Election Information

Overview

The City Clerk’s Office hires and manages election judges, polling locations within city precincts, and filings for city offices. Freeborn County handles ballot production, vote tabulation and election equipment. The City Clerk’s Office oversees all special city elections, including necessary publications, printing, staffing, precinct management and supplies.

Online: Visit the Minnesota Secretary of State website to register online.
In person: Download a paper form or pick up a registration form and return at the Auditor-Treasurer’s Office, Freeborn County Government Center, 411 South Broadway Ave. Return the completed form to the same location.
Election Day: Register to vote at your polling place on Election Day.

Polls will be open from 7 a.m. to 8 p.m. on election days. The City of Albert Lea is divided into 6 wards. To see which ward you live in:

Consult the ward map
Visit the Minnesota Secretary of State website for your city council ward and polling place (where you vote, map and directions)

Map of Albert Lea city wards, showing six distinct colored areas labeled Wards 1 to 6, with roads, lakes, and notable geographic features marked.

Ward 1: Freeborn County Fairgrounds, Fairlane Building, 1105 Bridge Ave.

Ward 2: First Lutheran Church, 301 Clark St. W.

Ward 3: United Methodist Church, 702 South Highway 69

Ward 4: Grace Lutheran Church, 918 Garfield Ave.

Ward 5: Albert Lea National Guard Armory, 410 Prospect Ave.

Ward 6: Assembly of God Church, 1540 South Shore Drive

The Freeborn County Auditor-Treasurer’s Office oversees absentee voting.

Absentee ballots are available 46 days before the State Primary and General Elections. The Auditor-Treasurer’s Office must receive a completed absentee ballot application before issuing a ballot to a voter. Absentee ballots must be returned to the Auditor-Treasurer’s Office no later than 8 p.m. on Election Day to be counted. Mail or bring ballots to the Freeborn County Government, 411 S. Broadway Ave., Albert Lea, MN 56007.

Voters may also cast an absentee ballot in person during the 46-day absentee period at the Freeborn County Auditor-Treasurer’s Office, 411 South Broadway Ave., Albert Lea. Office hours are 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday, except legal holidays.

Polls are open from 7 a.m. – 8 p.m. on General Election Day, the first Tuesday after the first Monday in November. Voters may also cast their ballots at the Auditor-Treasurer’s Office the following times: