Forty-six days. That is all that stands between today and November 3rd — and the good news is, you do not have to wait until then.

Early voting opened September 18th across Minnesota, which means you can cast your ballot for District 56A right now. No lines. No last-minute scramble. Just your voice, counted.

I want to be direct with you: this race is going to be decided by turnout. Every neighbor who shows up, every friend you remind to vote, every family member who drops off their absentee ballot — that is what wins a competitive district race. Not TV ads. Not yard signs. People.

So let's talk about exactly how to do this.

Vote Early — Starting Now

You have two easy options to vote before Election Day:

In Person

Walk in and vote at any of these Dakota County locations:

• Dakota County Administration Center — 1590 Highway 55, Hastings (open now)
• Apple Valley City Hall — 7100 147th Street West, Apple Valley (opens mid-to-late October)
• Burnsville City Hall — 100 Civic Center Parkway, Burnsville (opens mid-to-late October)
• Eagan City Hall — 3830 Pilot Knob Road, Eagan (opens mid-to-late October)

Check Dakota County Elections for current hours at each site.

By Mail

Request your absentee ballot at mnvotes.sos.state.mn.us. The deadline to request is October 29th — but the sooner you request, the sooner you can send it back and be done.

Check Your Registration Today

Before anything else, take 60 seconds and confirm your registration is current at mnvotes.sos.state.mn.us. If you have moved, changed your name, or are not sure — check now, not the week before the election.

And remember: Minnesota allows same-day registration at the polls, so even if you are not yet registered, you can register and vote on the same visit.

Bring Someone With You

Here is the single most effective thing you can do between now and November 3rd: ask one person to vote.

Not a stranger. Someone you know. A coworker, a neighbor, a sibling. Tell them early voting is open. Offer to go with them. Text them this post. It sounds simple because it is — and it works.

Campaigns are won by the people who show up and bring others with them.

Why District 56A Matters This Year

Minnesota's House is closely divided. District 56A is competitive. The margin in this race could be a few hundred votes — maybe fewer.

I am running because Apple Valley and our neighboring communities deserve a representative who is actually present, actually listening, and actually fighting for the things that matter to working families: lower costs, strong schools, safe neighborhoods, and a government that does not waste your money.

That vision only becomes real if we vote.

Get Involved in the Final Push

If you want to do more than vote — if you want to help make sure your neighbors vote too — we need you. Knock doors, make calls, host a yard sign, or just spread the word online.

Head to the Get Involved page and sign up. The final 46 days are everything.

Thank you for being part of this. Now let's go win.

— AJ