Absentee Voting

Minnesota voters who are unable to get to their polling places on Election Day can still participate in our democracy and vote. The process is called voting by absentee ballot.

Minnesota voters no longer need a reason to vote absentee.

Prior to the primary and general election, Minnesota voters may choose to vote absentee by mail, in person, or by using a designated agent.

Your ballot will be processed within days of arrival and you will be notified if there is a problem.

Voting Absentee by Mail

Follow these steps to complete your absentee ballot by mail:

1. Obtain an absentee ballot application from the Crow Wing County Auditor or Crosslake City Hall.
2. Complete and return the application as soon as possible. You may submit your application by mail, fax or as a scanned image attached to an e-mail.
3. Upon receipt of your completed application, your absentee ballot and materials will be mailed to you as soon as ballots become available - 46 days before the primary and 46 days before Election Day. If you are not registered to vote, the materials will include a voter registration application.
4. Follow the instructions provided in your absentee ballot materials to complete the process successfully. You will need a witness to certify that your ballot was delivered to you blank and that you marked your ballot in private. This witness can be anyone registered to vote in Minnesota, including your spouse or relative; a notary public; or a person with the authority to administer oaths.
5. Return your absentee ballot materials by Election Day to the Crow Wing County Auditor.

NOTE: Your ballot may not be delivered directly to your polling place.

Voting Absentee in Person

Where: Crow Wing County Auditor's Office

When:

• 46-day period before a primary or general election
• Monday - Friday during normal business hours
• Last Saturday before Election Day (10 A.M. to 3 P.M.)
• Day before Election Day (until 5 P.M.)

What to Expect:

Arrive at the County Auditor's Office during one of the above designated times.

The election official will provide you with absentee ballot materials to complete. If you are not already registered to vote at your current address, you will need to fill out a Voter Registration Application and show proof of residence.

If you have any questions, the attending election official is there to provide you further assistance.