Blogs

Hello there, Grassroots Organizer Madeleine Lerner here with all you need to know about voting in 2020! Each month, from May until November, I will be writing about a different aspect of voting. If you have further inquiries, please reach out to me via email or visit the Minnesota Secretary of State's website.

Absentee Ballot 101

What is an absentee ballot?

• Under normal circumstances, an absentee ballot is a vote cast by an individual who is unable to or cannot visit their polling place in person. This allows a voter to mail in their ballot prior to Election Day.

What if I'm not registered to vote yet?

• You can register now in under 5 minutes! Click here to register on the Secretary of State's website.

• After you submit your registration, you can apply for your absentee ballot.

Do I need a witness?

• If you are submitting your voter registration forms WITH your absentee ballot, you DO need a witness.

• If you are already a registered voter, you DO NOT need a witness.

How does COVID-19 change things?

• COVID-19 has had an impact on Election Day planning but all eligible voters have the right to vote by absentee!

Important Dates

Although any eligible voter can submit an absentee ballot, there are some crucial dates to remember.

• Minnesota Primary Election: August 11

• Vote by Mail/In-person for the General Election: September 18 - November 2

• General Election: November 3

*Your absentee ballot for the Minnesota Primary MUST be postmarked ON or BEFORE August 11

*Your absentee ballot for the General Election MUST be postmarked ON or BEFORE November 3

Voting Reminders

Organizations such as Vote.org and Rock the Vote use technology to make voting more streamline. Both organizations also offer useful tools to voters such as election reminders. You simply fill in your information and prior to any upcoming elections in your area, you will be sent a reminder.

To sign up for election reminders with Vote.org, click here. To sign up for election reminders with Rock the Vote, click here.

Getting Your Ballot

Before requesting your absentee ballot, remember to read all instructions and be prepared to mail your ballot directly after filling it out.

For step 1 of requesting a ballot, you will be asked:

• What county do you live in?

• What is your city, state, and zip code?

• What election(s) are you requesting a ballot for?

For step 2 of requesting a ballot, you must fill out your:

• Full name

• Date of birth

• Identification number

• Minnesota address

• Mailing address

• Email address

To request your ballot, visit the Secretary of State's site.

Agent Delivery

As referenced in the last election blog, you may also have the option to participate in agent delivery. If you are eligible for this service, you can select an individual in your life over the age of 18 to pick-up and drop-off your absentee ballot.

In order to request this service, you must:

• Live in a nursing home, treatment center, or group home

• Be hospitalized

• Be unable to visit your polling place

For the full outline of specifications, click here.

You can request agent delivery by filling out this form.

Now, request your absentee ballot today!