By Rich Larson
Minnesotans can now vote ahead of the Nov. 3 general election. For Rice County residents, that includes voting in person in Faribault or at Northfield City Hall, as well as requesting a ballot by mail.
Ballots became available Sept. 18. Until Oct. 16, people voting in person use the absentee ballot process: they complete an application, mark their ballot and place it in a secure envelope. Beginning Oct. 16, voters at designated early voting locations can put their ballots directly into a ballot counter, much as they would on Election Day. In-person voting continues through Monday, Nov. 2.
In Northfield, voting takes place in the second-floor training room at City Hall, 801 Washington St. The location serves every eligible Rice County voter, regardless of where in the county they live. It also serves Northfield residents in Ward 3, Precinct 2, which lies in Dakota County. Regular voting hours are 8 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. Monday through Thursday and 8 to 11 a.m. Friday. The city asks voters to arrive at least 15 minutes before closing.
Rice County voters can also go to the Property Tax and Elections Office in the Rice County Government Services Building, 320 Third St. NW in Faribault. From Sept. 28 through Oct. 30, its regular voting hours are 8 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. Monday through Friday. Both locations will offer additional hours on two Saturdays, Sunday, Nov. 1, and the final Monday before the election. They will also remain open until 7 p.m. Tuesday, Oct. 27
A one-day voting location will open at Carleton College’s Severance Hall on Thursday, Oct. 22, from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. It will serve all Rice County voters and Northfield’s Ward 3, Precinct 2.
Voters who prefer to vote by mail can request an absentee ballot through mnvotes.gov. They should follow the enclosed instructions, including the witness requirement, and allow time for the ballot to reach election officials by Election Day. Rice County mailed absentee ballots cannot be returned to Northfield City Hall; they must be mailed back or delivered to the county office in Faribault.
Rich Larson is the owner and General manager of KYMN Radio. Contact him at rich@kymnradio.net
