Absentee Voting

There are two ways to vote by absentee ballot: in person and by mail. Complete your absentee ballot application at mnvotes.org to receive your absentee ballot in the mail.

In Person Absentee Voting - Stearns County (available to residents of the county)

You may cast an absentee ballot in person, at the following locations starting 46 days prior to Election Day. 

Stearns County Service Center
3301 County Road 138
Waite Park, MN 56387

St. Cloud City Lake George Municipal Complex
1101 7th Street South
St. Cloud, MN 56301

This option is available on weekdays during business hours. In addition, the county auditor's office must be open for absentee balloting from 10:00 AM - 3:00 PM on the Saturday before the election and until 5:00 PM on the day before the election.

In Person Absentee Voting - St. Joseph Government Center (only available to residents of St. Joseph) - Not offered for Presidential Nominating Primary!

The City of St. Joseph offers in person absentee voting 1 week prior to election day.  Voting will be available during the following days and times at the St. Joseph Government Center for all City of St. Joseph Residents:

General Election
10/29/24 - 11/1/24: 8AM - 4:30PM
11/2/24: 9AM - 3PM
11/4/24: 8AM - 5PM

Absentee Voting by Mail - mnvotes.org

Voters may vote early by requesting absentee ballot materials be mailed to them.   Apply online (statewide elections only) or download and complete the Absentee Ballot Application (PDF).  

  • Absentee Ballot Applications must be signed in order to be processed
  • Do not submit more than one application for each election
  • Once your application is received, absentee ballot materials will be mailed to you as soon as they are available

Completed paper applications should be returned as soon as possible to Stearns County Elections by mail, in person, email or fax.

Returning your Absentee Ballot

Return by Mail: Voters may return their ballot by mail with the postage return envelope provided.

Return by Drop Box: Voters may drop off their ballot using the secured drop box located at the Stearns County Service Center. During a statewide election the drop box is available 24/7.

Return in Person: Voters may drop off absentee ballots for themselves and up to 3 additional voters at the Stearns County Service Center. To drop off a ballot for another voter, you are required to provide identification with your name and signature.

Checking on the Status of Your Absentee Ballot

To find out where your absentee ballot is in the process, go to mnvotes.org

Assistance in Receiving & Returning an Absentee Ballot

The following voters may authorize another person (known as their "agent") to pick up and return an absentee ballot for them during the seven days before the election:

  • Patients in hospitals, residential treatment centers, and nursing homes
  • Residents of assisted living facilities
  • Residents of battered women's shelters
  • Residents of group homes
  • Voters who are disabled
  • Voters who would have difficulty getting to the polls because of incapacitating health reasons

If you are currently living in a residential facility but not sure if it meets the qualifications listed above, please ask the administrator of your facility.