Reader wants to know when she votes next

May 12—Dear Answer Man: I've see a bunch of candidate filings in the Post Bulletin, and now Trump is coming to Minnesota on May 17. Honestly, I've been hearing about this election since the last one. When do we voters get to get out there and pick the next group of lawmakers we can complain about? — She Is Persisting.

Dear Persistent,

So, getting out to vote is vital, and Answer Man being the patriot he is, encourages everyone — Democrat, Republican and all the flavors both in between and on the edges — to cast a ballot for the person they think is the best.

Then, yes, we'll all complain about them once they're in office.

That's American politics, folks.

So, to answer your question — and maybe correct things a bit — according to the Minnesota Secretary of State website, for all federal, state and county offices — there are three filing periods.

One is exclusively for township elections. The filing period for townships that hold elections in November — townships that hold elections in March have already had their filing periods and elections — runs from July 30, 2024, to Aug. 16, 2024. If more than two candidates file for a spot, there is not a primary election.

The next main filing period focuses on races where there might be a primary if more than one candidate per party (federal and state races) or more candidates than the seat available plus two or more file for the race. This includes everything from federal offices — U.S. House and Senate (Amy Klobuchar is up for re-election this year) — to state posts such as Minnesota House and Senate (though it's an off year for Senate elections) or judicial offices; county offices such as commissioner or soil and water supervisors; city council and mayoral races; and school board races where a primary is possible. The filing period here opens May 21, 2024 and runs through 5 p.m. June 4, 2024.

The primary elections for the office of President of the United States were already held in March. In case you missed it, we're getting a replay of 2020.

If the city or school board does not have primary elections — they just take the top vote-getters in each category no matter how many candidates are on the ballot — then that filing period runs from July 30, 2024, to 5 p.m. Aug. 13, 2024.

Now, to the crux of your question: When do you get to vote?

So, if there are primaries — and that's a likely scenario — then you can start voting by June 28, 2024. In Minnesota, you can early (absentee) vote starting 46 days before the election day. And if you need to register in advance, you can do so by July 23, 2024.

Primary elections in Minnesota will be held Aug. 13, 2024. That's in-person voting at your local precinct.

Then, we do it all over again for the general election. Vote by mail or in-person early (absentee) starting Sept. 20, 2024. If you need to register to vote in advance to save time on Election Day, do so by Oct. 15, 2024.

Then, finally, in-person voting at the ballot box at your local precinct happens on Nov. 5, 2024. What's on the ballot this year? Well, unless you've been hiding under a rock, all the big-ticket items are there. President, U.S. Senate, U.S. House, Minnesota House, judicial seats, and, depending on your locale, city, county, township and school board seats, plus any local ballot questions such as school levies.

Come back to the Post Bulletin often during the next few months. We'll have candidate questionnaires, news about races and other information for your election needs.

Yes, it may only be May, but election season is starting. ... And the end can't come soon enough.

Send questions to Answer Man at answerman@postbulletin.com .