Minnesota voters may choose to vote early by using an absentee ballot instead of voting in person at the polling place on Election Day. Absentee ballots are available at the Freeborn County Auditor-Treasurer’s Office at the Government Center at 411 S. Broadway Ave. in Albert Lea. Minnesotans no longer need an excuse to vote absentee — a reform also known as no-excuses absentee voting.

According to a press release, voters can request, receive and cast an absentee ballot in one visit to the Auditor-Treasurer’s Office for the primary election during regular business hours, from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. weekdays and 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday.

For the general election, votes can be cast during regular business hours from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday from Sept. 21 through Nov. 5 and from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Nov. 3.

To vote absentee by mail, complete and submit an absentee ballot application online at mnvotes.org or download an application from the website and mail, fax or email it to the Auditor-Treasurer’s Office.

Election officials will mail the absentee ballot materials soon after receiving the application. Be sure to follow the directions included with ballot materials.

Voters can request an absentee ballot if they are not currently registered to vote — a voter registration form will be provided with the ballot.

Because the Auditor-Treasurer’s Office is a polling place location for absentee voting, staff ask for the public’s cooperation in not campaigning within 100 feet of or in the Government Center. According to Minnesota Statutes 211B.11 subd. 1, campaigning is to display campaign material, post signs, ask, solicit or in any manner try to induce or persuade a voter.

For more information, contact the Auditor-Treasurer’s Office at 377-5121 or check the website at www.co.freeborn.mn.us and look for Auditor-Treasurer under the Departments tab.