Voting absentee in the August primary election

June 24, 2024

Beginning Friday, June 28, 2024, eligible voters in Minnesota can vote absentee for the August 13, 2024, primary election. Absentee ballots can be requested through the Office of the Minnesota Secretary of State.

Below are several options to vote absentee during this 46-day period.

Absentee by mail 

To vote absentee by mail, you will need a witness, who can be either a registered Minnesota voter or a notary. Completed ballots can be returned by mail or in person to the Olmsted County Elections Office at 2122 Campus Dr. SE, Suite 300, Rochester, MN 55904. Please note that your ballot must be received by Election Day at 8 p.m. to be counted.

Absentee in person 

You can also submit your absentee ballot in person at the Olmsted County Elections Office, open Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Additionally, the office will be open on Saturday, August 10, 2024, from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.

Direct balloting  

Direct balloting, which allows voters to submit their ballots directly into a tabulator or use absentee envelopes, will be available 18 days before the primary election at the Olmsted County Elections Office:

  • Location: 2122 Campus Drive SE, Suite 300, in Rochester
  • Dates: July 26, 2024 – August 12, 2024
  • Hours: Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. – Saturday, August 10, 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. 

Direct balloting will also be available at Rochester City Hall, seven days before Election Day:

  • Location: 201 4th St. SE in Rochester, Conference room 104
  • Dates: August 6 – August 12, 2024 
  • Hours: Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. – Saturday, August 10, 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. 

Permanent absentee voter status

As of June 1, 2024, voters with permanent absentee voter status will automatically receive an absentee ballot. Voter registration applications now include an option to join the permanent absentee voter list. If you are already registered and wish to attain permanent absentee voter status, you will need to update your voter registration. If you are unsure whether you currently have permanent absentee voter status, please email or call the Olmsted County Elections Office at 507-328-7650.

Questions? 

For more information and frequently asked questions about voting in Olmsted County, please visit Olmsted County’s website. Details about Minnesota’s new elections laws are available on the Secretary of State’s website. 

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