Absentee voting

Learn how Olmsted County ensures a fair and accurate absentee ballot process.

Beginning Friday, June 26, 2026, eligible voters in Minnesota can vote absentee for the August 11, 2026 primary election.

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

Absentee ballot request

To request an application for absentee voting by mail, please contact our office at 507-328-7650 or elections@olmstedcounty.gov.    

Our location

Overview map of our office location and parking:

Absentee by mail

Complete and return an absentee ballot request form as soon as you can to ensure you receive your ballot and your vote is counted on Election Day. Information about applying can also be found at mnvotes.org. Your ballot will be sent via US Postal Service during the absentee voting period, which starts 46 days prior to Election Day. You may send your ballot back to us via mail or drop it off in person at the absentee voting office (2122 Campus Dr. SE, Suite 300, Rochester, MN 55904) or the Government Center (151 4th Street SE, Rochester, MN 55904) during business hours, Monday through Friday 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.

All absentee materials must be returned to our office in-person by 5 p.m. or through the mail by 8 p.m. on Election Day.  

Witness requirements

To vote absentee by mail you will need a witness. A witness can be:

• A U.S. citizen who is at least 18 years old.
• A notary public.
• A person authorized to administer oaths. 

Absentee in-person

Vote in person at the Olmsted County Elections Office (2122 Campus Dr. SE, Suite 300, Rochester, MN). In person voting is open Monday-Friday starting 46 days prior to an election. The next absentee period starts on Friday, June 26, 2026, for the August 11, 2026, primary election.

Early Voting

Early Voting starts 18 days prior to an election. You will be able to vote your ballot directly into a tabulator or use the absentee envelopes at the Olmsted County Elections Office.

• Location: 2122 Campus Drive SE, Suite 300, in Rochester 
• Dates: July 24, 2026 – August 10, 2026 
• Hours: Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. – Saturday, August 8, 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.

The Rochester City Hall section of the Government Center will be open for direct ballot voting seven days prior to Election Day. 

• Location: 201 4th St. SE in Rochester, Conference room 104 
• Dates: August 4 to August 10, 2026  
• Hours: Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. – Saturday, August 8, 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.  

Right to be absent from work to vote

The right to be absent from work to vote is now extended to include absentee/early voting, in addition to voting on election day.