The statute in question, presently codified as
Minn.St. 203A.33, subd. 2 and 4, controls the order in which candidates' names appear on partisan election ballots.
The procedure of listing party-designated candidates before independent candidates is not a new one, having appeared in substantially similar form as early as 1901. See, R.L.1905, ss 173, 174. Nonpartisan election ballots, however, are governed by the provisions of
Minn.St. 203A.35, which requires that candidates' names be “rotated.”
This section has an equally long history. See, L.1915, c. 165, s 2. Prior to 1973, legislative elections in Minnesota were nonpartisan. However, the 1973 legislature changed the law to require that its members be chosen in partisan elections. L.1973, c. 3. The 1974 election for members of the Minnesota House of Representatives was conducted pursuant to the provisions of
Minn.St.1974, s 203.33, subd. 2 and 3. This statute provided in part: