Candidates gearing up for Tuesday’s primary

Published 12:00 am Saturday, September 9, 2000

Some state and local candidates for election are cranking up the political machine in anticipation of Tuesday’s primary election.

Saturday, September 09, 2000

Some state and local candidates for election are cranking up the political machine in anticipation of Tuesday’s primary election. For many, it will be the last days of their campaign. After Tuesday, one person will be out of the race for the Austin City Council Second Ward seat, and 11 people won’t be running to represent Minnesota in the U.S. Senate anymore.

Email newsletter signup

While the Second Ward Council seat is the only local election on the ballot, Austin voters will also vote for candidates for U.S. Senate, a seat currently held by Rep. Rod Grams. Also listed on the ballot, but unopposed within their parties, are the candidates for State Senate and State Representative.

Voters must choose one of the four major parties in Minnesota – Democrat Farmer Labor, Republican, Independence or Constitution – shown on the ballot and vote only for candidates in that party. Cross over ballots won’t be accepted. The local candidates for city council are not shown by political party.

To vote, a person must be a registered voter, 18 years or older, a US citizen, a Minnesota resident at least 20 days before the election, a resident of his or her precinct on election day, not a convicted felon deprived of election rights, not under "guardianship of the person" and not legally incompetent.

If a person hasn’t preregistered to vote, not to worry. You can register at the polling place on election day. Just take proof of identity – options include a Minn. driver’s license, learner’s permit or ID card or a U.S. passport along with a utility bill – and proof of current address.

If you’re going to be gone the day of the election, you may absentee vote at the County Auditor’s office on Monday until 5 p.m.

Anyone who is unsure of his or her precinct may inquire at the County Auditor’s office or the City Clerk’s office. Polls will be open from 7 a.m. to 8 p.m. on Tuesday.

A list of the Austin polling places follows.

First Ward

First Precinct: Pickett Place community hall – 808 First Drive NW;

Second Precinct: Sumner School gym – 805 Eighth Ave. NW;

Second Ward

First Precinct: Southgate School gym – 1601 19th Ave. SW;

Second Precinct: Banfield School gym – 301 17th Street SW;

Third Ward

First Precinct: Woodson School gym – 1601 Fourth St. SE;

Second Precinct: Ellis School – 1700 Fourth Ave. SE.