Minnesota's Post-Election Calendar: Canvass, Cure and Certification Dates

When the polls close on Election Day, the race isn’t truly over. In Minnesota, the release of unofficial results kicks off a meticulous, multi-week process designed to ensure every valid vote is counted accurately. Here’s how it works. The First Review: County Canvassing Boards The initial numbers y

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What is the story about?

When the polls close on Election Day, the race isn’t truly over. In Minnesota, the release of unofficial results kicks off a meticulous, multi-week process designed to ensure every valid vote is counted accurately. Here’s how it works.

The First Review: County Canvassing Boards

The initial numbers you see on election night are always unofficial. The real work begins when each of Minnesota's counties convenes its canvassing board. These five-member panels are comprised of specific local officials, including the county auditor, the district court administrator, the mayor of the county's largest city, and two county board members who are not on the ballot. Their job is to publicly review the vote totals from every precinct, correct any clerical errors, and officially account for every ballot cast. This local canvass for the November 3, 2026, general election will take place in the days that follow. For example, Olmsted County's board is scheduled to meet on November 10. These boards certify the results for local races,

and their finalized reports for state and federal races are sent to the Secretary of State for the next step.

Fixing Fixable Errors: The 'Cure' Period

Not every mail-in or absentee ballot is perfect. Sometimes a voter forgets to sign the envelope, or their signature doesn't match the one on file. In Minnesota, these issues don't automatically lead to a rejected ballot. The state has a 'ballot curing' process, which requires election officials to notify voters of such problems and give them an opportunity to correct, or 'cure,' them. This critical window ensures that simple, honest mistakes don't disenfranchise eligible voters. Voters who are contacted about an issue with their ballot should respond promptly to ensure their vote is included in the final, official count. This process is a key feature of the state's election system, designed to maximize participation while maintaining security.

The Final Word: State Certification

After the counties complete their work, the process moves to the state level. The Minnesota State Canvassing Board is responsible for the final certification of results for all federal offices (U.S. Senate and House), statewide offices (like Governor and Attorney General), and legislative seats that cross county lines. This board is a five-person panel consisting of the Secretary of State, two Minnesota Supreme Court justices, and two district court judges. By law, this board meets on the 16th day following the general election. For the 2026 election, that meeting will occur on or around Thursday, November 19. It is only after this body reviews the statewide results and officially certifies them that the election is considered final and the outcomes are official.