Published: November 3rd, 2026.
Polls are open from 7 a.m. to 8 p.m. on Tuesday, November 3rd, as voters across Minnesota cast their ballots in the 2026 general election. Here's how to find your polling place, check your registration, vote in person, and follow election results.
DAKOTA COUNTY, MN - Election Day has arrived in Minnesota, with voters heading to the polls Tuesday, November 3, 2026, to cast their ballots in federal, state, and local races that will help determine the direction of their communities and government.
For residents throughout Dakota County and the southern Twin Cities metro, election officials are reminding voters to confirm their polling locations, review their ballots, and understand their voting rights before heading out. Polling places across Minnesota are open from 7 a.m. until 8 p.m. Tuesday. Voters who are already in line when polls close at 8 p.m. must be allowed to cast their ballots, even if they have not yet reached the voting booth.
Dakota County Elections has provided several reminders and resources to help residents navigate Election Day, including information about voter registration, polling locations, sample ballots, and how election results are reported.
Polling Places Open Until 8 P.M.
Minnesota voters must cast their Election Day ballots at their assigned precinct polling location, which is generally determined by their residential address. Residents should not assume their polling location is the same as in previous elections, as precinct boundaries and polling locations can change.
Voters can find their assigned polling place through the Minnesota Secretary of State's official election website at MNvotes.gov.
Those planning to vote later in the evening should be aware of the 8 p.m. closing time. However, anyone already in line by that time has the right to remain in line and vote.
Not Registered? Minnesota Allows Election Day Registration
Minnesota is among the states that allow eligible residents to register to vote on Election Day. That means residents who have not previously registered, recently moved, or need to update their registration may still be able to vote Tuesday.
Voters registering at their polling location must provide acceptable proof of residence and meet Minnesota's voter eligibility requirements. Depending on the voter's circumstances, several methods may establish residency, including an accepted identification document with a current address or an approved combination of photo identification and a document showing their name and current address.
Other registration methods may be available, including having an eligible registered voter from the same precinct vouch for their residence, subject to state requirements.
Residents unsure of their registration status can check it on the Secretary of State's website before leaving home. You can do that here: Elections & Voting
Voters already registered at their current address generally do not need to bring identification to vote in person. Identification or other documentation may be necessary for those registering or updating their registration at the polls.
Review Your Sample Ballot Before Voting
Election officials also encourage residents to review their sample ballots before arriving at their polling locations. Depending on where a voter lives, their ballot may contain a combination of federal, statewide, legislative, judicial, county, municipal, school district, and other local contests. Not every voter will see the same races or candidates.
Reviewing a sample ballot in advance can help residents identify the contests in their precinct, research candidates, and understand any ballot questions that may appear.
Voters can access their personalized sample ballot through the Minnesota Secretary of State's voter information website.
What Happens After Polls Close?
Once polls close at 8 p.m., election officials begin reporting results as they process ballots and precinct totals become available. The Minnesota Secretary of State's office provides an online election results system where residents can follow vote totals for races throughout the state.
Results may be updated throughout Tuesday evening and into the following days as election officials complete required reporting procedures. Election night results are unofficial.
Dakota County officials emphasize that results do not become official until they have been reviewed and certified through the appropriate county and state canvassing processes. These procedures help ensure election totals are accurately recorded and that the results reflect the ballots cast.
Because precincts report at different times, early results may not represent the final outcome of a race. Leads can change as additional precincts and ballots are included in reported totals.
Voters can follow the latest available results through the Minnesota Secretary of State.
Major Races on the Ballot in 2026
Beyond local elections, Minnesota voters are deciding several significant statewide and federal contests. Among the highest-profile races are the elections for governor and U.S. Senate, both of which feature open seats.
Democratic U.S. Sen. Tina Smith is not seeking reelection, while Gov. Tim Walz is leaving office after two terms. Voters will also determine the makeup of Minnesota's Legislature and elect representatives to Congress. Additional statewide contests include attorney general, secretary of state, and state auditor. Voters will also decide a proposed constitutional amendment related to school funding.
At the local level, residents in communities throughout Dakota County, including Apple Valley, Burnsville, Eagan, Lakeville, and Rosemount, may also have city council, school board, or other local races on their ballots, depending on their precinct.
Absentee Ballots Must Be Received by Election Day
Minnesota voters who requested absentee ballots should also know the deadline for returning them. According to the Minnesota Secretary of State, absentee ballots for the November 3rd general election must be received by Election Day.
Residents who have not yet returned their absentee ballots should contact their local election office for instructions on approved return locations and deadlines rather than relying on regular mail delivery. Voters can also use the state's online absentee ballot tracking system to check their ballot status.
Where to Find Election Information
Residents looking for additional assistance can access the following official resources:
Find your polling place: Minnesota Polling Place Finder
Check voter registration: MNvotes.gov
Review your sample ballot: What's on My Ballot?
Follow election results: Minnesota Election Results
Dakota County Elections: Dakota County Elections and Voting
Dakota County residents with election-related questions can also contact the county's election office at 651-438-4305.
As voters across Minnesota head to the polls Tuesday, election officials encourage residents to make a voting plan, verify their polling location, and allow enough time to cast their ballots before the 8 p.m. deadline.
Limitless Media News will continue following the 2026 general election, including local races throughout Dakota County and the southern Twin Cities metro, as results become available.
Written by: Will Wight
