Secretary of State Mark Ritchie does not want the storm in the East to affect Election Day in Minnesota.
He said Monday his office has contacted organizations where Minnesotans might be tapped to help with the storm -- emergency responders, utility companies, the Red Cross and the Minnesota National Guard -- to remind people to vote before they depart.
"A significant number of Minnesotans have already been asked, invited and mobilized to go East and assist in dealing with the emergency caused by hurricane Sandy," Ritchie said. "If you think as a Minnesotan that you might be mobilized ... you cans till make sure that your voice can be heard by voting."
"Prior to departure, eligible Minnesota voters should visit their county courthouse or city clerk's office to vote absentee in-person," Ritchie said in a statement. "We want to make sure every eligible Minnesota voter can vote."
"Absentee in-person" voting refers to casting an absentee ballot, but doing so at the county auditor or city clerk's office. To qualify for absentee voting, a voter must be away from the precinct or otherwise unavailable on Election Day -- Tuesday, Nov. 6.
Voters can do cast their ballots in this way during regular office hours or during extended hours Saturday from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.
