HF2474

Purpose of the Bill

The main purpose of this bill is to modify certain provisions related to absentee voting in Minnesota. It aims to streamline and clarify the responsibilities and processes related to administering absentee voting by city and town clerks.

Main Provisions

• Clerk Authority: It specifies that full-time city or town clerks can administer the absentee voting provisions if designated by the county auditor or if they notify the county auditor of their intention to do so. This includes possibly being responsible for a ballot board or being designated as an absentee voting or early voting location.

• Multi-County Cities: For cities located in more than one county, a clerk can only administer absentee voting if designated by all applicable county auditors or if notice is given to each auditor.

• Technical Capacity and Training: The bill requires clerks to have the technical capacity to securely access the statewide voter registration system as determined by the secretary of state. Clerks must undergo training approved by the secretary of state before they can use this system.

• Notification Requirements: County auditors must notify the secretary of state about municipal clerks administering absentee voting and detail the extent of their duties.

Significant Changes to Existing Law

• The bill introduces new requirements concerning the technical capacity and mandatory training for clerks in managing the statewide voter registration system.
• It establishes a more structured process for clerks to notify or receive designation from county auditors to administer absentee voting.

Relevant Terms

absentee voting, city clerk, town clerk, county auditor, statewide voter registration system, absentee voting location, early voting, ballot board, secretary of state.