12 Things To Know If You're Voting In Person In Minnesota

TWIN CITIES, MN — Next week on Nov. 3, thousands of Minnesotans will head to their local polling locations to cast a ballot for the presidential, congressional, state and local races going on this year.

Before heading out to the polls, however, it's important to review and know your rights as a voter.

"Minnesota and federal law are clear: it is strictly illegal to intimidate or interfere with voters," Minnesota Attorney General Kieth Ellison said news release.

"As Attorney General, I do not expect to have to enforce these laws. But I will not hesitate to enforce them to the fullest extent if necessary to protect Minnesotans’ right to vote."

Ellison's office has outlined 12 rights Minnesota voters have when heading to the polls:

No one may prevent you from voting or registering to vote.

No one may force you to vote for or against someone.

No one may interfere with you when you go to vote.

Only voters are allowed within 100 feet of polling places, with limited exceptions. So-called “poll watchers” are not allowed within 100 feet of polling places.

No one may harass or intimidate you more than 100 feet from a polling place.

Who is allowed inside a polling place.

No one may interfere with you while you cast your ballot.

Challengers designated by political parties are allowed in polling places; however, they are subject to restrictions, and may not harass or intimidate you or attempt to influence voting in any manner.

Law enforcement may not interfere with your right to vote.

The President may not order agents of the federal government to polling places. Agents of the federal government may not interfere with your right to vote.

The President may not order military to polling places. Military may not interfere with your right to vote.

Private armed forces are illegal in Minnesota and may not interfere with your right to vote.

Poll watching

President Donald Trump is asking his supporters to "watch" other voters at polling locations on Election Day, suggesting they could help police the results.

In Minnesota, however, "poll watching" is illegal. State law does allow a "challenger" who can contest a voter's eligibility, but only if they have personal knowledge of that voter's ineligibility. "Suspicion" is not enough to challenge.

Read more: 'Poll Watching' Is Illegal In Minnesota