Election security

Wrong information can undermine public confidence in the electoral process.

Here's some information to help explain why we know Minnesota elections are fair, accurate, and secure.

• Minnesota Secretary of State elections facts
• Minnesota elections: accessible, secure accurate (Vimeo)

Election facts videos

• Administration (YouTube)
• Only eligible voters can register (YouTube)
• Secure absentee voting (YouTube)
• Counting ballots (YouTube)
• Absentee ballots are kept secure (YouTube)

Certification

Minnesota requires all voting equipment to be tested and certified by test labs accredited by the U.S. Election Assistance Commission.

The Minnesota Secretary of State’s office also performs detailed testing and certification.

Testing

Hennepin County and city partners must conduct pre-election testing on all voting equipment.

This is done before each election to ensure 100% accuracy.

Every ballot style in an election is tested on every single ballot scanner.

Testing results from each scanner are compared to pre-determined numbers of valid votes for each contest.

Public accuracy test

A public test of voting equipment is done before each election.

It demonstrates to the public that ballots are being tabulated properly.

These tests are held by Hennepin County and city partners prior to each election.

Post-election audit

After every state general election, a statewide audit is conducted.

The audit is a hand count of a random sample of paper ballots to ensure our ballot scanners provided the correct results.

Voter registration data

Voter registration records are part of a statewide voter registration system.

The Office of the Secretary of State maintains the system. Only authorized Elections staff have access to it.

On Election Day, Hennepin County uses electronic poll books to process pre-registered voters and register new voters.

Data requests

Submit requests for data through the Hennepin County Data Request Portal.

If your request is for voter data or lists, you must be a registered voter in Minnesota and supply a photo ID.

We will respond to you through the portal as soon as possible.

Public information lists Minnesota Statute 201.091, subd 4.