I care a lot about the upcoming presidential election. I know that my vote will be only one of millions. But I also know that I would hugely regret not having voted if my candidate lost.
My friend, Jim Rubenstein, is a retired attorney who has worked hard through the years to help eligible voters vote. Here is what he sent me about voting by mail during the pandemic this year in Minnesota.
Voting by mail from the comfort of your own home is easy and there’s no need to go to a public polling place on election day. Especially this year, as we all try to lower the risk of giving or getting COVID 19, the more people who vote by mail, the better.
For Minnesota’s primary election, voting by mail set new records. Officially, out of the total of 916,230 votes cast in Minnesota on or before primary election day on August 11, 60% were absentee and mail ballots.
General election voting, including the election for U S President, starts on September 18. Election Day is November 3.
Here are a few vote from home tips to keep in mind:
- You don’t need to be registered to request a vote by mail ballot: If you are not a registered voter, registration materials will be sent along with the ballot. Click here to make the request: Request Absentee Vote by Mail Ballot:
- Give yourself plenty of time: Request your ballot early, and it should arrive a few days after September 18, when the general election voting period begins. Once you complete your ballot, don’t delay putting it in the mail. The postage is already paid! Mail your ballot at least a week before the November 3 Election Day to avoid mail delays or the need for a last-minute rush to your election office or a drop box in your county.
- Follow the Instructions: You may hear about court rulings, new laws or regulations that would change Minnesota’s voting procedures. At any point, the most reliable information on the current voting procedures will be in the instructions you receive with your ballot. Follow them carefully. If you have questions go to the Minnesota Secretary of State website – mnvotes.org.
- Wear your “I Voted” sticker with pride: It comes in the mail with your ballot.
What are you thinking about voting this year?