The Office of the Minnesota Secretary of State reported this week 111,575 absentee ballots have been distributed to voters for the Tuesday, Nov. 4 General Election, of which 38,094 have been returned and accepted by election officials — more than 15,000 in the past week alone.
The 38,094 accepted ballots to-date in 2014 compares to 70,899 this time in 2012, and 23,237 in 2010.
Voters who have requested an absentee ballot are encouraged to use the “Absentee Ballot Lookup” tool at mnvotes.org to track the status of their ballot to learn when their ballot was mailed, and if it was received and accepted.
Locally, about 1,200 ballots have been transmitted, with nearly 550 returned and accepted.
Of the 111,575 total ballots distributed, more than 23,000 were requested through the “Request Absentee Ballot” tool at mnvotes.org.
Not Registered? You Can Still Vote Absentee
The pre-registration deadline was October 14, but voters who are not registered to vote can still vote absentee. Voters who vote absentee by mail also receive registration materials with their ballot; and those voting absentee in person can register at their local elections office while completing their ballot materials.
No-Excuse Absentee Voting in Minnesota
Voters can vote early with an absentee ballot in person at their county elections office or local elections office through November 3. Or, voters may submit a request online at mnvotes.org for a ballot to be mailed to them. Voters may also download an absentee ballot application, and submit it by mail, email, fax or personal delivery.
Minnesota has “no-excuse” absentee voting — voters do not need to provide an excuse, such as being ill or out of the precinct on Election Day, to vote with an absentee ballot.
Online Absentee Ballot Tools at mnvotes.org
• Request Absentee Ballot — Allows voters to apply for an absentee ballot quickly and easily without the need to print, scan forms, and return by mail, fax or email.
• Absentee Ballot Lookup — Voters may find the status of their ballot, such as when it was mailed, and if their ballot was received and accepted. Mail ballot voters may also use this tool.
• My Ballot — Voters may view their sample ballot and find links to candidates’ websites.
New Video Helps Voters Understand Voting Early with an Absentee Ballot
The Office of the Secretary of State recently introduced a one-minute 30-second animated video that provides an overview of the early voting process and reinforces key tips for voters to ensure their absentee ballot is accepted.
2014 Is a Significant Election Year
On November 4, Minnesota voters will head to the polls to decide a U.S. Senate seat, all of Minnesota’s eight U.S. House seats, as well as governor, attorney general, secretary of state and state auditor, and all Minnesota State House seats. The 2014 election will also include many county commissioners, county sheriffs, county attorneys, auditors, treasurers and recorders.
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