2003_0407_packet - Laserfiche WebLink

Home

Pnmary elections Curti, Carolyn From: Bach, .Jeannette PBach LMNC.ORGJ Sent: Tuesday, ,January 28, 2DO3 148 PM To: Icarolyn. curti ci . ro seville .mn . us' Subject: RE: Primary elections Dear lolls. Curli: Page lof3 We do not have primary election Beta on any statutory cities. However, nay sense of it is that most cities do not use primaries given that its purpose is to narrow the field of candidates, and Minnesota has so man small cities that narrowing the field of candidates is most often not an issue. y We do have charter city survey data that shows about 33 cities with primary election previsions in their charters, but there is no way to tell if these primaries were recently established or are long - standing. Also, it is m understanding a charter city could take advantage of the statuto method of establishing i � +�' � a primary should they wish to, so even a "no" on this surrey doesn't necessarily mean the city doesn't have a primary - only hat it was not evident in their charter. Y The cities with primaries on that survey are: Albert Lea, Anoka, Bemidji. $iwabik* Blaine, Bloomington, Brooklyn Park, Chisholm, Columbia Heights, Coon Rapids, Crystal, Eveleth, Faribault, Fridley. H y �►. Hastings, Laverne, Minneapolis. Minnetonka. New Ulm, Pipestone, Fled vying, Lichfield, Robbinsdale, St. Cloud,, St. Louis Park, St- Paul, Stillwater, Virginia, west St. Paul. White Bear Lake, Willmar and Winona, State lair on establishing city primaries is found in M.S. 205-065 Here iiis a link to the tent Of the statute- h ttp://www. rev isor.Ieg,state.mn, usJstatsI205 /065,htmI Recently another city asked about the pros and cons to having a municipal primary and these are the reasons for and against that are usually cited: For Arguments For and Against Having a Municipal Primary The winning candidate will receive a mandate from the residents by a clear majority of the votes With a smaller number of final candidates, it t will be easier for voters to learn the candidates' positions and make a better - informed decision Reduces expenses for those who want to run for office since some candidates will campaign only through the primary Increases public awareness and interest in the elective process, ;, Maters who are more educated about the candidates tend to turn out for a primary election. Simplifies the ballot and the choices Eliminating primaries couid be perceived by the voters as taking away one of their rights. Against - 1/29/2003