Voting
Make a plan to vote on or before Election Day, November 3, 2026
Who’s Eligible to Vote in the General Election?
Generally speaking, anyone who is 18 years old by Election Day, is a U.S. citizen, has been a resident of Minnesota for at least 20 days, and resides within the New London-Spicer School District 345 attendance area are eligible to vote on the November 3 Election Day referendum. Additional details are available on the MN Secretary of State website.
Main county is Swift County, but its geographic boundaries also reach into parts of Chippewa and Pope.
Voter Registration
Are you already registered to vote? Check the Minnesota Secretary of State website to confirm.
If you need to register:
All eligible residents of Benson Public Schools can register at the polling place and vote during Early Voting or on Election Day. Same day registration checklist.
Early Voting In Person, by Absentee Ballot BEGINS SEPTEMBER 18
This is identical to getting an absentee ballot mailed to you, except done in person. You will need to know your MN ID or SSN to fill out the application.
The steps are easy:
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You will fill out an absentee application
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You will get a ballot and vote there
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After completing the ballot, you will return it to the election official
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The completed ballot will go into an envelope
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A ballot board will review the envelope later
Early Voting by Direct Ballot BEGINS OCTOBER 16
This is more similar to voting in a polling place on Election Day, and starts 18 days before the election. For all statewide elections, every county will have at least one location where early voting is offered.
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You will complete a short certificate
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You will receive a ballot and vote it there
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After completing the ballot, you will insert it in a ballot counter
All residents of Independent School District No. 777 can vote early beginning September 18. There are three locations:
Swift County Courthouse, 304 14th St. North, Benson, MN 56215
Business hours: Mon-Fri 8:00 a.m.-4:30 p.m.
Additional hours:
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Saturday, October 24 at 9 am - 3 pm
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Saturday, October 31 at 9 am - 3 pm
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Sunday, November 1 at 9 am - 3 pm
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Monday, November 2 at 8 am - 5 pm
Pope County Courthouse, 130 East Minnesota Ave, Glenwood, MN 56334
Business hours: Mon-Fri 8:00 a.m.-4:30 p.m.
Additional hours
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Saturday, October 24 at 9 am - 3 pm
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Tuesday, October 27 at 8 am - 7 pm
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Saturday, October 31 at 9 am - 3 pm
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Sunday, November 1 at 9 am - 3 pm
Chippewa County Courthouse, 629 N. 11th Street, Montevideo, MN 56265
Business hours: Mon-Fri 8:00 a.m.-4:30 p.m.
Additional hours
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Saturday, October 24 at 9 am - 3 pm
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Tuesday, October 27 at 8 am - 7 pm
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Saturday, October 31 at 9 am - 3 pm
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Sunday, November 1 at 9 am - 3 pm
Election Day Voting
Election Day is Tuesday, Nov. 3
Polls are open from 7 a.m. to 8 p.m.
More information:
Absentee Voting by Mail
Any registered voter can apply to vote by mail. Fill out an absentee ballot application online at mnvotes.gov/absentee and submit, or print and mail it to:
- Swift County Auditor, PO Box 207, Benson, MN 56215
- Pope County Courthouse, 130 E Minnesota Ave, Glenwood, MN 56334-4525
- Chippewa County Courthouse, 629 N 11th St, Montevideo, MN 56265
IMPORTANT NOTE: You can apply any time before Election Day, but do so early to ensure timely delivery of your request.
Completing Your Absentee Ballot by Mail
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Once you receive the ballot, complete it with a witness (a U.S. citizen, aged 18+, or a notary), who must sign and include their address.
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Follow all instructions carefully; missing info can lead to rejection.
Returning the Absentee Ballot you Received by Mail
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By mail: Must be received by Election Day (not just postmarked) .
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In person: Return to the election office by 8 p.m. on Election Day .
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You can also designate an agent (max. 3 voters) to return your ballot under specific circumstances.
Additional Information about Submitting an Absentee Ballot by Mail:
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Track your ballot status online at MNVotes.gov.
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Changed Your Mind and Want to Vote In-Person? Go to your polling place or early voting site.