Early Voting

Direct Balloting

Voters place their ballot directly into the tabulator.

Absentee Voting

Qualified voters in South St. Paul may vote by absentee ballot or direct ballot if they cannot be at their polling place on Election Day.

Click here Version Options Early Voting Headline for the Absentee Ballot Application.

In-person absentee voting: South St. Paul City Hall, Monday–Friday, 8 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.
By mail: See instructions below.

Voting Absentee by Mail

Follow these steps to complete your absentee ballot by mail:

Obtain an Absentee Ballot Application or call the City Clerk’s office at 651-554-3204 to request one by mail.
Complete and return the application as soon as possible by mail, fax, or email.
Absentee ballots are mailed 46 days before the election. If you are not registered to vote, materials will include a Voter Registration Application.
Follow the provided instructions to complete your ballot. A witness must verify that your ballot was received blank and marked privately.
Return your absentee ballot by 8 p.m. on Election Day using one of these methods:
- Have someone return it before 8 p.m. on Election Day (a person may deliver up to three ballots).
- Return it in person by 8 p.m. the day before the election.
- Send it via U.S. mail or a delivery service.

Note: Ballots may not be returned directly to polling places. Ballots received after Election Day will not be counted.

What to Expect

Visit the City Clerk’s office during designated times to complete the absentee ballot process. If you are not already registered, you will need to complete a Voter Registration Application and provide proof of residence.

Absentee Voting at Dakota County Government Centers

Absentee voting is also available at Dakota County locations. Click here for site locations and times.

Voting Absentee Using a Designated Agent

Between October 29 and Election Day, voters may authorize an agent to pick up and return their ballot. An agent must be at least 18 years old, have a pre-existing relationship with the voter, and cannot be a candidate. No person may serve as an agent for more than three voters.

An agent may assist a voter if they are:

Disabled or have an incapacitating health issue
A patient in a health care facility
A resident of an assisted living facility
A resident of a group home
A resident of a shelter for battered women

Ballots must be returned to the local election office by 8 p.m. on Election Day. A Request for Agent Delivery of Absentee Ballot form must be completed.

Uniformed and Overseas Citizens Absentee Voting (UOCAVA)

Eligible military and overseas voters must:

Complete a Federal Post Card Application (FPCA).
Submit the FPCA by mail or fax to the Dakota County Treasurer-Auditor in Hastings.
Military personnel, their families, and U.S. citizens abroad may have application requests submitted by a parent, spouse, sibling, or child over age 18.
Additional voting information is available through the Americans Overseas Network.