38,000 Minneapolitans Vote Early in 2026 Midterms
City elections director credits campus pop-up sites and mail-in options for a 71% jump in early participation compared to 2022.
By Samir Doyle ·
Minneapolis has processed 38,000 early ballots in the current midterm election cycle. That figure represents a 71% increase over the same period in 2022, according to Katie Smith, the city’s Director of Elections. Smith attributes the growth to a deliberate expansion of voting locations that meets residents in their daily environments rather than requiring them to travel to central polling places.
The city maintains a voting pop-up at the Weisman Art Museum, a practice that began in 2024. On Monday, the University of Minnesota’s Undergraduate Student Government (USG) moved its annual Voterpalooza event into Coffman Union headquarters to avoid rain. An inflatable eagle remained on the lawn to direct students toward the museum, where they could register and cast ballots. Smith stated that bringing services to specific neighborhoods allows the city to serve people with busy schedules and provides an additional day and method for participation.
University employee Bridget Bergin, who works across from the Weisman site, cited the ease of access as a primary motivation for voting there. Bergin usually votes in her neighborhood on Election Day but described the pop-up process as smooth and efficient. "I usually do it in my neighborhood on election day, but this was too easy to pass up," Bergin said.
Fatima Aden, President of the USG, said the organization aimed to promote the museum site and engage students in a low-stress setting. The event featured food and brief addresses from 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 emphasized that the event aims to frame voting as a positive social activity. "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.
Statewide data from the Center for Information and Research on Civic Learning and Engagement shows Minnesota leading the nation in youth voter turnout. In 2024, 62% of residents between the ages of 18 and 29 cast a ballot. Smith indicated that the city’s strategy of offering mail-in options and pop-up sites is driving the continued shift toward early voting among Minneapolis residents.
