Polling place rules

In a polling place, only authorized people can be present. Campaigning is not allowed and political materials cannot be worn.

Do not enter a polling place unless you are authorized

Only authorized people are allowed inside a polling place during voting hours, such as voters and their minor children, poll workers and someone assisting a voter. People may not gather or linger in the polling place or within 100 feet of the building.

For a complete list of who's allowed inside, see Minnesota Statutes 204C.06.

Do not campaign in or near the polling place

You have the right to vote without anyone in the polling place trying to influence your vote.

No one can campaign inside the polling place or within 100 feet of the building. If the polling place is on public property, no one can campaign anywhere on the property, even beyond 100 feet. However, the prohibition of signs and campaign materials within 100 feet does not apply to adjacent private property.

Do not wear campaign materials

In the polling place, you cannot display campaign t-shirts, buttons or literature which relate to specific candidates, official political parties, or ballot questions on the ballot that day. You will need to either cover up or remove these items while in the polling place.

Do not initial or sign your ballot, or mark it with a sticker

Voters may not place pre-printed stickers on their ballot in the write-in space (Minnesota Rules 8230.1450).

Taking photos is discouraged

There is no law that strictly prohibits taking photos or videos in the polling place to record your own voting experience. However, the Office of the Minnesota Secretary of State discourages this activity for the following reasons:

• Voters have a right to privacy, both as to how an individual has voted as well as whether or not an individual has voted. Either or both of these could be compromised by pictures or video. In addition, other voters' objections to being photographed could lead to disruptions within the polling place.
  
  
• When voter turnout is high there may be lines and polling places may be crowded. Voters have a right to take the time they need to vote, but should not take extra time to take pictures.
  
  
• In addition, Minnesota Statutes 204C.17 and Minnesota Statutes 204C.18 prohibit voters from showing their marked ballot to others. Taking photographs or video of your own marked ballot could violate this prohibition.