Minnesota August 11 Primary: Absentee and Early Voting Guide

Eligible Minnesota voters may now cast absentee ballots for the August 11 primary election, according to official guidelines. Ballots are requested through the Office of the Minnesota Secretary of State, with a 46-day window available to cast votes. Voters can utilize mail-in options or visit designated in-person sites in Rochester.

How do voters request and submit absentee ballots?

Voters must request their ballots through the Office of the Minnesota Secretary of State. For those voting by mail, the process requires a witness who is a U.S. citizen at least 18 years old, a notary public, or a person authorized to administer oaths.

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Completed ballots can be returned via mail or delivered to the Olmsted County Elections Office at 2122 Campus Drive Southeast, Suite 300, in Rochester. To be counted, ballots must arrive by 8 p.m. if sent by mail or by 5 p.m. if delivered in person on Election Day.

Did You Know? Voters can apply to become a Permanent Absentee Voter during the application process, which ensures they automatically receive absentee ballots for future elections.

Where and when is early voting available in Rochester?

Early voting, which allows the use of absentee envelopes or direct submission into a tabulator, begins July 24 at the Olmsted County Elections Office. This location is open Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., with additional hours on August 8 from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.

Absentee voting opens for August primary in Minnesota

A second location opens seven days before the election. From August 4 through August 10, voters can cast ballots at Rochester City Hall, located at 201 Fourth Street Southeast in Conference Room 104. City Hall follows the same hours as the elections office, including the August 8 window.

Expert Insight: Samantha Carter notes that providing two distinct physical locations—the Elections Office and City Hall—likely increases accessibility for the electorate. By staggering the opening dates of these sites, the county may be attempting to distribute voter traffic over a wider period.

What happens next in the voting process?

As the August 11 deadline approaches, voters may choose to utilize the behind-the-scenes video produced by Olmsted County Elections staff to understand how ballots are handled and counted.

Depending on voter preference, there could be an increase in Permanent Absentee Voter applications. Additionally, the opening of the City Hall location on August 4 may provide a final surge in in-person early voting options before the primary.

Frequently Asked Questions

Who can witness an absentee ballot by mail?
A witness must be a U.S. citizen at least 18 years old, a notary public, or a person authorized to administer oaths.

What are the deadlines for returning ballots on Election Day?
Ballots must be received by 5 p.m. if returned in person and by 8 p.m. if returned by mail.

When does early voting start at the Olmsted County Elections Office?
Early voting runs from July 24 through August 10.

Which absentee voting method do you find most convenient for your schedule?