Pawlenty signs law moving primary to August

Published 11:09 am Wednesday, March 3, 2010

Minnesota’s primary election is moving up to Aug. 10 to give military and overseas voters more time to vote.

Gov. Tim Pawlenty signed the bill into law on Wednesday at a Capitol news conference with legislators, National Guard soldiers and veterans.

He says the law shows respect for military service.

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The move brings the state in compliance with a federal law requiring more lead time for military and overseas voters. Secretary of State Mark Ritchie says those voters will get about an extra month to send in absentee ballots.

The change puts the primary at the height of the summer vacation season, instead of its traditional post-Labor Day date in September.