Preparing for the March 5 presidential primary

December 18, 2023

A presidential primary is held every four years ahead of the general election in November and is a way voters help states and political parties choose presidential nominees. Minnesota will hold its presidential primary on March 5, 2024. Any registered voter in Minnesota can vote in this election.  

A voter must request the ballot of the major political party of their choice. This can be done in-person at polling locations on Election Day or through the absentee ballot process. If a voter refuses to select a party, they will not be able to vote in the presidential primary. 

A voter’s choice of party ballot will be recorded and is private data. However, a list will be provided to the chair of each major political party of voters who selected that party. How a person votes on a ballot will be secret. 

Common questions about the presidential primary can be found on the Minnesota Secretary of State website. 

Applying for an absentee ballot 

Voters can apply for an absentee ballot online. Please note, if you are a participant in Minnesota’s Safe at Home Address Confidentiality Program, do not use the online form to apply. Please call Safe at Home at 866-723-3035. 

By requesting a ballot for the presidential primary, voters should be in general agreement with the principles of the party they select and understand that their party selection is shared with the major parties after the presidential primary.  

Once your application request is verified, Olmsted County election officials will process your request. You can check the status of your ballot online. The Olmsted County Elections Office will send you a ballot as soon as your application is processed, and ballots are ready. Ballots are ready 46 days before Election Day. 

Please complete your absentee ballot and return it to the Olmsted County Elections Office (2122 Campus Dr. SE, Suite 300, Rochester, MN 55904) by Election Day. A pre-paid envelope is also included if you would like to return the ballot by mail. 

Register to vote 

To vote in the presidential primary you must be a U.S. citizen, at least 18 years old on Election Day, a resident of Minnesota for 20 days, and not currently incarcerated for a felony conviction. You can register online or at your polling location on Election Day. 

Questions? 

If you have questions about absentee ballot application process, please email or call the Olmsted County Elections Office at 507-328-7650. More information on voting early can be found on the Minnesota Secretary of State website. 

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Media contact: Rachel Wick, Communications Specialist, 507-328-6537