Tag: early voting

Early Voting: A 2020 Success Story

States have made it easier to vote and are getting needed poll workers within innovative programs amid the coronavirus pandemic.

WITH THE COVID-19 pandemic making the very act of mingling with others a serious health risk, 2020 was shaping up as an election year with low turnout and voter engagement.

Instead, Americans are turning out in droves to cast early ballots – weeks before Election Day and in numbers that have experts predicting record-breaking turnout. As of Oct. 15, more than 18 million people had already voted, a number that represents 12.9% of the entire 2016 turnout with 19 days to go before Election Day. Individual states are reporting exponentially higher numbers of people asking for, and returning, absentee ballots.

That number is significantly higher than in this stage of the election in 2016: By the week ending Oct. 16, 2016, just 1.4 million Americans had voted early, according to tallies by the nonpartisan U.S. Elections Project. Continue reading.

States Should Embrace Vote by Mail and Early Voting To Protect Higher-Risk Populations From Coronavirus

NOTE: No excuse early voting either by mail or in person is available in the State of Minnesota. More information here.

Center for American Progress logoThe COVID-19 pandemic poses a substantial threat to U.S. elections, as described in previous reports by the Center for American Progress. Unless officials make significant changes to state election systems before November, Americans who vote or serve as election workers will be forced to put their lives at risk in order to participate in the democratic process. And it is not just voters or election personnel who have good cause for concern. Even those who cannot cast a ballot could become ill by coming into contact with a family member, caregiver, or neighbor who contracts the coronavirus through the voting process.

Although COVID-19 affects people from all backgrounds and communities, some groups are at higher risk of contracting and becoming seriously ill from the virus, including:

  • People ages 65 or older
  • People with preexisting conditions
  • Veterans
  • People of color
  • People with disabilities

In considering best practices for administering elections during a pandemic, lawmakers must take into account the health and safety of not just those involved in the voting process but also members of entire state populations who could be negatively affected if proper precautions are not taken. In order to keep voters, poll workers, and especially populations at risk of COVID-19 safe, state and national leaders must take immediate action to fortify the voting process and protect voters and nonvoters alike.

The move to replace President Trump starts with early primary voting Friday. Join us.

Minnesotans will be the first in the nation to cast ballots in the primary and, while some are concerned about Democrats coming together, I’m confident we can unite behind a nominee.

In just a few short days, Minnesotans will have the opportunity to help select the Democratic nominee for president of the United States. Thanks to our state’s strong early voting laws, Minnesotans will be the first in the nation to cast our ballots in the presidential primary, beginning this Friday.

This is a moment that many people across our state have been eagerly awaiting. I have spoken with countless Minnesotans who are inspired by the strong slate of Democrats running for president. Voters have been waiting for years to pick the next standard-bearer of our party and, hopefully, the leader who will turn the page on these last few embarrassing years of division and chaos. Continue reading “The move to replace President Trump starts with early primary voting Friday. Join us.”

You Can Vote Early Now through November 5

All voters in Minnesota can vote early before Election Day without providing a reason.

Where to Early Vote In Person

All voters have at least one location where they can vote early in person with an absentee ballot. Depending on where you live, there may be additional locations.

  1. You can vote in person at your county election office.
  2. In addition to your county election office, some cities and towns offer in-person absentee voting. Check with your city clerk’s office for more information.

What Precinct Do You Live in and Where You Vote Election Day

Go to this link and enter your email address  http://pollfinder.sos.state.mn.us/ 

Continue reading “You Can Vote Early Now through November 5”

Your quick and easy guide to voting early

Starting tomorrow, early vote ballots will be sent out across the state — meaning that many Minnesotans will cast their vote for these critical midterm elections. Will you join us and be an early voter?

Since 2014, voting in Minnesota has never been easier. Folks across the state can make their voices heard from their couch. You don’t even need an excuse! You can vote early because you’ll be out of town, you’re in school, it’s your dog’s birthday, or just because you don’t want to wait in line on Election Day.

So we wanted to give you a quick and easy guide to voting early by mail:

  1. First, fill out this form online and your ballot will automatically be sent to you, starting on September 21. Voting by mail is safe, convenient, and fast.

    Continue reading “Your quick and easy guide to voting early”

Join Us for Our CD3 Weekend of Action Events Saturday, September 22

On Saturday, September 22, we’ll be holding great events to kick off early voting for the General Election this Fall.  We hope you’ll join us.

What:  CD3 DFL Early Voting Kick Off Event

Where:  Our CD3 DFL Offices

  • Bloomington — 3050 Metro Dr, Suite 106 (this is a different location than our Coordinated Campaign office, but in the same office complex)
    • 10:00 AM
      • Early Voting Kick Off Rally with
        • U.S. Senator Amy Klobuchar
        • U.S. Senator Tina Smith
        • Cecile Richards, nationally known, pro-choice activist
        • Mike Howard, Richfield Council Member and HD50A Candidate
        • Simon Trautmann, Richfield City Councilmember
    • 12:00 PM
      • Early Voting Kick of Rally with
        • Mark Haase, Hennepin County Attorney candidate
        • Rep. Andrew Carlson (HD50B)
        • Steve Elkins, HD49B Candidate
        • Simon Trautmann, Richfield City Council Member
    • 2:00 PM

Vote Early Now for the August 14 Primary

All voters in Minnesota can vote early before Election Day without providing a reason. To vote by mail, all you need to do is submit an application for an absentee ballot.

There are a lot of races on the ballot for the August 14 primary election, and there’s a lot at stake for this state and nation with the general election this fall.  The DFL candidate that appears on the ballot for many races will depend on who turn out to vote in the primary election.

What’s on Your Ballot?

You can print out a sample ballot to take with you to vote (either early voting or Election Day) by entering your address here:  http://pollfinder.sos.state.mn.us/ 

No-Excuse Absentee Voting 

All voters in Minnesota can vote early before Election Day without providing a reason. We’re past the date for voting by mail, but it’s still possible to vote before election day (without a reason). Here’s a link to information on how to do this:  http://www.sos.state.mn.us/elections-voting/other-ways-to-vote/vote-early-in-person/ Continue reading “Vote Early Now for the August 14 Primary”