Will my absentee ballot count?

Your absentee ballot will count as long as you return your ballot on time and fill out the forms correctly.

Who can witness my ballot?

Your signature envelope might have a box for a witness to complete and sign. Due to COVID19, there is no witness requirement for registered voters for the November 3, 2020 State General Election. Non-registered voters will still need a witness, to indicate their proof of residence. The witness can be either a registered Minnesota voter or a notary. Your witness must sign the signature envelope and list their address. Notaries should write their name and title, sign the signature envelope, and affix their notary stamp.

What happens after I return my ballot?

Local election officials must check that you and your witness filled out the signature envelope correctly. If you did not fill out the signature envelope correctly, election officials will mail you replacement materials, including an explanation for why your signature envelope was rejected. Or, if there are fewer than five days before Election Day, election officials will try to contact you. In this case, you can vote in person at your local election office or at your polling place on Election Day.

If I have already requested an absentee ballot, can I change my mind and vote in the polling place?

As long as your absentee ballot hasn’t been counted by your election officials, you may still cast a ballot in person by voting in your polling place on Election Day or at your local early voting location. You can track the status of your absentee ballot to see when it is sent to you and when it is received by election officials. After voting in person, the unique ballot ID number on your original absentee ballot will be invalidated, so that if it is returned to the election office the officials will not count it. If you plan on voting in person, please do not bring your absentee ballot with you. Your election official will provide you with a new ballot to complete that day. If you have received an absentee ballot but are unsure if it will arrive at your election office in time to be counted, you may also consider contacting your local election official to see what options you have for locations and times to drop off your absentee ballot.

What if I make a mistake on my ballot?

You can ask the election office that sent your ballot for a replacement ballot. If there is not enough time to get a new ballot, completely cross out the name of the candidate you accidentally marked. Then mark the candidate you prefer. Do not initial your corrections.

What if my ballot has not arrived, is lost or damaged?

Contact your county election office. You can receive a replacement ballot in person or by mail. The election official will cancel your original ballot. Do not return your original ballot, even if you eventually find or receive it. Only return your replacement ballot.

What if I returned my ballot and want to change my vote?

You can ask to cancel your ballot until the close of business two weeks before Election Day. After that time, you cannot cancel your ballot. To cancel your ballot, contact the election office that sent your ballot. Your options are to have a new ballot mailed; vote in person at your local election office; or vote at your polling place on Election Day.

Can I have applications sent automatically?