Absentee and Early Voting

Woman helps man in pollsCOVID-19: We are encouraging voters to vote by mail using an absentee ballot. 

Voters who wish to vote early in person are encouraged to follow CDC guidelines and MDH guidance, such as maintaining six feet of distance between voters and wearing a face mask. Curbside voting is available for anyone who cannot enter the polling place for any reason, including concerns for their health. Curbside voting allows a voter to register to vote and vote without leaving their vehicle. 

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How to Vote Before Election Day in the August 11, 2020 State Primary Election
I want to vote by mail

COVID-19:  We strongly encourage all voters in New Brighton to vote by mail using an absentee ballot.  

New Brighton residents may vote before Election Day beginning 46 days before each election. You do not need to provide a reason for voting early. 

  • Voting for the State Primary Election begins Friday, June 26.
  • Voting for the General Election begins Friday, Sept. 18.

How to Vote by Mail using an Absentee Ballot

Military and overseas voters can vote by absentee ballot in the 46 days prior to each election by using the process outlined in the Uniformed and Overseas Citizens Absentee Voting Act (UOCAVA) administered by the MN Secretary of State’s Office.

Other voters should complete and submit an absentee ballot application. There are several ways that this can be done.

  • Click here to request an absentee ballot online and wait for your ballot to arrive at your home. Or,
  • Have a paper application mailed to you by calling Ramsey County Elections at 651-266-2171. Or, 
  • Download and print an Absentee Ballot Application by clicking one of the links below. For additional languages or formats, call 1-877-600-8683. 

If you are applying for an absentee ballot via paper, complete the absentee ballot application, sign it and return it to Ramsey County Elections in one of the following ways"

Receiving your absentee ballot

  • If you apply before absentee voting begins, your ballot will be mailed to you 46 days prior to the election.
  • If you apply within 46 days of the election, your ballot will be mailed to you as soon as possible, generally within two business days of your application being received. When requesting an absentee ballot by mail, please allow sufficient time for delivery.

Completing your absentee ballot

Follow the directions provided with your ballot to complete your ballot and accompanying envelopes. Do NOT use anyone else’s ballot to cast a vote.

COVID-19:  A recent court settlement regarding the August 11, 2020 State Primary Election has ordered election officials to not enforce the witness requirement for mail absentee ballots  to help voters who choose to vote at home minimize their contact with others. Instructions will be included with your absentee ballot. Please note that this requirement has been waived ONLY for the August 11, 2020 election. Click here to read the court order. 

Returning your voted absentee ballot

Return by mail

Mail your ballot back in the pre-paid, pre-addressed envelope that was provided with your ballot materials.

  • Ballot must be received on or before Election Day.
  • In Minnesota, mail generally arrives in 1-3 days.
  • Outside Minnesota, mail generally arrives in 3-10 days.
  • If you think your ballot will not be received in time using regular mail, you may choose to pay an express delivery service to deliver your ballot to Ramsey County Elections (90 Plato Blvd W., St. Paul MN) by 8 p.m. on Election Day.

COVID-19:  A recent court settlement regarding the August 11, 2020 State Primary Election has ordered election officials to accept mailed absentee ballots that were postmarked on or before Election Day in anticipation of potential mail delivery delays. Instructions will be included with your absentee ballot. Please note that this requirement has been waived ONLY for the August 11, 2020 election. Click here to read the court order. 

Return in person

  • You may return your ballot in person to Community Room B of the New Brighton Community Center (400  10th St NW) during the in-person absentee voting times in the 46 days prior to election day.
  • You may return your ballot in person to Ramsey County Elections (90 Plato Blvd W; St. Paul MN) by 3 p.m. on Election Day.
  • You may ask another person of your choice to return your ballot for you. Please note that persons delivering ballots that are not their own must show their ID and complete a legal document for each ballot returned and are limited to returning ballots for three voters in each election.

Verifying your Ballot has been accepted

Verify the status of your ballot by visiting mnvotes.org. 

Changing your vote

You can ask Ramsey County Elections staff to spoil your absentee ballot and issue you a new one until Fourteen (14) days before Election Day. Please call the Ramsey County Elections office at 651-266-2171 to discuss your options.

I want to cast an absentee ballot in person.

