Good article on early voting in MN

In 2016, nearly 700,000 absentee ballots were received prior to Election Day. So far this year, about 250,000 votes have already been cast, which roughly matches 2016 at this time and is significantly more than the number who voted early in the 2014 midterms, when early voting was first allowed.

Where are the early votes coming from?

Apart from being the state's major population centers, metro area counties like Hennepin and Ramsey often vote heavily Democratic in statewide elections. High turnout there could reflect Democratic enthusiasm, whereas high turnout in outstate counties could mean the same for Republicans. By comparison, just before Election Day in 2016, counties in northern parts of the state and the Iron Range had among the highest percentages of early voter turnout (These were Trump strong holds)

The Twin Cities suburbs are home to two heavily contested Congressional races, which could play a role in driving up turnout. The suburbs are also a key battleground in statewide races, so voter enthusiasm there is important to both parties.

So far, more 2018 early votes are on pace to come from Hennepin and Ramsey counties than other areas, just as in 2016.

http://www.startribune.com/number-of-early-voters-in-minn-matches-2016-here-s-what-we-re-watching/489888171/