Early voting begins in Mille Lacs County

Early voting for the Tuesday, Nov. 5, general election is now underway.

Mille Lacs County residents can vote at the Mille Lacs County Historical Courthouse, at the auditor-treasurer’s office, first floor. Normal business hours are Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. In addition, residents will be able to vote Saturday, Oct. 26, 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.; Tuesday, Oct. 29, 8 a.m. to 7 p.m.; Saturday, Nov. 2, 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.; Sunday, Nov. 3, 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. and Monday, Nov. 4, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Local poll locations at cities and precincts throughout the county will be open 7 a.m. to 8 p.m. on Election Day. Residents must vote at their local polling place on Tuesday, Nov. 5.

The Secretary of State’s offices adds that voters can find their polling place at mnvotes.gov/pollfinder. Also, voters can check their registration online at mnvotes.gov/register.

Minnesotans can vote by mail by requesting a ballot at mnvotes.gov/absentee starting September 20. About 150,000 Minnesotans live in mail ballot precincts and will be mailed a ballot automatically if they are registered to vote. Ballots must be received by local election offices by 8 p.m. on Election Day to be counted. You can track your ballot at mnvotes.gov/trackmyballot.

Absentee ballots must be filled out with blue or black pen, the voter and a witness must sign the white signature envelope, and the ballot must be returned by Tuesday, Nov. 5, for the state general election.

Additional details can be found on the county website: https://www.millelacs.mn.gov/1245/Elections

On the ballot

The November ballot will include the federal and state offices of President, U.S. Senator and Member of Congress.

Local elections will take place for county commissioner, city council and school board. For the Union-Times area, Milaca, Princeton, Baldwin, Foreston and Bock have city council and mayor elections. Milaca School Board and the Princeton School board also have seats on the ballot.

The area’s State House representatives, Dist. 10B and 27B, are also on the ballot.

Register to Vote

Residents can register to vote in advance of the election, up to 20 days before Election Day. Voters must be a U.S. Citizen, at least 18 years old on Election Day, a resident of Minnesota for at least 20 days. More information can be found at: sos.state.mn.us/elections-voting/register-to-vote

Visit mnvotes.gov to view a sample ballot, request a ballot, track a ballot or find a polling place.

Voters can call the Office of the Minnesota Secretary of State at 1-877-600-VOTE (8683) to ask their voting-related questions. The call center is available from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. Monday through Friday.