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This tax season, which started Monday, the state of Minnesota has created one more way to turn residents into voters.


This year, when Minnesotans file their taxes through state-approved electronic filing systems like 

, they'll see a new prompt in the long series of tax-return questions asking if they'd like to register to vote. 

, the Minnesota Secretary of State's website, where any eligible voter with an email address can register to vote online.

"Minnesota law requires that individual income tax return forms and instruction booklets include voter registration forms," said Revenue Commissioner Cynthia Bauerly. "This year, we worked with tax software providers to get voter registration information integrated into their products to reach the large segment of taxpayers who file electronically."

The extra reminder is a critical step toward getting the approximately 700,000 eligible citizens who have not yet registered to vote to go through the process, said Minnesota Secretary of State Steve Simon.

 is in part attributed to the variety of ways Minnesotans can register. 

Here's a quick look at how to lock in your right to vote:

 you'll need an email address to confirm your registration. In addition, you'll be required to submit your Minnesota driver's license or state ID card number.

If you don't have either of those, you can also submit the last four digits of your Social Security number.

In order to register on paper, you'll need to print out a 

After you've filled out the application, either mail it in or drop it off at your 

The state encourages voters registering on paper to send their application before Election Day, since processing by mail can take several days.

In Minnesota any eligible voter can register at their polling place on Election Day as long as they bring an 

A few things to keep in mind on Election Day

If you don't have a proof of residence, a registered Minnesota voter can vouch for you, signing a document confirming you're a resident.

Students should use the place they consider to be home as their current residence. This could be the school you attend or a parent/guardian's house. 

You can still register in Minnesota if you came from another state, as long as you consider your school address your home.

Members of the military and citizens living abroad

Members of the military serving abroad can have a spouse, parent, sibling or child over the age of 18 apply for registration on their behalf. 

The same is true for U.S. citizens who are living abroad, though this only applies for those who intend to return to Minnesota.

If you are homeless, you can register using the place where you most often sleep as your address. 

If you register before Election Day, you will have to swear under oath that you are sleeping at that location when you go to your polling place to vote. If you register on Election Day, you will need another registered voter to accompany you to the polling place and confirm where you live.

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Sara Porter

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The Minnesota Department of Revenue has added a reminder to register to vote in all Minnesota-certified electronic filing systems. Here's a quick look at the different ways you can register to vote in Minnesota.

Doing your taxes? Why not register to vote, too?

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