# Minnesota 2026 general election absentee voting

> Live situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/minnesota-2026-general-election-absentee-voting
> Updated: 2026-09-23T12:10:49.000Z. Sources: 5. Developments: 2.

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.

## Timeline

### 2026-09-23: Minnesota begins 2026 general election absentee voting

Minnesota has begun absentee voting for the 2026 general election, with nearly 385,000 ballots distributed in the first six days. The election includes state legislature and several high-profile offices.

2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/minnesota-begins-2026-general-election-absentee-voting

### 2026-09-17: Minnesota absentee voting begins for midterm elections

Absentee voting has begun in Minnesota for midterm elections, covering statewide offices and local races in regions such as Stearns and Olmsted counties.

4 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/minnesota-absentee-voting-begins-for-midterm-elections

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Cite as: Minnesota 2026 general election absentee voting. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/minnesota-2026-general-election-absentee-voting