The Associated Press
ST. PAUL, Minn. - Minnesota's election officer says everything is going smoothly in the state's primary election so far.
A couple hours after polls opened Tuesday morning, Secretary of State Mark Ritchie says, "everything seems to be in order and all systems are go."
Two races to pick primary challengers to members of Congress are considered the most competitive Tuesday. It's the second time Minnesota has held its primary in August since moving it from September.
Democratic voters in northeastern Minnesota will choose an opponent for Republican Rep. Chip Cravaack. Former Duluth City Councilor Jeff Anderson, former state Sen. Tarryl Clark and former Rep. Rick Nolan are competing for the bid.
In the south, Republican voters were choosing between state Sen. Mike Parry and former state Rep. Allen Quist in a fight that has gotten personal. The winner will run against Democratic Rep. Tim Walz.
Ritchie has predicted turnout will reach only 15 percent. He says he doesn't expect a firmer handle until polls close at 8 p.m., but says primary turnout is always light.
Ritchie says one of the main issues his office has had to deal with has been people seeking help using the state's online polling place finder. He notes that redistricting this year means many voters are in new districts or their polling places have changed. He says other people have been calling to check whether their absentee ballots have arrived.
(Copyright 2012 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.)