Vote Absentee

If you are unable to vote in person on Election Day, Cottage Grove residents can vote by absentee. Absentee ballots are available 46 days prior to an election at the Washington County Service Center- Cottage Grove, 13000 Ravine Parkway S.

Request Absentee Ballot

Absentee voters must complete an absentee ballet or provide a signed and dated letter to receive an absentee ballot in the mail. If providing a letter, be sure to include all of the following:

  • Address in Cottage Grove
  • Date of birth
  • Mailing address
  • Name
  • Reason for an absentee ballot
    • Absent from precinct
    • Illness or disability
    • Religious discipline or observance of a religious holiday
    • Service as an election judge in another precinct
  • Sign and date the letter
  • Type of absentee ballot(s) needed (primary election only, general election only, or both)

All voters have at least one location where they can vote early in person with an absentee ballot. View the list of voting locations before election day for upcoming elections, or contact your county election office.

If you are looking for the hours that a specific location is open, see the list of voting locations before election day.

For most elections, absentee voting locations must be open during their normal business hours starting 46 days before the election. Locations offering absentee ballots for federal, state or county elections must also be open:

  • The last Saturday before Election Day (9 a.m. — 3 p.m.)
  • The day before Election Day until 5 p.m.

Before the state general election, these additional hours are also required:

  • The Tuesday before Election Day until 7 p.m.
  • The second to last Saturday before Election Day (9 a.m. — 3 p.m.)
  • The last Sunday before Election Day (9 a.m. — 3 p.m.)

These additional hours do not apply to school districts holding standalone elections. 

Some local jurisdictions may provide additional absentee voting days or hours beyond the above required days and times. Call your jurisdiction for more information.

Note: in odd years, not all areas of the state will have elections. Use the Polling Place Finder to check for elections in your area.

In-Person Absentee Voting

Absentee voting also can be done in person at the Washington County Government Center in Cottage Grove 46 days (for most elections) prior to the primary and general elections or by absentee ballot application. Please visit the Washington County website for more information on Absentee Voting.

In special situations, you may ask an agent to pick up and return an absentee ballot for you. This is called ‘agent delivery. Learn more about agent delivery.