Early voting for the November 5th election is in full swing. The League of Women Voters New Ulm encourages voters to cast their ballots on Nov. 5, or vote early at the Brown County Auditor Treasurer’s office, or return a mailed ballot or absentee ballot by 8pm on Nov. 5..

Residents of Minnesota for at least 20 days who are 18 years old on or before Nov. 5, 2024, and have affirmed US citizenship are able to vote now until 8 pm on Nov. 5, and, if not a registered voter, may register at the polling place that day. Visit mnvotes.gov for details on what is needed to register to vote at the polls. Minnesotans living in our communities who are not currently incarcerated for a felony conviction are eligible to vote. In addition, 16-and-17-year-olds can pre-register so that they will be automatically registered on their 18th birthday.

Direct balloting by early voting allows voters to cast their ballot at the Brown County Auditor Treasurer’s office and enter it directly into the tabulating machine before Nov. 5. Early voting hours are 8 a.m. to 7 p.m. today, 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Friday and 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Saturday and Sunday, and 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Monday, Polling places are open Tuesday from 7 a.m. to 8 p.m.

As a voter, you have the right to time off from work to vote.

Beneath the presidential race, voters can make their mark on ballot initiatives, candidates for U.S. Senate, U.S. House of Representatives, Minnesota House of Representatives, judgeships and county and local races. Learn about the candidates and issues on the ballot at vote411.org. Another “one-stop-shop” for nonpartisan election information is mnvotes.gov where voters can track their absentee ballot and locate their polling place.

Several townships and precincts now vote via mailed ballot. Voters in these areas or others who have requested an absentee ballot are urged to return their ballots to the Brown County Auditor Treasurer’s office by 8 pm on Tuesday. To avoid any postal delays, hand deliver the ballot.

Both Herman Express (New Ulm) and Heartland Express (call 507.359.2717 in advance) offer free rides to the polls on Election Day. Voters wishing to vote early may also get a free ride on either Herman Express or Heartland Express, paid for courtesy of the League of Women Voters – New Ulm, by letting the drivers know that you are going to vote.

Make your voice heard and vote on or before Nov. 5.