The 2020 Minnesota Primary is just five days away, and, moreover, the 2020 general election is now only 90 days away. Currently, the options to vote include: 1) In person on election day at your local polling place; 2) By absentee ballot (in person) at your local elections office (through August 10 for the Minnesota Primary); and 3) Voting by absentee ballot through the US mail. As a result of the COVID-19 pandemic, many Americans are expected to vote by mail-in ballot.
Still, there is also another way to vote for those who find themselves in unique circumstances, which is known as “Agent Delivery.” To qualify for this option, a Minnesota voter must:
- Live in a…
- nursing home
- assisted living facility
- residential treatment center
- group home
- battered women's shelter
- Or, be hospitalized
- Or, unable to go to the polling place due to incapacitating health reasons or a disability.
According to the Office of the Minnesota Secretary of State, the agent selected to pick up and deliver your absentee ballot must be:
“At least 18 years old, have a pre-existing relationship with you and cannot be a candidate. An individual cannot be an agent of more than three voters in an. The agent must show identification with their name and signature when returning a ballot.”
To utilize Agent Delivery, please provide your “agent” with a completed absentee ballot application along with a request for agent delivery of absentee ballot form. Have your agent take both forms to the local election office to receive your ballot. The Secretary of State’s website further notes that:
“Your agent can pick up your ballot starting seven days before the election until 2 p.m. on Election Day. Your agent or someone else you designate must return your ballot by 3 p.m. on Election Day. You can also return your ballot by mail. Your returned ballot must be postmarked on or before Election Day.”
For additional information on elections and voting in Minnesota or to request absentee ballots for the Minnesota primary election (August 11) and/or the 2020 general election, please visit the Secretary of State website or call 651-215-1440.
