Minnesotans will be able to kill two birds with one stone from Monday, by registering to vote at the same time as filing their tax returns online.

It's required under law that voter registration firms are distributed with Minnesota individual tax return forms and instruction booklets, but for the first time that same service will be offered to the two million who file their tax returns over the internet.

The state has worked with electronic filing services such as TurboTax and H&R Block to introduce a new message prompting users to visit the Secretary of State's website, mnvotes.org, encouraging them to sign up to vote – or to update their details if they're already registered.

It's the latest step taken by the state to encourage registration and voting, which follows the efforts during last year's General Election to allow all Minnesotans to cast their ballots early – something a quarter of voters in Minnesota chose to do.

"The voter registration process in Minnesota is easier and more convenient than ever before, and this is another critical step in that direction," Secretary Simon said.

"While Minnesota has over 3.2 million registered voters, an additional 700,000 citizens are eligible, but have not yet registered to vote. I encourage all Minnesotans filing their taxes electronically to take advantage of this resource and make sure their voter registration is up to date."

Although no national or state legislature seats are up for election in 2017 (the exception being a special election in MN House District 32B next month), there are some significant city elections taking place this year, not the Minneapolis and St. Paul mayoral elections.