REGIONAL - Although there is statewide advocacy to move to an all-by-mail vote in the fall, individuals already have the option to vote by mail by requesting an absentee ballot. The Ely branch of the American Association of University Women is encouraging voters to secure absentee ballots to ensure a safe procedure to cast votes.
Minnesota allows voters to apply for absentee ballots any time except for the day of the election, according to Caroline Owens, AAUW Public Policy chair.
An application is available for downloading at www.sos.state.mn.us. That application can be completed and mailed, faxed, or e-mailed to the appropriate county election office. Individuals may also obtain applications by calling or emailing the appropriate county office.
Residents are encouraged to apply early to allow time for completion of the application, verification of voting status, then mailing and the return of the subsequent ballot.
All ballots must be received at the election office on or prior to the day of each election.
In St. Louis County, the address is St. Louis County Auditor, 100 North 5th Ave. West, RM 214, Duluth MN 55802-1293. The fax number for completed applications is 218-725-5060, and the e-mail address is elections@stlouiscountymn.gov. The county elections office is not currently open to the public because of the stay at home order; however, an individual can call or e-mail the office and ask them to mail the ballot application to any address in the county.
In Lake County, the address is Lake County Auditor, 601 3rd Ave., Two Harbors MN 55616. The phone number is 218-834-8473; the fax is 218-834-8358; and the e-mail address is LakeCo.Elections@co.lake.mn.us. The office is open now for individuals to pick up a ballot application, or a person may call or e-mail and have the application mailed to them.
Applications may also be available at local clerk offices that are open for regular hours. In Ely, individuals may request a ballot application for curbside pick up at the public library after May 18.
Absentee ballots will be mailed 46 days in advance of the election except in the case of local elections which will be mailed 30 days prior to the election, or following the receipt and verification of the application.
Persons who serve as an individual’s power of attorney may not vote for them. Information for persons needing assistance in securing applications or in voting is available online at www.sos.state.mn.us. The website also contains the necessary information to complete a voter registration.