Absentee voting will begin Monday in the special election to replace departed Hennepin County Commissioner Gail Dorfman.

The special primary for the Third District commissioner's seat is set for April 29. Those who can't make it to vote can vote absentee provided they have a valid reason. Those include: being absent from the precinct on primary day, illness or disability; serving as an election judge elsewhere; observing a religious holiday; being prevented from voting because of a gubernatorially declared emergency, or being subject to a federal quarantine.

Absentee voters may come to the skyway level of the government center, Minneapolis or St. Louis Park city halls. All will be open extra hours from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. April 26. Voters can also mail absentee ballots. For more information, call 612-348-5151.

Rochelle OLSON