As Minnesota approaches the 2024 general election, early voting has seen a significant uptick, with approximately 920,000 ballots cast, surpassing the total from 2016 with five days of early voting still available. This increase reflects a commitment to civic engagement among Minnesotans, according to Secretary of State Steve Simon.
Significant Increase in Early Voting
The Minnesota Secretary of State’s Office reported that 240,000 more absentee ballots have been submitted this year compared to the last presidential election in 2016. However, this figure still trails behind the 1.9 million ballots cast in the 2020 election, which saw unprecedented turnout due to the pandemic. As of early Thursday afternoon, around 920,000 absentee ballots had been accepted from nearly 3.7 million registered voters in the state.
“More Minnesotans voted in the past week than during the first four weeks of voting for this election,” Simon stated, highlighting the state’s dedication to voter participation. While Minnesota traditionally boasts high voter turnout, Simon noted that other states have stepped up their early voting efforts, making the competition tighter.
Potential Delays on Election Day
With the recent change in state law, absentee ballots can now be submitted until 8 p.m. on November 5, aligning with the closing time for polling places. This new rule may cause delays in reporting results on Election Night, especially in larger counties such as Hennepin County, where about 248,000 ballots have already been accepted. Previously, absentee ballots needed to be received by 3 p.m. to count, so the shift to an 8 p.m. deadline could complicate the counting process.
Hennepin County elections manager Ginny Gelms explained that while a five-hour extension might seem minor, the time-consuming process of checking signatures and transporting ballots could lead to a longer wait for results. She advised voters to drop off their absentee ballots in person to ensure they are counted.
Engaging Voters and Enhancing Communication
To facilitate a smoother election process, the Secretary of State’s office has introduced a text messaging service for voters. By texting election-related inquiries to 651-217-3862, voters can receive prompt answers from election workers.
Across the nation, over 60 million people have already participated in early voting for the 2024 elections, with a notable increase in Republican voters this year. This change comes in contrast to the previous election cycle when former President Donald Trump publicly criticized early voting.
As Election Day approaches, Minnesotans can continue to cast their ballots early, with polling places open from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. this weekend. Both Democratic and Republican officials are rallying support for early voting, with campaigns urging constituents to participate in this critical civic duty.
