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tit~ mary a sections Curti, Cardyn From: Sach, Jeannette JJ Bach @LMNC .ORG1 Sent: Tuesday, January 28, 2003 3:48 PM To: 'carolyn.curti &i .ros evitl e. mn . us' Subject: RE: Primary elections Dear Ids. Curti: Page 1, of 3 We do net have primary election data on any statutory cities. However, iirny 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 many small cities that narrowing the field of candidates is most often not an issue. We do have charter city surrey data that shows about 33 cities with primary election provisions in their charters, but there is no way to tell if these primaries were recently established or are long - standing. Also, it is my understanding a charter city could take advantage of the statutory method of establishing 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 that it was not evident in their charter. The cities with primaries on that survey are: Albert Lea, Anoka, Sernidji, 131wabik, Blaine, Bloomington, Brooklyn Park, Chisholm, Columbia Heights, Coon Rapids, Crystal, Eveleth, Faribault, Fridley, Gilbert, Hastings, Luverne, Minneapolis, Minnetonka, New Ulm, Pipestone, Red Wing, Richfield, Robbinsdale, St. Cloud, St. Louis Park, St. Paul, Stillwater, Virginia, Kest St. Paul, White Sear Lake, Willmar and Winona, State law on establishing city primaries is found in M.S, 205,065. Here is a link to the text of the statute- http://www.revisor.Ieg.state.mn-us/statsl2O5/065.htmi Recently another city asked about the pros and cons to having a MUnlClpal primary and these are the reasons for and against that are usually cited: Arguments For and Against Having a Municipal Primary For-- ■. The winning candidate will receive a mandate from the residents by a clear majority of the votes With a smaller number of final candidates, iit 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. Voters who are more educated about the candidates tend to turn out for a primary election. Simplifies the ballot and the choices Eliminating primaries could be perceived by the rioters as taking away one of their rights. Against - 1/28/2003