Presidential Primary

The primary purpose of the presidential primary is to select each major party’s nominee for the presidential election. Voters from each party vote for their preferred candidate among those running for their party’s nomination.

Minnesota’s presidential primary regulations are outlined in Minnesota Statutes Chapter 207A and Minnesota Rules Chapter 8215. Below are answers to frequently asked questions about the presidential primary.

Next Presidential Primary Date: Scheduled for March 5, 2024.

Participation of Political Parties: Only major political parties are eligible to participate.

Ballot Structure: Each participating major party will have its own distinct ballot.

Candidate Selection Process: The chairperson of each major party will submit their candidate list for the ballot 63 days before the presidential primary (by January 2, 2024).

Candidate Withdrawal: After submission, no changes can be made to the list of candidates on the ballot.

Write-in Votes and “Uncommitted” Option: This is possible only if requested by the party chair. Write-in candidates must be submitted seven days before the primary.

Ballot Content: The ballot will solely feature presidential candidates from major parties. Other offices will be contested in the primary ballot in August.

Voter Eligibility: Any Minnesota registered voter can vote, provided they are 18 years old by March 5. Pre-registration is open until February 13, or voters can register at the polling place.

Voting Process: Voters can cast their vote at their polling place on the day of the presidential primary or via absentee ballot starting 46 days prior (from January 19, 2024). Voters must choose a party’s ballot to vote in the primary.