Minnesota Sec. of State says the time to mail in 2024 election ballots has passed. Here's what to do instead.
MINNEAPOLIS — Early voting is underway in counties across Minnesota for the 2024 election. But if you're still sitting on your mail-in ballots, Secretary of State Steve Simon says it's probably too late to mail them in.
On Friday, Simon updated that more than 989,000 absentee ballots had been accepted thus far, of the more than 1.2 million distributed. Close to 200,000 early ballots have not yet been returned.
"More Minnesotans voted in the past week than during the first four weeks of voting for this election," Simon said. "It's clear that our state's long-held commitment to voting and civic engagement remains."
Here's everything you need to know about casting your ballot before Election Day, including if you have a mail-in ballot that hasn't yet been mailed in.
When does early voting start and end in Minnesota?
Early voting for the general election, both in person and by mail, began Sept. 20. The last day to vote early in person is Monday, Nov. 4, the day before Election Day.
If you are voting by mail, your ballot must be received by Election Day or it will not be counted. On Thursday afternoon, Simon tweeted, "At this point, mailing your Minnesota absentee ballot puts you at risk that your ballot won't arrive in time by Election Day."
Instead, Simon suggested those seeking to use their mail-in ballots should hand-deliver them or have someone they trust hand-deliver it for them, "as long as they have not already delivered three or more ballots for others)."
Simon said there's also still an option to vote in-person at a local polling place on Election Day, in which case the mail-in absentee ballot would be canceled.
Make sure you are registered to vote before voting.
Where can Minnesota mail-in ballots be dropped off early?
Absentee ballots can be returned to your county election office. There are also ballot drop box locations in some cities and counties throughout the state.
Absentee ballots can also be returned by mail or package delivery service.
If you are returning your absentee ballot in person, you can do so no later than 8 p.m. on Election Day.
Absentee ballots are not accepted at polling places.
How to find the early voting locations in your Minnesota county
In-person voting locations can be found on the Minnesota Secretary of State's website. You can also find your county election office on the website, as well as ballot drop box locations.
Does Minnesota release early voting results before Election Day?
Minnesota does not release early voting results. Results for all 2024 elections will not be released until after polls close on Election Day. The state does provide information on early voting numbers.
What's on the ballot in Minnesota for the 2024 election?
Every Minnesotan will have the following races on their ballot: U.S. president, U.S. senator, U.S. representative, state representative, judicial seats and a consitutional amendment. Some voters will also see these races: City officers, school board members, township officers and local ballot questions.
You can find a sample of your ballot on the secretary of state's website.
