Request Absentee Ballot in Saint Paul MN by Mail or Drop Box

Elections and Campaign Finance Minnesota 4 Minutes Read · published February 09, 2026 Flag of Minnesota

In Saint Paul, Minnesota, voters who cannot vote in person may request an absentee ballot to be mailed or returned at an official drop box. This guide explains official channels, how to complete and submit the absentee ballot application, secure return options, and where to find authoritative instructions from Ramsey County and the Minnesota Secretary of State. Read the action steps, deadlines, and contact points carefully and follow only official sites and forms to avoid delays or invalid returns.

How to request by mail or drop box

To request an absentee ballot you must complete the official absentee ballot application and submit it according to the instructions on the official election pages. Many voters use the state application or the Ramsey County absentee request tool to request a ballot by mail; ballots may also be returned in person to official drop boxes or election offices listed by the county. Ramsey County absentee voting information[1]

Use only the official county or state pages to request or return absentee ballots.

What you need

  • Completed absentee ballot application (state or county form).
  • Valid name and current address as registered to vote in Saint Paul.
  • Awareness of official deadlines — check the county or state site for the election-specific cutoff. Minnesota Secretary of State absentee voting[2]
  • Method to return the ballot: mail with postage or an official drop box listed by Ramsey County.

Ballot return options

Accepted return methods are determined by county and state rules. Ramsey County publishes a list of official drop box locations and instructions for secure return; use only those drop boxes or the U.S. Postal Service when mailing your ballot. If you choose a drop box, follow the county's posted guidance about hours and placement.[1]

Only official county drop boxes and election offices are secure for ballot returns.

Penalties & Enforcement

Enforcement for absentee voting rules in Saint Paul is administered through the county elections office and under Minnesota election law as enforced by county attorneys and state officials. Specific administrative fines or monetary penalties for absentee ballot violations are not specified on the cited county or state informational pages; see the official statutes and county guidance for legal enforcement details.[2]

Enforcement details and complaint pathways are handled by the Ramsey County Elections Office; for potential criminal penalties or precise statutory citations the Minnesota Secretary of State and Minnesota statutes are the controlling authorities.

Penalties, escalation, and non-monetary sanctions

  • Monetary fines: not specified on the cited page.
  • Escalation (first/repeat/continuing offences): not specified on the cited page.
  • Non-monetary sanctions: potential contest, rejection of ballot, or referral for further legal action (not specified in detail on the county guidance).
  • Enforcer and complaints: Ramsey County Elections Office handles complaints and investigations; contact details are on the county site.[1]
  • Appeals and review routes: statutory appeals and criminal review are governed by state law; time limits for formal appeals are not specified on the cited informational pages.

Applications & Forms

The primary form is the official absentee ballot application available from the Minnesota Secretary of State and Ramsey County. Fees: none stated on the cited county and state pages. Where to submit: follow the instructions on the application for mail submission or use the county's online request tool where available.[2]

Always use the current official application linked on county or state sites.

Action steps

  • Obtain the official absentee ballot application from Ramsey County or the Minnesota Secretary of State.
  • Complete the form with accurate registration name and address.
  • Submit the application by the method listed on the official page (mail, online, or in-person) as early as possible.
  • Return the completed ballot using an official drop box or by mail per county instructions.

FAQ

How do I request an absentee ballot for Saint Paul?
Complete the official absentee ballot application available from Ramsey County or the Minnesota Secretary of State and submit it per the instructions on those pages.[1][2]
Can I use a drop box to return my ballot?
Yes, but only use official drop boxes listed by Ramsey County; locations and rules are on the county absentee voting page.[1]
Is there a fee to request or return an absentee ballot?
No fee is stated on the cited county or state informational pages.

How-To

  1. Find the official absentee ballot application on the Ramsey County or Minnesota Secretary of State site.[1]
  2. Complete the application with your full name, address, and required information.
  3. Submit the application according to the instructions (mail, online, or in-person) on the official page.
  4. When you receive the ballot, follow the return instructions precisely and use an official drop box or mail it as directed.

Key Takeaways

  • Use only official Ramsey County or Minnesota Secretary of State forms and drop boxes.
  • Submit requests early and verify election-specific deadlines on the official pages.

Help and Support / Resources

  1. [1] Ramsey County absentee voting information
  2. [2] Minnesota Secretary of State - Elections and absentee voting
  3. [3] City of Saint Paul - City Clerk

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