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The Minnesota Star Tribune

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Photo by The Minnesota Star Tribune on September 18, 2026. May be a Twitter screenshot of text that says 'vote early least Where can in person? Every county will have at one early-voting site for statewide elections. The Minnesota secretary of state maintains a list of locations and hours. Offices will offer extended hours two weeks ahead of Election Day.'.

Photo by The Minnesota Star Tribune on September 18, 2026. May be a Twitter screenshot of text that says 'How do I vote early in person? There are two phases this year. Between Sept. 18 and Oct. 15, voters fill out an absentee ballot application, receive and mark a ballot and return it to an election official in an envelope at a voting location. Oct. 16 through Nov. 2, voters can complete a short certificate mark their ballot and insert it directly into a ballot counter, much as they would at an Election Day polling place.'.

Photo by The Minnesota Star Tribune on September 18, 2026. May be a Twitter screenshot of text that says 'How do I vote by mail? Voters must apply for an absentee ballot. The online application requires an email address and a Minnesota driver's license or state identification number, or the last four digits of the voter's Social Security number. Voters can also download a paper application. The secretary of state recommends applying online by Oct. 20 to leave enough time for the application to be processed and the ballot to make both trips through the mail.'.

Photo by The Minnesota Star Tribune on September 18, 2026. May be a meme of text that says 'Do I need a witness for my mail ballot? Yes. A witness must see the unmarked ballot before the voter fills it out. The witness can be any U.S. citizen who will be at least 18 on Election Day or a notary. After the voter marks the ballot privately, both the voter and witness must complete the white signature envelope. The witness must sign it and provide an address. A notary provides a name, title and signature.'.

Photo by The Minnesota Star Tribune on September 18, 2026. May be a Twitter screenshot of text that says 'How do I return my absentee ballot? A mailed ballot must reach election officials by the time polls close n Election Day. The secretary of state recommends mailing it promptly and considering another return method during the final week. Voters may deliver their own ballot to the elections office that sent it. An absentee ballot delivered in person must arrive by 5 p.m. on Election Day. Do not take it to an Election Day polling place.'.

Photo by The Minnesota Star Tribune on September 18, 2026. May be a graphic of text that says 'Can I change my vote after returning an absentee ballot? local a A voter may ask the elections office to cancel- or "spoil"- returned absentee ballot and issue a replacement until the close of business 19 days before the election. For the Nov. 3 election, that falls on Thursday, Oct.15. Oct. 15.'.

Photo by The Minnesota Star Tribune on September 18, 2026. May be a Twitter screenshot of text that says 'How is voting secure? Absentee voters provide identifying information when applying. Each absentee ballot also has a unique identification number, helping ensure that only one ballot from a voter is accepted. Ballot-counting equipment is publicly tested before elections. Minnesota also requires post- election reviews where officials hand-count ballots from randomly selected precincts and compare the totals with the machine results.'.

Photo by The Minnesota Star Tribune on September 18, 2026. May be a Twitter screenshot of text that says 'Comment"guide' Comment "guide" to get a link to our voter guide.'.

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Posted On: September 18th 2026, 02:22 pm

Minnesotans don't have to wait until Election Day to cast a ballot in the 2026 general election.

Voting begins Friday, opening a 46-day window in which voters can cast an absentee ballot by mail or at a local elections office. Then, beginning Oct. 16, Minnesota will offer a new form of early voting that more closely resembles the Election Day experience.

Election Day is Tuesday, Nov. 3. However you choose to vote, here is what you need to know.

Tap the link in our bio for more details on casting your ballot early, or comment "guide" to get a link to our voter guide.

Reporting by Briana Bierschbach.

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