Voting & Elections

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The City Clerk’s Office is available to answer any questions about absentee voting, polling locations, voter registration and service as an election judge. The City Clerk administers city, state and federal elections.

2020 Elections

Key Dates

  • Tuesday, November 3: General Election 

Voting and COVID-19

The City of Hopkins is working closely with Hennepin County to stay prepared and respond to COVID-19, and is relying heavily on the CDC Recommendations for Election Polling Locations as well as those from the Minnesota Department of Health.

To minimize direct contact with others, the CDC encourages you to vote by mail. All Minnesota voters are eligible to vote by mail. It is easy to vote by mail, just as long as you plan ahead.

You may apply online for your ballot. Your ballot will be mailed to you about six weeks before Election Day, beginning on September 18 for the November General Election.

Learn more about how you can vote by mail

The City is doing everything possible to ensure a safe election season for our residents. We will update our website as conditions change.  

The best way to stay up to date on elections news in Hopkins is to follow us on Facebook or Twitter, or sign up for the Connections weekly e-newsletter.

Ballot Drop-Off Information

Due to COVID-19, please return ballots by mail. If necessary, ballots may be returned in-person to Hopkins City Hall or the Hennepin County Downtown Office during absentee voting hours. Be prepared to follow COVID-19 policies, including wearing a face covering and staying six feet apart at all times.

You may drop off your ballot or ballots for up to three other voters. When returning ballots for someone else, you must show ID with your name and signature.

As a reminder, ballots cannot be dropped off at your polling place on Election Day.

Deadline to drop-off a ballot

Ballots must be dropped off by 3 p.m. on Election Day, November 3, 2020 at City Hall or at the Hennepin County downtown office. Listed below are the hours for both locations.

Hopkins City Hall is open for ballot drop-offs during the following hours:

  • Now through October 30: Monday though Friday, 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
  • October 31: 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.
  • November 2: 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.
  • November 3: 8 a.m. to 3 p.m.

Hennepin County Downtown Office has the availability for you to drop-off your ballot inside or at their new drive-thru during the following hours:

  • Now through October 23: Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
  • October 24: 8 a.m. to 8 p.m.
  • October 26-30: 8 a.m. to 5:30 p.m.
  • October 31: 8 a.m. to 8 p.m.
  • November 2: 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.
  • November 3: 8 a.m. to 3 p.m.

Inside drop-off at the Hennepin County Downtown Office:
You must wear a mask or face covering and stay 6 feet apart from others. Do not enter county buildings if you are sick.

  • 300 South 6th Street, Minneapolis (Google map)
  • At the Elections office on the skyway level of the Hennepin County Government Center.

Drive-thru drop-off at the Hennepin County Downtown Office: 
Drive up, park and election staff will meet you at your vehicle. Staff will ask you a few questions and place your ballot in a secure ballot drop box. No need to leave your vehicle!Hennepin County Elections Drive-Thru Map

  • 625 South 4th Ave, Minneapolis
  • Drive-thru is located on 4th Ave S between 6th and 7th streets
  • The metered parking spaces have been converted into a drive-thru lane.
  • Hand your ballot to staff who will place your ballot in a secure ballot box.

Other Ballot Return Options

By mail

Mail your ballot back in the pre-paid, pre-addressed envelope that was provided with your ballot materials. For the 2020 State General Election, absentee ballots must be postmarked on or before election day, November 3, 2020 and received by November 10, 2020.

If you don't think your ballot will be received in time using regular mail, you may choose to pay for an express delivery service.

By express delivery service

Return an absentee ballots by express delivery service (FedEx, DHL, UPS, etc.). Address the delivery to:

Hennepin County Elections
Government Center
300 South 6th Street, MC 012
Minneapolis, MN 55487-0012