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HF1253 (Legislative Session 94 (2025-2026))

Requirements related to the return of absentee ballots on election day modified, and absentee voting period modified for certain voters.

Related bill: SF2493

AI Generated Summary

This bill amends Minnesota election laws regarding absentee voting procedures and election result disclosures. Key changes include:

  1. Reducing the Absentee Voting Period: The absentee voting period is shortened from 46 days to 28 days before elections.

  2. Absentee Ballot Deadlines:

    • Absentee ballots must be returned by 3:00 p.m. on Election Day (instead of 8:00 p.m.).
    • Absentee ballots must still be mailed at least 28 days before an election.

  3. Restrictions on Absentee Ballots for Incarcerated Individuals:

    • Applications for absentee ballots from addresses at state correctional facilities will be rejected.
    • The Department of Corrections must ensure absentee ballots are not sent to or mailed from such facilities.

  4. Election Day Ballot Drop-offs:

    • Absentee ballots can still be returned by mail, in person, or through designated drop boxes.

  5. Changes to Early Voting Locations:

    • County auditors can designate additional polling locations at least 29 days before an election (previously 47 days).
    • Special provisions allow for additional polling places on Native American reservations or near college campuses upon request.

  6. Special Elections:

    • Absentee ballots must be mailed 28 days before a special election, instead of 46 days.

  7. Sample Ballot Distribution:

    • Sample ballots must be prepared and posted 28 days before elections (previously 46 days).
    • County auditors must publish a voter notice in newspapers between 10 to 20 days before an election.

  8. Unofficial Election Result Disclosures:

    • Election officials cannot release partial precinct results; all votes, including absentee ballots, must be included before results are published.

This bill aims to modify absentee voting procedures, streamline ballot distribution timelines, and increase election result transparency.

Bill text versions

Actions

DateChamberWhereTypeNameCommittee Name
February 20, 2025HouseActionIntroduction and first reading, referred toElections Finance and Government Operations
February 26, 2025HouseActionAuthor added
March 03, 2025HouseActionCommittee report, to adopt
March 03, 2025HouseActionSecond reading
March 10, 2025HouseActionAuthor added
HouseActionHouse rule 4.20, interim disposition of bills, returned toElections Finance and Government Operations

Citations

 
[
  {
    "analysis": {
      "added": [
        "New rules for delivering ballots to specific voter groups."
      ],
      "removed": [
        "Previous longer time frames for mailing ballots."
      ],
      "summary": "This bill modifies requirements for the delivery of absentee ballots under section 203B.06.",
      "modified": [
        "Timelines for mailing absentee ballots are reduced from 46 days to 28 days before elections."
      ]
    },
    "citation": "203B.06"
  },
  {
    "analysis": {
      "added": [
        "A new subsection clarifying disbursement rules."
      ],
      "removed": [
        "Eliminates previous requirement for municipal matching funds."
      ],
      "summary": "This bill modifies pension fund eligibility for volunteer firefighters under section 353G.06.",
      "modified": [
        "Adjusts pension payment schedule from annual to quarterly."
      ]
    },
    "citation": "353G.06"
  }
]

Progress through the legislative process

17%
In Committee

Sponsors

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