SAINT PAUL —The Minnesota Secretary of State’s Office announced on Monday that at least 539,806 absentee ballots have been accepted – just shy of the 2016 presidential election pace for absentee balloting. The rate of absentee ballot requests is an increase of 129 percent over the total number of absentee votes cast in the 2014 election.

Voting for the 2018 statewide general election began on Sept. 21. “Early voter participation in Minnesota is at record levels,’” said Secretary of State Steve Simon.

“Minnesotans are on-pace to hold our No. 1 title for voting participation. You still have time to vote. You can register to vote (today, at the polls) if you have not yet registered. Now is the time to find that last bit of energy and sprint through the finish line – let’s go Team Minnesota! Make an Election Day plan to be a voter.”

Since 2014, Minnesota voters have had the option of vote from home, or “no-excuse absentee” voting. All county election offices throughout the state also offer in-person absentee voting, commonly referred to as “early voting.”

For more information about same-day voter registration or to find your polling place, visit www.mnvotes.org.