Election Information
Upcoming Election Dates:
General Election:
Election News & Notices
Town Offices Election Notice 2024
Filing Notice for 2022 Election of Township Supervisor (2) and Treasurer
Voter Registration
Registering to Vote
Not sure if you’re already registered to vote?
You can check the status of your Minnesota Voter Registration on the Secretary of State’s Voter Registration Status page.
There are three ways you can register to vote:
- Register By Mail:
You can download and print the Minnesota Voter Registration Application. Please fill it out and drop it off at your county election office or mail it to:
Secretary of State
First National Bank Building
332 Minnesota Street, Suite N201
Saint Paul, MN 55101
Registration forms (including alternative formats) can be found on the MN Voter Registration Page.
** Please note that your registration must be received 21 days before the election. - Register Online:
You can register yourself to vote using the Secretary of State’s Secure Online Voter Registration page. To complete this process you will need a Minnesota driver’s license (or MN state ID card) and an email address. - Election Day Registration:
Voter registration temporarily closes 20 days before an election. So if you missed that deadline, you can still vote by registering at your polling place on election day (or at early voting locations before election day).
To register on election day please bring one (or more) of the following items:
– Valid Minnesota driver’s license, learner’s permit or ID; or a receipt for any of these.
– Tribal ID with name, address, photo and signature.If you do not have one of the previous ID’s you can provide an alternative photo ID (even if expired) and documentation. The approved ID’s include:
– Driver’s License from another state
– US Passport
– US Military or Veteran ID
– MN university, collage, or technical collage ID (with photo)
– MN high school ID
In addition to one of those alternative photo ID’s you will need some documentation to confirm your residence and address. This can be one of the following:
– Bill, account statement, or start-of-service due/dated within 30 days of the election. The types of acceptable bills include: Phone, TV, Internet, Sewer, Electric, Gas, Water, Banking, Credit Card, Rent, or Mortgage.
– Residential rental lease or rental agreement which is valid through election day.
– Current student fee statementIn some cases another voter from your precinct can go with you to the polling place and “vouch” for you by signing an oath to confirm your address. You can not vouch for others if someone has vouched for you.
** Please be advised that registering on election day may take additional time, so when possible it’s recommended that you get your voter registration turned in 21 days before election day to ensure that your vote is counted and everything goes smoothly
More information can be found on the Secretary of State’s Election Day Registration Page.
Where To Vote:
Residents of Helena Township vote at:
NEW PRAGUE FIRE/AMBULANCE FACILITY
505 5TH AVE NW
NEW PRAGUE, MN 56071
You can verify this by using the Polling Place Locator on the Secretary of State’s website by entering your address.
The results will also show you other local information such as:
- Districts for your precinct (including maps)
- Your next election (once this office has received notification)
- List of candidates (candidates and questions on the ballot at your
next election, when available)
Absentee Voting
Helena Township does not offer early voting in person or have an absentee ballot drop off point. Township residents can vote by mail or follow the in-person absentee voting procedure of all Scott County voters. Absentee voting generally opens 6 weeks before election day and continues until the polls close on election day. Updated information may be found on the following Scott Co. pages:
Absentee Voting Locations
For any request or questions pertaining to absentee voting, please contact the Scott County elections office at: scelections@co.scott.mn.us
Where To Vote Early Or Absentee In Person
If you’re not going to be in the area at the time of the election or you just prefer to vote early in person, you may do so at:
Scott County Public Works Building
600 Country Trail E
Jordan, MN 55352
Voting By Mail
To vote by mail you must first request to have an absentee ballot sent to you. You can either apply for this online or by printing a form and mailing it to the Scott County Elections office.
- Online: Please use the Minnesota Secretary of State’s Absentee Ballot Request Form
- By Mail: The Absentee Voter Application changes from year to year. You can find the current form on the MN Secretary of State’s Vote By Mail page. Please print and fill out the Absentee Voter Application Form and mail it to:
Scott County Government Center
200 Fourth Ave W
Shakopee, MN 55379
More information about the requirements can also be found on the state’s website where the form is located.
Once you’ve received your ballot, please fill it out correctly and sign the white signature envelope. You will also need a witness who is registered to vote in MN, or a notary public to sign the signature envelope as well. All of the instructions will be on an info sheet that you receive with your ballot.
