News Room

More than 301,000 absentee ballots already requested

SAINT PAUL – Minnesota voters since 2014 have had the option to vote from home, or use “no-excuse absentee” voting. All county election offices throughout the state also offer in-person absentee voting, commonly referred to as “early voting.” Since 2014, Minnesota voters have increasingly used vote from home and early in-person voting to cast their ballots. Voting for the 2018 statewide general election began on September 21, 2018. As of this morning, more than 301,000 absentee ballots have been requested.

“Minnesotans are early voting even more than they did in the 2016 Presidential election,” said Secretary of State Steve Simon. “This level of participation is off the charts! Minnesota is already the envy of the nation – if you haven’t voted yet, you can help your friends and neighbors keep our state #1 in voter participation by early voting today. But remember, whether you vote early or vote on Election Day, be a voter!”

As of Thursday, October 18, 2018, at least 301,107 absentee ballots have been requested by Minnesota voters. 159,660 have been accepted by election officials. The rate of absentee ballot requests is an increase of 170 percent over the same time in the 2014 (last statewide non-presidential election) calendar. The rate of accepted ballots is an increase of 252 percent over the same time in 2014.

Go to MNVOTES.ORG for more information or to request a vote from home ballot.