MANKATO, MN – With just a week until Election Day, time is running out to cast ballots.

Election officials advise allowing at least a week for mailing ballots, so they now recommend delivering absentee ballots by hand to ensure timely arrival.

Early voting began on September 20, and it’s been a busy period, with Blue Earth County reporting nearly 10,000 early voters as of Tuesday—about 25% of registered voters. Nicollet County reports around 5,000 early ballots cast.

Election officials noted that both numbers exceed expectations.

“Our historical data suggests that about 25% of voters typically don’t vote on Election Day,” explained Blue Earth County Election Official Michael Stalberger. “The fact that we’ve already reached that number among registered voters shows a higher-than-normal turnout. It’ll be interesting to see what happens in the final week.”

Election Day voters will need to locate their polling places, while early voters should head to their county election office, which might be in a neighboring town.

With record-high turnout anticipated, election offices have been preparing since June.

“We’re nearing the end, and much of our hard work is done. We’re ready to wrap this up,” said Nicollet County Election Official Jaci Kopet.

Polling places will be open until 7 p.m. on weekdays and from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. over the weekend.

 

(credit KEYC)