Early voting in Minneapolis up 71 percent

Minneapolis has recorded 38,000 early votes in the current midterm election. That figure represents a 71 percent increase over the same period in 2022. Katie Smith, the city's Director of Elections, cites convenience as the primary factor driving this shift. She notes that voters are increasingly choosing mail-in ballots or local pop-up sites over traditional polling places.

The city has operated a voting pop-up at the Weisman Art Museum since 2024. The site serves as a central hub for early voting in the neighborhood. On Monday, the Undergraduate Student Government at the University of Minnesota moved its fourth annual Voterpalooza event into Coffman Union headquarters. The move was made to avoid rain, though the group's inflatable eagle remained on the lawn to direct foot traffic to the museum.

Smith stated that bringing services to campus allows the city to reach students and residents within their daily routines. She emphasized the value of providing another day, time, and method for participation. "I think it's really important because it lets us get out into different areas, and into different communities, and serve people with that early voting option in their own community," Smith said.

University employee Bridget Bergin, who works across the street from the museum, voted at the pop-up on Monday. She described the process as efficient and smooth. "I usually do it in my neighborhood on election day, but this was too easy to pass up," Bergin said.

Fatima Aden, the USG President, said the goal of Voterpalooza was to promote the early voting site and engage students in a low-stress environment. The event featured food and appearances by Minnesota Attorney General Keith Ellison and Minneapolis City Council Member Robin Wonsley. U.S. Senator Tina Smith and Gubernatorial Candidate Amy Klobuchar canceled their appearances due to the weather.

Aden noted that the event aims to change the perception of voting among young people. "We do this not just to promote the early pop site that's happening in Weisman Art Museum, but we do this to show students that voting is something that's cool," Aden said.

Minnesota held the top national ranking for youth voter turnout in 2024. Data from the Center for Information and Research on Civic Learning and Engagement shows that 62 percent of residents between 18 and 29 years old cast ballots during that presidential election.