by Dennis Dalman
editor@thenewsleaders.com
For the first time in Minnesota history, voters can now vote via absentee ballot without having some kind of excuse.
Previously, voters could request absentee ballots if they knew they would be out of the district – say, on vacation – during Election Day.
Now, they can vote by absentee ballot for any reason or no reason at all. It’s just another voting option open to one and all.
People can vote by absentee ballot in person at county or local elections offices, or they can request an absentee ballot be mailed to them. (Ballots are available in a number of languages.)
To request an absentee ballot be mailed, go to mnvotes.org. Then, download a “2016 Minnesota Absentee Ballot Application,” fill it out and return it to one’s county election office via email, fax or postal mail.
Absentee ballots can be requested even by people who are not yet registered to vote since a voter registration application will be provided when the ballot is sent.
Voters must remember a ballot must be mailed back on or before Tuesday, Nov. 8, which is this year’s date for the general presidential election. If received later than that, the ballots will not be counted.
People can vote in person at election offices up to Monday, Nov. 7, the day before the general election.
For nine elections in a row, Minnesota was No. 1 in the nation for number of people who voted in a general election. That ranking fell to No. 6, however, in 2014.
