Elections & Voting Guide

Every election, Columbus relies upon Election Judges, also known as Poll Workers, to carry out election procedures and make sure that voters' rights are protected. It is an excellent opportunity to serve your community performing an essential part of democracy and learn about elections.

Election Judges and Election Judge Trainees (people 16 or 17 years old) are temporary, paid positions starting at $12 per hour that require a minimum of two hours of online training. Employers are required to give employees time off to work as an election judge, and students in good academic standing with permission from their school and parents are eligible to serve in the county in which they reside.

Filing Begins July 30, 2024

Mayor - 2-Year Term

Council Member - 4 Year Term - 2 Seats Available

ALL candidates:

•Must be at least 21 years of age upon assuming office.

•Must be a resident of the district for at least 30 days before the general election.

•Must be eligible to vote in Minnesota.

•Must have not filed for the same or any other office at the upcoming primary or general election

Affidavit of Candidacy:

All candidates must file an Affidavit of Candidacy for office. Candidates must state that the name listed

on their affidavit is their true name by which they are commonly known in the community. A candidate

phone number is required. Affidavits must be signed in the presence of a notary or an individual

authorized to administer oaths. Staff of the Anoka County Elections Office can perform this function free

of charge.

Candidate Withdrawal:

If after filing you decide you no longer wish to run for office, you must file an Affidavit of Withdrawal no later than 5:00 p.m. on Thursday August 15, 2024. The names of all candidates who do

not file an Affidavit of Withdrawal before the deadline will appear on the ballot – no exceptions. The

filing fee is non-refundable.

Candidate Information:

Candidates may choose to complete the Election Candidate Information Form produced by the Secretary

of State. Completion of the form is voluntary. If provided, the completed form will be posted on the

website of the MN Secretary of State. Be advised that subsequent changes to that information may be

made, but may not appear for 2-3 days after submission to this office. Please review all information

carefully to ensure contact numbers, email addresses, etc. are correct at the time of filing.

August 13, 2024: State Primary Election

• Absentee Voting Opens Friday, June 28
• Direct Balloting Opens Friday, July 26
• Saturday Voting Hours August 10 from 9 a.m.-3 p.m.
• Extended Voting Hours Monday, August 12 from 8 a.m.-5 p.m.

November 5, 2024:  General Election

• Absentee Voting Opens Friday, September 20
• Direct Balloting Opens Friday, October 18
• Saturday Voting Hours October 26 from 9 a.m.-3 p.m.
• Extended Voting Hours Tuesday, October 29 from 8 a.m.-7 p.m.
• Saturday Voting Hours November 2 from 9 a.m.-3 p.m.
• Sunday Voting Hours November 3 from 9 a.m.-3 p.m.
• Extended Voting Hours Monday, November 4 from 8 a.m.-5 p.m.

• Voting on Election Day takes place at 16345 Kettle River Blvd., Columbus - Public Works Maintenance Building 
• Curbside voting is available for anyone unable to leave their vehicle. Call 651-464-3120 ext.1010 to make arrangements.
• Hours: 7 a.m.-8 p.m.

If you have never voted in Columbus, have changed your name, or moved, or have not voted within the last four years, you need to register to vote. To save time, do this before Election Day.

Unsure if you are registered?  You can check your voter registration status at the Minnesota Secretary of State Website:  Follow the link and enter your name, date of birth, and address, and the site will indicate whether you are currently registered.

 If you are not registered, you may register:

1. Online (recommended): Visit the Secretary of State's Website to register.  You will need either your Minnesota driver’s license, Minnesota identification card number, or the last four digits of your Social Security Number.  
2. Using paper forms:  Voter registration forms are available at Columbus City Hall, on the City’s website, or from the Elections Department at the Anoka County Government Center. They are also available where you apply for, renew, or change your Minnesota Driver License or ID card.

3. On Election Day: You can register or update registration when you vote at the City of Columbus Public Works Building on Election Day. You will need proof of residence to register. Voter turnout is expected to be heavy on Election Day. Your voter information will be entered by an elections official on the same Secretary of State website that you would use to register yourself. For these reasons, we highly recommend registering yourself online prior to Election Day.

Register Early!  Registration temporarily closes 20 days before Election Day (October 18), and reopens on Election Day for voters to register at their polling place.

You are Eligible to Vote if You:

• Are a U.S. citizen
• Are at least 18 years old on Election Day
• Have resided in Minnesota for 20 days preceding Election Day
• Have finished with all parts of any felony sentence
• Are not under court-ordered guardianship or have been ruled legally incompetent by a court of law