Dear John,
Today is the first day of Early Voting in Minnesota! Minnesota has no-excuses early voting, and it’s the best way to make sure your voice is heard in 2023. Almost 2 MILLION Minnesotans voted early in 2020 because it’s safe, easy, and you can do it on your own schedule. Read more about your options to vote early below!
VOTE EARLY IN PERSON
Locations
All voters have at least one location where they can vote early in person. View the list of voting locations before election day for upcoming elections, or contact your county election office.
Hours
If you are looking for the hours that a specific location is open, see the list of voting locations before election day.
For most elections, absentee voting locations must be open during their normal business hours starting 46 days before the election. Locations offering absentee ballots for federal, state or county elections must also be open:
The last Saturday before Election Day (9AM — 3PM)
The day before Election Day until 5PM
Before the state general election, these additional hours are also required:
The Tuesday before Election Day until 7PM
The second to last Saturday before Election Day (9AM — 3PM)
The last Sunday before Election Day (9AM — 3PM)
These additional hours do not apply to school districts holding standalone elections.
Some local jurisdictions may provide additional early voting days or hours beyond the above required days and times. Call your jurisdiction for more information.
VOTE EARLY BY MAIL
To vote by mail, you must apply to have a ballot mailed to you. You do not need to be registered to vote to apply.Read Before You Apply
For your ballot to count, remember this important information:
Read the instructions that come with your ballot carefully.
You will need a witness when you vote and complete your ballot. The witness can be either a registered Minnesota voter or a notary.
Return the ballot and forms right away after you finish. Your ballot will not count if it is received after Election Day.
Apply for a Mail In Ballot
To request a mail in ballot for the 2023 elections, use one of the downloadable applications below. Return your completed absentee application to your county election office by mail, fax or email.
Downloadable absentee applications:
English Absentee Application
English Large Print Absentee Application
To request an application in an alternative format such as Braille, please call 1-877-600-8683.
Application Deadline
You can apply for a ballot any time during the year, except the day of the election. Leave time for election officials to mail your ballot. Your returned ballot must be received by Election Day–it will not count if it is received after Election Day.
Track Your Ballot
You can track the status of your ballot to confirm that it was received and counted.
Returning Your Ballot in Person
You can return your ballot in person no later than 8PM on Election Day to the election office that sent your ballot. Some voters may also return it in one of the designated ballot drop box locations. You may not drop your ballot off at your polling place on election day.
Returning Your Ballot by Mail
Your ballot must be received by Election Day or it will not be counted. Return your ballot by mail or package delivery service (such as FedEx or UPS). Ballots come with an envelope to return them in with prepaid postage.
