Cook County voter turnout takes shape one week before Election Day

With Election Day one week away, many Cook County voters have already cast their ballots early by mail or in person.

Early voting has been underway at the Cook County Courthouse since Oct. 16, and the county has already received many mail-in ballots.

As of Monday, Oct. 26, Cook County Auditor-Treasurer Braidy Powers told WTIP that the county has received 1,500 ballots so far.

While the Auditor-Treasurer’s office has accepted ballots, it can’t count them until polls close at 8 p.m. on Election Day, Tuesday, Nov. 3.

Power said 4,013 voters are registered in Cook County. Of those, 981 live within the city limits of Grand Marais.

This election season, Cook County voters will decide several local and statewide races.

Over the past month, the WTIP News Department interviewed candidates running for Cook County Sheriff, Cook County Commissioner, Grand Marais City Council, ISD 166 School Board, North Shore Health Hospital Board, and Cook County Soil & Water Conservation District.

Find all of the candidate interviews here.

As Election Day nears, the county is offering extended hours at the Cook County Courthouse for early and absentee voting.

See dates below:

Tuesday, Oct. 27, from 8 a.m. to 7 p.m.

Saturday, Oct. 31, from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m

Sunday, Nov. 1, from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.

Monday, Nov. 2, from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.

With less than a week until Nov. 3, county officials recommend dropping off absentee or mail ballots rather than putting them in the mail. Voters can use the secure drop box outside the Courthouse or return ballots to the Auditor’s Office during regular business hours. Mail ballots must be returned by 8 p.m. on Nov. 3, and absentee ballots by 5 p.m. on Nov. 3.

On Election Day, voters casting ballots in person in Grand Marais East will use a new polling location this year at Grand Marais City Hall. Grand Marais West voters will continue voting at the Cook County Community Center. Polls will be open from 7 a.m. to 8 p.m. on Nov. 3.

Voters can still register to vote at a polling location.

Online preregistration closed 21 days before the election, on Oct. 13, but Minnesota allows eligible voters to register at a polling location with proof of residence.

In this mid-term election, accepted early and mail ballots across the state already number 419,189 as of Oct. 23, according to the Minnesota Secretary of State.

If you have questions about voting, polling locations, or voter registration, contact the Cook County Auditor’s Office at (218) 387-3640. Or by email: elections@cookcountymn.gov

After polls close at 8 p.m. Tuesday, Nov. 3, the Minnesota Secretary of State’s website will post election results. WTIP will also provide live Election Night coverage and share local results.

Learn more about elections and voting on the Minnesota Secretary of State website here.

Kalli Hawkins October 27, 2026