Vote by mail

It’s easy to vote by mail, but don’t leave it to the last minute.

I want to

Apply for a mail ballot

Complete application online

We recommend applying for a mail ballot at least 7 days before Election Day. 

Fill out the online absentee ballot application

Download an application

We recommend applying for a mail ballot at least 7 days before Election Day. 

Return your completed paper application to us:

Download the 2024 mail ballot application

Receive a mail ballot for all future elections

You have the option to have a mail ballot sent to you for all future elections without needing to re-apply.

Complete the permanent absentee voter application

Receive application another way

If you're unable to complete the online application or download and complete the paper application, you have a few options. 

After you return your application

We start mailing requested ballots on the first day of early voting, 46 days before Election Day. 

You can use the online ballot tracking tool to confirm we received your application. You can also use this tool to track your ballot once it's mailed out to you and after you return it.

If you're in the hospital, military or living abroad

In the hospital

We have special options for voters in the hospital or a healthcare facility. We send election workers to help residents vote.

For more information, contact us.

In the military or living abroad

People in the military or living abroad can use a special process to vote absentee. You can request that a ballot be sent to you by email.

Request an overseas or military ballot from the Minnesota Secretary of State

Pick up a ballot for someone else

In certain circumstances, voters can choose someone to pick up and return a ballot for them.

See the rules

How to return your ballot

Mail your ballot

Return your ballot using the postage-paid envelope.

We recommend mailing your ballot back at least 7 days before Election Day.

Ballots returned by mail must be received by 8 p.m. on Election Day.

If you received a mail ballot but have not yet returned it, you can choose to vote early in-person or vote on Election Day at your polling place

Drop off your ballot

You can drop off your ballot with an election official instead of mailing it back. You can drop off your own ballot and ballots for up to three other voters.

Before Election Day

On Election Day

  • Bring your ballot to our office at 980 E. Hennepin Ave (Minneapolis Elections) or 300 S. 6th St (Hennepin County Elections - skyway level) no later than 8 p.m.

Use a delivery service

If sent by a delivery service (Fed-Ex, UPS, etc.), you must pay for the shipping cost.

Ballots sent using a service can only be returned to the following location and must be returned by 8 p.m. on Election Day.

Minneapolis Elections & Voter Services
980 E Hennepin Ave.
Minneapolis, MN 55414-1314

How to get a new ballot

If you made a mistake on your ballot

Contact our office and ask for a replacement ballot. We will cancel your original ballot. If there is not enough time to get a new ballot, completely cross out the name of the candidate you accidentally marked.

Contact Elections & Voter Services

If you returned your ballot but want to change your vote

Contact us to cancel your ballot. Depending on how much time is left until Election Day, your options may be:

  • To ask that we mail a new ballot
  • To vote early in-person
  • To vote at your polling place on Election Day

Contact Elections & Voter Services

If your ballot is lost or damaged

If your ballot is lost or damaged, contact us to get a replacement ballot. We will cancel your original ballot.

Do not return your original ballot, even if you eventually find or receive it. Only return your replacement ballot.

Contact Elections & Voter Services

Vote by mail

Frequently asked questions

Learn about deadlines, witness signatures, mail ballot security and more.

Contact us

Elections & Voter Services

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Phone

311 or 612-673-3000

TTY

TTY: 612-263-6850

Fax

612-673-2756

Address

Elections & Voter Services
980 E. Hennepin Ave.
Minneapolis, MN 55414

Get directions

Hours

Monday - Friday
8 a.m. - 4:30 p.m.