Minnesotans are heading to the polls on Tuesday to cast their ballots in local elections across the state. From mayoral and city council races to school board seats and special elections , voters have some big decisions.

Early Tuesday morning, Secretary of State Steve Simon visited his alma mater, Alice Smith Elementary School in Hopkins, to vote and give an update on how the day was going. He said election operations were running smoothly and that early signs point to a strong turnout, especially in Minneapolis and St. Paul , where competitive mayoral races are underway.

For many Minnesotans, Simon said, local races like these are where democracy feels closest to home.

"These local elections are very important. They very often impact our lives more directly than any other k

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