Election 2022: Voting guide

Tuesday, Nov. 8
Your polling place
An aerial photo of the Mississippi River. Text along the top says "For the river." Text in the bottom lift says "Vote."

It's once again time to cast your ballot and make sure your voice is heard.

Your choices determine the future of the Mississippi River and its watershed. That's never more true than on Election Day. 

From city council races to bids for Congress, the candidates you choose to support represent your views, your priorities and your hopes and dreams for the river. The results will shape our collective response to ongoing challenges and emerging opportunities, including the climate crisis, runoff pollution, habitat destruction, inequitable access and short-sighted planning.

Here's everything you need to know to make your voice heard during the 2022 election. 

Make sure you're registered to vote

Not 100% sure if you're registered to vote in Minnesota? Use this tool on the secretary of state's website to check

If it says you're registered, you're good to go. If you're not registered — don't fret, you still have options!

Scope out your ballot

You can take an early look at what will be on your ballot here. The sample ballot tool is a great opportunity to look up candidates and their policies ahead of time, so you can feel good about whichever ovals you choose to fill in. 

Make a plan for how to vote

Minnesota offers multiple voting options: early by mail, early via dropoff, early in person or on Election Day in person.

If you’re voting early, keep in mind your absentee ballot won’t be accepted if it arrives at the election office after Election Day. So if you’re sending it in by mail, don’t wait until the last minute. You can also drop off your ballot in person before 3 p.m. on Election Day, at the election office that sent you your ballot. 

Want to track the status of your submitted ballot? You can do that here.

What’s at stake for the river

There are a lot of public policy and legislative decisions coming that will impact the Mississippi River. In many cases, it’s elected officials who will ultimately make these choices — so be sure their priorities align with your thoughts.

Some big decisions that will be influenced by the election include:

Know your rights at the polling place

Minnesota law gives voters specific, inarguable rights while at the polls. The nonpartisan League of Women Voters provides a list here, and the secretary of state’s office offers a printable “Know Your Rights” guide

If you run into any issues, the League of Women Voters suggests speaking to the election judge at your polling place. If that doesn’t work, ask to speak to the head election judge. If there are still issues, you have the right to file a complaint and can reach out to one of the voting rights hotlines listed here.

Become a River Guardian

Sign up and we'll email you when important river issues arise. We make it quick and easy to contact decision-makers. River Guardians are also invited to special social hours and other events about legislative and metro river corridor issues.

Upcoming Events

Saturday, April 20, 2024 - 9:30am to 12:00pm
West River Parkway and 36th Street/44th Street, Minneapolis
Applications due Friday, May 3 by 5 p.m.
Virtual and in-person
Wednesday, May 8, 2024 - 1:00pm to 3:00pm
Hampton Woods Wildlife Management Area