Minnesota has adopted flexible absentee voting laws, allowing voters to cast their ballots without being physically present at the polling place on Election Day. No-excuse absentee voting is designed to make voting more accessible and convenient for everyone, not just for voters who may have physical limitations, be on a military deployment or have rigid work schedules that preclude their attendance on Election Day.

What Is Absentee Voting in Minnesota?

Absentee voting allows eligible voters to vote by mail or in person before Election Day. This option is available to all registered voters in Minnesota, and no specific reason is required to apply for an absentee ballot, making the process available to anyone who prefers not to or cannot vote in person on Election Day.

Who Qualifies for Absentee Voting?

In Minnesota, all registered voters are eligible to vote absentee. Voters can either fill out an absentee ballot application every election or choose to be put on the permanent absentee voter list.

This is in contrast to some states, where only specific groups, such as military personnel or people with disabilities, qualify for absentee voting. Minnesota's no-excuse absentee voting policy means that you can choose to vote absentee for any reason, whether it's convenience, scheduling conflicts or concerns about health and safety.

How to Apply for an Absentee Ballot

There are two primary ways to apply for an absentee ballot in Minnesota:

Online Application:

• You can request an absentee ballot online through the Minnesota Secretary of State’s website. You’ll need to provide basic personal information, such as your name, address and driver's license or state ID number.

Paper Application:

• Alternatively, you can fill out a paper application and return it by mail, fax or email to your county election office.

Once your application is processed, you’ll receive your absentee ballot by mail, along with detailed instructions on how to complete and return it. It’s recommended that you register for absentee voting at least a week before Election Day. If you do wait until late October to request a ballot, it may be best to submit your completed ballot at a polling place or official drop box to ensure it is received by election day and counted.

In-Person Absentee Voting

If you prefer, you can vote absentee in person. Early voting through absentee ballots begins 46 days before the election. You can visit your local elections office, city hall or designated early voting location to submit your filled-out absentee ballot in person before or on Election Day. This option is especially popular for those who want to take their time researching and filling out their ballot carefully at home but also want the assurance that their vote is delivered on Election Day by dropping it off in person.

Absentee Voting Deadlines for 2024

It's important to pay attention to deadlines to ensure that your absentee vote is counted in the 2024 elections.

The key deadlines for absentee voting in Minnesota are:

Application Deadline:

• Absentee ballot applications must be received by your county election office by the day before Election Day. However, applying earlier is highly recommended to allow enough time for processing and mailing.
  
  
• Ideally, you should have your absentee ballot mailed back by October 29, 2024 – one week prior to Election Day. If you don’t complete your ballot until after that day, it’s safest to drop it off in person.

Ballot Return Deadline:

• Absentee ballots must be received by 8 p.m. on Election Day if delivered in person.
  
  
• If mailing your absentee ballot, it must be postmarked by Election Day and received by your county election office within seven days of Election Day.

Minnesota typically mails absentee ballots to voters about a month and a half prior to Election Day to give voters plenty of time to complete the ballot and mail it back.

Returning Your Absentee Ballot

Once you’ve filled out your absentee ballot, you can return it in one of three ways:

By Mail:

• Use the pre-addressed, postage-paid envelope included with your ballot. Make sure to mail it early enough so that it arrives by Election Day – preferably no later than one week before November 5, 2024 for the current election cycle.
  
  

In Person:

• You can drop off your completed absentee ballot at your county election office or another designated drop-off site by 8 p.m. on Election Day.
  
  

By a Designated Agent:

• You may have someone else return your ballot for you. This person is called your designated agent and must have your written permission to submit your ballot on your behalf.

Mail-in Voting vs. Absentee Voting

Mail-in voting is often used interchangeably with absentee voting, but they are slightly different in Minnesota. Absentee voting allows voters to cast their ballot by mail or in person before Election Day. However, mail-in voting specifically refers to a process where voters in certain rural areas automatically receive their ballots by mail without needing to apply for an absentee ballot. In these areas, in-person voting is not available, and mail-in voting is the only option.

Penalties for Misusing Absentee Voting

Minnesota takes voter fraud seriously. Misusing absentee ballots, such as voting multiple times or submitting someone else's ballot without proper authorization, is illegal. Violations of absentee voting laws can result in severe penalties, including fines and imprisonment.

Do You Believe Your Civil Rights as a Voter Have Been Violated?

Every eligible voter in Minnesota should be able to participate in elections without fear of voter suppression or fraud. If you believe your rights have been infringed upon, our referral counselors can help you find an experienced Minneapolis–St. Paul attorney to help. Contact Minnesota Lawyer Referral and Information Service (MNLRIS) online today or give us a call at (612) 752-6699.