Any resident can vote by an absentee ballot. Absentee ballots are available 46 days before all elections except March township elections. Ballots for those elections are available 30 days prior to the election and must be returned — not postmarked — to Dakota County Elections by election day.
Request an absentee ballot
In person
Dakota County voters may obtain an absentee ballot by visiting the Dakota County Administration Center in Hastings, Northern Service Center in West St. Paul or the Western Service Center in Apple Valley.
In 2016, the state legislature authorized an alternative absentee voting process. Voters may opt to deposit their ballot directly into the ballot box during the seven days prior to the election. This option will be available at the Administration Center in Hastings and certain school district offices.
By mail
Complete an 
Absentee Ballot Application and return it by:
- Mail
- Email scanned document to elections@co.dakota.mn.us
- Fax to 651-438-4391
- Bringing application to a county or municipal 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
Requested absentee ballots will be sent as quickly as possible. Initial mailings of absentee ballots for most elections take place 46 days before the election. Absentee ballots for March township 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.
Options for 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 Minnesota Military and Overseas Voters (FPCA) 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 the Administration Center or the 
Federal Write-In Absentee Ballot.
