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HF2177 (Legislative Session 94 (2025-2026))

Photo ID required to register to vote and to vote, voter identification card created, provisional ballots established, identification required of individuals providing assistance to a voter in a polling place, voter registration and absentee voting activities prohibited, criminal penalties increased, reports required, and money appropriated.

Related bill: SF1586

AI Generated Summary

Purpose of the Bill

The purpose of this bill is to enhance the integrity and security of elections in Minnesota by implementing measures that require government-issued photo identification for voter registration and voting. Additionally, it seeks to address activities related to voter registration, absentee voting, and specifies processes for agent identification and voter assistance.

Main Provisions

  • Photo ID Requirement: All voters will be required to present a government-issued photo ID when registering to vote and when voting in person.
  • Voter Identification Cards: The bill establishes provisions for issuing voter identification cards for individuals who may not possess other forms of identification.
  • Provisional Ballots: A system for provisional ballots is created for voters who fail to present appropriate identification, allowing their vote to be counted once their credentials are verified.
  • Agent Identification: Individuals acting as agents for absentee voters must provide identification.
  • Assistance Identification: Individuals offering assistance to voters at polling places must also provide identification.
  • Prohibited Activities: Certain activities related to voter registration and absentee voting are restricted and newly defined as criminal offenses, with increased penalties.
  • Appropriation: The bill allocates funds to enforce these new measures and requirements.

Significant Changes to Existing Law

  • The bill proposes the creation of a new law that fundamentally changes the process of voting by introducing mandatory photo identification.
  • It repeals previous statutes that allowed voter registration without identification and amends numerous sections of Minnesota Statutes 2024 to integrate these requirements.
  • New criminal penalties are introduced for violations of the proposed restrictions on voter registration and absentee voting activities.

Relevant Terms

photo ID, voter identification card, provisional ballot, absentee voting, agent identification, voter assistance, criminal penalties, election security

Bill text versions

Actions

DateChamberWhereTypeNameCommittee Name
March 11, 2025HouseFloorActionIntroduction and first reading, referred toElections Finance and Government Operations

Citations

 
[
  {
    "analysis": {
      "added": [
        "Clarification on mailing process using Minnesota statewide voter registration system."
      ],
      "removed": [
        "Requirement for the secretary of state to send absentee ballot applications automatically to program participants."
      ],
      "summary": "This bill modifies the voting process for program participants under section 5B.06.",
      "modified": [
        "Details on the handling of absentee ballots by the secretary of state."
      ]
    },
    "citation": "5B.06"
  },
  {
    "analysis": {
      "added": [
        "No changes directly added to this section, but referenced in the context of instructing the secretary of state."
      ],
      "removed": [],
      "summary": "This bill references section 203B.121 concerning the review of absentee ballots.",
      "modified": [
        "Instructions on compliance review for absentee ballots."
      ]
    },
    "citation": "203B.121"
  }
]

Sponsors