To return your absentee ballot, you may either drop it off at the Public Works Building in Jordan or mail it to the Scott County Government Center at the addresses above.
Military And Overseas Voters
If you’re serving in the military outside of your home precinct or living abroad during an election you can request to have a ballot sent to you anywhere in the world! Please note that citizens living abroad indefinitely with no plans to return to Minnesota can only vote for federal offices.
Requests to vote from outside the US can be applied for online or by mail. If applying by mail, it is recommended that you include a prepaid envelop to ensure that your ballot reaches you. While you can apply online, your paper ballot must be returned physically by election day, so you’re encouraged to apply early in the year to allow extra time for international mail to reach you and/or the elections office in time.
You can find the application for military and voting abroad following this link to the MN Secretary Of State’s website.
More information about who is eligible and how the process works can also be found by following that link.
Tracking Your Ballot
Minnesota’s Secretary Of State provides a way for you to track your ballot after sending in an absentee vote. You will need to provide your name, date of birth, and either your MN drivers license number 0r state ID card number. A US passport number can be used for military and overseas voters.
Election officials may take up to severs days in order to process your tracking request.
Vote By Mail / Absentee & Early Voting
Frequently Asked Questions:
After you receive the absentee ballot you applied for, follow the instructions that were included. Absentee ballots are mailed starting 46 days before election day.
There is more information on this page for how to vote absentee by mail or absentee in person.
Items you will receive
- A ballot.
- A tan ballot envelope.
- A white signature envelope.
- A voter registration application (for non-registered voters only).
- A larger white return envelope.
- Instructions for completing and returning your ballot.
Contact us if any of the above items are missing.
You will need…
- A black ink pen.
- Your Minnesota driver’s license or state ID number, or the last four digits of your Social Security Number.
- A witness who is registered to vote in Minnesota. This could be a spouse, a relative, a notary public, or someone with the authority to administer oaths.
Instructions for Registered voters
1. Follow the instructions on the ballot to vote.
- Show your witness your blank ballot.
- Do not write your name or ID number on the ballot.
- Do not vote for more candidates than allowed. If you do, your votes for that office will not count.
2. Seal your ballot in the tan ballot envelope. Do not write on this envelope.
3. Put the tan envelope into the white signature envelope.
4. Fill out the white signature envelope.
- Print your Minnesota driver’s license or state ID number, or the last four digits of your Social Security Number — use the same number you used on your absentee ballot application.
- Read and sign the oath.
- Have your witness print their name and Minnesota street address (not a P.O. box), including the city, and sign their name.
- Seal the envelope.
5. Put the white signature envelope into the larger white return envelope. This protects your private information.
6. Return your ballot by mail, or you or someone you choose can drop it off at your city or school district election office. See the Vote by mail, Vote in person or Vote by agent sections below.
Instructions for Non-registered Voters
1. Fill out the voter registration application and sign it.
2. Show your witness your driver’s license or other authorized proof of where you live.
3. Show your witness your blank ballot.
4. Follow instruction on the ballot to vote. Mark your votes in private.
- Do not write your name or ID number on the ballot.
- Do not vote for more candidates than allowed. If you do, your votes for that office will not count.
5. Seal your ballot in the tan ballot envelope. Do not write on this envelope.
6. Put the tan envelope and the voter registration application into the white signature envelope.
7. Fill out the white signature envelope completely
- Print your Minnesota driver’s license or state ID card number, or the last four digits of your Social Security Number — use the same number you used on your absentee ballot application.
- Read and sign the oath.
- Have your witness indicate which proof you showed them, print their name and Minnesota street address (not a P.O. box), including the city, and sign their name.
- Seal the envelope.
8. Put the white signature envelope into the larger white return envelope. This protects your private information.
9. Return your ballot by mail or you or someone else you choose can drop it off at your city or school district election office. See the Vote by mail, Vote in person or Vote by agent sections below.
Whether you are voting by mail, absentee in person (including early voting), voting from the military, or voting from abroad… Your ballot must be returned to the an official election office for your precinct NO LATER THAN 8PM ON ELECTION (OR PRIMARY) DAY to be counted.
