HF2428 (Legislative Session 94 (2025-2026))
Various laws related to election administration modified, absentee voting requirements and procedures modified, timelines modified, notice with absentee ballot applications and sample ballots required, and filing period for certain local offices modified.
Related bill: SF2232
AI Generated Summary
Purpose of the Bill
This legislative bill aims to modernize and improve the election administration process in Minnesota. It specifically addresses modifications in absentee voting procedures, timelines for candidate filing, and election technology requirements. The goal is to streamline election processes and ensure greater security and efficiency.
Main Provisions
Election Technology: Electronic rosters must be able to load, export, and update voter registration data, recognize voter eligibility, and provide polling place information. They must meet security standards set by the Secretary of State.
Absentee Voting:
- Absentee ballots can be applied for online, and applications must include specific personal identification numbers.
- Deadlines for applying for absentee ballots have been adjusted.
- Absentee voting procedures now allow for electronic transmission of ballots for certain individuals, such as emergency responders and voters with disabilities.
Ballot Boards: Defining the composition and responsibilities of absentee ballot boards, including their role in handling ballots, timelines for processing, and training for members.
Candidate Filing: The filing period for candidates in local elections and primary elections has been modified to extend the window of time candidates have to submit their candidacies. Specific requirements for affidavits of candidacy, including the necessity of stating true names and political affiliations.
Combined Polling Places: Provisions to allow for combined polling places in case of emergencies, ensuring accessibility and separate reporting for each precinct.
Preparation and Distribution of Election Supplies: Adjustments to the duties of county auditors and clerks in preparing and distributing election materials, and handling mail and absentee ballots.
Significant Changes to Existing Law
- The bill extends the timeline for absentee ballot applications, requiring applications to be received earlier than previously mandated.
- It introduces specific technological requirements for electronic rosters used during elections to ensure security and accuracy.
- The bill permits county auditors to electronically transmit ballots to certain voters, a deviation from prior strictly postal methods.
- The filing period and notification requirements for election candidacies and write-in candidates have been extended or modified to provide more flexibility.
Relevant Terms
absentee voting, electronic rosters, voter registration, ballot board, candidate filing, election technology, election security, emergency response voting, combined polling place, election supplies, voting accessibility.
Bill text versions
- Introduction PDF file
Actions
| Date | Chamber | Where | Type | Name | Committee Name |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| March 16, 2025 | House | Floor | Action | Introduction and first reading, referred to | Elections Finance and Government Operations |
Citations
[
{
"analysis": {
"added": [
"Requirements for electronically signed voter registration applications."
],
"removed": [],
"summary": "The electronic roster system requirements for voting precincts are outlined, including the use of voter registration data and manual data entry capabilities.",
"modified": [
"Increased security measures and exporting capabilities."
]
},
"citation": "201.225, subdivision 2"
},
{
"analysis": {
"added": [
"Electronic submission through a secure website maintained by the secretary of state."
],
"removed": [],
"summary": "Outlines procedures for absentee ballot applications, including submission deadlines and requirements for voter information.",
"modified": [
"Deadline for absentee ballot application submissions changed to seven days before election."
]
},
"citation": "203B.04, subdivision 1"
},
{
"analysis": {
"added": [
"Provision allowing healthcare professionals to deliver ballots for safety reasons."
],
"removed": [],
"summary": "Details the delivery of absentee ballots by election judges to patients or residents in certain facilities.",
"modified": [
"Clarification on the involvement of municipal clerks in absentee voting."
]
},
"citation": "203B.11, subdivision 1"
},
{
"analysis": {
"added": [],
"removed": [],
"summary": "Establishes the formation and duties of a ballot board for absentee and early voting, including processing and counting procedures.",
"modified": [
"Exemptions for party balance requirements for county elections not held with state elections."
]
},
"citation": "203B.121, subdivision 1"
},
{
"analysis": {
"added": [
"Municipalities can return accepted absentee ballots to county boards under agreement."
],
"removed": [],
"summary": "Describes the duties of the absentee ballot board, including accepting or rejecting returned absentee ballot envelopes.",
"modified": [
"Timelines for marking ballots as accepted or rejected."
]
},
"citation": "203B.23, subdivision 2"
},
{
"analysis": {
"added": [],
"removed": [],
"summary": "Allows emergency response providers to receive absentee voting materials electronically during a declared state of emergency.",
"modified": [
"Removed absentee ballot application deadlines for emergency responders."
]
},
"citation": "203B.29, subdivision 1"
},
{
"analysis": {
"added": [
"Phonetic spelling and default pronunciation certification requirements for candidate names."
],
"removed": [],
"summary": "Specifies forms and requirements for an affidavit of candidacy.",
"modified": []
},
"citation": "204B.06, subdivision 1"
},
{
"analysis": {
"added": [],
"removed": [],
"summary": "Outlines filing periods for city, town, and other elective offices.",
"modified": [
"Notification timeline for changes to candidate filings."
]
},
"citation": "204B.09, subdivision 2"
},
{
"analysis": {
"added": [],
"removed": [],
"summary": "Allows for combining polling places under certain conditions, with requirements for notification and separate reporting of results.",
"modified": [
"Added emergency provisions for combining polling places."
]
},
"citation": "204B.14, subdivision 2"
},
{
"analysis": {
"added": [],
"removed": [],
"summary": "Details the filing process for individuals running for municipal general election positions.",
"modified": [
"Timeliness of ballot notifications to officials."
]
},
"citation": "205.13, subdivision 1"
}
]