WINONA, Minn. – Weather statewide began conducive for Minnesota voters to get to the polls for the August primary election. Polls opened at 7 a.m. and were to close at 8 p.m. Turnout was not expected to be high because, well, August is August, and many people are focused less on public affairs than on vacations, getting back to school, and weighing cuisine option at the upcoming state fair. In Winona County the most-watched match was between voter-reform activist Sarah Kruger and County Commissioner Dwayne Voegeli for the county’s Democratic slot for the Legislature on the general election ballot in November. Jeff Mueller, deputy chief sheriff, said officers have been briefed on responding to disturbances or irregularities at polls. No special or extra patrols have been assigned, Mueller said. Secretary of State Scott Simon’s has been posted for voters to find their polling place.

Winona ballots

Voters have choices to narrow the field of candidates for public offices. The choices are most striking for the U.S. Senate. Five Democrats are seeking their party’s place on November e ballot. These include incumbent Amy Klobuchar, who’s been in office since 2007 and has the state party’s endorsement. On the Republican side are eight contenders. These include former pro football player Royce White, who won the party’s endorsement at the state GOP convention 67% to 33% over retired Navy intelligence officer Joe Fraser.

U.S. Senate

> Steve Carlson, Democrat.

> Ahmad R. Hassan, Democrat

> George H, Kalberer, Democrat

> Amy Klobuchar, Democrat (incumbent)

> Ole Savior, Democrat

—

> John Berman, Republican

> Loner Blue, Republican.

> Joe Fraser, Republican

> Alycia R. Gruenhagen, Republican

> Patrick D. Munro, Republican

> Raymond D. Petersen, Republican

> Christopher Seymore Sr., Republican

> Royce White, Republican

Congressional District MN-1

> Brad Finstad (Republican incumbent)

> Gregory Goetzman (Republican)

> Gregory Tweeten (Republican)

—

> Rachel Bohman (Democrat)

State House District 26-A

> Sarah Kruger (Democrat)

> Dwayne Voegeli (Democrat)

—

> Stephen Doerr (Republican)

> Aaron Repinski (Republican)

Detailed campaign news: Link at Politics