By Rich Larson
Minnesota voters can begin casting early ballots Friday for the Nov. 3 general election. Early voting works differently from the absentee voting that has been underway since mid-September.
Absentee voting opened 46 days before Election Day. Voters who cast absentee ballots in person during that period sealed them in envelopes, and election officials processed them later.
Friday marks the start of the final 18 days before the election. From then on, voters who vote in person can feed their ballots directly into a ballot counter, just as they would at their polling place on Election Day.
Every eligible voter in Rice County can vote early at Northfield City Hall. Voters who are not yet registered can register when they vote in person, with proof of residence. Residents can also still vote absentee by mail.
City Hall’s early voting hours are 8 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. Monday through Thursday and 8 a.m. to 11 a.m. Friday. Voters must arrive at least 15 minutes before closing.
City Hall is closed Friday afternoons. Rice County residents who want to vote then can go to the Rice County Government Center in Faribault. Dakota County residents can go to the Dakota County Government Center in Hastings.
State law requires absentee voting locations to offer extra hours as the election approaches. City Hall will also be open:
- Saturday, Oct. 24, 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.
- Tuesday, Oct. 27, 8 a.m. to 7 p.m.
- Saturday, Oct. 31, 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.
- Sunday, Nov. 1, 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.
- Monday, Nov. 2, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Mail ballots need a witness who is a registered Minnesota voter or a notary. They must be received by 8 p.m. on Election Day to be counted.
Voters who prefer to vote on Election Day can do so at their regular polling place Nov. 3.
Rich Larson is the owner and General manager of KYMN Radio. Contact him at rich@kymnradio.net
