Happy 2020 Election!!!!
As you well know, this election is incredibly import for Shakopee, Minnesota, and the United States. Your vote matters and our campaign wants to make sure that you have all of the information you need about voting this election.
You have three main ways you can vote in the 2020 election:
- Vote by Absentee Ballot
- Vote Early In-Person
- Vote on Election Day
We explain them all for you. Here we go.
Vote by Absentee Ballot
During the 2020 election, we are encouraging everyone to vote by absentee ballot. It is important we have as many voters by absentee ballot as possible to maintain the health of our election workers and have safe polling places on election day. We just don’t know what will be happening with COVID in early November.
A few years ago, Minnesota opened up voting by absentee ballot to everyone instead of just those who are homebound or out of town on Election Day. A good friend of mine voted by absentee ballot in the 2020 Primary this year and loved it. She liked that she could research the candidates and send it back in whenever she wanted. Pretty awesome.
It is super easy. Here’s how it works:
- You request your absentee ballot online at MNVotes.org. (Note: MN Secretary of State is recommending to request your ballot before October 15.)
- Fill out your ballot and follow the instructions on the envelope. Do this as early as you can so
- Pop it back in the mail OR just drop your ballot off at Shakopee City Hall (485 Gorman Street) on weekdays between 8:30 to 11 or Noon to 4:30.
Absentee Voting Notes
- You can track the status of your ballot (sent / received / counted / etc) at MNVotes.org/Track.
- If there is a problem of any kind with your ballot, Scott County is required to get in touch with you if there is enough time.
- If you want, you can change your vote at any time until October 20 (that is when they start officially counting the ballots).
- Contrary to what the President says, you cannot vote by absentee ballot AND on Election Day…its a Federal offense and all.
- Absentee Ballots must be postmarked by November 3 and received at Scott County by November 10.
Vote Early In-Person
Another great option is voting early in person. In previous elections, there was only one location for people to vote early which resulted in long lines. This year, Scott County has voting locations across the county, so that will hopefully minimize the lines issue.
All you have to do is stop by your Early In-Person polling location (see below) and vote. They are open:
- Weekdays – 8 am to 4:30 pm
- Saturday, October 31 – 10 am to 3 pm
- Monday, November 2 – 8 am to 5 pm
Shakopee Residents
You vote Early In-Person at Shakopee City Hall (485 Gorman Ave).
Jackson and Louisville Township Residents
You vote Early In-Person at Scott County Public Works (600 Country Trl E).
Early In-Person Notes
- Like absentee voting, you can change your ballot up until October 20.
Vote on Election Day – November 3
Election Day is going to be weird this year. I’m used to taking the whole family, doing Shakopee Kids Vote, and getting the I Voted sticker. Katy and I have chosen to vote Absentee and I’ll really miss this day – but is very important to make sure we take every precaution to maintain the integrity of the 2020 election.
Polling Hours
Polls are open from 7 am to 8 pm. If the polls close while you are in line, you are still able to vote.
Polling Locations
The plan for Election Day is to have all of the same polling locations as in past years except Precinct 2 has moved to Pearson Elementary (917 Dakota St S).
Here are the Polling Locations for House District 55A. Click here to find your polling location.
| 1 | Shakopee West Junior High School | 200 10th Ave. E. |
| 2 | Pearson Early Childhood Center | 917 Dakota St. S. |
| 3 | Fire Station No. 1 | 2700 Vierling Drive E. |
| 4 | Red Oak Elementary School | 7700 Old Carriage Court |
| 5 | Youth Building at Lions Park | 1099 Adams St. |
| 6 | Community Center | 1255 Fuller St. |
| 7 | First Presbyterian Church | 909 Marschall Road S. |
| 8 | Shakopee Police Station | 475 Gorman St. |
| 9 | Faith Lutheran Church | 150 130th St. W. |
| 10 | Shakopee Area Catholic Education Center | 2700 17th Ave. E. |
| 11 | Cross of Peace Lutheran Church | 1506 Wood Duck Trail |
| 12A | Eagle Creek Elementary School | 6855 Woodward Ave. |
| Jackson Township – Jackson Township Hall | 1091 130th St W | |
| Louisville Township – Marystown Church | 15850 Marystown Rd |
Your Ballot
Here is what many in 55A will see. You can see exactly what your ballot looks like at MNVotes.org.
2020 Ballot Front – Shakopee
2020 Ballot Back – Shakopee
New Voters
Congratulations on being able to vote!! It is very exciting!!
You are eligible to vote if you turn 18 on or before November 3, 2020. This means you can vote early as a 17 year old as long as you turn 18 on or before 11/3/20. See below for registration details.
All Minnesotans are eligible to vote if you are:
- A U.S. citizen
- At least 18 years old on Election Day
- A resident of Minnesota for 20 days
- Finished with all parts of any felony sentence
Voter Registration
Online Registration – ENDS TUESDAY, OCTOBER 13
You can register to vote online quickly and easily any time until October 13 at MNVotes.org.
If you need other languages or you’d rather register with a paper application, MNVotes.org has you covered.
Election Day Registration
If you didn’t get registered online, you can still vote!! Minnesota allows election day registration when voting in-person Early or on Election Day.
Election Day registration is super easy. You just need to do a little preparation. Bring one of the following items when you vote to register on election day:
- ID with current name and address (Drivers License or Tribal ID)
- Photo ID (can be expired or have old address) AND a document proving current address (utility bill, rental agreement, etc. It CAN be electronic)
- A registered voter who can confirm your address
Get the full details and other nuggets on how to register on election day at MNVotes.org.
Status
Not sure if you’re registered at your current address? Check your Voter Registration Statue here.