Minnesota’s general election is Tuesday, Nov. 3, 2026, and early voting is open now. If you live in Stearns or Benton County, here is where and when you can vote early, plus what to bring if you register on Election Day.
Early voting in Stearns County
Stearns County residents can vote early at either of these locations, Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., through Monday, Nov. 2:
- St. Cloud City Hall, 1201 7th St. S., St. Cloud
- Stearns County Service Center, 3301 County Road 138, Waite Park
A few cities, including Sartell, St. Joseph, Cold Spring and Sauk Centre, are running short-term early voting sites in the final week. Some are for city residents only, so check the Minnesota Secretary of State’s early voting locations list before you go.
Early voting in Benton County
Benton County has one early voting location: the Benton County Government Center, 531 Dewey St., Foley. It is open Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., through Nov. 2. Sauk Rapids and Benton County’s other cities do not have their own early voting sites. Voters in Sauk Rapids precinct P-6 vote by mail and are sent ballots automatically.
Extra hours this weekend
The main early voting locations above have extra hours before Election Day:
- Saturday, Oct. 31: 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.
- Sunday, Nov. 1: 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.
- Monday, Nov. 2: 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. (the last day to vote early)
St. Cloud residents: it depends on your county
St. Cloud stretches into three counties, and your early voting spot depends on which one you live in. Stearns County residents use St. Cloud City Hall or the Waite Park service center, Benton County residents go to Foley, and Sherburne County residents go to the Sherburne County Government Center, 13880 Business Center Drive NW in Elk River.
Voting on Election Day
On Nov. 3, you vote at your assigned polling place. Look it up by address with the Secretary of State’s Polling Place Finder at pollfinder.sos.state.mn.us. Note that your polling place is based on the city or township where you live, which may not match your mailing city.
Registering on Election Day
Minnesota lets you register at the polls. To do it, bring one of these:
- A valid Minnesota driver’s license, learner’s permit or ID card (or the receipt) with your current name and address, or a tribal ID with your name, address, photo and signature
- An approved photo ID (it can be expired), such as a driver’s license from any state, U.S. passport, military or veteran ID, or a Minnesota college or high school ID, plus a document with your name and current address, such as a utility, phone or internet bill dated within 30 days, or a current lease
- A registered voter from your precinct who can go with you and sign an oath confirming your address (called vouching)
To vote in Minnesota you must be a U.S. citizen, at least 18 on Election Day, a Minnesota resident for 20 days, not currently incarcerated for a felony conviction, and not under a court order revoking your right to vote.
Sources: Minnesota Secretary of State, City of St. Cloud, Benton County, City of Sauk Rapids.
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We do our best to keep these details accurate, but hours and locations can change. Please confirm with your county or city election office before you go.
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