For the Aug. 11, 2020 state primary, you can vote in person before Election Day beginning Friday, June 26, 2020 at any one of the following locations:

New Brighton Community Center - Community Room B
400 10th St NW, New Brighton

  • Monday through Friday from Friday, Jun. 26 until Friday, Aug. 7 - 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. *
  • Saturday, Aug. 8 - 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.
  • Monday, Aug. 10 - 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.

COVID-19: Please use the Ramsey County Library Entrance. Voters are encouraged to use social distancing. Face masks are encouraged but are not required. If you have questions about protecting your health while visiting our in-person absentee / early voting location, please call 651-266-2171. 

Curbside voting will be available. Voters who wish to cast an absentee ballot in person but cannot leave their car for any reason, can call a number to have election judges come outside and help them vote from their car.

Phone translation services will be available for voters who need translation services for other languages or when the in-person translators are not available. Please call 651-266-2171 if you have questions.

Ramsey County Library - Roseville
2180 Hamline Ave N, Roseville

  • Monday through Friday from Friday, Jun. 26 until Friday, Aug. 7 - 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. *
  • Saturday, Aug. 8 - 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.
  • Monday, Aug. 10 - 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.

COVID-19: Voters are encouraged to use social distancing. Face masks are encouraged but are not required. If you have questions about protecting your health while visiting our in-person absentee / early voting location, please call 651-266-2171.

Curbside voting will be available. Voters who wish to cast an absentee ballot in person but cannot leave their car for any reason, can call a number to have election judges come outside and help them vote from their car.

Phone translation services will be available for voters who need translation services for other languages or when the in-person translators are not available. Please call 651-266-2171 if you have questions.

Ramsey County Elections Office - Plato Building

90 Plato Blvd. W, Suite 160

  • Monday through Friday from Friday, Jun. 26 until Friday, Aug. 7 - 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. *
  • Saturday, Aug. 8 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.
  • Monday, Aug. 10 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.

COVID-19: Voters are encouraged to use social distancing. Face masks are encouraged but are not required. If you have questions about protecting your health while visiting our in-person absentee / early voting location, please call 651-266-2171.

Curbside voting will be available. Voters who wish to cast an absentee ballot in person but cannot leave their car for any reason, can call a number to have election judges come outside and help them vote from their car.

Phone translation services will be available for voters who need translation services for other languages or when the in-person translators are not available. Please call 651-266-2171 if you have questions.

For the Nov. 3, 2020 general election, you can vote in person before Election Day beginning Sep. 18, 2020. Locations, dates and times will be updated here in late summer 2020.

*Note: In-person absentee voting will not be available Friday, July 3, 2020 in recognition of the Independence Day Holiday.

I want to vote early

You may vote early by appearing in person at one of the following locations:

New Brighton Community Center - Community Room B
400 10th St NW, New Brighton

  • Tuesday, August 4 until Friday, Aug. 7 - 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. *
  • Saturday, Aug. 8 - 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.
  • Monday, Aug. 10 - 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.

COVID-19: Please use the Ramsey County Library Entrance. Voters are encouraged to use social distancing. Face masks are encouraged but are not required. If you have questions about protecting your health while visiting our in-person absentee / early voting location, please call 651-266-2171. 

Curbside voting will be available. Voters who wish to cast an absentee ballot in person but cannot leave their car for any reason, can call a number to have election judges come outside and help them vote from their car.

Phone translation services will be available for voters who need translation services for other languages or when the in-person translators are not available. Please call 651-266-2171 if you have questions.

Ramsey County Library - Roseville
2180 Hamline Ave N, Roseville

  • Tuesday, August 4 until Friday, Aug. 7 - 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. *
  • Saturday, Aug. 8 - 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.
  • Monday, Aug. 10 - 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.

COVID-19: Voters are encouraged to use social distancing. Face masks are encouraged but are not required. If you have questions about protecting your health while visiting our in-person absentee / early voting location, please call 651-266-2171.

Curbside voting will be available. Voters who wish to cast an absentee ballot in person but cannot leave their car for any reason, can call a number to have election judges come outside and help them vote from their car.

Phone translation services will be available for voters who need translation services for other languages or when the in-person translators are not available. Please call 651-266-2171 if you have questions.

Ramsey County Elections Office - Plato Building

90 Plato Blvd. W, Suite 160

  • Tuesday, August 4 until Friday, Aug. 7 - 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. *
  • Saturday, Aug. 8 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.
  • Monday, Aug. 10 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.

