Minnesota Secretary of State election, 2018 (August 14 Democratic primary)

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Minnesota Secretary of State
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Democratic primary
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Election details
Filing deadline: June 5, 2018
Primary: August 14, 2018
General: November 6, 2018
Pre-election incumbent(s):
Steve Simon (Democrat)
How to vote
Poll times: 7 a.m. to 8 p.m.
Voting in Minnesota
Ballotpedia analysis
Federal and state primary competitiveness
State executive elections in 2018
Impact of term limits in 2018
State government trifectas
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A Democratic Party primary election took place on August 14, 2018, in Minnesota to determine which candidate would run as the party's nominee in the state's November 6, 2018, secretary of state election.

For more information about secretary of state elections in 2018, click here.

SETTING THE STAGE
  • Heading into the 2018 election, the sitting secretary of state was Steve Simon (D), who was first elected in 2014. Simon filed for re-election in 2018.
  • In 2018, Minnesota was under divided government. It had held this status since 2015, when Republicans gained a majority in the Minnesota House of Representatives. Minnesota was also under a Democratic triplex.
  • In presidential elections between 2000 and 2016, Minnesota was won by the Democratic candidate. The widest margin of victory was Barack Obama's 10 percent margin in 2008 while the narrowest was Hillary Clinton's 2 percent margin in 2016.


    • Candidates and election results

    Incumbent Steve Simon advanced from the Democratic primary for Minnesota Secretary of State on August 14, 2018.

    Democratic primary election

    Context of the 2018 election

    Past elections

    2014

    See also: Minnesota secretary of state election, 2014

    Steve Simon defeated Dick Franson and Gregg A. Iverson by a 13.6 percent margin in the 2014 Democratic primary.[1]

    Minnesota Secretary of State, Democratic Primary, 2014
    Candidate Vote % Votes
    Green check mark transparent.pngSteve Simon 42.7% 65,634
    Dick Franson 29.1% 44,700
    Gregg A. Iverson 28.3% 43,478
    Total Votes 153,812
    Election results via Minnesota Secretary of State.

    Voter information

    How the primary works

    A primary election is an election in which registered voters select a candidate that they believe should be a political party's candidate for elected office to run in the general election. They are also used to choose convention delegates and party leaders. Primaries are state-level and local-level elections that take place prior to a general election. Minnesota utilizes an open primary system, in which registered voters do not have to be members of a party to vote in that party's primary.[2][3][4]

    For information about which offices are nominated via primary election, see this article.

    Poll times

    In Minnesota, most polling places are open from 7:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. Central Time. However, some smaller municipalities may open their polls as late as 10:00 a.m. An individual who is in line at the time polls close must be allowed to vote.[5]

    Registration requirements

    Check your voter registration status here.

    Voter pre-registration is available in Minnesota beginning at age 16. An individual must be 18 years old on Election Day in order to vote. To register to vote in Minnesota, an individual must be a United States citizen who has resided in the state for the 20-day period preceding the election.[6][7]

    An individual must register to vote at least 21 days before Election Day or on Election Day at a polling place. An individual may register to vote by completing a registration application and submitting it by mail or in-person to a local election official. An individual can also register online. To register at a polling place on Election Day, an individual must present valid identification.[6]

    The Minnesota voter registration application includes an option to join a permanent absentee voter list, which means the voter will automatically be sent an absentee/mail-in ballot for every election.[7]

    Automatic registration

    Minnesota practices automatic voter registration.[7]

    Automatic voter registration took effect on June 1, 2023, as a result of HF 3, which was signed into law by Governor Tim Walz (D) on May 5, 2023.

    Online registration

    See also: Online voter registration

    Minnesota has implemented an online voter registration system. Residents can register to vote by visiting this website.

    Same-day registration

    Minnesota allows for same-day voter registration.[8]

    Residency requirements

    To register to vote in Minnesota, you must be a resident of the state for at least 20 days.[6]

    Verification of citizenship

    See also: Laws permitting noncitizens to vote in the United States

    As of October 2024, Minnesota did not require proof of citizenship for voter registration. An individual must attest that they are a U.S. citizen when registering to vote. According to the state's voter registration application, "giving false information is a felony punishable by not more than 5 years imprisonment or a fine of not more than $10,000, or both."[9]

    All 49 states with voter registration systems require applicants to declare that they are U.S. citizens in order to register to vote in state and federal elections, under penalty of perjury or other punishment.[10] Seven states — Alabama, Arizona, Georgia, Kansas, Louisiana, New Hampshire, and Wyoming — have laws requiring verification of citizenship at the time of voter registration, whether in effect or not. In three states — California, Maryland, and Vermont — at least one local jurisdiction allows noncitizens to vote in some local elections. Noncitizens registering to vote in those elections must complete a voter registration application provided by the local jurisdiction and are not eligible to register as state or federal voters.

