Tuesday is election day to fill two open state Senate seats, one in Brooklyn Park and one in south Minneapolis. Both seats were last held by DFL lawmakers in districts that lean Democratic. Turnout for the off-year, October elections is expected to be low -- about 2,400 voters participated in each district's primary.
Why is there an election?
Brooklyn Park Sen. Linda Scheid died this summer after a six-year bout with cancer. In south Minneapolis, Linda Berglin vacated her seat to become health policy program manager for Hennepin County.
When and where can I vote?
Polls open at 7 a.m. and close at 8 p.m. To find your polling place, visit the Secretary of State's website at www .pollfinder.sos.state.mn.us. Not sure if you live in the district? Enter your address at www.startribune.com/a745 to look up your representatives. Voters can register at their polling place if they have not done so in advance.
Who is running?
Three candidates are vying for Scheid's seat in Brooklyn Park: DFLer Chris Eaton, Republican Cory Jensen and Independence Party candidate Tom Reynolds. Four candidates are gunning for Berglin's Minneapolis seat: DFL state Rep. Jeff Hayden, Republican Bruce Lundeen, Green Party candidate Farheen Hakeem and Independence Party candidate Matt Brillhart.
Why is it significant?
In both races, the DFL candidates have pulled together the most money. A Republican victory in either race would be a major blow to the DFL. Additionally, if Hakeem wins the Minneapolis race, she would be the only Green Party member of the Minnesota Legislature.
Eric Roper • 612-673-1732 Twitter: @StribRoper
