Former Duluth Mayor Don Ness Calls for Minnesota to Adopt Presidential Primary System

Following Tuesday's presidential caucuses in Minnesota as part of Super Tuesday, former Duluth mayor Don Ness is suggesting it's time for the Land of 10,000 Lakes to consider switching to a primary system, rather than caucuses. Participation in this year's presidential primaries and caucuses across the country has been stronger than in years past, which is a good thing. At the same time, Ness points out in a Facebook post (seen below) that caucuses (particularly during a high-interest year, like this year) can be restrictive when it comes to participation.

Ness contends that caucuses are a good way to be a part of democracy in action, but the "crowded hallways and the chaos of casting ALL of the votes during a single hour" can be prohibitive, particularly for certain groups.

Those in favor of caucuses argue that while the process may be more chaotic, it is a more involved process for participants which is designed to foster a more informed decision on candidates rather than simply relying on swaying popular opinion. In case you want more information about the difference between primaries and caucuses, here's a nice, simple primer from Lifehacker.