ST. PAUL -- Minnesotans can now begin casting their votes for the November 8, general election by voting absentee starting tomorrow (Friday).

Absentee voting is where someone who is not able to vote at the polling station on election day, can have an absentee ballot sent to them.

This is the first presidential election year where Minnesotans will no longer need an excuse to vote absentee.

Voters can request their ballot at mnvotes.org or by downloading the 2016 Minnesota Absentee Ballot Application. Applications can be returned to your county election office by email, mail, or fax.

Application forms are available in English, Spanish, Hmong, Somali, Vietnamese, Karen, Russian, Chinese, Lao, Oromo, Khmer, and Amharic.

For more about absentee voting, visit Office of the Minnesota Secretary of State.

More From 98.1 Minnesota's New Country