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1. Why should I vote by mail?

To reduce direct contact with others, the CDC encourages you to vote by mail.  All Minnesota voters are eligible to vote by mail.

2. Can I still early vote in-person if I want to?

In Hopkins, you have the option to vote early in-person at City Hall. You will have some direct contact with staff, but may have contact with fewer people overall, especially during the first few weeks of early voting.

3. Can I vote early if I am not a registered voter?

If you are not a registered voter, that’s not a problem. When you apply for an absentee ballot, you will be provided with voter registration materials. Please be prepared to show the required proof of residence.  

Learn more about voter registration at https://www.sos.state.mn.us/elections-voting/register-to-vote/.

4. Will polling places be open on Election Day? Will any be relocated?

Polling places will be open on Election Day. We may be required to relocate some due to poll worker shortages or if a facility is closed. You will get a notice in the mail if your polling place has changed.

5. What are you doing to prevent virus transmission in polling places?

Poll workers will be required to wear facemasks. We are training the workers on procedures for frequent disinfecting of voting pens, voting surfaces, and equipment. We will offer you hand sanitizer when you arrive at the polling place.

6. I want to vote by mail. How does it work?

It’s easy. You can apply online for a ballot — you don’t have to wait. As soon as your ballot is ready, Hennepin County will mail it to you. You can apply on the Secretary of State website at https://mnvotes.sos.state.mn.us/ABRegistration/ABRegistrationStep1.aspx.

For your ballot to count, remember this important information:

1. Read the instructions that come with your ballot carefully.
2. Your signature envelope might have a box for a witness to complete and sign. Due to COVID19, there is no witness requirement for registered voters for the November 3, 2020 State General Election. Non-registered voters will still need a witness, to indicate their proof of residence.
3. Mail the ballot and forms back right away after you finish. Your returned ballot must be postmarked on or before Election Day (November 3, 2020) and received by Hennepin County within the next seven calendar days (November 10). You may also drop off your ballot envelope in person at City Hall, Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.

7. How do I know my mail ballot is safe to open?

The CDC says that coronavirus transmission from mail is unlikely. However, they recommend washing your hands after collecting mail from a post office or home mailbox.

8. What laws are in place to make voting by mail secure?

Each and every ballot we receive must be inspected closely by two election officials for the following:

• The voter’s name and address on the envelope matches the application.
• The voter has not already voted in the election in person or by mail.
• The voter has signed on the back of the envelope.
• The voter has provided the same identification number on the signature envelope as on the application. Otherwise, the signature must be matched to the signature on the application form.
• The voter is registered and eligible to vote in the precinct or has included a properly completed registration application with proof of residence marked on the signature envelope.
• A witness has signed the statement on the signature envelope, and has provided a Minnesota residential address or has affixed a notary stamp.

Your ballot application and signature envelopes are kept on file for 22 months in case any questions or concerns arise that need to be investigated.

9. How do I know my mail ballot was counted?

You can confirm we have received and counted your ballot using the online tracking tool. You can track the status of your absentee ballot at any point in the process and confirm that it was received and counted.

Status notations:

• Initialized – Your ballot application has been received by election officials and is being processed.
• Sent – Election officials have verified the information on your ballot application and have issued your ballot materials (either in-person or through the mail).
• Received – Election officials have received your completed absentee ballot.
• Accepted – Your ballot is counted. Election officials have verified that you have met all requirements under state law to have your ballot counted.
• Rejected – Your ballot has not been counted because required information was either missing or unverifiable on the ballot envelope you returned to elections officials. Election officials will send you a replacement ballot for completion. If this is within five days of Election Day, a replacement ballot will not be sent through the mail. Election officials will attempt to contact you by telephone or email to notify you that your ballot was rejected and provide you with options for casting a replacement ballot.

10. Can I drop my ballot off in-person rather than mail it back?

You may drop-off your ballot at City Hall, 1010 1st Street S:

• Through October 30 during regular business hours, Monday through Friday, from 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. 
• Saturday, October 31, from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.
• Monday, November 2, from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.

The deadline to drop-off in-person at City Hall is 3 p.m. on Election Day (November 3). Ballots CANNOT be dropped-off at voting precincts on Election Day. 

11. Will my ballot count as long as it is postmarked by Election Day?

For your ballot to count, your returned ballot must be postmarked on or before Election Day (November 3, 2020) and received by Hennepin County within the next seven calendar days (November 10). You may also drop-off your ballot envelope in-person at City Hall, Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. The deadline to drop off in person at City Hall is Election Day at 3 p.m.

12. Can I drop off my ballot at my polling place on Election Day?

No!

Bring your ballot to City Hall at 1010 1^st St. S.  The deadline to drop off in person is 3 p.m. on Election Day.