Senate Votes To Switch From Presidential Caucuses To Primaries
ST. PAUL, Minn. (WCCO) -- A big election change may be coming to Minnesota. The state Senate Thursday voted to change from presidential caucuses to a primary.
The proposal comes after a record voter turnout for the caucus this year that turned chaotic. The new primary would allow voters more time to vote for a presidential candidate.
The bill is raising eyebrows, however, as voters would also be required to publicly register as a Democrat or Republican.
"There will be people that will be uncomfortable and will refuse to participate," Sen. Sean Nienow (R) said before the vote. "There will be elected officials in non partisan positions -- mayors, judges -- that don't want their name on a party list, And they will not be allowed to vote unless they allow their name and they sign a statement."
Major party leaders would jointly select a presidential primary date, which would be run by state election officials.
