Minnesota early voting 2026: Dates, deadlines and how to vote

Minnesota elections key dates to remember In Minnesota, you can vote early starting in September. Here’s some important dates you need to know. The Brief Minnesota's general election is Tuesday, Nov. 3.Absentee voting is already underway in Minnesota.Early voting, which is when voters can cast their ballot directly into a ballot counter before Election Day, begins on Friday, Oct. 16. (FOX 9) - Minnesota's 2026 general election is Nov. 3, and in-person early voting begins Friday, Oct. 16. Here’s how to vote early, request an absentee ballot, register to vote and find your polling place. Minnesota early voting dates for 2026 What we know: Minnesota voters can cast ballots before Election Day through absentee voting, mail voting and in-person early voting. Here are some important dates you need to know: Absentee ballots available — Sept. 18In-person early voting begins — Oct. 16Recommended deadline to apply for an absentee ballot — Tuesday, Oct. 20Final day to vote early in person — Nov. 2Election Day — Nov. 3 Vote early in person What we know: Early voting will be available for voters beginning on Friday, Oct. 16. This year, early voting will now be more like voting on Election Day. Voters will be able to fill out a ballot and feed it directly into a tabulator. Each county is required to have at least one location for early voting. For most counties, the early voting center is located at a government center or county courthouse. However, some counties – like Hennepin and Ramsey counties, for example – have multiple centers set up in government centers, city halls, churches, and universities across the counties. You can click here to find an early voting center in your county. Where to vote early in person Find a location: Each county is required to have at least one location for early voting. For most counties, the early voting center is located at a government center or county courthouse. However, some counties – like Hennepin and Ramsey counties, for example – have multiple centers set up in government centers, city halls, churches, and universities across the counties. You can click here to find an early voting center in your county. Absentee voting Anyone eligible to vote in Minnesota can submit an absentee ballot.  Requesting an absentee ballot: Minnesota voters can apply online for an absentee ballot. You can also download an absentee ballot application and return the complete application to your county by email, mail or fax.  You do not need to be registered to vote to apply for an absentee ballot. If you are not yet registered to vote, you will be sent voter registration materials with your ballot.  Officials recommend you apply for an absentee ballot at least two weeks before Election Day. The recommended deadline to apply for an absentee ballot for the 2026 general election is Tuesday, Oct. 20.  How to return your ballot: There are three ways to return your absentee ballot:  Return your ballot by mail Your ballot will not count if it is not received by Election Day, regardless of when it was postmarked. You can track your absentee ballot here.  Drop off your ballot  Ballots must be returned no later than 5 p.m. on Election Day and must be returned to the office that sent the ballot during office hours. However, some jurisdictions do have ballot drop boxes that can be used 24 hours a day. Have someone else drop off your ballot A person can drop off ballots for up to three other voters. They will need to show identification with name and signature when returning a ballot for someone else. Dig deeper: Some rural cities and towns in Minnesota vote by mail. They send ballots to every registered voter instead of having an Election Day polling place. Ballots sent to voters this way may be returned by mail or dropped off at the election office as late as 8 p.m. on Election Day. How to register to vote in Minnesota What you can do: You can check your voter registration here.  Online voter registration is now closed, but you can still apply for an absentee ballot even if you are not yet registered to vote. You will be sent voter registration materials with your ballot.  You can also register to vote or update your voter registration at your early voting location or at your polling place on Election Day.  What to Bring: To register at your early voting location or at your polling place on Election Day, you will need to bring one proof of residence.   ID with current name and address Valid Minnesota driver’s license, learner’s permit or ID; or a receipt for any of these.Tribal ID with name, address, photo and signature. Photo ID and a document with current name and address Approved photo IDs (the ID can be expired):  Driver's license, state ID or learner’s permit issued by any stateU.S. PassportU.S. Military or Veteran IDTribal ID with name, signature and photoMinnesota university, college or technical college IDMinnesota high school ID Approved documents (can be shown on an electronic device):  Bill, account or start-of-service statement due or dated within 30 days of the election. Some options include a phone, TV or internet bill, a bank or credit card statement or bill or a solid waste, sewer, electric, gas or water bill.Residential lease or rent agreement valid through Election DayCurrent student fee statement Registered voter who can confirm your address  A registered voter from your precinct can go with you to the polling place to sign an oath confirming your address – known as 'vouching.' A registered voter can vouch for up to eight voters, but you can’t vouch for others if someone vouched for you. You can find more information on how to register to vote here.  What's on the ballot?  Big picture view: All Minnesota voters will have these races on their general election ballot:  U.S. SenatorU.S. RepresentativeGovernor and Lt. GovernorSecretary of StateState AuditorAttorney GeneralState SenatorState RepresentativesConstitutional AmendmentJudicial Seats Some voters may have one or mor