Early Voting Begins for Minnesotans

Minnesota has some of the earliest absentee voting in the country

DULUTH, Minn. – Voters across Minnesota can begin casting their absentee ballots for president, today.

That’s right, with 46 days until the presidential election, Minnesota and South Dakota allow their residents to vote earlier than in any other state. Early voting became increasingly popular during the 2020 General Elections, that occurred in the shadow of the Covid-19 pandemic. With lockdowns long-since lifted, some states remain skeptical of loosening current limitations on early voting.

Duluth’s City Clerk, Ian Johnson, said the city is prepared for the start of both early and traditional and traditional voting. While anyone can submit an absentee ballot early, Johnson stressed this shouldn’t deter people from heading to their polling station on November 5th.

“If you’re looking to just kind of skip the lines on election day, please know we’re going to be fully staffed and ready to go on election day,” Johnson said, “and there might actually be longer lines at City Hall, then you’re going to see at your polling place.”

Ultimately, Johnson trusts people will make the right decision for themselves. “Do what works best for you vote where it’s most convenient. But you know, don’t necessarily think you’re going to come here and skip the lines.”