SAINT PAUL — Secretary of State Steve Simon hailed the final passage today of bipartisan legislation moving Minnesota to a presidential primary system beginning in 2020, highlighting the increased access and opportunities to vote for many Minnesotans, including those serving in the military, the elderly, and the disabled.
The bill, which still maintains caucuses for all other elected offices, was a top priority of Secretary Simon’s this legislative session and is now on its way to the Governor’s desk.
“Today Minnesota took an important step toward making it easier for eligible Minnesotans to make their voice heard in the presidential nomination process,” said Secretary Simon. “Instead of having just one hour on one night to vote, Minnesotans will now have access to many of the benefits they’ve come to expect from our regular election process, including no-excuses absentee voting, same-day registration, and opportunities for those serving overseas. I’m particularly pleased that those serving in the military, the elderly, and the disabled will now be able to have a stronger voice in supporting their choices for president. Minnesota’s election system is one of the best nation, and today’s decision by the legislature reinforces that.”
Secretary Simon has long supported moving Minnesota to a presidential primary. He testified on behalf of the bill (SF2985 [Rest]/HF3594 [Sanders]) several times in both the state Senate and House this year. Secretary Simon also authored a presidential primary bill (HF1776) in 2007 as a state legislator.
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Contact: Ryan Furlong, 651-297-8919, ryan.furlong@state.mn.us