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HF1496 (Legislative Session 94 (2025-2026))

Voter verification required before mail delivery of an absentee ballot.

Related bill: SF2695

AI Generated Summary

This bill proposes amendments to Minnesota election laws, specifically regarding absentee ballot applications and permanent absentee voter status. The key changes include:

  1. Voter Verification Before Mailing Absentee Ballots:

    • Requires that an absentee ballot application be verified against a government database matching the applicant’s driver's license number, state ID number, or last four digits of their Social Security number before an absentee ballot is mailed.
    • If verification is not successful, the application must be reviewed for suspicious activity and referred to law enforcement if necessary.

  2. Electronic Absentee Ballot Applications:

    • The Secretary of State must maintain a secure website for electronic absentee ballot applications.
    • Online applicants must provide an email address and a verifiable identification number.

  3. Permanent Absentee Voter Status Verification:

    • Requires validation of permanent absentee voter status at least 60 days but no more than 75 days before each regular primary and general election.
    • If an absentee voter cannot be verified via government databases, their status is changed to "challenged," and they are removed from the permanent absentee voter list.
    • Affected voters must be notified of removal via the contact method provided on their application.

  4. Exemptions:

    • The bill does not apply to all-mail elections under Minnesota law (Section 204B.45).

The overall objective of this bill is to enhance election security by ensuring that only verified voters receive absentee ballots, reducing the risk of fraudulent voting.

Bill text versions

Actions

DateChamberWhereTypeNameCommittee Name
February 25, 2025HouseFloorActionIntroduction and first reading, referred toElections Finance and Government Operations
March 04, 2025HouseFloorActionCommittee report, to adopt
March 04, 2025HouseFloorActionSecond reading
March 10, 2025HouseFloorActionHouse rule 1.21, placed on Calendar for the Day
March 12, 2025HouseFloorActionMotion to lay on the table
March 12, 2025HouseFloorActionMotion prevailed

Citations

 
[
  {
    "analysis": {
      "added": [
        "Includes requirement for electronic submission through a secure website maintained by the secretary of state.",
        "Requires email address and identification number for website applications."
      ],
      "removed": [],
      "summary": "This bill modifies application procedures for absentee ballots under section 203B.04.",
      "modified": [
        "Adjusts the verification process for absentee ballot applications to match against a government database."
      ]
    },
    "citation": "203B.04"
  },
  {
    "analysis": {
      "added": [],
      "removed": [],
      "summary": "References section 203B.11 for application procedures exceptions.",
      "modified": []
    },
    "citation": "203B.11"
  },
  {
    "analysis": {
      "added": [],
      "removed": [],
      "summary": "References section 204B.45 for mail-in elections exclusions.",
      "modified": []
    },
    "citation": "204B.45"
  }
]

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