Prepare to Vote

After you receive the absentee ballot you applied for, follow the instructions that are included. Absentee ballots are mailed starting 46 days before Election Day.

There is more information on this page for how to vote absentee by mail or absentee in person.

Items you will receive

  • Ballot
  • Tan ballot envelope
  • White signature envelope
  • Voter registration application (for non-registered voters only)
  • Larger white return envelope
  • Instructions for completing and returning your ballot

Contact us if any of the above items are missing.

You will also need:

  • A blue or black ink pen
  • Your Minnesota driver’s license or state ID number or the last four digits of your Social Security number
  • A witness who is registered to vote in Minnesota. This could be your spouse, a relative, a notary public, or someone with the authority to administer oaths.

Registered voters

1. Follow instruction on the ballot to vote.

  • Show your witness your blank ballot.
  • Do not write your name or ID number on the ballot.
  • Do not vote for more candidates than allowed. If you do, your votes for that office will not count.

2. Seal your ballot in the tan ballot envelope. Do not write on this envelope.

3. Put the tan envelope into the white signature envelope.

4. Fill out the white signature envelope.

  • Print your Minnesota driver’s license or state ID number or the last four digits of your Social Security number — use the same number you used on your absentee ballot application.
  • Read and sign the oath.
  • Have your witness print their name and Minnesota street address (not a P.O. box), including the city, and sign their name.
  • Seal the envelope.

5. Put the white signature envelope into the larger white return envelope. This protects your private information.

6. Return your ballot by mail, or you or someone you choose can drop it off at your local election office. See the Vote by mail, Vote in person or Vote by agent sections below. 

Non-registered voters

1. Fill out the voter registration application and sign it.

2. Show your witness your driver’s license or other authorized proof of where you live.

3. Show your witness your blank ballot.

4. Follow instruction on the ballot to vote. Mark your votes in private.

  • Do not write your name or ID number on the ballot.
  • Do not vote for more candidates than allowed. If you do, your votes for that office will not count.

5. Seal your ballot in the tan ballot envelope. Do not write on this envelope.

6. Put the tan envelope and the voter registration application into the white signature envelope.

7. Fill out the white signature envelope completely.

  • Print your Minnesota driver’s license or state ID card number or the last four digits of your Social Security number — use the same number you used on your absentee ballot application.
  • Read and sign the oath.
  • Have your witness indicate which proof you showed them, print their name and Minnesota street address (not a P.O. box), including the city, and sign their name.
  • Seal the envelope.

8. Put the white signature envelope into the larger white return envelope. This protects your private information.

9. Return your ballot by mail or you or someone else you choose can drop it off at your local election office. See the Vote by mail, Vote in person or Vote by agent sections below. 

Deadline for return 

To be counted, your ballot must be received on or before Election Day.

Printable instructions

Avoid common mistakes

  • Don't leave the witness section blank or incomplete.
  • Read the instructions.
  • Use a blue or black ink pen to mark your ballot.
  • Use the same ID number (driver’s license or state ID or the last 4 digits of your Social Security number) on your signature envelope that you used on your application. It's a good idea to put down both numbers in both places.
  • Remember to sign the white signature envelope.