Minnesota officials thinking about mail-only ballots for 2020 presidential primary

[mysteryowl]

Minnesota officials are considering mail-only ballots for the state's 2020 presidential primary, which would be a dramatic change from the state's often chaotic and time-consuming party caucuses.

Beginning in 2020, Minnesota will switch to a more straightforward primary system that allows voters to cast ballots for their preferred choice for president rather than jam into classrooms and community centers for their party caucuses. Most other states use a primary system, but Minnesota has done so only a handful of times.

A mail-only ballot could make administering the presidential primary easier and possibly less expensive than opening polling places around the state, some backers say.

http://www.startribune.com/minnesota-officials-thinking-about-mail-only-ballots-for-2020-presidential-primary/502032282/

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There is a way to verify online that your ballot was received, accepted and tallied.

[LakeSuperiorView]

1. The one thing that I dislike about the mail-in ballots.

It is necessary, but getting a signature from a witness is a pain. You are supposed to show them the blank ballot and get them to sign it. Despite living in a very blue area, my neighbors are conservative. This fall, being unemployed, I have no co-workers. I'm single, and asking a stranger seems very weird to me.

I do understand the purpose, but for me, it's harder than going to the polls would be. Problem is, I work as an election judge and heve never been assigned to my own precinct.

[phleshdef]

3. I didn't know that was a requirement. Does the state not provide that as a service?

Like at the post office or public libraries or something like that?

[LakeSuperiorView]

5. You can get anyone to witness your ballot.

Literally anyone. Wait staff at a restaurant. Grocery store clerk. Police officer.

Just feels odd to ask someone out of the blue, "Will you witness my ballot?"

[phleshdef]

9. Yea, thats why I'm saying there should be librarians and postal office workers or whatever...

...that are in a position where its something they do regularly or whatever. Then it wouldn't be awkward.

[Garrett78]

7. That's really weird. I've lived in 2 vote-by-mail states and neither requires a witness sig.

[IllinoisBirdWatcher]

2. I hear there are some consultants in NC they could hire. eom

[dalton99a]

4. +1

[Hassler]

6. Oregonians have been all vote by mail for more than 20 years. We've never had to have a witness

To our ballot. The county has our signatures on file. They just compare them when they come in. Easiest civic duty possible. However, the GOP doesn't run our state, so your results may vary.

[Garrett78]

8. I'm not keen on there not being an in-person option, but I'm all for getting rid of caucuses.

In California, we can vote by mail or in person. I know the latter raises costs, but the more options there are the greater the turnout.