Early voting begins Friday, Sept. 20

Those looking to lock in their vote for the General Election might already have Friday, Sept. 20 marked on their calendars — it is the first day Minnesota residents can participate in early voting.

Through Monday, Nov. 4, in-person early voting will be open Monday-Friday at the Hennepin County Government Center, skyway level, 300 S. 6th St., Minneapolis. Early voting hours at the Government Center are 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Monday-Friday through Oct. 25. After that date, voting hours differ. Visit bit.ly/3zgMAdM for more information.

In person, early voting is also available around the metro. Check in with your City Hall to learn about options for early voting or visit bit.ly/4d7TQXg for a complete list of participating polling locations.

Minnesota residents have much to consider in this year’s election, with races on the ballot ranging from the seats on local city councils and the Minnesota House of Representatives to the office of President of the United States.

Vote by mail

Sept. 20 is also the day in which ballots will begin being mailed to those who wish to vote by mail. To vote by mail, an application must be submitted to Hennepin County. The application is available through the county’s website and may be submitted by mail, email or fax.

Mailed ballots must be received by Election Day. The Minnesota Secretary of State's Office offers a ballot tracker website so voters can confirm that their ballot was received and counted.

Learn more or apply for a mailed ballot at mnvotes.sos.mn.gov/abrequest/index .

Am I eligible to vote?

To vote in the election, residents must be U.S. citizens, at least 18 years old on Election Day and a Minnesota resident for at least 20 days as of Election Day.

Residents may vote if they are on parole or probation. Their right to vote has been restored and felony status does not affect their right to vote as long as they are not serving a sentence in a correctional facility. If they have a felony conviction, they can vote while on work release, home monitoring, probation or parole.

Voters must re-register if they have moved to a different address, changed their name or have not voted once within the past four years.

Additional voting information is available online at mnvotes.org , which also includes sample ballots and can direct voters to their local precinct.

-Compiled by Alaina Rooker