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Voting Early or Absentee

MNvotes.gov is a secure and comprehensive site hosted by the Minnesota Secretary of State’s Office.  Here you can register to vote, apply for an absentee ballot, see what’s on your ballot, track your ballot and check your polling place location.

You can early vote instead of voting in person at the polling place on election day. You can vote early by mail, in person or by having a person you know pick up and deliver your ballot for you.

Absentee ballots are available 46 days before an election up until 5:00 pm on the Monday before an election.  In 2026, the dates absentee ballots are available are:

  • Primary Election:  June 26 through 5:00 pm on August 10, 2026.
  • General Election: September 18 through 5:00 pm on November 2, 2026

Vote Absentee By Mail

You can complete and submit an absentee ballot application online or download an absentee ballot application and then mail, fax or email it to our office.

Mail to: Lake County Auditor, 601 3rd Ave, Two Harbors, MN 55616
Fax: (218) 834-8358
Email: LakeCo.Elections@lakecountymn.gov

Election officials will mail the absentee ballot materials to you soon after receiving your application. Once you receive your ballot in the mail, follow the instructions carefully. You will need a witness to sign the absentee ballot signature envelope to confirm your ballot  was delivered blank and that you marked the ballot in private. The witness can be anyone who is a U.S. citizen and will be 18 years old by Election Day, or a notary. Also be sure to return your ballot so that it arrives on or before Election Day or it will not be counted.

Returning your Ballot

Voters may return their absentee ballot by mail using the supplied stamped envelope, by dropping off at the Auditor’s office during voting hours, or by depositing into the secure drop box.

            Auditor’s Office: Lake County Courthouse, 601 3rd Ave, Two Harbors MN 55616

            Drop Box location:  Lake County Courthouse, Law Enforcement Center, 613 3rd Ave, Two Harbors MN 55616

Vote Absentee In Person

You can request, receive and cast an absentee ballot at the Auditor’s Office in Two Harbors.

Track Your Absentee Ballot

You can track the progress of your absentee  ballot with the absentee ballot lookup tool at mnvotes.gov. If there is a problem with your ballot, we will send a replacement.

Voters in The Military and Citizens Outside the United States

There is a different process for citizens who are in the military or living outside the  United States.  The Military and Overseas Voter Service provided by the Minnesota Secretary of State is a great resource to guide you through the process of receiving your absentee ballot.

Vote Early In Person

Early Voting begins 18 days before each statewide election. This is similar to voting in a polling place on Election Day. You will complete a short certificate, receive and vote your ballot here, and insert your completed ballot into a ballot tabulator.

In 2026, the dates for early voting are:

  • Primary Election: July 24 through 5:00 pm on August 10, 2026.
  • General Election: August 10 through 5:00 pm on November 2, 2026.

Location and hours for voting early or absentee:

Lake County Auditor’s Office, 601 3rd Ave, Two Harbors MN 55616

Voting hours: Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM – 4:30 PM

Additional voting hours prior to Election Day:

  • Primary Election: 9:00 AM – 3:00 PM the Saturday before, until 5:00 PM the Monday before
  • General Election: 9:00 AM – 3:00 PM the 2 Saturdays before, until 7:00 PM the Tuesday before, 9:00 AM – 3:00 PM the Sunday before, until 5:00 PM the Monday before