Minnesota’s August primary election is Tuesday, and voting is already underway.
Under state law, early voting began 46 days before the primary, which will determine which candidates land on the state’s general election ballot in November.
“This is the opportunity for every voter in Minnesota to help determine who or what is on the menu,” Secretary of State Steve Simon said as early voting started, encouraging eligible voters to cast a ballot.
Already more than 104,000 Minnesotans have had their absentee ballots accepted by the Secretary of State’s office, but most people will vote in-person at their polling place on election day.
Here’s what you need to know about the primary and how to cast your ballot.

What is the primary election?
Primary elections determine which candidates from each party will appear on the Nov. 5 general election ballot for federal, state and local offices. The presidential primary in Minnesota was held in March, but there might be more than one Republican running for Congress in your area, or several DFL candidates running for the state House. Only one from each party can be on your ballot in November.
What are some races to watch?
For voters in Minnesota’s Fifth Congressional District, there will be a DFL primary race that includes U.S. Rep. Ilhan Omar and former Minneapolis City Council member Don Samuels. In Minnesota’s U.S. Senate race, there’s a Republican primary between endorsed GOP candidate and former NBA player Royce White and Joe Fraser, a businessman and former Navy intelligence officer.
In nonpartisan races, the top vote-getters advance to November’s election.