Minneapolis residents keen on avoiding potential Election Day lines have more than just one day to cast their votes for the upcoming November 5th elections. According to an announcement from the City of Minneapolis, over 42,000 individuals have already seized the opportunity for early voting, with options to vote either in-person or via mail still available. For those who wish to avoid any postal delays, the city recommends mailing in ballots by October 29th or planning an alternative way to turn them in.
The Early Vote Center at 980 Hennepin Ave. E is one of the primary locations open for voters, with extended hours to accommodate the expected influx of voters. The main site operates till 5 p.m. on Monday, November 4th, the day before the actual Election Day. In a quote provided by the City of Minneapolis, "Anyone who can vote in Minneapolis on Election Day can also vote early at the Early Vote Center." Additional sites at the Urban League Twin Cities and Bethel Lutheran Church follow the same hours as the main location.
Beyond the brick-and-mortar early voting stations, the city has introduced pop-up voting events at various locations. These one-day events are designed to offer the same secure voting process but are more conveniently spread across the city. These pop-up events are gearing up for their final days of operation, with a schedule and locations accessible on the city's election website for interested voters.
For those choosing the vote-by-mail option, the City of Minneapolis advises completing this process sooner rather than later. Tomorrow, October 29th, is the recommended last day to mail ballots to ensure they are counted. Alternatively, mail ballots can be dropped off at multiple locations, including Elections and Voter Services at 980 E Hennepin and the Hennepin County Government Center during voting hours. However, on the day of the election, ballots must be submitted by 8 p.m. and cannot be returned to individual polling sites. Detailed instructions on mail-in and drop-off procedures can be found on the city's official election page.