COVID-19: Voters are encouraged to use social distancing. Face masks are encouraged but are not required. If you have questions about protecting your health while visiting our in-person absentee / early voting location, please call 651-266-2171.

Curbside voting will be available. Voters who wish to cast an absentee ballot in person but cannot leave their car for any reason, can call a number to have election judges come outside and help them vote from their car.

Phone translation services will be available for voters who need translation services for other languages or when the in-person translators are not available. Please call 651-266-2171 if you have questions.

For the Nov. 3, 2020 general election, you can vote in person before Election Day beginning October 27, 2020. Locations, dates and times will be updated here in late summer 2020.

I am a military of overseas voter.

Military and overseas voters can use a special process to get and return their ballot. Read the eligibility rules below before you apply. A spouse, parent, sibling or child age 18 and over can apply for you.

Apply for your ballot as soon as you can. Estimated transit times are listed below. Times can vary due to unforeseen events or weather issues.

  • Mail sent to/from Europe usually takes one week each way.
  • Mail send to/from East Asia usually takes 7-10 days each way.
  • Mail send to/from Africa, South Asia, the Middle East and Latin America can take up to four weeks each way.

Eligibility

  • Uniformed or military personnel and their dependents.
  • Citizens overseas temporarily.
  • Citizens overseas indefinitely (only eligible to vote for federal offices).

Apply for your ballot

Emergency Ballot​

  • Download a Federal Write-In Absentee Ballot (FWAB) if you are concerned that you do not have enough time to send a regular absentee ballot.
  • For federal offices, you may indicate your choice by writing in a candidate name or political party.
  • For state or local offices on the FWAB, you must write the name of the candidate (not just the party) for your vote to be counted.

Receiving your ballot

You can receive the ballot by email, fax or mail. You will need to indicate on your application how you would like to receive the ballot.

Ballots are sent out by election officials at least 45 days prior to the election. When applications are received fewer than 45 days before the election, ballots are sent within one business day of receiving them.

Ballots sent by mail are airmailed to addresses outside the continental U.S. Your ballot will be sent to you by an express mail service if you provide a prepaid envelope to the county auditor’s office.

Submit your voted ballot

Regardless of how you received the ballot, you must return your voted ballot by mail or package delivery to the election office the ballot was received from. Ballots delivered by mail or package delivery service will be accepted until 8 p.m. on Election Day.

Your ballot will not be counted if it is received after Election Day.

I want someone to pick up and return an absentee ballot for me.

Some voters may be able to authorize an individual (agent) to pick up and return an absentee ballot for them. This service is available only within the seven days preceding an election.

Each agent is allowed to deliver and return ballots for a maximum of three voters.

You can cast an absentee vote by agent if you are a:

  • Patient in a hospital, residential treatment center or nursing home.
  • Resident of a group home.
  • Resident of a battered women's shelter.
  • Resident of an assisted living facility.
  • Disabled voter.
  • Voter who would have difficulty getting to the polls because of incapacitating health reasons.

How to vote by agent

  1. Choose someone to be your agent who:
    • Has a pre-existing relationship with you.
    • Is at least 18 years old.
    • Is not a candidate in the election.
  2. Complete both of the following:
  3. Have your agent bring the completed forms to Room 209 of the New Brighton Community Center located at 400 10th St; New Brighton MN or to Ramsey County Elections located at 90 Plato Blvd W; St. Paul MN to pick up your ballot. 
    • Your agent can pick up a ballot until 2 p.m. on Election Day.
  4. Your agent will be given your ballot and envelopes to bring to you.
  5. Vote your ballot and complete materials according to the enclosed instructions.
  6. Have your agent return your voted ballot to the office where they picked it up.
    • Your agent must show an ID with name and signature.
    • Voted ballots must be returned by 3 p.m. on Election Day to be counted.
How to Vote Before Election Day in the November 3, 2020 Presidential Election
I want to cast an absentee ballot by mail.

To cast an absentee ballot by mail in the Presidential Election, apply on-line on the MN Secretary of State's website. 

If you prefer to apply in person or through the mail. submit your completed absentee ballot application (PDF forms below) in person to Ramsey County Elections (90 Plato Blvd W, Suite 160, Saint Paul); by mail (PO Box 64098, Saint Paul, MN 55164); email (elections@ramseycounty.us); or fax (651-266-2177).​

For additional languages or formats, call 1-877-600-8683.

