Voting: A Sacred Duty

The United Methodist Church has historically emphasized social justice, civic responsibility, and engagement in public life as part of its teachings on Christian ethics and social responsibility. In a democratic society, our Methodist faith calls us to actively engage in the political process as part of our Christian witness, including the crucial act of voting.

Guided by the Wesleyan Quadrilateral—Scripture, tradition, reason, and experience—we are compelled to support laws and policies that safeguard and extend the rights of all citizens to vote and ensure that every vote is counted. We also uphold efforts to eliminate barriers to voting and advocate for fair and transparent elections, believing that such participation aligns with our call to seek justice and love mercy in all aspects of life.

Participating in our country’s political life isn’t just about casting our own vote—it requires working together so we can all vote and vote faithfully. There are many ways to get involved—from participating ourselves to supporting others in our congregations and communities.

Learn more about the United Methodist Church’s commitment to free and fair elections here.

Make a pledge to vote this election. We’re aiming for 100% participation from our congregation!

John Wesley’s Guidelines: Place a sign in your yard or window encouraging people to remember John Wesley’s guidelines for voting. Signs are available at the church office for a suggested donation of $5.

General Election Voting Plan 2026: Are you registered?

What is needed to register: 

• Refer to Eligibility to Vote and Election Day Registration (sos.mn.gov/elections-voting/register-to-vote/who-can-vote/), (sos.mn.gov/media/a0dpevwz/2026electiondayregistration.pdf)
• Registration Application (sos.mn.gov/elections-voting/register-to-vote/register-on-paper/)

General Election Day is November 3, 2026

Early Voting begins October 16, 2026

You have three choices to cast your ballot for the election:

1. By mail, beginning 46 days (September 18, 2026) before the election.
2. Early in-person; Early in person, see locations, dates and times listed below
3. On Election Day at your assigned polling place (7 am to 8 pm) – (pollfinder.sos.mn.gov)

Mail-In Ballot 

• Absentee ballots returned by the United States Postal Service (USPS) must be postmarked on or before Election Day and received from the postal service by the Olmsted County elections office by 8 p.m. on Election Day.
• Absentee ballots returned to the Olmsted County Elections office by the voter or by another person authorized by the voter to act on the voter’s behalf must be received by 8 p.m. on Election Day. A monitored drop box is available at the Elections office, located at 2122 Campus Dr SE, Suite 300. 

For transportation contact Kathy Estry at 507-288-5938 or rk.estry@gmail.com

General Election: November 3

Polls are open 7 am to 8 pm

Absentee In-Person (Olmsted County Elections Office)

2122 Campus Drive SE, Suite 300, Rochester

• September 18 to November 2:  Monday – Friday,  8 am to 5 pm

Early Voting (Olmsted County Elections Office)

2122 Campus Drive SE, Suite 300, Rochester

• October 16 to November 2: Monday – Friday, 8 am to 5 pm
• October 24 and 31:  Saturday,  9 am to 3 pm
• November 1:  Sunday, 9 am to 3 pm
• Extended Hours:  October 27:  Tuesday,  8 am to 7 pm

Early Voting (City Hall)

201 4^th St. SE, Rochester  (Entrance E, Conference Room 104)

• October 27 to November 2:  Monday – Friday, 8 am to 5 pm
• October 31:  Saturday,  9 am to 3 pm
• November 1:  Sunday,  9 am to 3 pm
• Extended Hours:  October 27:  Tuesday,  8 am to 7 pm