From the editorial: "Anyone thinking of sitting this one out can remember that the right to cast ballots was paid for with blood shed on battlefields and has been protected with vigilance and ferocity for generations. Remember that voting shouldn't be seen as a chore but as a privilege and a responsibility."
From the column: "Beyond the lack of clear, practical benefit, mandatory voting sits uneasily with American principles. The First Amendment protects not only freedom of speech but also freedom from compelled speech."
From the editorial: "McLaughlin’s extensive private-sector and public-sector background and expertise on educational matters and on responsible budgeting and finance are clear."
ABOUT THIS PRIMARY: Minnesota Senate District 7 stretches from north of Virginia, southwest to past Palisade and Tamarack. DFL candidates Ben DeNucci of Nashwauk and Kim (Kotonias) McLaughlin of Hibbing are on the Aug. 9 primary ballot. The winner will face Republican Robert Farnsworth of Hibbing on Election Day on Nov. 8.