Minnesota 2026 general election absentee voting

Absentee voting has commenced in Minnesota for the 2026 general election. The voting period includes various high-profile races, such as the governorship, U.S. Senate, state legislature, and a constitutional amendment regarding the Permanent School Fund.

In the first six days of the voting period, local officials distributed nearly 385,000 absentee and mail ballots. Early participation data indicates that 8,400 voters have cast ballots in person and 3,900 have returned ballots by mail. Voters have the option to participate either by mail or in person at designated locations, such as city halls and county service centers.

Secretary of State Steve Simon has highlighted the available voting options. This election cycle follows a report from The Heritage Foundation that ranked Minnesota 45th nationally in election integrity, citing concerns regarding voter ID implementation and reforms to identify non-citizens on voter rolls.

As the November 3 midterm elections approach, early in-person voting has expanded across the state. In Stearns County, residents may cast ballots at St. Cloud City Hall or the Stearns County Government Center in Waite Park through November 2. In Olmsted County, early absentee in-person voting is available at the Olmsted County Elections Office using a vote tabulation machine, while direct balloting at Rochester City Hall is scheduled to begin October 27.

Beyond the statewide races for Governor, U.S. Senator, Attorney General, Secretary of State, and State Auditor, as well as all 201 seats in the Minnesota House and Senate, local ballots in Rochester include the Mayor, City Council, Olmsted County Board, and the Rochester School Board.