HF2600

Purpose of the Bill

The bill aims to modify voter registration rules for individuals in jail in Minnesota, ensuring they have the opportunity to register and vote. It also establishes grants to assist sheriffs in facilitating this process.

Main Provisions

• Grants for Sheriffs: The Secretary of State will provide grants to county sheriffs based on the number of jail beds they manage. These funds are specifically for implementing voter registration and voting assistance plans in jails.
• Voter Registration: Updates are made to allow individuals in jail to register to vote using the address on their jail intake form.
• Election Day Procedures: Adjustments are made to the election day voter registration process, including:
  • Tribes can use tribal ID cards for registration.
  • Eligible jail residents can use their intake form address for registration.
• Post-Election Reporting: New requirements are added for county sheriffs to report efforts to facilitate voting in jails to the Secretary of State.
• Funding: $2.5 million is appropriated for fiscal year 2027 to support the grants to sheriffs, with set funding levels for subsequent years.

Significant Changes to Existing Law

• Election Day Registration: The bill modifies existing statutes to streamline voting for individuals in various types of facilities, including jails.
• Sheriff Responsibilities: Sheriffs must now develop plans to educate and assist jailed individuals with voting and designate a staff member to coordinate voting efforts.
• Post-Election Reporting: The bill includes new reporting requirements focusing on absentee voting outcomes, especially efforts to facilitate voting for individuals in jail.

Relevant Terms

• Voter registration
• County jail voting
• Absentee ballot
• Election day registration
• Secretary of State grants
• County sheriff responsibilities
• Voting assistance for incarcerated individuals