If voting on Election Day is weighing on your mind, or you don’t know how you could fit voting on Nov. 3 into your schedule for that day, we’ve got good news!
Minnesotans can vote early starting just over two weeks before the midterm election on Nov. 3. This means you still get the experience of heading to the polls, just on your time.
Here’s everything you need to know about voting early in Minnesota.
P.S. If you can’t vote on Election Day or early due to location or health constraints, or for any other reason, check out our easy guide on how to obtain an absentee ballot here.
Key dates for the 2026 general election in Minnesota
- Friday, Sept. 18: Ballots for in-person voting become available
- Tuesday, Oct. 13: Last day to register to vote
- Friday, Oct. 16-Monday, Nov. 2: Early voting
- Tuesday, Nov. 3: Election Day
Where to vote early in Minnesota
Early voting locations have yet to be posted, but you’ll be able to find them at the Minnesota Secretary of State’s Election and Voting page once the election gets closer. Otherwise, you can contact your county election office. Every one of Minnesota’s 87 counties will have at least one location where early voting is offered.
Early voting hours in Minnesota
While each county office has their own specific hours, the majority are open 8 a.m.-4:30 p.m. Monday through Friday. Check your county election office’s specific hours here.
What to bring
If your voter registration is current and active–meaning you registered by Oct. 13 and haven’t changed your name or address–you don’t need to bring identification with you to vote. Although not required, it doesn’t hurt to bring it along just in case.
If you need to update your registration, haven’t registered, or haven’t voted in four or more years, you need to bring proof of residence. Acceptable forms include:
- ID with current name and address
- Photo ID with a document with current name and address
- A registered voter who can confirm your address (also known as vouching)
- Photo ID with student housing list
- Valid registration in the same precinct
- Notice of late registration
- Staff person of a residential facility
An acceptable ID can be a valid state driver’s license, learner’s permit, ID, a Tribal ID, or a receipt for any of these.
Stay informed
For the key races you should keep an eye on this midterm election, pop over here. Sign up for our free weekly newsletter, where we delve into the latest news in Minnesota’s political world.
