2024 election season in full swing, Minnesota preps for primary

ROCHESTER, Minn. (KTTC) – The 2024 election season is in full swing. The GOP of Iowa selected Former President Donald Trump as its preferred presidential candidate on Monday. Now, Minnesota, along with other states, is gearing up to choose its preferred candidate.

Minnesota’s primary will be held March 5, also known as ‘Super Tuesday’. However, voting starts weeks before that. Absentee voting starts as early as January 19.

According to Olmsted County Election Manager Luke Turner, the final touches are being put on the ballot and the county is working on hiring and training election staff.

Minnesota Secretary of State Steve Simon said this election cycle is going to attract the attention of many.

“This is your chance to get in on the ground floor and help determine who the nominee of your party is going to be,” Simon said.

The ballots are being finalized, but before you cast your vote, you must declare your party. In Minnesota, that is either Republican, DFL, or the Legalize Marijuana Now party. Turner expressed the importance of doing your research before requesting a ballot.

“It’s also a way to express a preference about who ought to be on the ballot later on in November, when the really big decision will come. Not only in the presidential election, but in so many other contests as well,” Simon said.

In 2020, some were fearful of absentee voting and questions around validity spiraled. According to Turner, there are multiple checks and balances ensuring a fair election.

“We have judges from both political parties, Republicans and Democrats, on the ballot board coming back this January, every single ballot that comes in via the mail is reviewed by two election judges before it’s accepted and rejected,” Turner explained.

Turner said ballot requests have rolled in and can be requested as late as March 5, but it’s better to be ahead of the curve.

“I’d encourage you to do it early just to make sure you have time for the mail to go to your house and back. Another option is absentee in person,” Turner said.

Once the ballot is finalized, it will not change. Turner advised staying up to date on candidates. Some could drop out of the race but will still show up on the primary ballot.

For more information about registration and voting, click here.

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