As part of the general election on November 5, Rochester Public School District voters will consider a proposal to increase the school operating levy by $1,133 per pupil annually. This investment would raise $19.4 million annually in revenue for 10 years to Ignite Student Learning and fuel Rochester’s future.
In addition to in-person presentations, school board meeting discussions, and sharing information via our website and social media sites, we will offer an additional avenue for the community to learn more about the upcoming referendum. Join Superintendent Pekel and other district leaders for a virtual information session to learn more about the district's financial need, what the referendum would support, what would happen if the referendum fails, and the implications on our students and Rochester's future.
The virtual information sessions will take place on:
Tuesday, October 8, 12-1 p.m.
Wednesday, October 9, 7-8 p.m.
Friday, October 11, 12-1 p.m.
Wednesday, October 23, 12-1 p.m.
Wednesday, October 23, 7-8 p.m.
Tuesday, October 29, 7-8 p.m.
The Zoom links to join each meeting can be found by visiting our website, www.referendum.rochesterschools.org/events, and selecting the respective event. The same content will be presented at each meeting.
Early Voting
Early voting has begun. Eligible voters can vote early until November 4.
Vote Early in Person
You can vote early with an absentee ballot at your local elections office. Some cities and towns also offer in-person absentee voting. If you are not registered, you can do so in person if you show proof of residence.
Vote in person at the Olmsted County Elections Office (2122 Campus Dr. SE, Suite 300, Rochester, MN 55904). Completing an absentee application in advance will reduce your time in line, but it is not required. In-person voting is open Monday through Friday, starting 46 days before an election.
Vote Early By Mail
To vote by mail, apply to have an absentee ballot mailed to you. You do not need to be registered to apply.
Your ballot will be sent via US Postal Service during the absentee voting period, which starts 46 days before Election Day. You may send your ballot back via mail or drop it off in person at the absentee voting office (2122 Campus Dr. SE, Suite 300, Rochester, MN 55904) or the Government Center (151 4th Street SE, Rochester, MN 55904) during business hours, Monday through Friday 8 a.m.- 5 p.m.
To request an absentee ballot for 2024 elections, use the online absentee application, or one of downloadable applications below.
Downloadable absentee applications:
To request an application in an alternative format, such as Braille, please call 1-877-600-8683. The Minnesota Secretary of State’s website has more information on early voting.