Absentee ballots are available to residents who cannot make it to a polling place on election day. For most elections, absentee ballots are available 46 days before an election, and must be received by the County (not postmarked) by election day. For certain local only election, the absentee period may be only 30 days.
Request an absentee ballot
In person
Dakota County voters may obtain an absentee ballot by visiting the Administration Center, Northern Service Center or Western Service Center.
Additionally, voters in Apple Valley, Burnsville, Eagan, Farmington, Hastings, Inver Grove Heights, Lakeville, Mendota Heights, Rosemount, South Saint Paul or West Saint Paul may obtain an absentee ballot from their city hall.
By mail
Complete an 
Absentee Ballot Application and return it by:
- Mail
- Fax to 651-438-4391
- Email scanned document to elections@co.dakota.mn.us
- Bringing application to county, city or school district office
Applications mailed to the County should be sent to:
Administration Center
Attn: Elections
1590 Highway 55
Hastings, MN 55033-2343
Absentee ballots sent to you
Your absentee ballot will be sent to you as quickly as possible. Initial mailings of absentee ballots for most elections take place 46 days before the election. Absentee ballots for certain local only elections will be sent 30 days before the election. Be sure to review the enclosed instructions, complete your absentee ballot and return it in the provided envelope.
If you’re not registered
If your registration is not current or complete, a voter registration application will be included with your absentee ballot materials. The completed voter registration application must be returned with your voted ballot.
Requirements of uniformed & overseas citizens
Dakota County voters who are overseas including those in the military, their spouses, or others may vote by absentee ballot using the Uniformed and Overseas Citizens Absentee Voting Act. For more information, go to the Federal Voting Assistance Program website and complete the form online. Print out a copy of the form and send it to:
Administration Center
Attn: Elections
1590 Highway 55
Hastings, MN 55033-2343
Military personnel, their families and citizens living outside the United States (including Canada and Mexico) may have application requests submitted by the voter, voter's parents, spouse, sibling or child over the age of 18 years. Applications can be submitted in person at the Administration Center, Western Service Center and Northern Service Center.
Additional voting information and resources for Americans living abroad can be found at Minnesota Overseas Voter Services or Overseas Vote Foundation.