Winter 2019-20 Hometown Messenger

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News from the City of Shakopee | Winter 2020

Election Primer Minnesota's new presidential primary adds a third election to a busy 2020 year

CITY NEWSLETTER Elections 2020 Mayor's Message City Calendar Comprehensive Plan Personal Trainers Shakopee Cultural Corridor #AsktheCity: Development Plowing Priority 2020 Levy & Budget Fire Department Hiring Capt. Robson Retirement Chief's Notes Crime Prevention Calendar

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2020 will be a busy year for elections in Shakopee. With the new presidential nomination primary, August primary and general election, voters should be prepared for several changes at the polls. PRESIDENTIAL PRIMARY In 2016, the Minnesota State Legislature voted to do away with presidential caucuses. These informal voting procedures had voters from different parties gather in separate locations to indicate their preferred candidate for president by vote. Now, voters can support their candidate of choice by secret ballot at their precinct polling places Tuesday, March 3. Voters must select which ballot they'd like: Republican or Democrat. “The only names that will appear on the presidential primary ballots are those who are running for president,” City Clerk Lori Hensen said. The presidential primary will determine how many delegates each candidate will receive at their party conventions in summer 2020. "With this being a new process, some people might be a bit confused,” Hensen said. “Just remember, who you vote for in the presidential primary will help determine which candidate will appear on the ballot in November.” PRIMARY & GENERAL ELECTIONS The 2020 primary election will be Aug. 11, 2020. This primary will focus on nominating regional and statewide races. Like the presidential primary, the winners will appear on the general election ballot in November. The general election in 2020 will take place Nov. 3, 2020. This election will determine who will

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WHAT'S NEW IN 2020

2020 ELECTION DATES TO REMEMBER

PRESIDENTIAL PRIMARY Early Voting at City Hall Begins: Jan. 17, 2020 PRIMARY ELECTION Early Voting at City Hall Begins: June 29, 2020 GENERAL ELECTION Early Voting at City Hall Begins: Sept. 21, 2020

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EARLY VOTING AT CITY HALL

Cover Photo: A city plows clears snow on Windsor Drive during a March 2019 snow storm.

All in-person early voting for Shakopee residents will be at City Hall, 485 Gorman. St., from 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. beginning 46 days prior to an election. PRESIDENTIAL PRIMARY Voters can support their presidential candidate of choice at the polls on March 3, 2020. The presidential primary replaces the state caucus system.

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