HF2177

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