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Absentee ballots will be available starting Friday for the presidential nomination primary election.

Minnesotans no longer need an excuse to vote absentee — a reform also known as no-excuses absentee voting, according to a press release.

You can request, receive and cast an absentee ballot in one visit to the Freeborn County Auditor-Treasurer’s Office for the election.

The Auditor-Treasurer’s Office is in the Freeborn County courthouse, 411 S. Broadway Ave., and is open from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday through March 4 and from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Saturday, March 2.

To vote absentee by mail, complete and submit an absentee ballot application online at mnvotes.org or download an application from the website and mail, fax or e-mail it to the Auditor-Treasurer’s Office.

Election officials will mail the absentee ballot materials to you soon after receiving your application. Be sure to follow the directions included with your ballot materials.

You can request an absentee ballot if you are not currently registered to vote — a voter registration form will be provided with your ballot.

Because the Auditor-Treasurer’s Office is a polling place location for absentee voting, campaigning is not allowed within 100 feet of or in the Government Center, according to state statute.Campaigning is to display campaign material, post signs, ask, solicit or in any manner try to induce or persuade a voter.

For more information or questions, contact the Freeborn County Auditor-Treasurer’s Office at 507-377-5121 or check www.co.freeborn.mn.us and look for Auditor-Treasurer under the Department’s tab.