This bill is aimed at standardizing the timing of general elections in cities, towns, and school districts in Minnesota. It requires that these elections be held on the first Tuesday after the first Monday in November of every even-numbered year. However, larger cities (referred to as cities of the first class) have the flexibility to choose whether their elections will take place in even- or odd-numbered years. To accommodate this scheduling choice, affected municipalities and school districts must create a transition plan which may involve adjusting the lengths of current officeholders’ terms.

In addition, the bill grants the option for school districts to select school board nominees via a primary election if there are significantly more candidates than available positions. Specific details also adjust how election postponements (such as due to bad weather) are handled and outline how and when changes to this new election scheduling can be challenged or revised by the public through referendums.

Overall, this legislation seeks to consolidate election dates which may help in reducing administrative burdens and costs, and potentially increase voter turnout by synchronizing local election cycles with broader state and national cycles.