Minneapolis voters are getting a head start on the presidential primary, with early voting kicking off today, Jan. 19, at the city's Early Vote Center. The center, located at 980 E. Hennepin Ave., will be open through the day before the March 5 primary, offering citizens a chance to cast their ballots well in advance of the main event.
At the Early Vote Center, Minneapolitans can quickly choose between participating in major party ballots in private, although the party they select will be available to that party, as reported on the City of Minneapolis website. Voting hours are set from 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., Monday through Friday, except for Presidents Day on Feb. 19. In a push to accommodate all schedules, the center will also open its doors the last two weekends before the primary.
Those who can't make it in person have the option to vote early by mail, the City website indicates. No specific reason is needed to utilize this method, but the city advises voters to allow up to a week for the mail process. For voters preferring a bricks-and-mortar approach beyond the Early Vote Center, the downtown Hennepin County Government Center, at 300 Sixth St. S., provides an alternative location for early voting.
When it comes to registration, the City website highlights the benefits of getting it done early. Preregistration can help to swiftly navigate the voting process on a primary day, and it ends 21 days before the March 5 primary. Minneapolis residents can check their registration status and reregister if necessary due to address changes, name changes, or if they haven't voted in four years. The City offers online options for this, but applications are also up for grabs at local government offices for mailing in.
All of these efforts point to a smoother, more accessible voting process for Minneapolis locals. With language support and other special accommodations, such as curbside voting catered for, the aim is to ease access to the democratic right to vote, minimizing the long lines and wait times often observed on election day. For further details on the voting process and how to make your voice heard early this election cycle, visit the City of Minneapolis website.
