In partisan elections, each Independent candidate (not to be confused with Independence Party) who garners the prescribed minimum number of signatures (below) is eligible to avoid the primary election and advance directly to the general election.  

                  Minnesota Statute 204B.08 

    Subd. 3.    Number of signatures.  The number of
signatures required on a nominating petition shall be as follows:

    (a) For a state office voted on statewide or for United
States senator, one percent of the total number of individuals
voting in the state at the last preceding state general
election, or 2,000, whichever is less;

    (b) For a congressional office, five percent of the total
number of individuals voting in the district at the last
preceding state general election, or 1,000, whichever is less;

    (c) For a county or legislative office, ten percent of the
total number of individuals voting in the county or legislative
district at the last preceding s t ate or county general election,
or 500, whichever is less;

    (d) For a municipal office in a city of the first class,
the number specified in section 205.121; and

    (e) For any other municipal or school district office, ten
percent of the total number of individuals voting in the
municipality, ward, school district, or other election district
at the last preceding municipal, or school district if
applicable, general election, or 500, whichever is less.

    HIST: 1981 c 29 art 4 s 8; 1990 c 453 s 3; 1999 c 132 s 17