ST. PAUL (AP) - A bill moving Minnesota's primary election to Aug. 10 is now in Gov. Tim Pawlenty's hands.
The Senate voted unanimously Monday to accept a House version of the bill.
If Pawlenty signs it as he has indicated, voters will head to the polls a month earlier than usual. The move is to comply with a federal law to allow time for military voters overseas to mail in ballots.
Secretary of State Mark Ritchie says absentee ballots for the primary will go out in late June.
The advanced timeline will affect more than 30 events related to the election. For instance, candidates will file in May instead of June and lawn signs can go up June 25 instead of Aug. 1.