Before absentee ballots can be counted, they must be accepted. Upon receipt, ballots are inspected to ensure they meet all the requirements to be counted. The signature and ID information must match those on the absentee ballot application. Ballot envelopes are marked either accepted or rejected.
Accepted absentee ballots
- Accepted ballots are held in a secure location until counting begins.
- Absentee ballot counting starts at 5 PM seven days before election day.
Rejected absentee ballots
Rejected ballots will not be counted. Voters whose ballots were rejected will receive a replacement. Ballots are not rejected for a missing secrecy envelope.
Common reasons ballots are rejected:
- A voter did not sign the signature envelope.
- The voter’s ID number did not match the one used on their application. (Put both your driver’s license number and last four digits of your Social Security Number on your signature envelope. This reduces the chance your absentee ballot will be rejected.)
- A voter did not have a witness.
- A non-registered voter did not fill out their election day registration form.
- The ballot was not received by election day.
Ballot Processing
Ballot processing is always done by a team of two or more people. Each team handles one polling place or precinct at a time. This process starts at 5 PM, seven days before election day. The steps are:
- Count the unopened ballot envelopes.
- Compare the count to the voter database to make sure every accepted ballot is counted.
- Separate the ballot secrecy envelope from the signature envelope. This process eliminates a connection between a voter’s identify and their vote. Signature envelopes are set aside.
- Ballots are then run through a high-speed ballot counter.
- Elections officials are not allowed to access or release results until the polls close at 8 PM on Election Day.
- Absentee votes are combined with results from the polling place and then released.
- Absentee ballot materials are retained as required by statute and rules.
After your absentee ballot is received at the elections office, it is reviewed by an absentee ballot board. This board is comprised of Absentee Ballot Board Judges who check that the signature envelope was filled out correctly. Each envelope is reviewed by at least two members of the board.
How does the ballot board decide if a ballot is accepted?
They look at the following criteria on the signature envelope:
- Ensure the name and address match what was on the absentee application
- Ensure the ID matches what was on the absentee application
- Ensure the voter has signed the envelope
- Ensure a witness has completed the witness portion
The board will also:
- Ensure the voter is registered, or has included a properly completed voter registration application
- Ensure the voter has not already voted in the election
Voters may authorize an agent to pick up and return an absentee ballot for them. This service is available only within the seven days preceding an election.
Each agent is allowed to deliver ballots for a maximum of three voters.
You can absentee vote by agent if you are a:
- Patient in a hospital, residential treatment center, or nursing home.
- Resident of a group home.
- Resident of a battered women’s shelter.
- Resident of an assisted living facility.
- Disabled voter.
- Voter who would have difficulty getting to the polls because of incapacitating health reasons.
How to vote by agent
1. Choose an agent who:
- You have a pre-existing relationship with.
- Is at least 18 years old.
- Is not a candidate in the election.
2. Complete both the:
3. Your agent will be given your ballot to bring to you.
4. Vote your ballot.
5. Have your agent return your voted ballot to the office they picked it up at.
- Your agent must show an ID with name and signature.
- Completed ballots must be returned by 3 PM on election day (at the latest). Your agent or someone else you designate must return your ballot to the same election office by 3 PM on Election Day. You can also return your ballot by mail, but election officials must receive your ballot on or before Election Day.
Avoid these common mistakes when completing your ballot:
- Make sure the witness section is not blank or incomplete.
- Read the instructions carefully.
- Use a blue or black ink pen to mark your ballot.
- Use the same ID number (driver’s license or state ID or the last four digits of your Social Security Number) on your signature envelope that you used on your application. It’s a good idea to put down both numbers in both places.
- Remember to sign the white signature envelope.
Military voters, their dependents, and other U.S. citizens who are overseas may be eligible to vote absentee under the Uniformed and Overseas Citizens Absentee Voting Act (UOCAVA).
UOCAVA voter eligibility
- Members of the uniformed services or merchant marine — Army, Navy, Air Force, Marine Corps, Coast Guard, Merchant Marine, the commissioned corps of the Public Health Service, or the commissioned corps of the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration and will be absent from your precinct on Election Day due to your service.
- Spouses and dependents of a member of the uniformed services or merchant marine.
