July/August 2020
Page 5
Primary Election Procedures During the Pandemic
Absentee Voting at Mary Ann Young Center - 9150 Central Avenue NE Absentee voting for the August primary began on June 26 at the Mary Ann Young Center, 9150 Central Avenue NE. This is a change from past elections where absentee voting was held at Blaine City Hall. The Mary Ann Young Center (MAYC) opened in February but had to close due to the COVID-19 pandemic. This facility will work very well to provide additional space for absentee voting and yet accommodate any phased reopening plans for MAYC. Voters can take advantage of voting by mail to help reduce spread of disease. Voting from home is easy and available to any Minnesota voter through the absentee balloting system. For more information on absentee voting or other voting-related questions contact Blaine Elections Office at Elections@BlaineMN.gov or 763-717-2737. To request a ballot by mail to vote from home go to MNVotes.org.
The August state primary election will likely look a little different this year. With the current COVID-19 pandemic the Secretary of State’s Office is working hard to help provide protective supply items for all polling places across the state. In addition to hand sanitizer, disinfectant, and masks for election judges voters will also see shields to protect judges and voters while checking in to vote. Plans are in place to provide a small number of masks for voters who do not bring their own but would like to use one as well as disinfecting pens and other measures. Election officials will be following the CDC recommendations for polling places with additional guidance from the MN Department of Health on social distancing, cleaning, and other ways to reduce the possible spread within the polling place.
Vote from Home The Secretary of State’s office is also encouraging all eligible voters to vote from home, to reduce spread of COVID-19 and keep communities healthy. Voting from home is easy and available to any Minnesota voter through the absentee balloting system. Request a ballot to be mailed to your home at MNVotes.org. For more information, visit the city’s website at BlaineMN.gov/Elections or contact the Blaine Elections Office at Elections@BlaineMN.gov or 763-717-2737.
Register to Vote You may register to vote in Minnesota if you: • • • • •
Are a U.S. citizen Will be at least 18 years old on Election Day Are a resident of Minnesota for 20 days Are finished with all parts of any felony sentence Are under guardianship unless a judge specifically has revoked your right to vote. For more information about voter registration, visit MNVotes.org or the Blaine Elections Office at Elections@BlaineMN.gov or 763-717-2737.
