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HF2671 (Legislative Session 94 (2025-2026))

Requirement that the term incumbent be printed next to the incumbent candidate's name on ballot repealed.

Related bill: SF1241

AI Generated Summary

Purpose of the Bill

The purpose of this bill is to remove the requirement for the word "incumbent" to be printed next to the name of a current judge running for re-election on the election ballot. This affects judicial offices, including chief justices, associate justices, and judges in the state of Minnesota.

Main Provisions

  • Repeal of Incumbent Labeling: The bill repeals existing legislation that mandates the designation "incumbent" be printed alongside the names of candidates who are current officeholders seeking re-election.
  • Amendment to Election Ballots: The bill specifically targets judicial positions and seeks to ensure that all candidates are listed without the designation of "incumbent," thereby removing any potential bias in favor of the current officeholder.

Significant Changes to Existing Law

  • The bill repeals Minnesota Statutes 2024, section 204B.36, subdivision 5. This subdivision previously required that the word "incumbent" appear on ballots next to the names of judges running for re-election.

Relevant Terms

  • Elections
  • Ballot
  • Incumbent
  • Judicial Offices
  • Chief Justice
  • Associate Justice
  • Judge
  • Re-election

Bill text versions

Actions

DateChamberWhereTypeNameCommittee Name
March 23, 2025HouseFloorActionIntroduction and first reading, referred toElections Finance and Government Operations
March 23, 2025HouseFloorActionIntroduction and first reading, referred toElections Finance and Government Operations

Citations

 
[
  {
    "analysis": {
      "added": [],
      "removed": [
        "The designation of 'incumbent' after a judge's name on a ballot."
      ],
      "summary": "This bill repeals the requirement that the term 'incumbent' be printed next to the names of judicial incumbents on election ballots under section 204B.36, subdivision 5.",
      "modified": []
    },
    "citation": "204B.36",
    "subdivision": "subdivision 5"
  }
]

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