MINNEAPOLIMEDIA NEWS | Minnesota Enters Election Day With Record 886,427 Early Ballots Accepted as Voters Prepare to Decide State's Political Future

The Secretary of State reports the highest pre-election ballot total ever recorded for a nonpresidential election year, with more than 619,000 Minnesotans voting early in person.

SAINT PAUL, MN (November 3, 2026).

Minnesota enters Tuesday's general election with a record 886,427 absentee and mail ballots already accepted, according to figures released Monday by Secretary of State Steve Simon's office, providing an early indication of substantial voter participation in an election that will determine the state's next governor, a U.S. senator and control of the Legislature.

The total, recorded as of 9 a.m. Monday, represents the highest number of accepted pre-election ballots in a nonpresidential election year in Minnesota history.

Of the accepted ballots, 619,847 were cast in person during the early-voting period, while 266,580 were returned by mail.

The figures demonstrate how early voting has become an increasingly important part of Minnesota's electoral process. They also mean that hundreds of thousands of ballots were already in election officials' possession before polling places opened Tuesday.

The final pre-election total could be higher because the Secretary of State's figures were recorded before the conclusion of Monday's early-voting period.

A record established before Election Day

Minnesota's early-voting numbers have grown considerably over successive election cycles.

The latest figures surpassed the previous nonpresidential-year benchmark before Election Day itself.

The Secretary of State's announcement did not establish how many additional residents would vote Tuesday, nor did it provide a final turnout percentage.

Those figures cannot be determined until election officials complete ballot processing and turnout calculations.

Nevertheless, the number of accepted ballots is significant.

It indicates that many Minnesotans chose to participate before Election Day rather than wait until November 3.

The growth of early voting also changes the administrative responsibilities facing county and municipal election offices, which must process ballots, maintain accurate voter records and prepare for Election Day voting.

Nearly 188,000 ballots remained outstanding

As of Monday morning, approximately 188,000 absentee and mail ballots had been issued but not returned.

The Secretary of State's office reminded voters that ballots must arrive by the applicable Election Day deadline to be counted.

For most absentee voters returning ballots directly to a local election office, the deadline is 5 p.m. Tuesday.

Different rules apply to certain mail-ballot precincts and authorized agent deliveries.

The office also advised residents concerned about delayed absentee ballots that they may vote at their assigned polling place instead, provided the absentee ballot has not already been accepted.

Voters can check the status of their ballots through the state's online ballot-tracking system.

Major statewide offices on the ballot

Tuesday's election will determine several major statewide offices, including governor, U.S. senator, attorney general, secretary of state and state auditor.

All 201 seats in the Minnesota Legislature are also being contested.

The Legislature consists of 67 Senate seats and 134 House seats.

The outcome will establish the balance of power at the Capitol and influence the state's approach to education funding, healthcare, taxation, housing, transportation and public safety.

Minnesota voters will also decide on a proposed constitutional amendment involving the Permanent School Fund.

Congressional, judicial, county, municipal and school board elections add further importance to the ballot.

Polls open from 7 a.m. to 8 p.m.

Minnesota polling places generally open at 7 a.m. Tuesday and remain open until 8 p.m.

Eligible voters who are already in line when polls close may cast their ballots.

The state allows Election Day registration for residents who meet eligibility requirements and provide acceptable proof of residence.

Voters can identify their assigned polling places through the Minnesota Secretary of State's polling-place finder.

Residents should not assume that their early-voting location is also their Election Day polling place.

Results will remain unofficial

Election-night results will be reported after polling places close.

However, initial totals are unofficial and remain subject to canvassing, certification and any legally authorized recount procedures.

Minnesota's State Canvassing Board is scheduled to certify state and federal results on November 19.

The record early-voting total establishes a significant starting point for Election Day, but the ultimate measure of participation will depend on the number of ballots cast and accepted across the entire election.

For now, Minnesota enters November 3 having already recorded an unprecedented level of pre-election participation for a nonpresidential year.

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