HF2343 (Legislative Session 94 (2025-2026))
State primary date changed from August to May, and date of primary elections conducted by a political subdivision changed in certain circumstances.
Related bill: SF2702
AI Generated Summary
Purpose of the Bill
This bill aims to change the dates of primary elections in Minnesota. It shifts the state primary and certain local primaries from August to May, thereby altering the scheduling for various related election activities.
Main Provisions
State Primary Date: The state primary election date is moved from the second Tuesday in August to the first Tuesday in May during even-numbered years. This is for the nomination of candidates for major political offices.
Local Primaries: Similarly, primary elections conducted by municipal bodies and school districts that nominate candidates for local offices will also move to the first Tuesday in May, regardless of whether it is an odd or even-numbered year.
Candidate Filing Periods: The adjustment to election dates will affect the timelines for candidates to file necessary documentation and for other election processes, all of which will now occur earlier in the year to accommodate the new primary date.
Polling Place Procedures: Provisions are included for establishing combined polling places and managing electoral logistics, which now reflect the earlier election date.
Emergency Procedures: The bill outlines processes allowing local election officials to combine precincts during emergencies, up until the election day.
Significant Changes to Existing Law
- State law currently sets the primary in August, but this bill changes it to May. This will affect the timing for various pre-election processes, including voter registration, and the handling of emergency situations concerning polling locations.
Relevant Terms
elections, state primary, municipal primary, school district primary, polling places, combined polling places, election judges, election dates, partisan offices, nonpartisan offices, candidate filing.
Bill text versions
- Introduction PDF file
Actions
| Date | Chamber | Where | Type | Name | Committee Name |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| March 12, 2025 | House | Floor | Action | Introduction and first reading, referred to | Elections Finance and Government Operations |
Citations
[
{
"analysis": {
"added": [
"Clarifies application of laws to areas outside metropolitan definition."
],
"removed": [],
"summary": "This bill amends the definition of metropolitan areas by referencing section 200.02, subdivision 24.",
"modified": [
"Adjusts the criteria for municipalities included in metropolitan area regulations."
]
},
"citation": "200.02"
},
{
"analysis": {
"added": [
"Includes provisions for notice postings about polling place consolidation."
],
"removed": [],
"summary": "This bill touches on voter assistance at polling places as governed by section 204C.15, subdivision 2.",
"modified": [
"Specifies notice requirements for voters voting from vehicles."
]
},
"citation": "204C.15"
},
{
"analysis": {
"added": [
"Provides guidelines for notice when polling hours are extended."
],
"removed": [],
"summary": "This bill references the extension of polling place hours in section 204C.05, subdivision 2, paragraph b.",
"modified": [
"Describes notice content for extended polling place hours."
]
},
"citation": "204C.05"
},
{
"analysis": {
"added": [
"States the possible postponement of municipal primaries due to weather."
],
"removed": [],
"summary": "This bill mentions weather-related changes to election dates as allowed under section 205.105.",
"modified": [
"Establishes conditions under which weather may impact election rescheduling."
]
},
"citation": "205.105"
},
{
"analysis": {
"added": [
"Allows postponement for inclement weather."
],
"removed": [],
"summary": "This bill covers school district election date changes due to inclement weather under section 205A.055.",
"modified": [
"Specifies conditions for rescheduling school district primaries."
]
},
"citation": "205A.055"
},
{
"analysis": {
"added": [
"Adjustments to how notices are distributed for school primaries."
],
"removed": [],
"summary": "Notice requirements for school district elections as outlined in section 205A.07.",
"modified": [
"Schedules for notices adjusted to align with primary date changes."
]
},
"citation": "205A.07"
},
{
"analysis": {
"added": [],
"removed": [],
"summary": "Election plan preparation requirements under section 206.80 are referenced.",
"modified": [
"Details on plan submissions for electronic voting usage."
]
},
"citation": "206.80"
}
]