In 2016, the MN legislature passed a law establishing a presidential nomination primary election. Only presidential candidates from major parties will appear on the presidential primary ballot and the presidential primary results bind the election of delegates in each party. Other candidates whose office requires a primary election will appear on the ballot for the August state primary election.

Each major party will have a separate ballot and registered voters must request the ballot of the party of their choice. If a voter refuses to select a party, they will not be able to vote in the presidential nomination primary. A voter's choice of party ballot will be recorded and is private data. However, a list of who voted in a presidential nomination primary and the political party each voter selected will be provided to the chair of each major political party. How a voter voted on the ballot will be confidential / secret.

NEW in 2020: Expanded In-Person Absentee Voting Access!

Any Ramsey County voter - including New Brighton residents - can cast their absentee ballot for the Presidential Nominating Primary Election in person beginning January 17, 2020 at any of the following locations:

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

January 17, 2020 - February 24, 2020 *         Monday - Friday 8:00 am - 4:00 pm 
February 25, 2020 -  February 28, 2020          Tuesday - Friday Noon - 6:00 pm
February 29, 2020          Saturday 10:00 am - 3:00 pm
March 2, 2020          Monday Noon - 5:00 pm

• Roseville Library (2180 Hamline Ave N; Roseville)

January 17, 2020 - February 24, 2020 *         Monday - Friday 8:00 am - 4:00 pm
February 25, 2020 -  February 28, 2020          Tuesday - Friday Noon - 6:00 pm
February 29, 2020          Saturday 10:00 am - 3:00 pm
March 2, 2020          Monday Noon - 5:00 pm

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

January 17, 2020 - February 24, 2020 *         Monday - Friday 8:00 am - 4:30 pm
February 25, 2020 -  February 28, 2020          Tuesday - Friday 8:00 am - 6:00 pm
February 29, 2020          Saturday 10:00 am - 3:00 pm
March 2, 2020          Monday 8:00 am - 5:00 pm

* Please note that in-person absentee voting will not be available on Monday, January 20, 2020 due to the Martin Luther King Jr. Day Holiday or on February 17, 2020 due to the Presidents Day holiday. 

To cast an absentee ballot by mail in the Presidential Nominating Primary 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).​

• English
• English Large-Print
• Español (Spanish)
• Hmoob (Hmong)
• Soomaali (Somali)
• Tiếng Việt (Vietnamese)
• Pусский (Russian)
• 中文 (Chinese)
• ພາສາລາວ (Lao)
• Oromo
• ខ្មែរ (Khmer)
• S'gaw Karen

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), the Roseville Library (2180 Hamline Ave N.; Roseville MN)  or to Ramsey County Elections (90 Plato Blvd W; St. Paul MN) during in-person absentee voting hours (see "I Want to Cast an Absentee Ballot in Person" above). Or, return it to Ramsey County Elections offices (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.

NEW in 2020: Expanded In-Person Absentee Voting Access!

Any Ramsey County voter - including New Brighton residents - can vote early for the Presidential Nominating Primary Election in person from February 25th through March 2nd at any of the following locations:

Locations and Hours:

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

• 2/25 – 2/28 from Noon – 6 pm
• 2/29 from 10 am – 3 pm 
• 3/3 from Noon – 5 pm 

Roseville Library (2180 Hamline Ave N; Roseville)

• 2/25 – 2/28 from Noon – 6 pm
• 2/29 from 10 am – 3 pm 
• 3/3 from Noon – 5 pm

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

• 2/25 – 2/28 from 8 am – 6 pm
• 2/29 from 10 am – 3 pm 
• 3/3 from 8 am – 5 pm

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

• 2/25 – 2/28 from 12 pm – 6 pm
• 2/29 from 10 am – 3 pm 
• 3/3 from 8 am – 5 pm

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

• 2/25 – 2/28 from 12 pm – 6 pm
• 2/29 from 10 am – 3 pm 
• 3/3 from 8 am – 5 pm

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

• 2/25 – 2/28 from 12 pm – 6 pm
• 2/29 from 10 am – 3 pm 
• 3/3 from 8 am – 5 pm 

Maplewood Library (3025 Southlawn Dr; Maplewood)

• 2/25 – 2/28 from 12 pm – 6 pm
• 2/29 from 10 am – 3 pm 
• 3/3 from 8 am – 5 pm 

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

• 2/25 – 2/28 from 12 pm – 6 pm
• 2/29 from 10 am – 3 pm 
• 3/3 from 8 am – 5 pm

Shoreview Library (4560 N Victoria St; Shoreview)

• 2/25 – 2/28 from 12 pm – 6 pm
• 2/29 from 10 am – 3 pm 
• 3/3 from 8 am – 5 pm

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

• 2/25 – 2/28 from 12 pm – 6 pm
• 2/29 from 10 am – 3 pm 
• 3/3 from 8 am – 5 pm 

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

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

• Apply online.
• Download a paper application (Minnesota does not require a witness signature).

