ST. PAUL, Minn. (KMSP) -
Minnesota Secretary of State Mark Ritchie said voter turnout in the August 14 primary is estimated at 9 percent of eligible voters.
That's a significant dip from Minnesota's first August primary in 2010, when 15 percent of eligible voters turned out.
Two years ago, lawmakers moved up the primary vote from after Labor Day in an effort to give military members and others more time to cast absentee ballots.
Voter turnout may have been affected by the fact some Minnesotans may be in new legislative districts, with new polling places. More than 40 incumbent legislators decided not to run again after the political boundaries were adjusted.
"I want to express my gratitude and praise to the thousands of local election officials and poll workers for the smooth implementation of the first statewide election since redistricting," Ritchie said. "I also thank the voters who cast their ballots yesterday and selected the candidates that will be on the ballot for the general election on November 6."
