HF1494

This bill proposes changes to Minnesota's election laws, particularly concerning voter registration and ballot procedures. Here are the key provisions:

1. Provisional Ballots for Same-Day Voter Registration: The bill mandates that voters who register on Election Day must cast provisional ballots instead of regular ballots. These provisional ballots will be counted only after election officials verify the voter's eligibility.

2. Changes to Voter Registration Procedures: The bill modifies several sections of Minnesota law to align with the new requirement for provisional ballots for Election Day registrants. It includes updating the process for handling incomplete voter registration applications and requiring additional verification steps.

3. Election Security Enhancements: The bill introduces new procedures to verify voter eligibility through the use of identification cards, including tribal identification cards, and updates electronic roster technologies to improve accuracy in voter registration.

4. Revised Deadlines for Election Canvassing: The deadlines for canvassing election results at both the county and state levels are extended to allow additional time for processing provisional ballots.

5. Public Awareness Campaign: The bill directs the Secretary of State to conduct a public awareness campaign encouraging voter registration before Election Day to minimize the number of provisional ballots.

6. Repealing Certain Existing Laws: The bill repeals provisions related to student voter registration lists and other registration-related statutes that are inconsistent with the new requirements.

Overall, the bill aims to tighten voter registration and election procedures by requiring Election Day registrants to vote provisionally and enhancing post-election verification processes.