First primary election ballots will be cast in less than 3 weeks

With party conventions completed, the campaign season is well under way. The first ballots in the Minnesota primary election will be cast this month, June 26. Primary election day is Aug. 11 and the general election is Nov. 3.

All Minnesota ballots will include races for U.S. Senate, U.S. House of Representatives, governor and lieutenant governor, secretary of state, state auditor, attorney general, state senators, state representatives and judicial seats. Many voters will also have county, city, school and township elections and local ballot questions. You can download the 2026 combined elections calendar here for details on public notice periods and more.

Meanwhile, here are a few key dates to know for your news and advertising purposes:

Key Election Dates in June

Candidates who have filed to run for office may withdraw their name from contention until 5 p.m. today, June 4.

Training for election judges may be held between June 12 and Oct. 31.

Mail ballots for state primary elections will be sent June 26-July 14.

In-person absentee voting for the primaries is open June 26-Aug. 10.

Campaign signs may be placed starting June 26 and remain until Nov. 13.