Minnesotans head to the polls Tuesday for much-anticipated midterm election

Minnesotans finally head to the polls Tuesday for Election Day, following weeks of campaigns peppering the airwaves with political TV ads, texting voters with their pitches and door-knocking across the state.

The polls are open from 7 a.m. to 8 p.m. Tuesday. Much is at stake in Minnesota's midterm election, with an open race for governor, two U.S. Senate elections, several hotly contested congressional races and control of the Legislature up for grabs, as well as many local races.

Election officials are expecting presidential election-level turnout at the polls after the August primary drew the highest primary turnout since 1994. The number of new voter registrations has surged, especially among young adults. And as of Monday, at least 539,806 Minnesotans have cast early votes since it kicked off in September— nearly matching the early general election turnout in 2016.

On Tuesday, as long as you're in line by 8 p.m., you have the right to vote. Also, state statute says you have a right to take time off work to vote without losing your pay, personal leave or vacation time; your employer must pay you for the time you need to vote if it falls within your scheduled work time. Ride-sharing companies Lyft and Uber will also offer free or discounted rides to polling places Tuesday.

Not registered to vote yet? No problem. Minnesota allows Election Day registration if you can show proof of residence. Find your polling place at mnvotes.org.

If you're still undecided on who to vote for, read more about the major races and where candidates stand on key issues in the Star Tribune's election guide.