Early voting in Minnesota began last week for local, state and federal races.

If you’re going to be gone on Election Day or simply want to vote at your own convenience, you can do so by going to the Freeborn County Auditor/Treasurer’s Office during normal business hours between now and Nov. 5. No excuse is needed.

If you would like to vote by absentee ballot, you can also call the Auditor/Treasurer’s Office to have one mailed. Ballots need to be returned on or before Election Day to count toward the totals of the election.

People voting by absentee ballot must have a witness, who can be either a registered voter or a notary, to sign the signature envelope when you vote.

This year, Albert Lea and Freeborn County have a full list on the ballot:

• Albert Lea mayor

• Albert Lea wards 2, 4 and 6

• Freeborn County commissioner districts 2 and 4

• Freeborn County sheriff

• Freeborn County recorder

• Freeborn County auditor-treasurer

• Freeborn County attorney

• Albert Lea School Board

• District 27A representative

• 1st District U.S. House of Representatives

• U.S. Senate

• Minnesota attorney general

• Minnesota governor

Get out there either now or on Election Day, and make your voice matter.