Direct balloting begins Tuesday in Olmsted County

(ABC 6 News) – The absentee direct balloting period for the November 8 general election begins on Tuesday in Olmsted County.

Direct balloting allows in-person voters to insert their ballots directly into a ballot tabulator at the absentee voting location. Voters also have the option to place their absentee ballot into an envelope to be processed and tabulated later during the direct balloting period.

Absentee in-person direct balloting takes place through November 7 at the Olmsted County Elections Office at 2122 Campus Dr. SE, Suite 300 in Rochester, and at the Olmsted County Government Center at 151 4th Street SE in Rochester. Parking will be available in the Government Center parking lot at any of the metered spots that are covered and labeled as “free voter parking.”

• November 1 through November 4
  • 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.
• November 5
  • 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.
• November 7
  • 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Also, for anyone mailing or returning an absentee ballot to the Olmsted County Elections Office or Government Center, a witness has to sign the signature envelope. The witness can be a registered Minnesota voter or a notary. A witness must also list their address. Notaries should write their name and title, sign the signature envelope, and affix their notary stamp.

Register to vote
The 21-day period to register online or by mail for the November 8 general election has passed. Voters who have not registered can still register when voting absentee or at a designated polling location on Election Day. Information on what to bring can be found on the Minnesota Secretary of State website. Voters must be at least 18 years old on Election Day.

Sample ballot and candidate information
Voters can download a sample ballot on the Minnesota Secretary of State website. Candidates and questions appearing on the ballot will be listed.

Election Day in-person voting on November 8
Polling locations can be found on the Minnesota Secretary of State website. Some helpful Election Day tips are available on the website for new voters. Also use the Election District Finder tool to determine election districts, who represents the district, and candidate information.

For more Election 2022 coverage and information, CLICK HERE.