Hi Neighbors,
The right to vote is fundamental, and no American should be forced to choose between their health and their right to vote. As COVID-19 cases continue to rise, I want to ensure you know how to safely vote on August 11th and November 3rd.
In our nation’s history, we have never failed to hold regularly scheduled elections – even in times of war, natural disaster, and economic crisis. This year will be no different. Minnesota is doing everything possible to ensure our elections are safe, secure, accessible, and fair. This includes offering multiple accommodations to ensure that every Minnesotan can participate in our democracy:
- Vote By Mail allows you to safely and securely vote early from the comfort of your own home. To vote by mail, click here to apply to have an absentee ballot mailed to you. You can return your ballot by mail, or in person, no later than 3 p.m. on Election Day. While your envelope might have a box for a witness to sign, there is no witness requirement for registered voters for the August 11th primary election due to the coronavirus pandemic.
- Agent Delivery permits voters in special situations – like voters residing in nursing homes or assisted living facilities – to ask an agent to pick up and return a ballot for them. Voters can use agent delivery during the seven days before election day. Click here for more information about agent delivery.
- Voting Early In Person provides voters the ability to avoid the lines and crowds of Election Day by registering and voting early in person. All voters have at least one location where they can vote early in person. Click here to find out where you can vote early in person.
- Curbside Voting is an option for anyone who cannot enter the polling place for any reason, including health concerns. Curbside voting allows you to register and vote without leaving your vehicle. Two election judges will bring a ballot to you and, when you are finished voting, they will bring your ballot inside for you and put it in the ballot box.
If you have questions about voting in the primary election on August 11th or the general election on November 3rd, contact the Office of the Secretary of State of Minnesota online at mnvotes.org, by phone at 651-215-1440 or 1-877-600-VOTE (8683), or by email at secretary.state@state.mn.us.
Our democracy depends on your participation, and in 2020 it’s important to make a plan to vote safely. Let’s continue building on Minnesota’s success – our success – of consistently leading the nation in voter turnout at the ballot box (and the mailbox).
Keep the faith and keep in touch,
Dean Phillips
Member of Congress