- Temporarily overseas — if you are a citizen who would be qualified to vote at your polling location in Minnesota if you were not overseas.
- Indefinitely overseas — if you are a citizen who currently has no plans to return to Minnesota, but you maintained residence in Minnesota for at least 20 days immediately prior to your departure from the United States. Voters who are indefinitely overseas are permitted to vote only for the offices of president, vice president, senator in Congress, and representative in Congress.
How to apply for an absentee ballot
Online: To complete the online absentee ballot application to vote absentee while in the military or overseas, you must:
- Be eligible to complete the federal postcard application (PDF).
- Provide an email address.
- Provide your identification number from either your Minnesota driver’s license, your Minnesota ID card, or the last four (4) digits of your Social Security Number.
If you can’t provide an email address and one of the identification numbers listed above, you cannot apply online and must submit a paper application.
By mail, email, FAX or in person: You need to complete and submit a federal postcard application (PDF). Your spouse, parent, sibling, or child older than 18, may complete and submit the form for you.
Use one of the following methods to complete the form:
- Minnesota Military and Overseas Voter Service: this free service will help you complete the FPCA to apply for an absentee ballot.
- Download and complete the federal postcard application (PDF) on your own. Be sure to read the instructions carefully and fill out the form completely.
Submit your application by mail, or you can email it to scelections@co.scott.mn.us.
How to submit your voted ballot
Regardless of how you received the ballot, you must return your voted ballot by mail to the election official the ballot was received from.
Can I have an absentee application sent to me automatically for every election?
If you would like to automatically receive an application for an absentee ballot before each election, you may complete an application to automatically receive absentee ballot applications (PDF).Why did I receive a pre-filled absentee ballot application?
Several organizations send out mailings to increase voter participation. Mailings can include information regarding voter registration status, along with pre-filled absentee ballot and voter registration applications. We cannot guarantee the accuracy of data used by these organizations.
Can I check the status of my absentee ballot or ballot application?
Yes, at https://mnvotes.sos.state.mn.us/AbsenteeBallotStatus.aspx.
I voted absentee in the primary, will I automatically receive an absentee ballot for the general election?
You may have requested both the primary and general election ballots on the same absentee ballot application. If you applied for both elections, you will automatically be sent your general election ballot and do not need to apply again. To check if you’ve already requested a ballot for the general election, please use the ballot status tracker at mnvotes.org.
When can a military or overseas voter apply?
You may submit an federal postcard application (PDF) any time during the year. However, you should submit it as far ahead of the election as possible to avoid delays in receiving your ballot.Can a military or overseas voter receive a ballot electronically?
Yes. You can receive the ballot by mail, fax or email. You will need to indicate on your application how you would like to receive the ballot.
Can a military or overseas voter return a voted ballot electronically?
No. Regardless of how you received the ballot, you must return your voted ballot by mail to the election official the ballot was received from.
When should a military or overseas voter expect to get a ballot?
Ballots are sent out by election officials at least 45 days prior to the election. For those voters whose applications were received fewer than 45 days before the election, ballots are sent as quickly as possible. Ballots sent by mail are airmailed to addresses outside the continental U.S. Your ballot will be sent to you by an express mail service if you provide a prepaid envelope to the county auditor’s office. Note: Your voted ballot must arrive back at the county no later than Election Day to be counted.
What if a military or overseas voter doesn’t receive a ballot?
If you submit timely absentee ballot applications but never receive your ballot (or you are concerned that you will not be able to return your ballot in time to be counted), you may submit the federal write-in absentee ballot (PDF) (FWAB) as an alternative. A FWAB allows you to write in choices for all offices. For federal offices, you may indicate your choice by writing in a candidate name or political party. When voting for state or local offices on the FWAB, you must write the name of the candidate (not just the party) for your vote to be counted.
How long is a military or overseas voter application valid?
An application is valid from the time the application is received through the end of that calendar year or through the next regularly scheduled state general election, whichever is later. You may specify a different end date in box 6 of the application (i.e.., “General election only”). A ballot will be sent automatically for all elections during that time in which you are eligible to vote. You must reapply each year in which you need a ballot or if your overseas mailing address changes.
Can a military or overseas voter self-certify a ballot?
