Early voting is now open in Minnesota for the 2024 primary election scheduled for Aug. 13. This will be the first statewide primary election where felons can participate as long as they are not currently incarcerated. The Minnesota Legislature passed a law in 2023 restoring voting rights to felons on probation, parole, or work release.
To vote in the primary election, individuals must be U.S. citizens, at least 18 years old, and residents of Minnesota for 20 days. They must also not be under a court order prohibiting them from voting and not currently incarcerated for a felony. Voters can register at mnvotes.org and vote by mail, early in-person, or on election day.
Prominent primary races to watch include the Republican primary for U.S. Senate, where Royce White and military veteran Joe Fraser are competing for the chance to face incumbent Sen. Amy Klobuchar in the general election. The 2nd Congressional District Republican primary between Tayler Rahm and Joe Teirab is also drawing attention.
In the Democratic primary, the 5th Congressional District race between Rep. Ilhan Omar and former Minneapolis City Council member Don Samuels is closely contested. Omar narrowly defeated Samuels in the 2022 primary. Voters can find their polling locations for early in-person voting on the Minnesota Secretary of State’s website. Ballots must be returned by 8 p.m. on election day, and voters can track the status of their ballot on the website as well.
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Photo credit minnesotareformer.com