The primary election for Minnesota Senate District 47 is Tuesday, August 26, although early voting is underway. Here are five things to know about the contest.
- Special Primary Election
Tuesday’s primary election will determine the candidates who will advance to the fall general election on Tuesday, November 4. The governor called the election after the resignation of Nicole Mitchell, who was found guilty of two felony counts by a Becker County jury. The district includes the cities of Woodbury in Washington County and a portion of Maplewood in Ramsey County.
- The Candidates
Both state representatives whose house seats make up Senate District 47 – Ethan Cha and Amanda Hemmingsen-Jaeger – are running in the DFL primary. The Republican candidate, Dwight Dorau, does not have a primary opponent and is expected to advance to the general election in November.
- The Stakes
The stakes are high for this local election since it could swing the balance of power in the Minnesota State Senate. The DFL holds a 33-32 majority with two seats vacant, so the Woodbury contest is being closely watched by political observers.
- How to Vote
Voters in Senate District 47 have several options for casting their ballots. Polls are open on Election Day from 7 a.m. to 8 p.m. Residents vote at their usual polling place.
Early voting is available through Monday. Voting locations in Washington County are:
- Washington County Government Center, 14949 62nd St. N., Stillwater
- Woodbury City Hall, 8301 Valley Creek Rd., Woodbury
The early voting hours are:
- Monday – Friday: 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
- Saturday: 8 a.m. to 3 p.m.
- Monday: 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.
You’re running out of time to vote by mail. You can still request an absentee ballot be mailed to you but the completed ballot must be received by 8 p.m. on Election Day. So make sure if you mail it that it will be delivered in time. If you’re not sure if there is enough time, you should return the ballot to the office that sent it to you. You also can vote at your usual polling place on Election Day if you did not have time to mail your absentee ballot but do not bring that ballot with you to the polls.
Register to Vote: If you are not registered, you can register at your polling place on Election Day with the required proof of residence. Seventeen-year-olds can vote if they will be 18 by November 4.
- Broader Political Context
This special election is one of two happening in Minnesota this year. In addition to District 47, a special primary is also being held in Senate District 29. That election is being held to fill the seat left vacant by the passing of former Republican Senator Bruce Anderson. On the Republican side, the candidates are Rachel Davis, Michael Holmstrom Jr., and Bradley Kurtz. The lone DFL candidate, Louis McNutt, is expected to advance to the general election.
