Make sure you’re “election ready” this year!
Make sure you’re “election ready” this year
By Casey Joe Carl, Minneapolis City Clerk
On November 7, Minneapolis voters will have the opportunity to make their voices heard by ranking their choices for all municipal races; that includes: Mayor, City Council, Park & Recreation Board of Commissioners, and Board of Estimate & Taxation.
Remember, there are several ways to cast your ballot.
Early Voting
Since 2014, Minnesota voters have benefitted from “no-excuse” absentee balloting, which means any voter has early access to their official ballot. The absentee voting period this year begins September 22 and runs through November 6. That relates to Vote-By-Mail options as well as early in-person voting (see below).
Early Voting – In Person
This year, Elections & Voter Services will support in-person early voting at its Downtown Early Vote Center, located one block north of City Hall, at 217 S. Third Street. The Early Vote Center will be sufficiently staffed to ensure curbside support, translation and language assistance, and information to assure a smooth process for everyone choosing to take advantage of this voter convenience. The City will also offer extended in-person service hours in the two weeks leading to Election Day. That includes service hours from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. on the two Saturdays (Oct. 28 and Nov. 4) and from 12 to 5 p.m. on the two Sundays (Oct. 29 and Nov. 5), as well as extended weekday service hours from 7 a.m. to 6 p.m., Monday through Friday, Oct. 30 to Nov. 3, and then 7 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Monday, Nov. 6, the day before Election Day.
Early Voting – By Mail
Voting by mail is one of the greatest conveniences because it allows voters to cast their ballots from any location, with all the same security protections, without the hassles and pressures that can be associated with the narrow window of time on Election Day. Vote-by-Mail options also ensure voters who are actively deployed in the military, who are overseas and away from home, or who otherwise cannot participate in-person—for any reason—can still participate in the election. The City’s elections website has helpful instructions on how to request and complete an absentee ballot by mail.
Election Day – At The Polls
And, of course, voters can opt to go to their assigned polling place on Election Day to cast their ballot.
Preliminary results will be posted on Election Night to the City’s Elections & Voter Services website, at vote.minneapolismn.gov. If tabulation is required in any race, it will begin the following day and results will be posted continuously until all races on the ballot have been completed and unofficial winners declared.
No matter which option you choose, be sure to get involved, get informed, and participate in this year’s municipal election. Your voice is your vote, and every vote counts!