Minnesota Governor Tim Walz in Rochester Saturday

(ABC-6 News) – Governor Tim Walz was in Rochester at the local DFL office Saturday for a get out the vote rally ahead of next week’s primary.

On Tuesday, Aug. 9 voters will choose one candidate in each partisan race to move on to the November general election. In each nonpartisan race, the top two on the ballot will move on.

Special elections and primaries historically have lower voter turnout than general elections. Governor Walz, however, says that does not make them any less important — arguing that a lot is at stake.

"Science is on the ballot, as we all know, and honesty, kindness and decency. I look at all these young organizers who are up here. They are here because they believe in a better country. They are here because they believe that we can do something better," Walz said.

Many candidates got the opportunity to speak to voters Saturday, with Walz bringing on Congressional District One candidate Jeff Ettinger via phone as he recovers from COVID-19.

People attending say hearing from the candidates made them excited to get out and vote.

"It’s very crucial in this particular time, you know? We need to protect our democracy. So it’s a crucial time everyone needs to get involved and go out and vote," said Shawn, an attendee who plans to vote on election day.