HF1872

This bill modifies the requirements for identifying and verifying a candidate's residence on an affidavit of candidacy in Minnesota. Key provisions include:

1. Candidate Contact Information – Candidates must provide a telephone number and a non-government-issued email address (or attest that they do not have one).

2. Residency Verification – Candidates must state their current residence address. They can instead provide a campaign contact address if they request privacy. At least two non-related residents of the district must attest under oath to the candidate’s residency.

3. Proof of Residence Required – Candidates must present a valid driver's license or other authorized residency documentation when filing the affidavit. If the address on the affidavit does not match the documentation, the filing officer must reject it.

4. Residency Requirement Enforcement – Filing officers must verify that the candidate’s residence is within the area represented by the office they seek. If a candidate's address is outside the district, the filing officer must remove their name from the ballot. Voters may also request a review of a candidate’s residency within one day after the filing period closes.

5. Privacy Provision – Candidates may request that their residence address be classified as private if they meet certain criteria, such as having a police report or order for protection, or if their address is otherwise private under Minnesota law.

6. Exemptions – The residency verification requirements do not apply to candidates for judicial offices, county attorney, or county sheriff.

7. Criminal Penalty – Any candidate or individual who willfully makes a false statement on an affidavit of candidacy may be sentenced to up to 90 days in jail, fined up to $10,000, or both.