Vote Early

In-Person Absentee Voting (vote early in person)

Eligible voters may cast an absentee ballot in person starting 46 days prior to Election Day. Absentee voting will begin on Friday, September 22 for the November General Election.

More information can be found here, including in-person absentee dates, times, and locations.


Absentee Voting by Mail (vote early by mail)

Ways to Apply

  • Online (Not Available for municipal or school district elections)
  • Complete the 2023 Minnesota Absentee Ballot Application (return instructions below)
  • Request to have a paper application sent to you by mail by calling 763-324-1300

Returning Paper Applications

Absentee Dates & Deadlines

All absentee voting by mail or in-person starts 46 days before each election. Applications returned before the start of the absentee period will have their ballots sent out on the first day of the absentee period. After the start of the absentee period, ballots will be mailed out as soon as possible after applications are received and processed. Please apply as early as possible to ensure prompt delivery.

**Important note: a witness is required for ALL absentee voters in 2023

Returning Your Ballot

  • Absentee ballots returned by mail must ARRIVE on or before Election Day in order to be counted.
  • Voters may drop off their own voted absentee ballot in person at the Anoka County Government Center or at their city hall. Ballots must be dropped off by 3 p.m. on Election Day in order to be counted.
  • If you are returning someone else's ballot, you will need to sign a return log and show identification with name and signature. You can drop off ballots for up to three other voters.
  • You CANNOT drop your ballot off at your polling place on Election Day.
  • Within the last 7 days prior to the election, voters in special situations can use the agent delivery process to vote absentee.

Track Your Ballot

  • Visit mnvotes.org/track to track the status of your absentee ballot.
  • Ballots are reviewed daily by the absentee ballot board to determine whether they meet acceptance criteria.
  • Opening of envelopes for accepted absentee ballots can begin after close of business on the 7th day prior to Election Day.
  • If your ballot is rejected, the voter will be sent a replacement ballot. Within the last 5 days before Election Day we will also attempt to contact the voter via phone and/or email.
  • What happens after you return your absentee ballot?
  • Contact Anoka County Elections by phone (763-324-1300) or email (elections@anokacountymn.gov) if you have questions regarding the status of your absentee ballot.