Voting absentee is an option for those who are unable to make it to the polls Aug. 10 to participate in the primary election.
State law allows eligible Minnesota voters to vote absentee either by mail or in person for one of the following reasons:
- Absence from the precinct (away from home)
- Illness or disability
- Serving as an election judge in another precinct
- Religious discipline
To vote absentee in person, voters may visit their county auditor's office during regular business hours Monday through Friday until Aug. 6, between 10 a.m. and 3 p.m. on Sat., Aug. 7, or up until 5 p.m. on Aug. 9.
If you are not registered to vote, an election official will provide you a voter registration form to complete along with your absentee ballot materials.
Voters may also choose to vote absentee by mail. Visit the secretary of state's website to download and print an absentee ballot application, or contact your county auditor directly to obtain one.
Secretary of State Mark Ritchie reminds absentee voters to pay special attention to the instructions.
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Recent court rulings now require that election officials reject an absentee ballot if the form on the envelope is not completed entirely. Absentee voters who are already registered must provide the following information on their absentee ballot envelopes:
- Voter signature and date
- Witness name
- Witness residential address (do not use a P.O. Box)
- Witness title if the witness is an official or notary
- Notary stamp if the witness is a notary
- Witness signature
The Secretary of State's office has produced several brochures to guide Minnesotans on voting. Visit www.sos.state.mn.us for more information on voting and registration.
