Blaine, Columbia Heights, Fridley and Spring Lake Park have designated their polling places for the 2020 primary and general elections, and some locations are moving due to a new state statute.
During the 2020 session, the Minnesota Legislature passed a statute making changes to election administration for 2020 due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
One of the changes enacted says “schools must be only used as a polling place when no other public or private location is reasonably available.” The statute also stipulates that if a municipality or county has designated a school as a polling place, the municipality or county must work with school staff to minimize contact between students and voters.
Blaine, Columbia Heights, Fridley and Spring Lake Park moved many of their locations to allow for better social distancing during the 2020 elections.
The 2020 primary election will take place 7 a.m. to 8 p.m. Tuesday, Aug. 11. In-person and mail-in absentee voting started June 26 and run through Aug. 10.
The 2020 general election will be 7 a.m. to 8 p.m. Tuesday, Nov. 3, with in-person and mail-in absentee voting Sept. 18 through Nov. 2.
Many cities are urging voters to vote absentee. Due to COVID-19, there is no witness requirement for registered voters for the primary election. Ballots can be requested by mail at tinyurl.com/y82vzlcn.
Secretary of State Steve Simon is recommending that all voters wear masks to the polls, but election officials cannot turn away voters who aren’t wearing a mask.