Minnesota begins 2026 general election absentee voting

Minnesota has commenced absentee voting for the 2026 general election, marking one of the first states to begin the process. In the first six days of the voting period, local election officials distributed nearly 385,000 absentee and mail ballots. Early data shows that 8,400 voters have cast ballots in person and 3,900 have returned ballots by mail.

The upcoming election features races for the entire state legislature, U.S. Senate, U.S. House, governor, lieutenant governor, attorney general, secretary of state, and state auditor. Additionally, a constitutional amendment regarding the administration of the Permanent School Fund will be on the ballot.

Secretary of State Steve Simon noted that voters have options to vote early in person or by mail. This election cycle follows a report from The Heritage Foundation that ranked Minnesota 45th nationally in election integrity, specifically citing concerns regarding voter ID implementation and reforms to identify non-citizens on voter rolls.