From Minnesota Public Radio feature Turnout likely to be low on Tuesday:
Minnesota primary turnout has dropped steadily since 1998. It hasn't cracked 20 percent in a dozen years, and fell to single digits two years ago. (09/10/2006)
Do you hit the booth for the Minnesota primary? Why or why not?
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Julia Schrenkler
Minnesota Public Radio Interactive Producer
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Comments: 13
I'm an Independent and have nothing to vote for
I think it's a shame that more people don't understand the importance of primaries. Too many people assume that the "sanctioned" candidate for their party will be on the ballot in November - and many of them don't bother to vote then either.
Can you talk about the importance of primaries Diana? Minnesota has a comparatively high election day turnout, but according to the article, the turnout for the primary has declined since 1998. What would you say to encourage party members to hit the polls? What would you say to an Independent like Rick?
There is a huge difference between Mike Hatch and Becky Lourey, both running for governor on the democratic side. For Republicans, there's quite a difference between Tim Pawlenty and Sue Jeffers, too.
There will be a lot of apathy amongst voters who assume that their choice will win (because of name recognition, for instance), but if they don't vote in the primary -- you never know what will happen.
If I were to vote in a primary in the state of Minnesota I would then be tagged to the party which I chose to vote in and I desire to not be in any party.
Therefor, in the state of Minnesota I choose to not be tagged as belonging to any party, therefor, I can not vote in any primary.
There is no way I can vote in the state of Minnesota in a primary,without joining some political party.