Tuesday is primary day in Minnesota, with Bloomington on center stage. Five of the city's council seats are on the primary ballot, perhaps boosted by the fact that three incumbents aren't seeking re-election.

Three other cities have primaries Tuesday: Maplewood, with contests for mayor and two City Council seats, and Minnetonka and St. Louis Park, each with one council primary. Polls are open 7 a.m. to 8 p.m.

The primaries will narrow the fields for the Nov. 5 general election to two candidates per seat. Also on the fall ballot will be candidates around the state who didn't face primaries.

This year's general election is dominated by city and school board races, including mayoral contests in Minneapolis and St. Paul.

Further election information is available at www.mnvotes.org. □