MINNEAPOLIS — Election Day is coming up quick.
If you're concerned about coronavirus and want to avoid waiting in line at the polls, you can request an absentee ballot to vote early by mail
You don't need to be registered to vote to get an absentee ballot, and you can request one any time during the year, except on Election Day. To get an absentee ballot mailed to you, you'll need:
- To be eligible to register and vote in Minnesota
- An email address
- Your identification number: Minnesota-issued driver's license, Minnesota ID card or last 4 digits of Social Security Number
No email? You'll have to apply for an absentee ballot with a paper form.
Absentee ballot applications can be returned to your county election office by mail, fax or email.
For the 2020 general election in Minnesota, ballots must be postmarked on or before Election Day on November 3, and received by your county election office within seven calendar days, by November 10. Ballots can be returned by traditional USPS mail or any package delivery service, such as UPS or FedEx.
You can return your ballot in person no later than 3 p.m. on Election Day to the office that sent your ballot. You're allowed to drop off ballots for up to three other voters, but you'll need ID with the name and signature if returning for someone else.
Because of COVID-19, there is no witness requirement for registered voters for the general election. If you're not registered to vote, you will need a witness to indicate proof of residence.
Once your absentee ballot is submitted, you can track its status online.
Not sure if you're eligible to vote? In Minnesota, you must:
- Be at least 18 years old on Election Day
- Be a United States citizen
- Have resided in Minnesota for 20 days immediately preceding Election Day
- Have any felony conviction record discharged, expired or completed
- Not be under court-ordered guardianship where a court has revoked your voting rights
- Not have been ruled legally incompetent by a court of law
Want to see who's on your ballot? Plug in your address using the state's My Ballot tool to get a list of candidates on the ballot in your precinct.