Election 2026

You can vote now in the 2026 midterm election. Here's what to know.

KAXE

Published September 22, 2026 at 12:17 PM CDT

A "Vote Here" sign in Minneapolis on Nov. 3, 2020.

Early voting options in Minnesota began on Sept. 18, 2026. Those who aren't yet registered can do so now, or even on Election Day.

Where and when do I vote?

There are three ways to vote in Minnesota: by mail, early in-person and in-person on Election Day.

Voting by mail began Sept. 18. Some precincts in rural areas are mail ballot precincts, and ballots are automatically mailed to registered voters there.

If you don’t live in a mail ballot precinct, you can still request a ballot at mnvotes.gov/absentee. The Secretary of State’s Office recommends applying before Oct. 20.

You can return your ballot by mail, and those ballots must be received by no later than 8 p.m. on Election Day. Or, you can drop it off yourself at your county elections office no later than 5 p.m. on Election Day.

Early in-person voting also began Sept. 18. You can go to your county’s early voting location(s), usually the courthouse or government center, and fill out an absentee ballot. You will need to know your MN ID or Social Security number to fill out the application.

Early voting sites throughout Northern Minnesota will be open during regular government business hours. Several early voting pop-up events are planned, including a few in tribal communities.

Starting Oct. 16, voters can cast ballots as part of the “early voting process,” which is more similar to voting on Election Day. You’ll fill out a short certificate, fill out a ballot and then put it into the ballot counter.

On Election Day, Tuesday, Nov. 3, you can go to your local polling place to vote until 8 p.m. You can find your polling place at mnvotes.gov/pollfinder.

Local election officials also send teams of election judges to nursing homes and hospitals during the 35 days before the election and provide ballots to voters who live in the city or town where the facility is located. You can contact facility management or your local election office to find out when that will happen.

How do I register to vote?

You can register to vote, update your registration or check your registration online at mnvotes.gov or by returning a paper form to your local elections office. You’ll need an email address and your driver’s license or the last four digits of your Social Security number.

You can also register when you vote, either early in-person or on Election Day. You’ll need to bring one proof of residence, like your driver’s license or a photo ID paired with a bill or lease. Click here for exactly what you'll need to bring.

Where can I find more information?

For more details on voting, you can visit mnvotes.gov, call 1-877-600-VOTE (8683), text 651-217-3862 or contact your county election office.

For more on the 2026 election, including candidates, maps and more, visit kaxe.org/elections.