    Verifying your registration

    The Minnesota Secretary of State allows residents to check their voter registration status online.


    Voter ID requirements

    Minnesota does not require registered voters to present identification while voting.[11]

    If you are registering to vote at the polls or have not voted in at least four years, you will need to bring proof of residency to the polls. Click here to see what qualifies as acceptable proof of residency.

    Early voting

    Minnesota permits early voting. Learn more by visiting this website.

    Early voting permits citizens to cast ballots in person at a polling place prior to an election. In states that permit no-excuse early voting, a voter does not have to provide an excuse for being unable to vote on Election Day. States that allow voters to cast no-excuse absentee/mail-in ballots in person are counted as no-excuse early voting states.

    Forty-seven states and the District of Columbia permit no-excuse early voting.

    Absentee voting

    There are no eligibility requirements to vote absentee in Minnesota.[12]

    There is no specific deadline for applying for an absentee ballot. A completed ballot must be returned on or before Election Day for it to be counted.[13]

    Prospective voters may select an option on the Minnesota voter registration application to join a permanent absentee voter list, which means they will automatically be sent an absentee/mail-in ballot for every election.[7]


    State overview

    Partisan control

    This section details the partisan control of federal and state positions in Minnesota heading into the 2018 elections.

    Congressional delegation

    State executives

    State legislature

    • Republicans had a 77-56 majority in the state House. The state Senate was tied, with 33 Republicans and 33 Democrats.

    Trifecta status

    • Minnesota was under divided government, meaning that the two parties shared control of the state government. Mark Dayton (D) served as governor, while Republicans controlled the state legislature.

    2018 elections

    See also: Minnesota elections, 2018

    Minnesota held elections for the following positions in 2018:

    Demographics

    Demographic data for Minnesota
     MinnesotaU.S.
    Total population:5,482,435316,515,021
    Land area (sq mi):79,6273,531,905
    Race and ethnicity**
    White:84.8%73.6%
    Black/African American:5.5%12.6%
    Asian:4.4%5.1%
    Native American:1%0.8%
    Pacific Islander:0%0.2%
    Two or more:2.7%3%
    Hispanic/Latino:5%17.1%
    Education
    High school graduation rate:92.4%86.7%
    College graduation rate:33.7%29.8%
    Income
    Median household income:$61,492$53,889
    Persons below poverty level:12.2%11.3%
    Source: U.S. Census Bureau, "American Community Survey" (5-year estimates 2010-2015)
    Click here for more information on the 2020 census and here for more on its impact on the redistricting process in Minnesota.
    **Note: Percentages for race and ethnicity may add up to more than 100 percent because respondents may report more than one race and the Hispanic/Latino ethnicity may be selected in conjunction with any race. Read more about race and ethnicity in the census here.

    As of July 2016, Minnesota's three largest cities were Minneapolis (pop. est. 422,000), St. Paul (pop. est. 307,000), and Rochester (pop. est. 116,000).[14]

    State election history

    This section provides an overview of federal and state elections in Minnesota from 2000 to 2016. All data comes from the Minnesota Secretary of State.

    Historical elections

    Presidential elections, 2000-2016

    This chart shows the results of the presidential election in Minnesota every year from 2000 to 2016.

    Election results (President of the United States), Minnesota 2000-2016
    Year First-place candidate First-place candidate votes (%) Second-place candidate Second-place candidate votes (%) Margin of victory (%)
    2016 Democratic Party Hillary Clinton 46.4% Republican Party Donald Trump 44.9% 1.5%
    2012 Democratic Party Barack Obama 52.7% Republican Party Mitt Romney 45.0% 7.7%
    2008 Democratic Party Barack Obama 54.1% Republican Party John McCain 43.8% 10.3%
    2004 Democratic Party John Kerry 51.1% Republican Party George W. Bush 47.6% 3.5%
    2000 Democratic Party Al Gore 47.9% Republican Party George W. Bush 45.5% 2.4%

    U.S. Senate elections, 2000-2016

    This chart shows the results of U.S. Senate races in Minnesota from 2000 to 2016. Every state has two Senate seats, and each seat goes up for election every six years. The terms of the seats are staggered so that roughly one-third of the seats are up every two years.

