There's an old saying that all politics is local, which is certainly the case in this odd-year year Election, and especially true in mayoral races.
In Part One Minnesota's Secretary of State Steve Simon explained why he believes voter turnout will be high this year. In Part Two, WCCO Radio's Susie Jones goes Behind the Ballot in some key races for mayor across Minnesota.
During a recent rather intense debate on public television in Duluth, incumbent Mayor Emily Larson faced off against her challenger, college instructor and former state lawmaker Roger Reinert.
"They do have very different styles, and different visions for how this city should evolve," explained University of Minnesota Political Science Professor Larry Jacobs. He says that race exemplifies an overall picture of the state.
MORE: WCCO Political Analyst Blois Olson talks to Duluth Mayoral Candidate Roger Reinert and Duluth Mayor Emily Larson. Listen Here.
"It's another example though, of the diversity of Minnesota politics. The politics up in Duluth have their own quality, their own flavor," explains Jacobs. "Minnesota's not just one thing, politically."
Another notable race will take place in St. Louis Park. There is the possiblity that city could elect Minnesota's first Somali Mayor, Nadia Mohamed, who came to the state as a refugee when she was 10.
"I came so that I can make an impactful change in St. Louis Park, I love this community, I loved growing up in this community," says Mohamed who is running against Dale Anderson for the job.
If Mohamed is elected, she would be the first Somali Mayor in the state, and only the second in the country. It's another sign of "changing times" across Minnesota says Jacobs.
"Our politics in mayoral races, city council races and school boards, is vibrant," Jacobs says. "There's a lot of people quite interested in Elections this year."
In Wednesday's Part Three of Behind the Ballot, WCCO's Al Schoch explores the election of new city council members in St. Paul. See all of WCCO's Behind the Ballot stories here.