As Minneapolis approaches its city elections, the tally of early voters has surged to become the second-highest for a municipal election in the city's history. According to officials, a total of 23,163 of the registered 252,980 voters have cast their ballots since early voting began on September 19. This indicates that 9.2% of those eligible have already made their electoral choices ahead of the official Election Day. The stats signal a robust turnout, trailing only behind the numbers from 2021.
In anticipation of the final rush, the Early Vote Center will remain open until 5 p.m. today, as reported by the City of Minneapolis. For those who prefer to mail in their ballots, they may continue to do so today and are reminded that these will be counted in the early vote totals as well. A map of early vote turnout is available for public viewing on the Minneapolis Elections & Voter Services website, providing a geographic breakdown of participation.
After the close of early voting, all eyes turn to Election Day, where voters must head to their designated polling places or drop off a completed ballot at Minneapolis Elections & Voter Services, located at 980 E. Hennepin Ave. from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. It's important to note, especially for first-timers or those new to the area, that completed mail ballots are not accepted at polling places on Election Day. Polling stations will be welcoming voters from 7 a.m. to 8 p.m., with the promise that anyone in line by the 8 p.m. cutoff will be able to vote.
This election cycle will see the continuation of ranked choice voting, allowing voters to rank up to three candidates across three columns on the paper ballot—a method heralded for its incentivization of broader voter participation. "Instructions on how to cast a ranked choice voting ballot will be available to each voter upon arrival at the polling place, and election judges will explain ranked-choice voting to voters as they pick up their ballots," says the City of Minneapolis. Signs in the polling place will also support voters in this process.
For those who like to come prepared, the official voting website provides sample ballots that can be brought to the polls to help streamline the process. The site encourages practicing marking the ballots beforehand to reduce wait times at polling stations. Full details and sample ballots can be found at the Minneapolis elections website.
Election results will trickle in after polls close, with updates posted on the City's elections website. Since ranked-choice voting demands a special results process, some results might be delayed, potentially extending the count to November 5 or 6 if initial tabulations don't yield winners. To stay updated, voters can follow Minneapolis Elections and Voter Services on Twitter or keep tabs on the elections website.
And for those needing to take time off work to vote, the law guarantees this right without losing pay, personal leave, or vacation time. Employers obstructing this right face misdemeanor charges, ensuring every voter has the chance to participate in shaping their community.
