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You are here: Home / News / Special Elections January 27: What You Should Know

Special Elections January 27: What You Should Know

January 22, 2026

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.Minnesota voters in House Districts 47A and 64A will take part in special elections on Tuesday, January 27, 2026. These elections will fill two vacancies in the Minnesota House and ensure residents of these districts continue to have representation at the State Capitol.

The two House districts are:

  • House District 47A, which includes parts of Maplewood in Ramsey County and Woodbury in Washington County
  • House District 64A, which is entirely within the city of St. Paul in Ramsey County

Why These Special Elections Are Happening

These elections were scheduled because the previous officeholders vacated their seats after being elected to other positions in the November 2025 election.

  • In House District 47A, the seat became vacant when Rep. Amanda Hemmingsen-Jaeger was elected to the Minnesota Senate.
  • In House District 64A, Rep. Kaohly Her stepped down after being elected mayor of St. Paul.

Minnesota law requires a special election in these situations so that constituents continue to have representation at the State Capitol.

Why It Matters

Special elections often receive less attention than general elections, but they play an important role in how state government functions. Every seat in the Minnesota House contributes to representation and to the balance of power in the Legislature.

When lawmakers reconvene in February, having these seats filled ensures that residents of Districts 47A and 64A have a voice in decisions about the state budget, schools, health care, and other issues that affect daily life.

Key Voting Dates and Information

The special election takes place on Tuesday, January 27, 2026.

You have several ways to vote, either on Election Day or by other means:

  • Vote absentee or early in person. Absentee voting and early in-person voting for the special election begin in January. Because special elections follow a shorter timeline, voters are encouraged to return absentee ballots in person at designated locations.
  • Register to vote. Same-day voter registration is available on Election Day for eligible voters who are not already registered.
  • Find your polling place. Voters can look up where to vote using the Secretary of State’s polling place finder.

Accessible Voting Options and Accommodations

Minnesota voters with disabilities have the right to accessible voting options. These accommodations are available to ensure everyone can participate fully in the election.

At the polling place, you may request:

  • An accessible ballot-marking machine to mark a ballot independently
  • Oral sign-in, including the right to verbally confirm identity and ask another person to sign on your behalf if needed
  • Voting assistance from a person of your choice or an election judge
  • Curbside voting, which allows eligible voters to vote from their vehicle

Other accessible options may include voting at care facilities, hospitals, or nursing homes, when available through county election offices. Availability varies by location, so you should contact your county elections office for details.

Tips for Voters with Disabilities

If you are a voter with a disability, these tips can make voting easier on Election Day.

  • Plan ahead. Check whether your polling place offers an accessible ballot-marking machine, curbside voting or other accommodations.
  • Contact your county election office early to ask what accommodations are available and how to request them.
  • Consider trying accessible voting equipment in advance if your county offers demonstrations.
  • Bring required identification, if applicable. Accommodations still apply when ID is required.
  • Know your rights. Polling places must meet accessibility standards, and election judges can provide assistance when requested.
  • Track your absentee ballot. Minnesota offers an online ballot tracker so you can confirm whether your ballot has been received and accepted.

Need Assistance or More Information?

You can contact the Minnesota Secretary of State:

  • Minnesota Relay Service: 711 or 1-800-627-3529
  • Voter assistance hotline: 1-877-600-VOTE (8683)
  • Text service: 651-217-3862

You can also contact your county election office directly.

Make a Plan to Vote

If you live in House District 47A or 64A, take a few minutes to make a plan to vote.

  • Decide whether you will vote early or on Election Day
  • Confirm your polling place
  • Consider what support or accommodations you may need

To learn more about voting access, visit MCD’s voting resources page.

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