1. Note that the language in the bill explicitly redefines “political parties” to mean only the “major political parties” (two, DFL and GOP), and not the other recognized “minor political parties” in Minnesota (five, including Greens and Libertarians). Might need some research help on making the argument that a state-run primary ballot should not be allowed to exclude recognized political parties. https://www.revisor.mn.gov/bills/text.php?session=ls89&number=HF2735&session_number=0&session_year=2015&version=list

2. Here’s the specific language that limits “political party” to just “major political parties”:

   Sec. 11. [207A.11] PRESIDENTIAL PRIMARY.
   (a) A presidential primary must be held on the first Tuesday in March of each year in which a president and vice president of the United States are to be nominated and elected, at which the voters of this state may express their preference among the candidates of the major political party of their choice, for that party’s nomination to be president of the United States or may vote for uncommitted delegates to the national party convention. For the purposes of this chapter, “political party” or “party” means a major political party as defined in section 200.02, subdivision 7.

3. Minnesota has no ballot-qualified parties other than the Republican Party and the Democratic-Farmer-Labor Parties. Minnesota law does recognize a “minor party” category, but those parties are not on the ballot, and must place their nominees on the November ballot using an independent candidate petition procedure. In Minnesota, a “minor party” does qualify for public campaign funds.

4. Washington has a presidential primary. The Democratic Party ignores the results.

   Colorado will soon surpass Minnesota in population.

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