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Minnesota elections in 2026

This page lists Minnesota statewide election dates, voter registration deadlines, absentee and early voting timelines, poll hours, and official election resources.

At a glance​

Register to vote in Minnesota​

Start with the official Minnesota voter registration page. The section below highlights registration methods and the deadlines tied to the next statewide election on this page.

Minnesota voters may register online, by mail, or in person. Registration deadlines may vary by election type or method where noted. Same-day registration may also be available where noted.

Upcoming registration deadlines​

  • July 21, 2026 — Voter Registration Deadline: Register in advance by July 21 to save time on Primary Election Day
  • July 22, 2026 — Voter Registration Deadline By Mail, Fax or email attachment: Mail or drop off your application to either your county election office.
  • August 11, 2026 — Election Day Voter Registration Deadline: Qualified individuals may register to vote at the polling place on Election Day. M. S. A. §201. 061. You can register or update your registration when you vote, whether that is at your polling place on Election Day or at an early voting location. However, voters are encouraged to register before Election Day. It will save you time at the polling place.

Online​

You can register to vote online. Online registration deadline is 20 days before Election Day

Eligibility or requirements

  • Must meet state voter registration eligibility requirements.

Deadlines

By Mail​

Mail or drop off your application to either your county election office

Deadlines

In Person​

Voters may register in person at designated election offices or voter registration agencies.

Special registration options​

Same Day Registration: Available

Qualified individuals may register to vote at the polling place on Election Day. M. S. A. §201. 061. You can register or update your registration when you vote, whether that is at your polling place on Election Day or at an early voting location. However, voters are encouraged to register before Election Day. It will save you time at the polling place.

Military Overseas: Available

Your ballot application also serves as a voter registration application.

Additional registration notes​

Other Registration Option

The National Mail Voter Registration Form may also be available where accepted.

Registration Status

Consider yourself registered when- and only when- you receive an acknowledgment from your county clerk. Never assume you are registered to vote until you have received this acknowledgment. Call your county clerk and inquire about the status of your application. Check your voter registration status online by visiting this site

Absentee and early voting in Minnesota​

These absentee and early voting deadlines are tied to the next statewide election listed on this page. Local procedures can vary, so confirm final details with your local election office.

  • June 26, 2026 — Vote By Mail or In Person Begins: In Minnesota, you can vote early with an absentee ballot starting 46 days before Election Day.
  • July 22, 2026 — Voter Registration Deadline By Mail, Fax or email attachment: Mail or drop off your application to either your county election office.
  • August 10, 2026 — Vote By Mail or In Person ends: Early voting ends at 5 p. m. the day before Election Day.
  • August 11, 2026 — Election Day Voter Registration Deadline: Qualified individuals may register to vote at the polling place on Election Day. M. S. A. §201. 061. You can register or update your registration when you vote, whether that is at your polling place on Election Day or at an early voting location. However, voters are encouraged to register before Election Day. It will save you time at the polling place.

Voter ID requirements in Minnesota​

Review the current voter ID rules before you vote: Minnesota voter ID requirements.

Minnesota election dates for 2026​

Primary Election — August 11, 2026​

The state primary are held on the second Tuesday in August in each even-numbered year to select the nominees of the major political parties for partisan offices. MN ST § 204D. 03

Important dates​

  • June 26, 2026 — Vote By Mail or In Person Begins: In Minnesota, you can vote early with an absentee ballot starting 46 days before Election Day.
  • July 21, 2026 — Voter Registration Deadline: Register in advance by July 21 to save time on Primary Election Day
  • July 22, 2026 — Voter Registration Deadline By Mail, Fax or email attachment: Mail or drop off your application to either your county election office.
  • August 10, 2026 — Vote By Mail or In Person ends: Early voting ends at 5 p. m. the day before Election Day.
  • August 11, 2026 — Election Day Voter Registration Deadline: Qualified individuals may register to vote at the polling place on Election Day. M. S. A. §201. 061. You can register or update your registration when you vote, whether that is at your polling place on Election Day or at an early voting location. However, voters are encouraged to register before Election Day. It will save you time at the polling place.

General Election — November 3, 2026​

November General election is held the Tuesday after the first Monday of November

Important dates​

  • September 18, 2026 — Vote By Mail or In Person begins: In Minnesota, you can vote early with an absentee ballot starting 46 days before Election Day.
  • October 13, 2026 — Voter Registration Deadline By Mail, Fax or email attachment: Mail or drop off your application to either your county election office.
  • October 13, 2026 — Voter Registration Deadline Online: You can register to vote online. Online registration deadline is 20 days before Election Day.
  • November 2, 2026 — Vote by mail or in person Ends: Early voting ends at 5 p. m. the day before Election Day.
  • November 3, 2026 — Election Day Voter Registration Deadline: Qualified individuals may register to vote at the polling place on Election Day. M. S. A. §201. 061. You can register or update your registration when you vote, whether that is at your polling place on Election Day or at an early voting location. However, voters are encouraged to register before Election Day. It will save you time at the polling place.

Official Minnesota election resources​

Use these official and state-specific resources to confirm dates, registration rules, absentee voting requirements, voter ID rules, and local procedures.

What may vary locally​

Election dates, voter registration deadlines, early voting, absentee voting, and voting hours apply to statewide elections in most cases. However, Check with your Town Clerk for the hours of voting, and voter registration deadlines as they vary by town. Please be advised that these dates are updated regularly but are subject to scheduling changes at the local level.