Make Your Plan to Vote in the Midterm Election

A row of white voting booths with the word 'VOTE' and an American flag printed on the side. People are standing behind the booths, partially visible, inside a large, well-lit room. Election Day is Tuesday, November 3, 2026. Early and absentee options are already underway. This post explains how to register, when and where you can vote, and the accessibility options available statewide.

What’s new (and what isn’t) in 2026

Early Voting begins statewide next week, on Friday, October 16, 2026.
Absentee ballots (by mail or in‑person absentee) have been available since Friday, September 18, 2026.
A recent Supreme Court order allows states to use the SAVE program to check voter eligibility—for now. Minnesota does not use SAVE and is not permitted to use it under state law to do so. Minnesota’s voting procedures remain unchanged.

Register to vote

Make sure you’re registered at your current address. You can register online, by paper form, when you vote early, or on Election Day at your polling place (with required proof of residence). If your name or address changes, you’ll need to re‑register.

Minnesota also uses Automatic Voter Registration (AVR) for eligible adults who obtain or renew a state‑issued ID. You can opt out of AVR if you choose.

Your options to vote

Vote early in person

Minnesota offers two ways to vote in person before Election Day. In‑person absentee works like voting by mail, just at a location. Early Voting starts October 16, and you insert your ballot into a tabulator immediately.

Vote by mail (absentee)

To vote by mail, be aware of the following information:

You do not need to be registered to apply.
Witness requirement: A U.S. citizen age 18+ or a notary must witness your ballot; follow the packet instructions.
Accessible absentee ballots: Voters with print disabilities can request an accessible absentee ballot (apply, then contact your county elections office).
Agent delivery (available starting October 27, seven days before Election Day): If eligible, you may authorize an agent (age 18+, pre‑existing relationship, not a candidate) to pick up and return your ballot. Agents may return ballots for up to three voters.
Return deadlines:
- By mail: Your ballot must be received by 8 p.m. on Election Day (November 3).
- In person: Return your ballot to the elections office that sent it by 5 p.m. on Election Day. You cannot drop an absentee ballot at your polling place.

Vote on Election Day (Tuesday, November 3)

Vote at your assigned polling place on Election Day. If you’re in line by 8 p.m., you have the right to vote. You can also register at the polling place with proof of residence.

Accessibility and assistance

Every polling place must be accessible. Most locations offer ballot‑marking machines, curbside voting, and the option to receive assistance from the person of your choice (not an employer or union representative). Assistants may not influence or disclose how you voted.

About the federal SAVE program

In late September, the U.S. Supreme Court ruled that the federal Systematic Alien Verification for Entitlements (SAVE) program, a program for checking voter eligibility, may be used while litigation surrounding it continues.

Minnesota does not use SAVE, state law does not permit Minnesota to use it, and the ruling has no effect on Minnesota’s elections, according to Secretary of State Steve Simon. Your options to vote, including options for people with disabilities, remain the same.

Attend a virtual town hall

The Minnesota Secretary of State’s Office, with The Elections Group, will host a virtual town hall on Tuesday, October 20, 2026, from 7–8 p.m. Central Time. The session will cover what voters need to know before casting a ballot and include time for questions.

Make a plan

Whichever option you choose—early in person, by mail, or on Election Day—making a plan now helps ensure your vote is counted.

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