Serving in the military or living abroad? Have an absentee ballot sent to you wherever you are in the world!
A spouse, parent, sibling or child age 18 and over can apply on your behalf.
Military members include Army, Navy, Air Force, Marine Corps, Coast Guard, Merchant Marine, Commissioned corps of the Public Health Service, Commissioned corps of the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, and Minnesotans enrolled as students at a U.S. Service Academy.
If you are abroad indefinitely with no plans to return to Minnesota, you can only vote for federal offices.
You will automatically receive a ballot for any elections you can vote in through December 31 of the year you apply, or through the next election held in November of an even-number year, whichever is later.
Re-apply annually and after a change of mailing address to ensure your information is up-to-date.
Your ballot application also serves as a voter registration application.
You can apply for a ballot any time during the year. You are encouraged to apply for your ballot as soon as you are able so that you have enough time to mail it back by Election Day.
Your ballot will not count if it is received after Election Day. Return your materials early enough to account for delivery time via mail, a package delivery service (such as FedEx or UPS) or the diplomatic pouch at a U.S. Embassy or Consulate. You cannot return your ballot by email or fax.
| Key Dates for Military and Overseas Voters | Presidential Primary | Primary Election | General Election |
|---|---|---|---|
| Recommended you apply before | Friday, December 29 | Friday, June 7 | Friday, August 30 |
| Ballots sent starting | Friday, January 19 | Friday, June 28 | Friday, September 20 |
| Recommended you mail ballot back before | Friday, February 2 | Friday, July 12 | Friday, October 4 |
| To be counted, ballot must be received by | Election Day Tuesday, March 5 |
Election Day Tuesday, August 13 |
Election Day Tuesday, November 5 |
You can track the status of your ballot and confirm that it was received and counted.
If you have not received voting materials in time, download and print an emergency ballot called the Federal Write-In Absentee Ballot, or FWAB. The ballot will have blanks for you to write your choices. Your write-in ballot must be received by Election Day.
Do I need a witness to certify my ballot?
No. Minnesota allows military voters and voters living abroad to self-certify their absentee ballot.
Can I receive my ballot by email?
Yes. You can choose to have voting materials sent by email, mail or fax. If you receive materials by email, you must print them. You cannot return your ballot by email or fax.
When will I get my ballot?
Ballots are ready at least 46 days before the election. Election officials will send your ballot as quickly as possible after receiving your application.
Election officials will airmail your ballot if you are outside the continental United States. If you provide a prepaid envelope, your county election office can send your ballot by express mail service.
Do I have to register to vote separately?
No. Your ballot application also serves as a voter registration application.