Tips for voting safely during COVID-19

  • News
  • Oct 22, 2020

Due to the COVID-19 public health emergency, it is very important that voters adhere to health and safety recommendations provided by public health officials. To minimize transmission of the virus, keep these important tips in mind.

  • Absentee voting by mail is still an option: If you wish to avoid crowds on Election Day and requested an absentee ballot by mail, you may still complete the ballot and return it using the return envelope provided. Please ensure your ballot is postmarked by November 3. This will ensure your vote is counted. 
  • Drop ballots off at the ballot box: If you wish to avoid crowds on Election Day and requested an absentee ballot by mail, you may complete the ballot and drop it off at the ballot box through 3 p.m. on November 3 at 2122 Campus Drive SE. 
  • Consider voting via an agent: If you would like someone (an “agent”) to pick up your ballot and turn it in for you (voting via agent delivery), please contact the Olmsted County Elections Office at 507-328-7650 for more information. You will have a form to fill out to send with your agent which gives them permission to pick up your ballot. The agent must deliver the ballot by 2 p.m. on November 3 for it to be counted. 
  • Consider voting in person during the direct balloting period: If you wish to avoid crowds but want to vote in person, consider voting during the direct balloting period of October 27 through November 2 (at the Olmsted County Government Center or at 2122 Campus Drive SE). When voting in person, please wear a mask. Face coverings are required in all polling locations unless a voter is medically exempt. Please ensure you also adhere to hand hygiene and physical distancing guidelines (maintaining six feet of space between you and others). In person voters are encouraged to consider voting at off-peak times, typically the mid-morning or early afternoon, on Election Day. 
  • Vote during off-peak times on Election Day: If you wish to avoid crowds but want to vote in person on Election Day on November 3, consider voting at off-peak times, typically the mid-morning or early afternoon. When voting in person, please wear a mask. Face coverings are required in all polling locations unless a voter is medically exempt. Please ensure you also adhere to hand hygiene and physical distancing guidelines (maintaining six feet of space between you and others).

If you wish to vote but you have tested positive for COVID-19 or are in quarantine, return your ballot by mail now if you had an absentee ballot mailed to you. Otherwise, it’s recommended that you consider voting via agent delivery.

More information

For the latest election updates and further details about voting in Olmsted County and the City of Rochester, Minnesota, including links to online tools, visit the following sites: