Schedule and key dates for the 2024 election in Minnesota explained

Tuesday is the deadline for voters in Minnesota to register to vote in the 2024 general election, marking the countdown to Election Day and beyond.

Here are the key dates on the election calendar, including post-election events that end with the meeting of the state's ten Electoral College members who will formally elect the next president and vice president.

For more information about the election, including how to vote, how to find your precinct and a list of items on your ballot, visit mnvotes.gov.

Oct. 15: Registration deadline

This is the deadline for registration on the electoral rolls used on election day. But Minnesota residents can still register to vote after that date by voting in person or at their polling place on Election Day.

Oct. 18: Direct voting begins

Those who vote early can now enter their ballot directly into the tabulator, but the total will not be calculated until after the polls close on Election Day. Postal ballots can also be processed starting that day, but voters will no longer be able to reclaim ballots cast incorrectly. Direct voting was expanded from seven days before the election to 18 days in 2023

Oct. 26: Extended voting hours (9 a.m. to 3 p.m.)

This applies to those who vote early at voting centers or county election offices.

Oct. 29: Extended voting hours (open until 7 p.m.)

2nd–3rd November: Extended voting hours (9:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m.)

November 4th: Extended voting hours (open until 5:00 p.m.)

November 5th: Election Day

Almost all polls open at 7 a.m., but a few rural counties open at 10 a.m. All polling stations close at 8 p.m. All absentee ballots must be received by local election officials by 8 p.m. This deadline has been pushed back from 3 p.m. to 8 p.m. in 2023.

November 8th: District acquisition begins

November 14: Post-election reviews begin

November 21: State Canvassing Board

This committee reviews and summarizes the reports of the 87 district canvassing committees and certifies the results. It also oversees any recounts if necessary at the request of an obviously defeated candidate. The Secretary of State serves as presiding judge and appoints two members of the state Supreme Court and two district court judges.

Dec. 10: Confirmation certificate submitted

This is an official document issued by the governor that indicates a state's appointed electors for U.S. president and vice president, as well as the final vote count for each candidate who received popular votes. This date has been standardized by federal law so that all states complete this process at the same time.

December 17: Electoral College meeting

Voters of the winning presidential and vice presidential candidates gather in state capitols to sign certificates of voting.

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