Minnesota election officials prepare for high turnout, federal election monitors

With 206,000 early votes already cast either in person or by mail, Minnesota election officials say that might indicate a strong primary turnout by Minnesota’s modest standards for attracting voters during summer primaries.

In 2016, less than 8% of registered voters showed up before climbing above 22% in 2018 and 2020. Then the numbers dropped to 19% in 2022 and 13% in 2024. Minnesota Secretary of State Steve Simon reminds voters this is when they get to choose who will be the candidates in the general election.

“This is an opportunity to shape who and what is on the menu in the general election, so I really urge Minnesotans to vote in the primary election,” Simon said at a State Capitol news conference.

Simon also says federal election “monitors” will be on hand at precincts in Hennepin and Ramsey counties, making sure various voting laws are being followed. He says this is a normal procedure during elections.

“This i...