After what may seem like an endless election cycle, the time for voters to decide who they want to represent them arrives today and continues until the polls close on the general election at 8 p.m. Nov. 8.
This is the first presidential election year voters will be able to take advantage of no-excuses absentee ballots. Beginning today and through Nov. 7, Minnesotans may vote early using an absentee ballot. The Minnesota Secretary of State's office set up a short video at www.sos.state.mn.us/elections-voting/other-ways-to-vote/ on its website to provide absentee ballot instructions. Voting may be done in person at designated sites, such as the historic Crow Wing County Courthouse in Brainerd, or by mail as voters request an absentee ballot and vote using a witness and then mail the completed and signed ballots back. The status of the absentee ballots may also be tracked online. The percentage of early voters is expected to grow, which is why the Brainerd Dispatch voter's guide is arriving Sept. 23 this year. For others, Election Day will still be the final moment to cast a ballot after taking in all the information available through the fall.
The Dispatch voter's guide is designed to give readers a look at candidates in addition to the newspaper's coverage and candidate profiles available in print and online. Attendance at candidate forums, research and personal encounters will also help voters make informed decisions in what is expected to be another memorable election year.
