MINNESOTA — Minnesota voters head to the polls on Tuesday, Aug. 11, with several high-profile races on the primary ballot. While every state has its own political quirks, political scientist Nicholas Howard said Minnesota's primary reflects a broader national debate over the future of both major parties. We're seeing it locally for the DFL, statewide for the Republicans," said Nicholas Howard, a political science professor at Concordia College. Chris Flynn / The ForumErika Yoney, of Moorhead, has announced she is running for the House District 4A seat in the Minnesota Legislature. Howard said the primary will help shape the issues candidates focus on as they head toward November.