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You are here: Home / Blog / Special Elections November 4, 2025: What You Should Know

Special Elections November 4, 2025: What You Should Know

October 17, 2025

A row of white voting booths with the word 'VOTE' and an American flag printed on the side. People are standing behind the booths, partially visible, inside a large, well-lit room.On Tuesday, November 4, 2025, Minnesotans will head to the polls to fill two vacant State Senate seats — in Senate District 29 and Senate District 47. Several cities and local jurisdictions will also hold elections that day.

Background on the Races

Vacancies in District 29 and District 47 triggered this special election (Minnesota Secretary of State).

  • District 29 includes much of Wright County and parts of Hennepin and Meeker counties.
  • District 47 covers Woodbury (Washington County) and southern Maplewood (Ramsey County).

Many cities—including Minneapolis, which is electing a mayor and City Council members—will hold local elections the same day. (KSTP)

Voting Access for Minnesotans with Disabilities

Minnesota law ensures that all eligible voters—including those with disabilities—can cast a ballot privately, independently, and with dignity. Federal and state law require every polling place to be accessible and usable by early voters and people with disabilities. Counties must offer early voting, absentee voting, and special accommodations when needed.

Polling Place Accessibility

All polling places must meet accessibility standards for parking, pathways, doorways, and signage.

Assistive Voting Equipment

With a few exceptions, federal law requires that all polling places must have assistive voting equipment that enables voters to mark ballots privately and independently.

Signing Your Name

If you cannot sign your name, you may orally confirm your identity and ask someone to sign for you.

Getting Assistance to Vote

There are many ways to get assistance when you vote. You may:

  • Bring someone to assist you.
  • Ask an election judge for assistance.
  • Use assistive equipment to mark your ballot.
  • Vote from your vehicle through curbside voting if offered at your polling place.

Early and Absentee Voting

Early voting is already underway. Be aware that:

  • Ballots cast by mail or in person must be received by 8 p.m. on Election Day (not just postmarked) or hand-delivered by 3 p.m.
  • Voters with print disabilities may request an accessible electronic absentee ballot.

Alternative Voting Locations

If you are in a nursing home or hospital, election judges can provide applications and issue ballots to eligible residents of the facility, give help if needed, and return the voted ballots to the local election official.

Voting Rights and Eligibility

As long as it isn’t restricted through a court order, you have the right to vote in Minnesota if you:

  • Are under guardianship.
  • Have a brain injury.
  • Have a developmental disability.
  • Have a cognitive disability.
  • Have memory loss.

Tips and Reminders for Voters with Disabilities

  • Plan ahead. Use these tools from the Secretary of State’s Office to:
    • Register to vote
    • Find your polling place
    • Find and track your ballot
  • Contact your county election office early. Ask which accommodations are available, how to request them, and where to go to use them.
  • Try equipment in advance if possible. Some counties offer public demonstrations so you can be familiar with it before Election Day.
  • Bring required identification. Requirements may vary by county, but your right to accommodations remains.
  • If you encounter barriers, let someone know. Election judges must provide assistance or contact the Secretary of State’s voter assistance office for guidance.
  • Know your rights. All voters with disabilities have the right to equal access at every stage of the voting process.

Have Questions?

Contact the Minnesota Secretary of State’s Office:

  • Voter Hotline: 1-877-600-VOTE (8683)
  • Deaf and Hard of Hearing Relay: 1-800-627-3529 or 711
  • Text Service: 651-217-3862
  • Website: Elections & Voting

You can also contact your county election office.

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