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.

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:
   • Request for agent delivery of absentee ballot form (PDF)
   • Absentee ballot application (PDF)
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.

NEW in 2020: Expanded In-Person Absentee Voting Access!

Any Ramsey County voter - including New Brighton residents - can cast their absentee ballot for the Presidential Nominating Primary Election in person beginning January 17, 2020 at any of the following locations:

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

June 26, 2020 - August 3, 2020 *         Monday - Friday 8:00 am - 4:00 pm
August 4, 2020 -  August 7, 2020          Tuesday - Friday Noon - 6:00 pm
August 8, 2020          Saturday 10:00 am - 3:00 pm
August 10, 2020          Monday Noon - 5:00 pm

• Roseville Library (2180 Hamline Ave N; Roseville)

June 26, 2020 - August 3, 2020 *         Monday - Friday 8:00 am - 4:00 pm
August 4, 2020 -  August 7, 2020          Tuesday - Friday Noon - 6:00 pm
August 8, 2020          Saturday 10:00 am - 3:00 pm
August 10, 2020          Monday Noon - 5:00 pm

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

June 26, 2020 - August 3, 2020 *         Monday - Friday 8:00 am - 4:00 pm
August 4, 2020 -  August 7, 2020          Tuesday - Friday Noon - 6:00 pm
August 8, 2020          Saturday 10:00 am - 3:00 pm
August 10, 2020          Monday Noon - 5:00 pm

* Please note that in-person absentee voting will not be available on Friday, July 3, 2020 due to the Independence Day holiday. 

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

To cast an absentee ballot by mail in the State Primary 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).​

• English
• English Large-Print
• Español (Spanish)
• Hmoob (Hmong)
• Soomaali (Somali)
• Tiếng Việt (Vietnamese)
• Pусский (Russian)
• 中文 (Chinese)
• ພາສາລາວ (Lao)
• Oromo
• ខ្មែរ (Khmer)
• S'gaw Karen

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.

When:

Any Ramsey County voter can early for the Presidential Nominating Primary Election in person from August 4th through August 10th at the following locations.

Locations and Hours:

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

• 8/4 - 8/7 from 8 am – 6 pm 
• 8/8 from 10 am – 3 pm 
• 8/10 from 8 am – 5 pm 

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

• 8/4 - 8/7 from 8 am – 6 pm 
• 8/8 from 10 am – 3 pm 
• 8/10 from 8 am – 5 pm 

Roseville Library (2180 Hamline Ave N; Roseville)

• 8/4 - 8/7 from 8 am – 6 pm 
• 8/8 from 10 am – 3 pm 
• 8/10 from 8 am – 5 pm 

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

• 8/4 - 8/7 from 12 pm – 6 pm 
• 8/8 from 10 am – 3 pm 
• 8/10 from 8 am – 5 pm 

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

• 8/4 - 8/7 from 12 pm – 6 pm 
• 8/8 from 10 am – 3 pm 
• 8/10 from 8 am – 5 pm  

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

• 8/4 - 8/7 from 12 pm – 6 pm 
• 8/8 from 10 am – 3 pm 
• 8/10 from 8 am – 5 pm 

Maplewood Library (3025 Southlawn Dr; Maplewood)

• 8/4 - 8/7 from 12 pm – 6 pm 
• 8/8 from 10 am – 3 pm 
• 8/10 from 8 am – 5 pm  

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

• 8/4 - 8/7 from 12 pm – 6 pm 
• 8/8 from 10 am – 3 pm 
• 8/10 from 8 am – 5 pm  

Shoreview Library (4560 N Victoria St; Shoreview)

• 8/4 - 8/7 from 12 pm – 6 pm 
• 8/8 from 10 am – 3 pm 
• 8/10 from 8 am – 5 pm  

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

• 8/4 - 8/7 from 12 pm – 6 pm 
• 8/8 from 10 am – 3 pm 
• 8/10 from 8 am – 5 pm  

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

• Apply online.
• Download a paper application (Minnesota does not require a witness signature).

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.

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:
   • Request for agent delivery of absentee ballot form (PDF)
   • Absentee ballot application (PDF)
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.

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) Room 209
• Roseville Library (2180 Hamline Ave N; Roseville)
• Ramsey County Elections Offices (90 Plato Blvd; St. Paul MN) 

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. 

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).​

• English
• English Large-Print
• Español (Spanish)
• Hmoob (Hmong)
• Soomaali (Somali)
• Tiếng Việt (Vietnamese)
• Pусский (Russian)
• 中文 (Chinese)
• ພາສາລາວ (Lao)
• Oromo
• ខ្មែរ (Khmer)
• S'gaw Karen

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.

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. 

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

• Apply online.
• Download a paper application (Minnesota does not require a witness signature).

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.

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:
   • Request for agent delivery of absentee ballot form (PDF)
   • Absentee ballot application (PDF)
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.