Receiving your absentee ballot

  • If you apply before absentee voting begins, your ballot will be mailed to you 46 days prior to the election.
  • If you apply within 46 days of the election, your ballot will be mailed to you within one business day of your application being received.
  • If you would like a ballot mailed to you, please submit your application no later than 2 p.m. on the Friday before Election Day. This will ensure adequate time for the ballot to reach you and for you to return it.

Returning your voted absentee ballot

Voted ballots must be received by Ramsey County Elections on or before Election Day. Return your voted ballot by mail or in person.

Return by mail

Mail your ballot back in the pre-paid, pre-addressed envelope that was provided with your ballot materials.

  • Ballot must be received on or before Election Day.
  • In Minnesota, mail generally arrives in 1-3 days.
  • Outside Minnesota, mail generally arrives in 3-10 days.
  • If you think your ballot will not be received in time using regular mail, you may choose to pay for an express delivery service. Ballots can be received from an express delivery service until 8 p.m. on Election Day.

Return in person

You may return your ballot in person to Room 209 of the New Brighton Community Center (400 10th St.; New Brighton MN) or to Ramsey County Elections (90 Plato Blvd W; St. Paul MN) by 3 p.m. on Election Day.

Note: Persons delivering ballots may do so for only three voters in each election.

Changing your vote

If we have already accepted your voted absentee ballot (this can be verified at mnvotes.org), you can ask Ramsey County Elections staff to replace it until 4:30 p.m. seven days before Election Day. Please call the Ramsey County Elections office at 651-266-2171 to discuss your voting options.

I want to cast an absentee ballot in person.

When:

Any Ramsey County voter can cast their absentee ballot for the Presidential Nominating Primary Election in person beginning September 18, 2020.

Locations:

  • New Brighton Community Center (400 10th St; New Brighton) Community Room B near the Ramsey County Library Entrance
    • September 18, 2020 - October 30, 2020     Monday - Friday 8:00 am - 4:30 pm 
    • October 31, 2020                                         Saturday 10:00 am - 3:00 pm
    • November 2, 2020                                       Monday 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
  • Roseville Library (2180 Hamline Ave N; Roseville)
    • September 18, 2020 - October 30, 2020     Monday - Friday 8:00 am - 4:30 pm 
    • October 31, 2020                                         Saturday 10:00 am - 3:00 pm
    • November 2, 2020                                       Monday 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
  • Ramsey County Elections Offices (90 Plato Blvd; St. Paul MN) 
    • September 18, 2020 - October 30, 2020     Monday - Friday 8:00 am - 4:30 pm 
    • October 31, 2020                                         Saturday 10:00 am - 3:00 pm
    • November 2, 2020                                       Monday 8:00 am - 5:00 pm

Hours:

September 18, 2020 - October 30, 2020     Monday - Friday 8:00 am - 4:30 pm 
October 31, 2020                                         Saturday 10:00 am - 3:00 pm
November 2, 2020                                       Monday 8:00 am - 5:00 pm

Hours for other locations can be found on the Ramsey County website. 

I want to vote early.

When:

You can vote early for the Presidential Nominating Primary Election in person from October 27th through November 3rd.

Locations and Hours:

New Brighton Community Center (400 10th St NW; New Brighton) Room 209

  • 10/27 - 10/30 from 8 am – 6 pm 
  • 10/31 from 10 am – 3 pm 
  • 11/2 from 8 am – 5 pm 

Ramsey County Elections (90 Plato Blvd; St. Paul)

  • 10/27 - 10/30 from 8 am – 6 pm 
  • 10/31 from 10 am – 3 pm 
  • 11/2 from 8 am – 5 pm 

Roseville Library (2180 Hamline Ave N; Roseville)

  • 10/27 - 10/30 from 8 am – 6 pm 
  • 10/31 from 10 am – 3 pm 
  • 11/2 from 8 am – 5 pm 

Arlington Hills Community Center (1200 Payne Ave; St. Paul)

  • 10/27 - 10/30 from 12 pm – 6 pm 
  • 10/31 from 10 am – 3 pm 
  • 11/2 from 8 am – 5 pm 

Como Streetcar Station (1224 Lexington Pkwy N; St. Paul)

  • 10/27 - 10/30 from 12 pm – 6 pm 
  • 10/31 from 10 am – 3 pm 
  • 11/2 from 8 am – 5 pm 

Highland Park Library (1978 Ford Pkwy; St. Paul)

