2020 General Election Calendar
Election Day Voting
Visit the state of Minnesota Poll Finder to find where you vote, what time polls are open and why polling places sometimes change.
In-Person Early Voting
In-Person Early Voting begins on September 18 in Minnesota and goes through November 2:
Find Your Early Voting Election Office.
Vote by Mail
In Minnesota we have the option to vote by mail, it’s called an absentee ballot. Due to the Covid-19 pandemic, it is also a safer option than voting in-person at your polling location. You do not need a reason to vote absentee, its open to anyone who completes the application.
For the 2020 General Election, your absentee ballot must be delivered to the Elections Office by November 3, 2020. However, due to Covid-19 crisis and delays at the USPS, to ensure that your ballot arrives by Election Day we recommend:
- For those mailing their ballots inside Minnesota: Mail your ballot at least 5 days before Election Day.
- For those mailing their ballots abroad: Mail your ballot at least 12 days before Election Day.
Due to a Minnesota court ruling on 10/29/2020, DO NOT mail your absentee ballot! To ensure YOUR VOTE COUNTS, deliver your absentee ballot to a designated DROP BOX LOCATION (see below for more details).
Deliver Your Mail-In Ballot In Person
Delivering your absentee ballot in person during the Covid-19 crisis is safe and secure method of voting, if you are not comfortable voting in-person or mailing your absentee ballot through the USPS. You can begin dropping off your absentee ballot from September 18-November 3. Click on the links below for more information how and where you can drop off your absentee ballot in person:
Deadline to Return Your Ballot
Your ballot does not count if it’s received after Election Day. Return your ballot by mail or package delivery service (such as FedEx or UPS).
You can also return your ballot in person no later than 3 p.m. on Election Day to the election office that sent your ballot.
Request a Ballot
To request an absentee ballot use the online absentee application. The Minnesota Secretary of State also provides downloadable applications that you will have to return to your county election office by mail, fax, or email.
To request an application in an alternative format such as Braille, please call 877-600-8683.
Completing Your Ballot
Read the instructions that come with your ballot carefully! Your ballot does not count unless you complete all the forms.
Due do the Covid-19 pandemic, you WILL NOT need witness when you vote and complete your ballot for the 2020 General Election.
If you are not registered to vote, you will get a registration application with your ballot. To register, show your witness one of the identification options listed in the instructions. Your witness must mark which ID you showed them on your signature envelope.
Tracking Your Ballot
All absentee ballots that are received on time and with the forms filled out correctly are counted. Visit www.mnvotes.org to track the status of your ballot and confirm that it was received and counted.
Voter Registration and Education
One of the best ways for your voice to be heard is through participation in the electoral process. You can amplify your voice and the voice of all people living in poverty when you vote. Stay active, be heard, and take action through voting!
Voter Registration
Can I Register to Vote?
You can register to vote if you:
- Will be at least 18-years-old on election day
- Are a United States citizen
- Are a Minnesota resident (for at least 20 days before the election)
How Do I Register?
Register Online
Registering online is quick and easy. Just follow the prompts on the Minnesota Secretary of State website.
Register on Paper
Forms are available in multiple languages to download and print. Use the form to register yourself or others in a voter registration drive.
Register on Election Day
You can register or update your registration when you vote. You will need proof of residence to register. Learn more about registering when you vote.
Local Elections Matter!
Make YOUR VOICE heard because LOCAL ELECTIONS MATTER. Here's how:
1. Local government manages a lot of different things—and their decisions directly affect your life. Think schools, policing, affordable housing, public transit…
2. State and local governments lead the way when the federal government isn’t. Many critical policies—minimum wage, women’s right to vote, environmental protections, marriage equality—all began at local levels.
3. Your vote will make a difference. Typically, 1 in 5 voters participate in off-year local elections, which means YOUR vote has a big impact.
Source: Rock the Vote!