    Election results (U.S. Senator), Minnesota 2000-2016
    Year First-place candidate First-place candidate votes (%) Second-place candidate Second-place candidate votes (%) Margin of victory (%)
    2014 Democratic Party Al Franken 53.2% Republican Party Mike McFadden 42.9% 10.3%
    2012 Democratic Party Amy Klobuchar 65.2% Republican Party Kurt Bills 30.5% 34.7%
    2008 Democratic Party Al Franken 41.99% Republican Party Norm Coleman 41.98% 0.01%
    2006 Democratic Party Amy Klobuchar 58.1% Republican Party Mark Kennedy 37.9% 20.2%
    2002 Republican Party Norm Coleman 49.5% Democratic Party Walter Mondale 47.3% 2.2%
    2000 Democratic Party Mark Dayton 48.8% Republican Party Rod Grams 43.3% 5.5%

    Gubernatorial elections, 2000-2016

    This chart shows the results of the four gubernatorial elections held between 2000 and 2016. Gubernatorial elections are held every four years in Minnesota.

    Election results (Governor), Minnesota 2000-2016
    Year First-place candidate First-place candidate votes (%) Second-place candidate Second-place candidate votes (%) Margin of victory (%)
    2014 Democratic Party Mark Dayton 50.1% Republican Party Jeff Johnson 44.5% 5.6%
    2010 Democratic Party Mark Dayton 43.6% Republican Party Tom Emmer 43.2% 0.4%
    2006 Republican Party Tim Pawlenty 46.7% Democratic Party Mike Hatch 45.7% 1.0%
    2002 Republican Party Tim Pawlenty 44.4% Democratic Party Roger Moe 36.5% 7.9%

    Congressional delegation, 2000-2016

    This chart shows the number of Democrats and Republicans who were elected to represent Minnesota in the U.S. House from 2000 to 2016. Elections for U.S. House seats are held every two years.

    Congressional delegation, Minnesota 2000-2016
    Year Republicans Republicans (%) Democrats Democrats (%) Balance of power
    2016 Republican Party 3 37.5% Democratic Party 5 62.5% D+2
    2014 Republican Party 3 37.5% Democratic Party 5 62.5% D+2
    2012 Republican Party 3 37.5% Democratic Party 5 62.5% D+2
    2010 Republican Party 4 50.0% Democratic Party 4 50.0% Even
    2008 Republican Party 3 37.5% Democratic Party 5 62.5% D+2
    2006 Republican Party 3 37.5% Democratic Party 5 62.5% D+2
    2004 Republican Party 4 50.0% Democratic Party 4 50.0% Even
    2002 Republican Party 4 50.0% Democratic Party 4 50.0% Even
    2000 Republican Party 3 37.5% Democratic Party 5 62.5% D+2

    Trifectas, 1992-2017

    A state government trifecta occurs when one party controls both chambers of the state legislature and the governor's office.

    Minnesota Party Control: 1992-2024
    Four years of Democratic trifectas  •  No Republican trifectas
    Scroll left and right on the table below to view more years.

    Year 92 93 94 95 96 97 98 99 00 01 02 03 04 05 06 07 08 09 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24
    Governor R R R R R R R I I I I R R R R R R R R D D D D D D D D D D D D D D
    Senate D D D D D D D D D D D D D D D D D D D R R D D D D R R R R R R D D
    House D D D D D D D R R R R R R R R D D D D R R D D R R R R D D D D D D


    Pivot Counties

    See also: Pivot Counties by state

    Nineteen of 87 Minnesota counties—21.8 percent—are Pivot Counties. Pivot Counties are counties that voted for Barack Obama (D) in 2008 and 2012 and for Donald Trump (R) in 2016. Altogether, the nation had 206 Pivot Counties, with most being concentrated in upper midwestern and northeastern states.

    Counties won by Trump in 2016 and Obama in 2012 and 2008
    County Trump margin of victory in 2016 Obama margin of victory in 2012 Obama margin of victory in 2008
    Beltrami County, Minnesota 9.72% 9.89% 10.15%
    Blue Earth County, Minnesota 3.69% 9.48% 12.95%
    Chippewa County, Minnesota 28.70% 1.87% 5.87%
    Clay County, Minnesota 1.95% 7.92% 16.02%
    Fillmore County, Minnesota 21.70% 7.34% 8.26%
    Freeborn County, Minnesota 17.24% 14.11% 17.13%
    Houston County, Minnesota 13.87% 3.16% 10.69%
    Itasca County, Minnesota 16.35% 9.83% 12.92%
    Kittson County, Minnesota 22.05% 6.03% 18.54%
    Koochiching County, Minnesota 19.85% 9.45% 10.10%
    Lac qui Parle County, Minnesota 25.60% 0.90% 5.92%
    Mahnomen County, Minnesota 2.92% 18.56% 25.31%
    Mower County, Minnesota 7.82% 22.61% 23.61%
    Nicollet County, Minnesota 3.04% 7.83% 10.52%
    Norman County, Minnesota 13.34% 10.79% 26.94%
    Rice County, Minnesota 3.06% 8.27% 11.50%
    Swift County, Minnesota 25.57% 9.83% 13.79%
    Traverse County, Minnesota 23.30% 4.44% 5.41%
    Winona County, Minnesota 2.90% 12.85% 19.09%

