Early (Absentee) Voting

All eligible voters may avoid the lines on Election Day by choosing to vote early through absentee voting.  Ballots for absentee voting are available 46 days before an election and can be submitted in person or by mail, instead of at a polling location.  When voting early, either in-person at city hall or through the mail, you must complete an absentee ballot application in order to receive a ballot.

Vote early in person

Details will be posted here when available.

 Vote early by mail

Once your completed application is received, an election official will mail your ballot to you during the early voting period (46 days before election day).  To request an application in an alternative format such as Braille, call 1.877.600.8683.

What does the absentee ballot application require?

Anyone who wants to vote early by absentee ballot is required to fill out a Minnesota Absentee Ballot Application (PDF). The application asks for information similar to what you would provide at your polling place to check in. The application is required by law and helps election officials verify your identity and registration status.

 The application requires you to provide:

  • Full name (first, middle, last)
  • Date of birth
  • A Minnesota-issued ID or driver's license number OR the last four digits of your Social Security number
  • Address where you live
  • Signature of an oath that you are eligible to vote in the state of Minnesota

Additional information required for online application only:

  • Email address

Deadline to apply

You can apply for a ballot any time during the year, except on Election Day. If you plan to vote through the mail, remember to leave time for election officials to mail your ballot, and for you to complete and return it on or before Election Day. 

Can I have applications sent automatically?

You can have paper applications sent to you before each election. Complete and return the Minnesota Recurring Absentee Ballot Application (PDF) to Hennepin County Elections to have an absentee ballot automatically mailed to you 60 days before each election. 

Return your ballot

Once you receive your ballot, read and follow the instructions carefully. For your ballot to count, remember the following:

  • If you are not registered to vote at the time you apply for a ballot you will be sent a voter registration application with your ballot. You will need a witness to sign your white signature envelope and verify which proof of residence you used to register to vote. The witness can be either a registered Minnesota voter or a notary. Please note that city elections staff can only serve as a witness for ballots that are requested and completed in person at city hall.
  • Mail the ballot, and any required registration forms, in the envelope that was sent to you. Your ballot will not count if any required information is missing or incomplete.

Deadline to return your ballot

Your ballot will not count if it is received after the deadline. The deadline for the state primary is 3 p.m. at Champlin City Hall or 8 p.m. at the Hennepin County Government Center on Election Day.

Return your ballot in person (Champlin Residents Only)

You can return your ballot in person to City Hall during normal business hours.

  • Monday – Friday, 8 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.

You may NOT drop your ballot off at a polling place on Election Day and your ballot will NOT count if it is received at City Hall after 3 p.m. on Election Day.

Return your ballot by mail

You may return your ballot by U.S. mail, expedited mail or a package delivery service (such as FedEx or UPS). If you choose this option, your ballot must be delivered to Hennepin County Elections, at the address on your ballot return envelope, by 8 p.m. on Election Day to be counted.

Return a ballot for someone else (Champlin voters only)

  • A person can return a ballot for other voters in person at City Hall by 3 p.m. on Election Day. This person can return ballots for up to three (3) voters and will need to show identification with name and signature when returning a ballot.
  • You may NOT drop ballots off at any polling place on Election Day.
  • Ballots will NOT count if they are received at city hall after 3 p.m. on Election Day.

Ballots picked up and returned by others

City staff is unable to issue ballots to anyone other than the voter, unless you meet the requirements for agent delivery. Agent delivery is only available seven days before any election.

If you are unable to go to your polling location due to incapacitating health reasons or a disability, you can have an agent pick up and return an absentee ballot for you. Through agent delivery, you can designate someone you have a personal relationship with to get a ballot and bring it to you. An absentee ballot application is still required to be completed by the voter, along with a request for agent delivery. Your completed application and request form must be received by 2 p.m. on Election Day. Your agent must return your ballot by 3 p.m. on Election Day. You can also choose to return your ballot by mail; however, election officials must receive your ballot on or before Election Day.

Vote for military or those living abroad

Special forms and procedures are available for Minnesotans who are serving in the military or are otherwise overseas. Please email Hennepin County Elections or call 612-348-5151 with questions.  City staff cannot assist with absentee ballots for military or overseas voters.