  • 10/27 - 10/30 from 12 pm – 6 pm 
  • 10/31 from 10 am – 3 pm 
  • 11/2 from 8 am – 5 pm  

Maplewood Library (3025 Southlawn Dr; Maplewood)

  • 10/27 - 10/30 from 12 pm – 6 pm 
  • 10/31 from 10 am – 3 pm 
  • 11/2 from 8 am – 5 pm  

MLK Recreation Center (271 Mackubin St; St. Paul)

  • 10/27 - 10/30 from 12 pm – 6 pm 
  • 10/31 from 10 am – 3 pm 
  • 11/2 from 8 am – 5 pm   

Shoreview Library (4560 N Victoria St; Shoreview)

  • 10/27 - 10/30 from 12 pm – 6 pm 
  • 10/31 from 10 am – 3 pm 
  • 11/2 from 8 am – 5 pm   

White Bear Lake Library (2150 2nd St; White Bear Lake)

  • 10/27 - 10/30 from 12 pm – 6 pm 
  • 10/31 from 10 am – 3 pm 
  • 11/2 from 8 am – 5 pm   

Additional information can be found on the Ramsey County Elections website. 

I am a military of overseas voter.

Military and overseas voters can use a special process to get and return their ballot. Read the eligibility rules below before you apply. A spouse, parent, sibling or child age 18 and over can apply for you.

Apply for your ballot as soon as you can. Estimated transit times are listed below. Times can vary due to unforeseen events or weather issues.

  • Mail sent to/from Europe usually takes one week each way.
  • Mail send to/from East Asia usually takes 7-10 days each way.
  • Mail send to/from Africa, South Asia, the Middle East and Latin America can take up to four weeks each way.

Eligibility

  • Uniformed or military personnel and their dependents.
  • Citizens overseas temporarily.
  • Citizens overseas indefinitely (only eligible to vote for federal offices).

Apply for your ballot

Emergency Ballot​

  • Download a Federal Write-In Absentee Ballot (FWAB) if you are concerned that you do not have enough time to send a regular absentee ballot.
  • For federal offices, you may indicate your choice by writing in a candidate name or political party.
  • For state or local offices on the FWAB, you must write the name of the candidate (not just the party) for your vote to be counted.

Receiving your ballot

You can receive the ballot by email, fax or mail. You will need to indicate on your application how you would like to receive the ballot.

Ballots are sent out by election officials at least 45 days prior to the election. When applications are received fewer than 45 days before the election, ballots are sent within one business day of receiving them.

Ballots sent by mail are airmailed to addresses outside the continental U.S. Your ballot will be sent to you by an express mail service if you provide a prepaid envelope to the county auditor’s office.

Submit your voted ballot

Regardless of how you received the ballot, you must return your voted ballot by mail or package delivery to the election office the ballot was received from. Ballots delivered by mail or package delivery service will be accepted until 8 p.m. on Election Day.

Your ballot will not be counted if it is received after Election Day.

I want to authorize an individual to pick up and return an absentee ballot for me.

Some voters may be able to authorize an individual (agent) to pick up and return an absentee ballot for them. This service is available only within the seven days preceding an election.

Each agent is allowed to deliver and return ballots for a maximum of three voters.

You can cast an absentee vote by agent if you are a:

  • Patient in a hospital, residential treatment center or nursing home.
  • Resident of a group home.
  • Resident of a battered women's shelter.
  • Resident of an assisted living facility.
  • Disabled voter.
  • Voter who would have difficulty getting to the polls because of incapacitating health reasons.

How to vote by agent

  1. Choose someone to be your agent who:
    • Has a pre-existing relationship with you.
    • Is at least 18 years old.
    • Is not a candidate in the election.
  2. Complete both of the following:
  3. Have your agent bring the completed forms to Room 209 of the New Brighton Community Center located at 400 10th St; New Brighton MN or to Ramsey County Elections located at 90 Plato Blvd W; St. Paul MN to pick up your ballot. 
    • Your agent can pick up a ballot until 2 p.m. on Election Day.
  4. Your agent will be given your ballot and envelopes to bring to you.
  5. Vote your ballot and complete materials according to the enclosed instructions.
  6. Have your agent return your voted ballot to the office where they picked it up.
    • Your agent must show an ID with name and signature.
    • Voted ballots must be returned by 3 p.m. on Election Day to be counted.