Frequently Asked Questions

Yes, when you apply for an absentee ballot, you will be provided with the required voter registration materials.  Please be prepared to show photo ID and proof of residence.  Apply on the Secretary of State's website.

After your absentee ballot is received at the elections office, it is reviewed by an absentee ballot board. This board checks that the signature envelope was filled out correctly. Each envelope is reviewed by at least two members of the board.

How does the ballot board decide if a ballot is accepted?
 They look at these things on the signature envelope:

• Ensure the name and address match what was on the absentee application
• Ensure the ID matches what was on the absentee application
• Ensure the voter has signed the envelope
• Ensure a witness has completed the witness portion

The board will also:

• Ensure the voter is registered, or has included a properly completed voter registration application
• Ensure the voter has not already voted in the election

What happens after my absentee ballot is accepted?
 Accepted ballots are set aside in a secure area until one week before the election, separated by precinct. Starting one week before the election, the signature envelopes are opened and the ballot envelopes are removed and set aside so that no one knows whose ballot is whose. Once the ballot envelopes are separated, they are opened, reviewed by election judges, duplicated if necessary, and inserted in the ballot counter. Examples where judges would need to duplicate a ballot include if a ballot was damaged, unreadable by the tabulator, or on the incorrect ballot style for that precinct.

When are ballots counted?
 Absentee ballots may be inserted into ballot counters as soon as one week before election day. However, no totals are produced until polling places close at 8pm on election night.

What happens if my absentee ballot is rejected?
 If your ballot is rejected more than 5 days before the election, you will be mailed a replacement ballot along with an explanation of why your ballot was rejected. If your ballot is rejected within 5 days of the election, election officials will attempt to contact you to let you know.

How do they make sure people can’t vote twice?
 All ballots are tracked individually and linked to a voter in Minnesota’s voter registration database. Once a ballot is accepted, if that voter tries to vote again, the election official or election judge will see that the voter has an accepted ballot. Lists in the polling place are even updated throughout election day as ballots are accepted.

The city hires election workers to assist with each election.  If selected, you'll be placed in one of four polling locations to ensure every eligible ballot is cast and counted. You'll verify voter eligibility, assist with voter registration, distribute ballots, and certify results. Election workers are paid $13 – $15 per hour.  Apply to serve as an election judge.

Direct balloting will begin on October 18, 2024.  All eligible voters can vote early at City Hall by placing their ballot directly into a ballot counter.  Votes are counted immediately, and results are reported after the polls close on Election Day, November 5, 2024.

A voter may return their own completed ballot using one of the following options:

• Return your ballot to Hennepin County Elections using the self-addressed, stamped envelope provided.
• An alternative is to drop it off in person at City Hall during regular business hours:
  • Mon-Fri, 8 a.m. - 4:30 p.m.
    • We can only accept ballots for Champlin voters.
    • You may not return your voted ballot to any polling place on Election Day.
    • Ballots received after 8 p.m. on Election Day will NOT be counted.

You can track the status of your absentee ballot at any point in the process and confirm that it was received and counted at the secretary of state’s website.  Please note, in order for the tracker to work you must enter all information exactly the same as what you put on your application. You can also check the status of your ballot by contacting Hennepin County Elections at 612-348-5151.

Status notations:

• Initialized – Your ballot application has been received by election officials and is being processed.
• Sent – Election officials have verified the information on your ballot application and have issued your ballot materials (either in person or through the mail).
• Received – Election officials have received your completed absentee ballot.
• Accepted – Your ballot is counted. Election officials have verified that you have met all requirements under state law to have your ballot counted.
• Rejected – Your ballot has not been counted because required information was either missing or unverifiable on the ballot envelope you returned to elections officials. Election officials will send you a replacement ballot for completion. If this is within five days of Election Day, a replacement ballot will not be sent through the mail. Election officials will attempt to contact you by telephone or email to notify you that your ballot was rejected and provide you with options for casting a replacement ballot.

Under current state law, an individual returning a ballot for someone else will be required to show ID and complete an agent delivery log.

A person may return a voted ballot for up to three people in any election, not including their own ballot, using one of the options below:

•  In person at City Hall during regular business hours:
  • Mon – Fri, 8 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.

• An individual can drop ballots for others into a blue USPS box at any time. 
  • The limit does not apply to this method of ballot return.
• Please note we can only accept ballots for Champlin voters.
• You may NOT return a voted ballot to any polling place on Election Day.
• Ballots received after 8 p.m. on Election Day will NOT be counted.

If the date is more than 19 days before Election Day and you have already voted early by absentee ballot, either in person at city hall or through the mail, you may request that your ballot be destroyed. At that time you may request a new ballot be issued to you. After that time if your ballot has been accepted, you may not change your vote.

• Champlin Elections — 763.923.7109
• Hennepin County Elections — 612.348.5151
• Minnesota Secretary of State's Office — 1.800.600.VOTE (8683)

Note: Elections staff can only provide you with information regarding your own ballot or registration status. We can't give you information about other voters.