MINNEAPOLIMEDIA NEWS | Minnesota Reports 127,682 Early Ballots Accepted as November 3 Election Approaches

Minnesota election officials have accepted 127,682 absentee and mail ballots during the first three weeks of voting, exceeding the comparable figure from the 2022 general election.

SAINT PAUL, MN (October 10, 2026).

Minnesota voters are participating in early voting at a faster pace than during the comparable opening period of the 2022 general election, according to figures released Friday by the Office of Secretary of State Steve Simon.

The office reported that 127,682 absentee and mail ballots had been accepted during the first three weeks of voting for the November 3, 2026, general election.

That total includes 47,968 ballots cast in person and 79,714 ballots returned by mail through the close of business on October 8.

Election officials also reported that 468,860 absentee and mail ballots had been distributed since voting began September 18.

During the comparable first three weeks of the 2022 general election, Minnesota voters cast 99,252 absentee and mail ballots, while officials distributed 405,721 ballots.

The new figures represent an increase of 28,430 accepted ballots over the comparable 2022 period, approximately 28.6 percent.

The numbers provide an early indication of voter participation, but they do not establish what final turnout will be or how voters will divide among candidates and ballot questions.

Early-voting totals can be affected by several factors, including voter convenience, campaign activity, election administration and differences in voting behavior from one election to another.

Minnesota allows eligible voters to cast ballots before Election Day, providing an alternative for people who may be unable to visit their polling places on November 3.

Voters who have requested absentee ballots should follow official instructions for completing and returning them. Those planning to vote in person should confirm the appropriate early-voting location and available hours through their local election office.

The Secretary of State's Office says it will continue updating absentee-voting figures weekly through the fall.

With the election less than four weeks away, the figures provide a measurable snapshot of participation already underway across Minnesota.

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