Minneapolis Shatters Early Voting Record for Non-Presidential Election Year
With less than a week remaining until Election Day, Minneapolis voters have officially set a new turnout benchmark. Minneapolis Elections and Voters Services announced that the city had accepted 52,661 early and absentee ballots as of the close of business on Wednesday, Oct. 28, according to data released by City of Minneapolis officials.
That total eclipses the previous high-water mark established in 2018, when 52,313 early and absentee ballots were cast. At this exact juncture during the 2022 Gubernatorial Election, just 29,290 ballots had been accepted by election workers.
The numbers represent a 79.8% increase in early vote turnout so far when stacked against 2022 data. WCCO News reported that statewide figures are also reflecting high engagement, with the Minnesota Secretary of State’s Office noting that more than 419,000 ballots had been accepted across Minnesota as of Friday, easily outpacing data from the previous midterm cycle.
City Leaders Point to Community-Wide Mobilization
Three dedicated Early Vote Centers remain operational across the city to handle the heavy traffic.
Katie Smith, Director of Elections and Voter Services, emphasized that this milestone is about our entire community showing up for elections, from election judges to those giving neighbors rides or sharing accurate election information. Beyond the permanent voting sites, 6,646 residents utilized ten pop-up early voting events held daily since Oct. 19 at locations including the Sabathani Community Center and the Augsburg University Christensen Center.
Minneapolis officials say the city has set an early voting record for a non-presidential election this year. https://t.co/1SEy7OfiKl
Remaining Options and Deadlines for Voters
For residents who have not yet cast a ballot, several in-person and mail-in options remain available ahead of Tuesday, Nov. 3. Voters can cast ballots in person at the Main Early Vote Center at 980 E. Hennepin Ave., the North Early Vote Center at Urban League Twin Cities on Plymouth Ave N., or the South Early Vote Center at Bethel Lutheran Church on 17th Ave S.
Voters holding mail-in ballots face strict return deadlines. Election officials recommend mailing ballots back at least seven days prior to Election Day to guarantee receipt. Any mail ballots must be returned no later than 8 p.m. on Election Day.
Voters can also bypass the mail entirely by dropping off their own ballot—along with those of up to three other voters—directly with an election official. Before Election Day, drop-off is available at the 980 E. Hennepin Ave. office or other open early voting locations.
Minnesota maintains a strong historical standing for voter participation. Over the past five general elections, the state has ranked number one in the nation for voter turnout three times (2016, 2018, and 2020), while finishing second in 2024 and third overall in 2022.
