Politics of Minnesota

Minnesota is known for a politically active citizenry, with populism being a longstanding force among the state's political parties. Minnesota has consistently high voter turnout; in the 2008 U.S. presidential election, 77.8% of eligible Minnesotans voted – the highest percentage of any U.S. state or territory – versus the national average of 61.7%. This was due in part to its same day voter registration laws; previously unregistered voters can register on election day, at their polls, with evidence of residency.The major political parties are the Minnesota Democratic–Farmer–Labor Party (DFL), the Republican Party of Minnesota, and the Independence Party of Minnesota (IP). The DFL was created in 1944 when the Minnesota Democratic Party and Minnesota Farmer–Labor Party merged. The party is affiliated with the national Democratic Party. The nickname ""DFLers"" is often used in Minnesota by both members and non-members of the party as an alternative to ""Democrats"". The state Republican Party is affiliated with the national Republican Party.