Other Ways To Vote
Requesting a ballot
Returning a ballot
Voting early in person
Special circumstances
Other information
Vote by mail in U.S.
To have a ballot delivered to you, you must apply. You do not need to be registered to apply. If you are in the military or out of the country, see Vote from military or abroad.
Apply Online
The quickest way to apply for an absentee ballot is online. You do not need to registered, but you do need an email address and a Minnesota ID or SSN to complete an online application.
- The online absentee application is available starting mid-May for elections taking place in August and November.
- For other special elections, you can usually apply online starting 80 days before the election.
- Apply at least two weeks before an election to allow enough time for your application to be processed, for your ballot to be sent to you, and for you to return your ballot.
- If you have both MN ID and SSN, you will enter both on the application.
Apply for an absentee ballot online
Download an Application
Another way to apply is to download one of the absentee ballot applications below, then return the completed application to your county election office by email, mail, or fax. With this application method, we recommend you apply at least three weeks before an election for your application to be processed, for your ballot to be sent to you, and for you to return your ballot.
To request an application in an alternative format such as Braille, please call 1-877-600-8683.
Get an Accessible Ballot
Voters with print disabilities may request an accessible absentee ballot. To do so, apply normally online or with a downloadable application, then contact your county elections office to let them know you want an accessible ballot.
Use Agent Delivery
Starting seven days before Election Day, voters in qualifying situations (e.g., hospitalized or incapacitating health conditions that make it hard to go to a voting location) may request that a person they know pick up and return their absentee ballot for them. Learn more about agent delivery.
2026 Absentee Voting Dates
Ballots are available starting 46 days before an election (except for March Township elections, which are available 30 days before the election). Relevant dates for this year's August primary and November general election are below.
Primary Election
- Ballots start to be mailed: Friday, June 26
- Recommended you apply before: Tuesday, July 28
- Last day to return ballot: Tuesday, August 11
General Election
- Ballots start to be mailed: Friday, September 18
- Recommended you apply before: Tuesday, October 20
- Last day to return ballot: Tuesday, November 3
Need help?
Call us at 1-877-600-VOTE (8683) or contact your county election office.
Follow Your Absentee Ballot
Having an absentee ballot mailed to you is a secure and convenient way to vote! But how does it work? Here is a look at the whole process:
- Apply for your ballot. Apply online or use a downloadable application
- Election officials mail your ballot. Use the Track your ballot tool to find out when the ballot was mailed to you.
- Receive your ballot and find a witness. Before you vote your ballot, find a witness. It can be anyone who is a U.S. citizen and will be 18 years old by Election Day, or a notary. Your witness will need to see your blank ballot before you vote.
- Vote. Mark your ballot in private, then put it in the envelopes as directed in your instructions.
- Fill out the envelope. You and your witness need to fill out the white signature envelope.
- Return the ballot. You can mail your ballot or drop it off. See Return your ballot for more details.
- Election officials receive your ballot. Use the Track your ballot tool to find out when election officials received your ballot.
- Ballot board reviews the envelope. The Absentee ballot process webpage talks more about how ballot boards decide to accept or reject your ballot. Your ballot status will also be shown on Track your ballot.
- Ballots are separated from envelopes. As early as 18 days before Election Day, the brown security envelope will be separated from the white signature envelope so that no one will know whose ballot is whose.
- Election officials count your ballot. Ballots are usually counted by ballot tabulators before Election Day, but no results are generated until after polls close on Election Day.