by Dennis Dalman
editor@thenewsleaders.com
Although many people have already voted early for Election Day on Nov. 8, most people will vote the old-fashioned way – at the polls on the day of the election from 7 a.m.-8 p.m. in Sauk Rapids and Rice, as elsewhere.
It is recommended, if possible, that people go to the polls in midday hours to avoid longer lines that tend to happen in early morning and after 5 p.m.
Information about forms of identification and polling places for Sauk Rapids and the Rice area are listed below:
Voters should remember to bring the proper form(s) of identification to the polling places.
The following IDs will be accepted (choose one):
- A valid, current Minnesota driver’s license, driver’s learner’s permit or a receipt for either of those.
The following forms of ID must have a photo of the bearer on them (choose one):
- Tribal ID with name, address, photo and signature.
- Driver’s license, state ID or learner’s permit issued by any state. Those IDs can be expired, but they must have a photo on them.
- U.S. passport
- Minnesota university, college or technical college ID.
- Minnesota high-school ID.
Approved documents (choose one):
- Bill, account or start-of-service statement due or dated within 30 days of the election date (Nov. 8). Those documents can include any of the following:
- Phone, TV or Internet.
- Garbage service, sewer, electric, gas or water.
- Banking or credit card.
- Rent or mortgage.
- Residential lease or rent agreement valid through election day (Nov. 8).
- Current student-fee statement.
Another way to verify identity is to bring along a registered voter from you precinct who is willing to sign an oath confirming your address. (This method is known as “vouching.”)
For a more detailed list about registration or proof of identity on election day and other information about voting, go to mnvotes.org.
Rice polling places:
People living within the City of Rice or in Langola Township will all vote at Rice City Hall on Rice Main Street.
People living in Watab Township south of Rice will vote in the Watab Town Hall, 660 75th St. N., rural Sauk Rapids, just a few blocks west of the “Seekers” business on Hwy. 10.
Sauk Rapids polling places:
There are six precincts/polling places in Sauk Rapids: Sauk Rapids Government Center (for precincts 1 and 5), Mississippi Heights School (for precinct 2), Pleasantview Elementary School (for precinct 3), Bridge Community Church (for precinct 1). Those living in precinct 6 will vote by mail ballot.
The best way to find out which precinct you live in and, thus, which polling place you will go to vote, go to the Sauk Rapids City website at www.ci.sauk-rapids.mn.us
Then click on “Elections” and then click on the red-highlighted “HERE” under “Where Do I Vote in Sauk Rapids?” Then you can enter your address, and it will show you in which precinct you live and which polling place at which you can vote.
Those who don’t have computer access should call city hall at 320-258-5303.
