What is the deadline to apply for a mail ballot?

We recommend you apply for a mail ballot at least 7 days prior to Election Day. You can apply after this date, but each day is less time to get and return your ballot in time to count.

If it is closer to Election Day, we suggest you vote early in-person or vote on Election Day at your polling place. 

What is the deadline to return your mail ballot?

Why hasn't my ballot arrived?

First, check your application status to make sure we have it. Enter your first and last name exactly as they appeared on your voter registration or absentee ballot application. 

If it's in the mail, allow up to 7 days for it to arrive. After that, give us a call so we can look into it.

Even if you applied at the same time as someone else in your household, your ballots may arrive a few days apart.

Do I need a witness to sign the envelope?

Yes, you need a witness to sign your ballot signature envelope. The witness can be U.S. citizen at least 18 years old on election day, a notary, or an official that can administer oaths.

Why did I get a registration application if I haven't moved?

If you get materials saying you need to update your registration, fill out and return the application. You will need a witness to sign your return envelope.

Getting an application does not mean your registration is inactive. Reasons include:

• Mail sent to your address was returned as undeliverable;
• Your registration update was processed after your mail ballot application;
• There were data entry differences between your voter registration and your mail ballot application. For example, your registration says Apt 3A, but your mail ballot application lists Apt A3.

To make sure your ballot will be accepted without problem, complete and return the voter registration application. If you have questions or concerns, please call 311.

Can I change my mind and vote in person?

Yes. You can vote in person as long as we have not yet received and counted your mail ballot. When you get to your polling place or an early vote center, we will check if it has been counted. If it has not been counted, you will be given a new ballot. Your mail ballot will be canceled and will not count (even if we receive it later).

Do I need to pay for postage when I mail back my ballot?

No, you don't need to pay for postage. The provided envelope to return your ballot in is postage-paid.

How do I know my ballot was counted?

You can confirm we have received and counted your ballot by using the online tracking tool.

By law, we count every properly returned ballot we receive by the stated deadline, period. It is a common misconception that mail (absentee) ballots are only counted during very tight races.

Why would my ballot be rejected?

Your ballot could be rejected if the signature envelope is not filled out correctly. If you made a mistake, we automatically mail you a new ballot, along with the reason we rejected it.

Two election officials inspect each ballot signature envelope to check that:

• The voter’s name and address match the application;
• The voter hasn’t already voted;
• The voter signed the envelope; 
• The voter wrote the same identification number as on the application. If not, we match the signature to the one on the application; 
• The voter registered and can vote in the precinct, or they included a registration application with their proof of residence marked; and 
• A witness has also signed the envelope.

What do I do if I made a mistake or lost my 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.

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.

I'm worried about mail delivery. Can I drop off my ballot in person?

Yes. You can drop off your ballot with an election official instead of mailing it back.

Before Election Day

• Bring your ballot to our office at 980 E. Hennepin Ave (Minneapolis Elections) or another early voting location during open hours.

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.

Minnesota law does not allow you to return your mail ballot to your polling place.

How do you make voting by mail secure?

Two election officials inspect each mail ballot envelope to check that:

• The name and address on it match the application.
• The voter hasn’t already voted.
• The voter signed the envelope.
• The voter wrote the same identification number as on the application. If not, we match the signature to the one on the application.
• The voter registered and can vote in the precinct; or, they included a registration application with their proof of residence marked.
• A witness has signed the envelope.

We keep your application and envelopes for 22 months in case any questions arise.

How will I know if there's a problem with my ballot?

We can’t accept ballots unless the signature envelope is filled out correctly. If you made a mistake, we automatically mail you a new ballot, along with the reason we rejected it.

If there isn’t time to mail you a new ballot, we will use the phone number and email on your voter record (if you provided one) to try and contact you. You may need to vote early in-person (time permitting) or at your polling place on Election Day.

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