“The vote is precious. It is almost sacred. It is the most powerful non-violent tool we have in a democracy.”
— the late John Lewis, champion of voting rights
Minnesotans will decide on some key races this election cycle, including the race for governor, state and federal congressional representatives, and a new U.S. senator. Besides voting on Election Day (November 3), a flexible and convenient voting option is available throughout Minnesota. Between now and Monday, November 2, you can vote early in person at a designated voting location.
Minnesota’s “Early Voting” process is new for 2026. It works in tandem with early absentee voting but opens a little later (this year October 16). At most locations, voters fill out a ballot and feed it directly into an electronic ballot tabulator (though in a few locations voters put ballots in envelopes instead of a machine).
Some reasons to vote early:
- Choose a day and time that fits your schedule, including the option of evening, Saturday and Sunday hours
- Enjoy shorter lines and wait times than on Election Day
- Reduce the election day rush and lines for people who vote on Election Day
- Take yourself off the get-out-the-vote call and text lists (less irritation for you and better use of resources)
Each Minnesota county has at least one location for early voting, most often a government center or courthouse. Some – like Hennepin and Ramsey counties – have multiple locations, such as government centers, city halls, churches, and universities. To find your early voting location and hours, click here.
Most sites are open from 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. each weekday with these extended hours:
- (Today) Tuesday, October 27, open until 7:00 PM
- Saturday, October 31, 9:00 AM to 3:00 PM
- Sunday, November 1, 9:00 AM to 3:00 PM
- Monday, November 2, open until 5:00 PM
Nationwide, Minnesota traditionally ranks very high for voter turnout in elections. Let’s keep that trend going this year…VOTE!
On April 16, 2026, the Election Data and Science Lab at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) announced that Minnesota ranked #1 on the Elections Performance Index, a non-partisan, biennial survey and analysis comparing election administration policy and performance across the country.