HF2870

Purpose of the Bill

The bill aims to make several changes related to the administration of elections in Minnesota. It seeks to improve the processes of absentee voting, clarify certain election-related terminologies, and amend or repeal specific statutory provisions.

Main Provisions

• Absentee Ballot Processing: The bill outlines new procedures for handling absentee ballots, emphasizing precise counting and recording practices. It mandates that the number of ballots must match the number of accepted signature envelopes, and discrepancies must be logged.
• Candidacy Filing Requirements: Adjustments are made to the filing requirements for candidates, including the necessity to provide an electronic mail address or attest that they do not have one, and the requirement for a valid address of residence to be reflected accurately.
• Remote Candidacy Submission: Provisions are included for candidates who are unable to submit their affidavits in person due to being out of state. These affidavits can now be submitted electronically under specific conditions.

Significant Changes

• Affidavit of Candidacy Address Privacy: Candidates can request their addresses remain private if they demonstrate a reasonable fear for safety or if existing laws allow such privacy protections.
• Judicial Review and Error Correction: The bill details a process for correcting election errors, allowing for petitions to be filed to rectify errors, omissions, or wrongful acts related to elections, including candidate eligibility reviews.
• Repeal of Ballot Inspection Procedures: The bill repeals Minnesota Statutes section 209.06, which previously allowed for ballot inspection as part of a contest procedure.

Relevant Terms

• Absentee voting
• Affidavit of candidacy
• Ballot processing
• Election administration
• Error correction
• Judicial review
• Candidate privacy
• Ballot inspection repeal