After Poor Primary Turnout, June Talk Resurfaces
ST. PAUL, Minn. (AP) - Dismal turnout in another August primary election has rekindled talk of shifting future ones forward to June.
A proposal with powerful suitors from the Democratic governor to the GOP House speaker is likely to gain attention during the 2015 legislative session. Opponents argue a June election brings more pitfalls than benefits.
Minnesota has had an August primary since 2010. Turnout was below 16 percent that first year, about 9 percent in 2012 and just above 10 percent this year - even with a contested Republican primary for governor.
June primary advocates say voting takes a backseat to family vacations in the fleeting days of summer break.
County-based election administrators have concerns about holding a primary at the same time they're working on property tax collections and yearly financial reports.