As a UOCAVA voter, Minnesota allows you to self-certify your FPCA, your ballot return envelope, and the FWAB. You can do this by using the same passport number, Minnesota driver’s license or state ID number, or the last four digits of your Social Security Number on all forms throughout the process. If you do not have access to any of these documents, you may attest to the truthfulness of the information under penalty of perjury. For assistance, overseas citizens should contact the U.S. embassy or consulate, and military personnel should contact their Voting Assistance Officer (VAO).
Election Judges
What Are Election Judges?
An Election Judge, sometimes referred to as “Poll Workers”, are everyday citizens that have been trained to facilitate the election process. They can be volunteers or paid workers that ensure the rights of the voters are protected and that only qualified voters are participating in the election at the proper polling station. Statewide there are more than 30.000 Election Judges staffing more than 4,100 precincts.
By taking the training and serving as an Election Judge, you’ll not only be learning about the election process, but also participating in the democratic process, and helping your neighbors have their votes counted as well!
What Are The Requirements And Benefits?
- You must be eligible to vote in Minnesota and be able to read, write, and speak English.
- You must complete an election judge training course (a minimum of two hours).
- You can choose to volunteer or be paid. Wages vary by city and township.
- Your Employer is required to give employees time off to work as an election judge.
Can My Teenager Be An Election Judge?
Actually, Yes! If they meet the requirements, teens (age 16+) can work as Election Judge Trainees. This opportunity provides excellent real-world work experience, and also serves to educate them as a hands on civics lesson.
The requirements to be an Election Judge Trainee are as follows:
- Age 16 or 17
- A U.S. citizen in good academic standing at a Minnesota high school (or home schooling)
- Signed permission of both school and parent/guardian
- Register to serve only in the county of residence
Much like other Election Judges, Trainees are not required to server for the entire day, but their shifts cannot extend past 10pm. Election Judge Trainees must complete the same training sessions as other Election Judges and can be assigned to most of the same tasks, however Trainees do not need to designate any party affiliation and will not perform any tasks requiring a party affiliation. Election Judge Trainees will be paid at least 2/3 of the current minimum wage.
What's the Difference Between An Election Judge And
An Absentee Ballot Board Election Judge?
An Absentee Ballot Board Election Judge serves as part of an Absentee Ballot Board to confirm that each absentee ballot was filled out correctly and that the voter has not already cast a vote in person. You can find more information about this process under the Absentee Voting tab right here on this page.
Absentee Ballot Board Election Judges need to commit to a flexible daytime schedule which can vary anywhere from 8-40 hours per week depending on the volume of ballots received. This commitment would run for the entire absentee voting period which runs for 6 weeks before election day.
How Do I Sign Up To Become An Election Judge?
Election Judge Interest Form
Election Judge training typically takes place in July of an election year, but you will receive more information after communicating your interest to become an Election Judge and being selected to participate.
Election Equipment
Tested For Accuracy
Scott County holds regular Public Accuracy Testing at the Scott County Government Center in Shakopee.
For questions about this process please contact Scott County Elections at SCElections@co.scott.mn.us.
Equipment Information
In 2016 Scott County started using new election equipment. The voting machines being used keep a paper ballot and are tabulated by a visual scanner. Addition equipment is provided for accessibility for voters with visual impairments and other disabilities covered by the ADA.
Some of the highlights of the current voting equipment are:
- Voters continue to vote a paper ballot and insert it into a vote tabulator.
- The ImageCast Evolution (ICE) tabulator incorporates a ballot marking device to accommodate accessibility needs.
- Absentee ballots will be counted using a new central count machine — ImageCast Central Count (ICC).
Equipment Information Resources:
The following videos were provided by Scott County so voters can familiarize themselves with the voting equipment and how it works.
- ICE Tabulation Machine Video
- ImageCast Evolution with Dual Display (for voters with accessibility concerns)
Election Results
Once the results of an election or primary have been tabulated and certified, you can find the results on the Minnesota Secretary Of State website. Please note that these reports take time. More immediate results may be available in your local newspaper although these results may only show the assumed or projected winner and should not be considered official until the results have been certified.
Historical results of previous elections and primaries as far back as 1992 can also be found on this page as well.
