HF2870 (Legislative Session 94 (2025-2026))
Various changes related to election administration made, absentee voting provisions modified, and terminology clarified.
AI Generated Summary
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
Bill text versions
- Introduction PDF file
Past committee meetings
- Judiciary Finance and Civil Law on: April 02, 2025 10:15
Actions
| Date | Chamber | Where | Type | Name | Committee Name |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| March 25, 2025 | House | Floor | Action | Introduction and first reading, referred to | Judiciary Finance and Civil Law |
Citations
[
{
"analysis": {
"added": [
"Additional steps for counting and recording ballots by precinct."
],
"removed": [
"Previous procedure allowing ballots to be counted if not properly segregated by precinct."
],
"summary": "This bill changes procedures related to the opening of absentee ballot envelopes.",
"modified": [
"Procedure for returning spoiled ballots updated with reference to section 204C.25."
]
},
"citation": "203B.121",
"subdivision": "subdivision 4"
},
{
"analysis": {
"added": [
"Clarification on electronic mail address requirements for candidates."
],
"removed": [
"Old procedures for collecting candidate telephone numbers removed."
],
"summary": "This bill modifies candidate affidavit filing requirements.",
"modified": [
"Enhanced verification process for candidate residence addresses."
]
},
"citation": "204B.06",
"subdivision": "subdivision 1b"
},
{
"analysis": {
"added": [
"Procedures for candidates submitting affidavits via facsimile in emergencies."
],
"removed": [
"Requirement for in-person petition signatures during filing period."
],
"summary": "The legislation alters submission protocols for candidates absent during the filing period.",
"modified": [
"Adjustments in submitting affidavits and filing fees for absentee candidates."
]
},
"citation": "204B.09",
"subdivision": "subdivision 1a"
},
{
"analysis": {
"added": [
"New documentation requirements for proof of residence."
],
"removed": [
"Old submission methods not consistent with applicable laws."
],
"summary": "Amendments to filing rules for city, town, and other elective offices.",
"modified": [
"Updated filing deadlines aligning with new electronic submission capabilities."
]
},
"citation": "204B.09",
"subdivision": "subdivision 2"
},
{
"analysis": {
"added": [
"Specification of procedures related to candidates addressing errors."
],
"removed": [
"Old mechanisms for challenging judge conduct during elections."
],
"summary": "Revisions to remedies for errors and omissions in election processes.",
"modified": [
"Clarified requirements for serving petitioners and candidates via electronic mail."
]
},
"citation": "204B.44",
"subdivision": ""
}
]