Nearly a million Minnesotans have already cast their ballots in the presidential election. Minnesota Secretary of State Steve Simon said at this point Minnesotans voting via absentee ballot should not risk putting the ballot in the mail. Also on the ballot is a measure to renew a constitutional amendment that sets aside 40 percent of lottery proceeds for conservation projects. This is the afternoon MPR News update, hosted by Emily Reese. Theme music by Gary Meister.