Your Guide to Today's Primary Election

Voters throughout the state will take to the polls today for primary elections that will finalize November's ballot.

The Minnesota Secretary of State has set up a quick precinct finder for those unsure of where they should go to vote. Polls at most precincts will be open from 7 a.m. to 8 p.m., but residents are asked to check with their specific precinct for exact polling hours.

Polling places for some residents may have also changed since the last election due to redistricting.

Primary elections in Minnesota are partisan ballots, so voters must stick to one party on that side of the ballot. County and judicial races are non-partisan. Voters will be asked to designate their party preference. If you designate a party preference, only votes cast for that party will be counted. If you do not designate a party preference and vote for candidates of more than one party, no votes will be counted.

Voters in the Lake Minnetonka area will be asked to decide several key primary races, particularly on the Republican side.

With the District 33 State Senate seat being vacated by the retiring Gen Olson, voters will today decide if the Republican party's endorsed candidate, Mound City Councilman David Osmek, or current State Representative Connie Doepke will move on to the general election to take on the DFL's 

Another GOP-endorsed candidate, Cindy Pugh, is challenging 11-term incumbent State Representative Steve Smith for the District 33B State House. 

Additionally, Republican John W. Howard III is challenging incumbent U.S. Congressman Erik Paulsen in Minnesota's 3rd District. The winner will advance to take on the DFL's Brian Barnes.

A sample ballot is attached to this post, and the following is a list of key contested races.

Republican Party

• Bob Carney, Jr.
• Kurt Bills
• David Carlson

Democratic Party

• Darryl Stanton
• Jack Edward Shepard
• Amy Klobuchar
• "Dick" Franson

Independence Party

• Glen R. Anderson Menze
• Stephen Williams

Republican Party

• Erik Paulsen
• John W. Howard III

Republican Party

• Connie Doepke
• David Osmek

Republican Party

• Cindy Pugh
• Steve Smith