- “If you are unable to sign your name, you have the right to orally confirm your identity with an election judge and to direct another person to sign your name for you.
- “You have the right to request special assistance when voting.
- “If you need assistance, you may be accompanied into the voting booth by a person of your choice, except by an agent of your employer or union or a candidate.
- “You have the right to bring your minor children into the polling place and into the voting booth with you.
- “If you have been convicted of a felony but your felony sentence has expired (been completed) or you have been discharged from your sentence, you have the right to vote.
- “If you are under a guardianship, you have the right to vote, unless the court order revokes your right to vote.
- “You have the right to vote without anyone in the polling place trying to influence your vote.
- “If you make a mistake or spoil your ballot before it is submitted, you have the right to receive a replacement ballot and vote.
- “You have the right to file a written complaint at your polling place if you are dissatisfied with the way an election is being run.
- “You have the right to take a sample ballot into the voting booth with you.
- “You have the right to take a copy of this Voter's Bill of Rights into the voting booth with you.”
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