    In the 2016 presidential election, Hillary Clinton (D) won Minnesota with 46.4 percent of the vote. Donald Trump (R) received 44.9 percent. In presidential elections between 1860 and 2016, Minnesota voted Republican 50 percent of the time and Democratic 47.5 percent of the time. In the five presidential elections between 2000 and 2016, Minnesota voted Democratic all five times.[15]

    Presidential results by legislative district

    The following table details results of the 2012 and 2016 presidential elections by state House districts in Minnesota. Click [show] to expand the table. The "Obama," "Romney," "Clinton," and "Trump" columns describe the percent of the vote each presidential candidate received in the district. The "2012 Margin" and "2016 Margin" columns describe the margin of victory between the two presidential candidates in those years. The "Party Control" column notes which party held that seat heading into the 2018 general election. Data on the results of the 2012 and 2016 presidential elections broken down by state legislative districts was compiled by Daily Kos.[16][17]

    In 2012, Barack Obama (D) won 68 out of 134 state House districts in Minnesota with an average margin of victory of 27.6 points. In 2016, Hillary Clinton (D) won 62 out of 134 state House districts in Minnesota with an average margin of victory of 30.4 points. Clinton won 12 districts controlled by Republicans heading into the 2018 elections.
    In 2012, Mitt Romney (R) won 66 out of 134 state House districts in Minnesota with an average margin of victory of 12.3 points. In 2016, Donald Trump (R) won 72 out of 134 state House districts in Minnesota with an average margin of victory of 23.8 points. Trump won seven districts controlled by Democrats heading into the 2018 elections.


    See also

    Minnesota government:

    Elections:

    Ballotpedia exclusives:

    External links

    Footnotes

    1. ↑ Minnesota Secretary of State, "Election Results - 2014 Primary Election," accessed September 29, 2017
    2. ↑ NCSL,"State Primary Election Types," accessed April 25, 2023
    3. ↑ Ballotpedia research conducted December 26, 2013, through January 3, 2014, researching and analyzing various state websites and codes.
    4. ↑ Minnesota Secretary of State,"PRIMARY ELECTION," accessed April 25, 2023
    5. ↑ Minnesota Secretary of State, "Voting Hours," accessed April 24, 2023
    6. ↑ 6.0 6.1 6.2 Minnesota Secretary of State, "Register to Vote," accessed April 24, 2023
    7. ↑ 7.0 7.1 7.2 7.3 Minnesota State Legislature, "House File 3," accessed June 6, 2023
    8. ↑ NCSL, "State Profiles: Elections," accessed August 27, 2024
    9. ↑ Office of the Minnesota Secretary of State, "Minnesota Voter Registration Application," accessed November 1, 2024
    10. ↑ Under federal law, the national mail voter registration application (a version of which is in use in all states with voter registration systems) requires applicants to indicate that they are U.S. citizens in order to complete an application to vote in state or federal elections, but does not require voters to provide documentary proof of citizenship. According to the U.S. Department of Justice, the application "may require only the minimum amount of information necessary to prevent duplicate voter registrations and permit State officials both to determine the eligibility of the applicant to vote and to administer the voting process."
    11. ↑ Minnesota Secretary of State, "Do I Need to Bring ID?" accessed April 25, 2023
    12. ↑ Star Tribune, "No excuse needed to vote absentee in Minnesota," June 22, 2014
    13. ↑ Minnesota Secretary of State, "Minnesota Absentee Ballot Application," accessed April 25, 2023
    14. ↑ Minnesota Demographics, "Minnesota Cities by Population," accessed September 4, 2018
    15. ↑ 270towin.com, "Minnesota," accessed June 29, 2017
    16. ↑ Daily Kos, "Daily Kos Elections' statewide election results by congressional and legislative districts," July 9, 2013
    17. ↑ Daily Kos, "Daily Kos Elections' 2016 presidential results for congressional and legislative districts," February 6, 2017
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