Residents of Ramsey County, it’s time to exercise your democratic muscle as early voting kicks off today, Thursday, Oct. 17, for the upcoming Nov. 4 general and special elections. On the docket this year, voters will weigh in on a special election for Senate District 47 and numerous school district elections for districts 282, 621, 622, 623, and 625, in addition to city and school district general races. As per the Minnesota no-excuse absentee voting policy, you can opt to vote early via mail or in person, a flexibility designed to accommodate those with busy schedules or unexpected election day obligations.
If you're keen to avoid the Election Day crowds, early voting by mail is a straightforward affair; request an absentee ballot and once you receive it, fill it out with the solemnity this civic duty warrants, then return it by mail or drop it off at the Plato Building located at 90 W. Plato Blvd., Saint Paul, MN 55107, Ramsey County reports. From Sept. 19 through Nov. 3, you can visit the Plato Building during their voting hours, which run Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., including a special window on Saturday, Nov. 1, from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m., and on the day prior to the election, Monday, Nov. 3, voting will be open from 8 a.m. until 5 p.m.
Should you prefer casting your ballot amidst the camaraderie of fellow voters, in-person early voting is available starting today at multiple locations throughout Ramsey County—the Ramsey County Library-Roseville at 2180 Hamline Ave. N., the Ramsey County Library-Shoreview at 4560 Victoria St. N., the Arlington Hills Community Center at 1200 Payne Ave., and the North End Community Center at 145 Lawson Ave. W. Early voting in person runs from Oct. 17 to Nov. 3, with open hours Monday through Friday, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., and they also offer Saturday hours on Nov. 1 from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. for the convenience of the weekend warriors among us.
When the much-anticipated election day, Tuesday, Nov. 4, arrives, if you haven't already cast your vote early, make sure to show up at your specific polling place because every vote, each a building block in the edifice of our republic, contributes to shaping the future of our community, our state, our nation; for details on polling locations and to view sample ballots, diligent voters can head to mnvotes.gov for the necessary information. As the curtains draw close on another election cycle, this act, this trip to the ballot box, is a testament to the persistent pulse of democracy, reminding one and all that the power of the vote is, indeed, the pillar upon which the house of self-governance rests.
