South Washington County voters head to the polls Nov. 7 to decide several important issues, from whether or not to pass school referenda questions, to school board and even the St. Paul Park mayorship.

As to the latter, there’s one officially registered candidate: former Minnesota House Representative Keith Franke. A small business owner who previously served as St. Paul Park mayor from 2012 to 2016, he seeks a new term.

As to the former, the field is wide open. With eleven officially registered ballot candidates for school board and just three open seats, nine of the candidates responded to Journal request for a questionnaire. Their responses can be read elsewhere in this paper. A non-partisan office, the three open seats will go to whoever gets the highest vote totals as of Nov. 7.

But lest one think it’s a free for all, there are rules. Before casting a ballot one must meet the following requirements:

• be at least 18 years of age on Election Day
• a citizen of the United States
• a Minnesota resident for at least 20 days before Election Day
• not currently incarcerated for a conviction of a felony offense.
• Not under a court-ordered guardianship where the court has revoked your voting rights
• Not be ruled legally incompetent by a court of law

Meet these, and you can have your voice heard at the polls. So how to do that exactly?

We’re glad you asked.

In order to exercise the right to vote, one must first be registered, with online, paper, and Election Day options all available. To register in person on Election Day, voters will need one of the following:

• An ID with your current name or address such as a driver’s license, learner’s permit, or tribal ID
• A photo ID and document with current name and address, including a U.S. Passport or military/veteran ID. A Minnesota High School ID will work as well.
• A registered voter who can confirm your address.
• A college student ID with housing list.
• Staff person at residential facility to vouch for you. The staff person must be able to prove their employment at the facility.

As for documents to prove your residency within Minnesota, the following will do:

• Bill, account or start-of-service statement due or dated within 30 days of the election for:

        Phone, TV or internet

        Solid waste, sewer, electric, gas or water

        Banking or credit card

        Rent or mortgage

• Residential lease or rent agreement valid through Election Day
• Current student fee statement

For those planning to vote on election day Tuesday, Nov. 7, regular polling places will be open from 7 a.m. to 8 p.m. If validly registered in the precinct but having changed your name, you will need to tell the election judge your previous name and address. If registered to vote within 20 days of the election, bring the Notice of Late Registration with you to prove address.

Additionally, voters should check to confirm their polling place, which can be done via the city website at www.cottagegrovemn.gov . Simply click the following sequence: Home, Your Government, Departments, Administration, City Clerk, Elections, Find my Precinct, and finally “Where do I vote?”

Voters may also check their polling place at the Minnesota Secretary of State website by using the Polling Place Finder at https://pollfinder.sos.mn.gov.

If already registered, early in-person voting is also an option, ending on Monday, Nov. 6. Those still wishing to vote early in the Nov. 7 special election may do so from now through Nov. 6 at the following locations in South Washington County:

• Cottage Grove Service Center at 13000 Ravine Parkway in Cottage Grove
• The lower level of the R. H. Stafford Library at 8595 Central Park in Woodbury

Hours for early voting at the above locations are Monday to Friday, from 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., Saturday, Nov. 4 from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m., and Monday, Nov. 6 from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.

To vote early via mail, just visit mnvotes.org or call 651-430-6790 to request an absentee ballot be sent.

Election Day polls open act 7 a.m. Tuesday, Nov. 7 and close at 8 p.m. Plan ahead, know your precinct, and may the most votes win.