Minnesota's 2026 Primary Is Today: What You Need To Know To Vote

ST. PAUL, MN — Minnesota voters are heading to the polls today, Tuesday, Aug. 11, for the state's primary election, with some of the biggest statewide races in years on the ballot.

Here's what you need to know before polls close.

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Polls are open until 8 p.m. If you're still in line at closing time, stay in line. You're entitled to vote.

Here's how to vote today:

Head to your assigned polling place before 8 p.m. Find yours at mnvotes.gov/pollfinder.

Minnesota allows same-day voter registration, so you can register at your polling place if you haven't already.

You don't need to be registered with a party to vote. At the polls, you simply choose which party's ballot you want. You can only vote in one party's primary.

The general election follows on Nov. 3, 2026.

What's on my ballot?

Governor

This is an open race. Gov. Tim Walz is not seeking re-election. Sen. Amy Klobuchar is running to succeed him.

She's the DFL-endorsed candidate.

On the Republican side, three major candidates are competing: MyPillow CEO Mike Lindell, House Speaker Lisa Demuth, and GOP-endorsed businessman Kendall Qualls.

U.S. Senate

Sen. Tina Smith is retiring, opening the seat for the first time since 2006. On the DFL side, Lt. Gov. Peggy Flanagan, the party-endorsed candidate, is facing Rep. Angie Craig in what's being described as a national proxy fight between the party's progressive and moderate wings.

Flanagan won the DFL endorsement by acclamation in May. Craig holds a significant fundraising advantage.

The Republican primary features former NFL sideline reporter Michele Tafoya, who leads recent polling at 41 percent, well ahead of GOP-endorsed Adam Schwarze and former NBA player Royce White. Cook Political Report rates the seat as likely Democratic in November.

Minnesota Legislature

All 201 legislative seats are on the ballot, all 67 State Senate seats and all 134 State House seats.

The DFL holds a narrow 34-33 majority in the State Senate. The State House was tied 67-67 after the 2024 election, with Republicans holding a one-seat edge due to a vacancy at the start of the current session.

U.S. House

All eight of Minnesota's congressional seats are on the primary ballot.

Other statewide offices

Attorney general, secretary of state, and state auditor are all up for election. Two seats on the Minnesota Supreme Court are also on the ballot. Those races are nonpartisan.

Local races

Depending on where you live, you may also see county races, school board seats, and hospital district elections on your ballot. The Hennepin County Attorney race is among the contested local contests this cycle.

For more information, visit mnvotes.gov or the Minnesota Secretary of State's office at sos.mn.gov.