Governor Signs Primary Election Bill

ST. PAUL, Minn. (AP) — Minnesota Gov. Mark Dayton has signed a bill into law replacing the state's caucus system with a presidential primary.

Dayton's office announced Sunday the governor had signed the bill that would establish a primary in the state beginning in 2020.

The vast majority of states use a presidential primary system. Lawmakers brought the measure this year after voters and party officials alike were frustrated by overcrowded polling sites with long lines across the state.

Opponents of the caucus system have long argued that its insider nature discourages the average citizen from voting and that in years of high turnout, volunteers and facilities can become overwhelmed.

The governor signed the bill along with several others, including one that slashes drug sentencing guidelines for many offenders.