How to apply

Apply online (available for federal, state and county elections after May 15, 2024) or print and complete an absentee ballot application (PDF) and return it to the Carver County Elections Department either in person, by mail, email or fax.

When you'll receive your mailed ballot

If you apply more than 46 days before the election, your ballot will be mailed to you at least 46 days prior to the election. 

Absentee voting for the 2024 Elections begin:

• Presidential Nomination Primary:  January 19, 2024
• State Primary: June 28, 2024
• State General: September 20, 2024

If you apply within 46 days of the election, your ballot will be mailed to you within a day or two of your application being received.

How to return your voted absentee ballot

Return your voted ballot by mail or in person.

Return by mail

Mail your ballot back in the pre-paid, pre-addressed envelope that was provided with your ballot materials.

• Absentee ballots returned via mail must be received by 8 p.m. on election day to the Carver County Election Office.
• If you don't think your ballot will be received in time using regular mail, you may choose to pay for an express delivery service.

Return via express delivery service

Voters may also choose to return absentee ballots via express delivery service (FedEx, DHL, UPS, etc.). If using express delivery service, address delivery to:

Carver County Elections
Government Center
600 East 4^th St.
Chaska, MN 55318

Return in person and ballot drop-off

• Return your own ballot in person by 8 p.m. on election day to:
  
  • Carver County Elections office at the Carver County Government Center-600 East 4th Street, Chaska MN
• Someone else may return your voted ballot by 8 p.m. on election day to:

  • Carver County Elections office at the Carver County Government Center-600 East 4th Street, Chaska MN

  • The person returning your voted ballot will need to bring valid identification for this process.

Absentee voting for the 2024 Elections begins:

• Presidential Nomination Primary:  January 19, 2024
• State Primary: June 28, 2024
• State General: September 20, 2024

In person at the Government Center (all Carver County residents), Waconia City Hall (City of Waconia residents only)

Curbside Voting Available

If you cannot easily leave your vehicle for mobility reasons or because you prefer to avoid contact with others as a health precaution, you can ask to have your ballot brought out to your car. Two election judges from different major political parties must bring the ballot to your vehicle. If you would like to do curbside voting, please contact the Election Department at (952) 361-1941.

Voting Dates, Times and Locations

Voters may authorize an agent to pick up and return an absentee ballot for them. This service is available only within the seven days preceding an election.

Each agent is allowed to deliver ballots for a maximum of three voters.

You can absentee vote by agent if you are a:

• Patient in a hospital, residential treatment center, or nursing home
• Resident of a group home
• Resident of a battered women's shelter
• Resident of an assisted living facility
• Disabled voter
• Voter who would have difficulty getting to the polls because of incapacitating health reasons

How to vote by agent

1. Choose an agent who: You have preexisting
   
   • You have a pre-existing relationship with
   • Is at least 18 years old
   • Is not a candidate in the election
     
     
2. Complete both the:
   
   • Request for agent delivery of absentee ballot form (PDF) and
   • Absentee ballot application (PDF)
     
     
3. Have your agent bring the completed forms to either the Carver County Government Center or Waconia City Hall (City of Waconia residents only) to pick up your ballot. Due to COVID-19, some municipal buildings remain closed. For building hours, contact Carver County Elections at (952) 361-1941 or City of Waconia at (952) 442-2615. Your agent must pick up a ballot with enough time to return to you to vote and then return to the elections office by 8 p.m. on election day.
   
   
4. Your agent will be given your ballot to bring to you.
   
   
5. Vote your ballot.
   
   
6. Have your agent return your voted ballot to the office they picked it up at.
   
   • Your agent must show an ID with name and signature.
   • Voted ballots must be returned by 8 p.m. on election day at the latest.

Visit the Overseas Vote Foundation for more information.

Visit our FAQ page