October 19, 2020
Election 2020 is right around the corner. We’ve included information for you to vote before or on election day.
2020 is an election year unlike any other. In a historic presidential election year, the state is contending with a worldwide pandemic. However, we know that the spirit that drives Minnesota’s nation-leading voter turnout is stronger than ever, and we will make our voices heard at the ballot box.
During the global COVID-19 pandemic, public health experts are unanimous that avoiding crowded public places is the best way to limit the spread of the disease and keep our communities healthy.
While Minnesota is under a state of peacetime emergency in response to the pandemic, Secretary of State Steve Simon is encouraging every eligible voter to Vote From Home. With Minnesota’s absentee balloting system, any eligible voter may request an absentee ballot, have it securely mailed to them, and fill it out and return it from the safety of home.
And it’s still not too late to request a ballot to Vote From Home! Make sure you have time to receive the ballot and have it postmarked by Election Day, November 3.
Voting from home will reduce crowds at the polling place on election day, keeping them safer and more efficient for those who need to or prefer to vote in person, and for those 30,000 poll workers that make our Election Day voting experience the best in the nation.
Just as the voting experience has changed in 2020, Election Night will be different from what we are used to. Due to the pandemic, ballots will now be counted if they are postmarked by Election Day and arrive up to seven days later. That means that the instant gratification of calling winners on Election Night may not be the case this year. That won’t be the result of a mistake, and isn’t evidence of any wrongdoing —it’s a sign of our commitment that every vote needs to be securely, safely counted.
More information about elections and voting in 2020 from the Secretary of State
Absentee ballot request forms and voter information materials are available in many languages, and visit the Toolkit 2020 page to find graphics, shareable social media messages, and more.
Visit mnvotes.org to check your eligibility, register to vote, or to locate your county or city election office.