Schools

ISD 191 School Board Race: How To Vote Early

Early voting in Dakota County started Friday. Here's your guide to requesting a mail-in ballot or voting early in person.

Here's your guide to voting in ISD 191's special election.
Here's your guide to voting in ISD 191's special election. (Patch Graphics)

DAKOTA COUNTY, MN — As of last Friday, voters in Dakota County can cast their ballots for the Nov. 2 municipal election.

Residents of Independent School District 191, which encompasses Burnsville, Eagan and Savage, will be voting in a special school board election to fill the position formerly held by Jen Holwege. The position is temporarily being held by Suad Said.

Residents can choose between Said and Abriana Savage. Patch has contacted both candidates in order to create a candidate profile:

Find out what's happening in Burnsvillefor free with the latest updates from Patch.

Find out what's happening in Burnsvillefor free with the latest updates from Patch.


Key dates to know for early voting

  • Early voting period: Sept. 17 — Nov. 1
  • Early registration deadline: Tuesday, Oct. 12
  • Suggested deadline to apply for a mail-in ballot: Tuesday, Oct. 19
  • Election Day, deadline to return mail-in ballot: Tuesday, Nov. 2.
    • Polls will be open from 7 a.m. to 8 p.m
  • Early in person voting: Oct. 26-Nov. 1

Register to vote online

Minnesota has same-day voter registration, which means you can register to vote at your polling place on Election Day. However, if you want to vote early by mail, election officials suggest registering as soon as possible online.

Check or update your voter registration on the Secretary of State website.


Vote early in-person

Residents who want to vote early in-person can do so at Diamondhead Education Center, located at 200 W. Burnsville Pkwy, or the County Administration Center on Highway 55 in Hastings. Early in-person voting begins Oct. 26 from 7:30 a.m. - 4 p.m. with extended hours until 5 p.m. on Nov. 1.


Vote early by mail

  • If you haven't requested your mail-in ballot yet but plan to vote by mail, you can do so here.
  • Mail-in ballots will not count if they are received after Election Day and should be mailed about a month beforehand.
  • You can mail your ballot to "Administration Center Attn: Elections 1590 Highway 55, Hastings, MN 55033-2343" or email the scanned document to elections@co.dakota.mn.us
  • You may also drop off your mail-in ballot at Dakota County's Administration Center in Hastings or the Western Service Center at 14955 Galaxie Avenue in Apple Valley.

Agent delivery

  • In special situations, the following residents may have somebody deliver their ballot for them:
    • Live in a nursing home, assisted living facility, residential treatment center, women's shelter or group home
    • Be hospitalized
    • Be unable to go to the polling place due to incapacitating health reasons or disability
  • The person must be at least 18 years old, have a personal relationship to you and cannot be a candidate on the ballot.

See what's on your ballot ahead of time

Minnesotans can view a sample ballot by using the state's "What's on my ballot?" tool.


William Bornhoft contributed to this report.

Get more local news delivered straight to your inbox. Sign up for free Patch newsletters and alerts.