by Dennis Dalman
Absentee voting, including mail-in ballots, began Sept. 20 for local, state and federal candidates who will be on the ballot for the Nov. 5 general election.
Stearns County
For Stearns County residents, to vote early in person, one has a choice of two places: the Stearns County Service Center (3301 CR 138 in Waite Park) or the St. Cloud Lake George Municipal Complex (1101 Seventh St. S.)
People can vote at those places from 8 a.m.-4:30 p.m. Mondays through Fridays.
In addition, voting will take place on four extra days at both those places: from 9 a.m.-3 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 26; from 9 a.m.-3 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 2; from 9 a.m.-3 p.m. Sunday, Nov. 3; and from 8 a.m.-5 p.m. Monday, Nov. 4.
For mail-in ballots, call the Stearns County Auditor-Treasurers Office at 320-656-3920. A mail-in ballot packet will then be mailed to you.
One can also apply for a mail-in ballot online at mnvotes.sos.mn.gov/abrequest/index
Benton County
Benton County residents can vote early in person at the Benton County Auditor-Treasurer’s Office at the courthouse, 531 Dewey St., Foley. Voting hours there are from 8 a.m.-4:30 p.m. Monday through Friday.
Additional voting days and hours are the following: from 9 a.m.-3 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 26; from 8 a.m.-7 p.m. Tuesday, Oct. 29; from 9 a.m.-3 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 2; from 9 a.m.-3 p.m. Sunday, Nov. 3; and from 8 a.m.-5 p.m. Monday, Nov. 4.
A mail-in ballot can be requested by calling the Auditor-Treasurer’s Office at 320-968-5006. Or one can also apply online at mnvotes.sos.mn.gov/abrequest/index.
