Minn. Lawmaker Calls For Switch From Caucus To Primary
MINNEAPOLIS (WCCO) -- Minnesota Republicans reported a record turnout for their caucuses on Super Tuesday, more than 115,000 people. Meanwhile, Democrats had more than 190,000 people casting a vote.
Despite that success, there were still long lines, large crowds and some confusion at caucus sites around the state.
Now, one lawmaker says Minnesota should switch from a caucus to a presidential primary.
"You can't have 100 people crammed into a classroom to vote," said Rep. Pat Garofalo, R-Farmington.
Garofalo's caucus filled a Farmington high school's hallways and gymnasium.
"There were people who had to walk four and five blocks," he said on Wednesday. "People were turned away from voting locations. People who were working simply couldn't participate. The current process is broken. It doesn't work. And going to a primary will fix that."
A presidential primary election would be very similar to the elections regulated by the state.
But not everyone thinks switching to a primary is a good idea.
"I think it works fine just the way it is," said David Quear, a Bloomington voter who's been caucusing for 34 years, including on Tuesday night for Ted Cruz.
He says caucuses give voters a feeling of participation.
"You get to meet your neighbors, know what the other people are thinking, you get to discuss the party platform," he said.
Only 13 states use caucuses, including Minnesota, and they are run entirely by volunteers.
Party leaders admit that the large Super Tuesday turnout led to a night that was sometimes simply overwhelming.
Still, even considering the record turnout for Republicans, only a small percentage of Minnesota voters participated in the Super Tuesday contest – about 10 percent.
In contrast, Minnesota's voter turnout for presidential elections is much higher. In 2012, 77 percent of voters turned out.