Prepare for the primary

In 2016, Minnesota passed legislation establishing a presidential nomination primary, bringing the state into Super Tuesday, when a host of states hold primaries. The state is better known as a caucus state, where people gather and discuss their preference for candidates instead of simply voting.

But Minnesota isn’t new to presidential primaries. There have been four: in 1916, 1952, 1956 and 1992. In most cases, the legislature voted for a primary to try and gain some political edge. In 1992, the primary was considered rather meaningless as it took place in April, well after the eventual candidates had sewn up nominations, with only the Republican vote being binding when it came to delegates.

One small hiccup for many will be at the poll when voters are asked which party they prefer. There are separate ballots for each party and voters only canvote on one. In spirit, the goal is to have people not cross party lines to mess with vote totals. The party preference requires the prospective voter to state that they align with that party’s principles, knowing that the party will be marked next to their name. There is debate about how public that information will be.

Legislators voted to allow the major parties to have access to the voter rolls with party preference for official party business only. Votes remain secret.

The Minnesota Secretary of State office has provided a rundown on what to expect as absentee voting begins today.

Q When will the presidential nomination primary take place?

AMarch 3, 2020. Absentee ballots are available beginning today, Jan. 17.

QWill all parties participate in the presidential nomination primary?

ANo, only major parties will participate. Two major parties, the Democratic-Farmer-Labor Party and the Republican Party, have submitted candidates for the ballot. Two other major parties, the Grassroots-Legalize Cannabis Party and the Legal Marijuana Now Party, have notified the Minnesota Secretary of State’s office that they will not be participating.

QWill all parties be on the same ballot?

ANo, each participating major party will have a separate ballot.

QWho decides which candidates will appear on a party’s ballot?

AThe chair of each party will submit a list of candidates for the party’s ballot no later than 63 days before the date of the presidential primary (Dec. 31). The Republican candidate list was filed Oct. 25 and the Democratic-Farmer- Labor candidate list was filed Dec. 17.

QWhat if a candidate drops out before the primary?

AOnce a party’s list is submitted, changes will not be made to candidates names appearing on the ballot.

QWill there be a place to write in a choice or vote for “uncommitted?”

AOnly if it is requested by the party chair. Party chairs will need to submit names of write-in candidates to be counted seven days before the primary.

QWill any other offices be on the ballot?

ANo, only presidential candidates from a major party will appear on the presidential primary ballot. Other offices with a primary will be on the primary ballot in August.

QWill there still be precinct caucuses?

AYes, precinct caucuses and local and state nominating conventions will still take place to conduct other party business.

QWho can vote in the presidential nomination primary?

AAny voter registered in Minnesota. Voters can register through Feb. 11, or register at the polling place when they vote. Note that voters must turn 18 years old by March 3 to vote in the presidential nomination primary.

QHow will I be able to vote in the presidential nomination primary?

ARegistered voters will be able to vote at their polling place on presidential primary day or by absentee ballot in the 46 days before presidential primary day, starting Jan. 17. A voter must request the ballot of the party of their choice. If a voter refuses to select a party, they will not be able to vote in the presidential nomination primary.

QWill other people know which party’s ballot I request?

AA voter’s choice of party ballot will be recorded and is private data. A list of who voted in a presidential nomination primary and the political party each voter selected will be provided to the chair of each major political party. How a voter voted on the ballot will be secret.

QWill parties have to abide by the primary results?

AThe presidential primary results must bind the election of delegates in each party.

QWho will pay for the presidential nomination primary?

ACounty and municipalities will be reimbursed by the state for the primary costs.

QHow much will the primary cost?

AThe Office of Secretary of State surveyed all 87 Minnesota Counties and, based on that survey, estimates that the cost to administer the primary will be $11.9 million. The Secretary of State has certified this estimate to the Commissioner of Management and Budget. Counties and municipalities will be reimbursed for their costs following the election.