This article will be updated throughout the day with additional voter interviews.

A record number of Minnesotans — more than 240,00, by early Tuesday, according to the secretary of state — have already voted, which could propel Minnesota to a turnout record in a non-presidential year. (In 2018, about 926,000 voters cast ballots, or 22.8% of eligible voters.)

Although he’s not on the ballot, Minnesotans are energized by the second term of President Donald Trump, and especially Operation Metro Surge and other ramifications felt here.

The biggest races on this primary Election Day — when the winners in each party will move on to the November general election — are for U.S. Senate and governor. A hotly contested Democratic-Farmer-Labor primary in Congressional District 2, the state’s most competitive, could help determine control of the U.S. House. Eleven legislators face primary opponents ahead of the November election, when all 201 legislative districts are up for grabs.

Polls close at 8 Tuesday night, and you can still vote even if you’re not registered yet. See here for more information.

The Reformer fanned out across the metro to talk to voters. Here’s some of what they told us so far.

Robbinsdale in the progressive lane

Nicholas Erdos-Thayer, 40, said he prefers candidates who “prioritize people over corporations.” 

Erdos-Thayer voted for Lt. Gov. Peggy Flanagan in her U.S. Senate primary against U.S. Rep. Angie Craig. In another closely contested race, he voted for Rep. Cedrick Frazier, the DFL-endorsed lawmaker running against former acting U.S. Attorney Anders Folk and others in the technically nonpartisan race for Hennepin County Attorney.

Standing next to his bike outside his downtown Robbinsdale polling place, Erdos-Thayer said improving multimodal mobility was a top local priority.

“Generally speaking, we need to do more regarding public transit, bike and pedestrian infrastructure,” said Erdos-Thayer, an at-large member of the Robbinsdale Parks, Recreation, and Forestry Commission who worked on a recent update to the city’s bike and pedestrian plan.

Nick and Allie Heid, both 32, also biked to the polls. They chose Frazier, Flanagan — “enthusiastically,” Nick said — and Rep. Ilhan Omar, whom Allie called “a very strong representative” who’s responsive to constituent needs. 

“We like her stance on ICE … to prosecute the people who have deported our neighbors,” Allie said. 

Both said Sen. Amy Klobuchar — who won the DFL endorsement for governor and is the presumptive nominee — was a reluctant choice.

“(I’m) not thrilled about the governor option; I think she is a little bit too cozy with Republicans,” Allie said.

Nick, an energy auditor with a “non-utility-aligned” sustainability nonprofit, called Klobuchar a “fossil fuel capitalist.” 

He said he prefers candidates serious about addressing climate change. “Are we going to do something,” on climate, he began — “or are we going to keep not doing anything,” Allie finished. Both want candidates committed to police reform, protecting immigrants and repelling attacks on women’s rights and health care, she added. 

Both are optimistic about the November elections; Nick said he hoped for “a nice wave ahead,” propelled by progressives.

“Minnesota has the potential to be a progressive hub — a champion for climate, protecting immigrants, and women’s rights and health,” Allie said.