The presidential election is one week away, but you don’t have to wait until Nov. 5 to cast your vote. In fact, the Minnesota Secretary of State’s Office reports that over 500,000 people have already submitted their ballots.
If you’re making a plan to vote early in Minnesota, here’s what you need to know:
Why Vote Early?
According to the American Civil Liberties Union, casting your ballot early can help reduce long lines on Election Day, which burden both voters and election officials. It’s a convenient way to participate on your own schedule, and ensures those who can’t make it to the polls on Nov. 5 can still exercise their right to vote.
Courtesy of City of Minneapolis Elections & Voter Services
Early Voting Options in Minnesota
In-person absentee voting is open through Nov. 4, and all voters have at least one location where they can vote early. The location is likely different than your Election Day polling place, so be sure to browse the list of early voting locations in your county.
Thanks to new legislation, several Minnesota communities are implementing temporary pop-up voting sites, making the process even more accessible. The pop-up options in Minneapolis range from the Minneapolis Institute of Art and Midtown Global Market to the Capri Theater. Each site is open for just one day through Nov. 1.
Courtesy of City of Minneapolis Elections & Voter Services
Or, you could vote early by mail, although officials don’t recommend applying for a mail ballot less than seven days before Election Day. If you already have your absentee ballot, be sure to return it using the postage-paid envelope as soon as possible, or drop it off in-person at any early voting location or a designated drop box.
In order to vote early, you must already be registered—click here to check your registration status. While online registration has closed in Minnesota, eligible voters can register in-person at their polling places on Election Day. For more information on voting early, visit the Minnesota Secretary of State’s Office’s website.
