Minneslate Logo

HF3589

Voter permitted to briefly leave a polling place to address an unexpected need, at the discretion of the head election judge.
Legislative Session 94 (2025-2026)

Related bill: SF4083

AI Generated Summary

Purpose

This proposal amends state election law to allow a voter who has a demonstrated need and has been issued a ballot to briefly leave a polling place, at the discretion of the head election judge, in order to address that need. The change is limited to permitting a short exit and return, rather than creating a general right to leave polling places.

Main provisions

  • Existing rule (baseline): A person who has voted or whose ballot has been rejected must leave the polling place and may not return unless allowed by sections 204C.06 or 204C.07.
  • New discretionary exception: At the head election judge’s discretion, a voter with a demonstrated need who has already been issued a ballot may be permitted to briefly leave the polling place to address that need and then return to cast the ballot.
  • Ballot handling on return: If the voter is granted permission to leave and return, the original ballot must remain in the polling place and must be spoiled. A new ballot must be issued to the voter when they return.
  • Scope: The change amends Minnesota Statutes 2024 section 204C.13, subdivision 7.

Significant changes to existing law

  • Adds a narrowly defined exception to the rule that voters must not leave the polling place after voting, allowing a brief exit for an “unexpected need” with approval from the head election judge.
  • Maintains ballot security by ensuring the original ballot stays in the polling place and is spoiled, with a fresh ballot issued upon the voter’s return.
  • Keeps existing restrictions intact for voters who have not received an accommodation, or whose ballots are rejected.

How the change might operate in practice

  • A voter experiences an urgent need (e.g., medical or other immediate necessity) and asks the head election judge for permission to step outside briefly.
  • If the judge approves, the voter exits, the original ballot remains in the polling place and is spoiled when the voter leaves, and a new ballot is provided when the voter returns to finish voting.

Potential considerations

  • Privacy and security: The process relies on the head election judge’s judgment; policies may be needed to ensure consistent application and to protect ballot integrity.
  • Access and inclusivity: This provision aims to reduce barriers for voters with unexpected needs during voting.

Relevant Terms polling place; head election judge; demonstrated need; briefly leave; address that need; return to cast the ballot; original ballot; remain in the polling place; spoiled; new ballot; election law; Minnesota Statutes 2024; section 204C.13 subdivision 7; 204C.06; 204C.07

Bill text versions

Past committee meetings

Actions

DateChamberWhereTypeNameCommittee Name
February 23, 2026HouseActionIntroduction and first reading, referred toElections Finance and Government Operations
March 26, 2026HouseActionCommittee report, to adopt as amended
March 26, 2026HouseActionSecond reading

Citations

 
[
  {
    "analysis": {
      "added": [
        "Adds an exception allowing a voter who has been issued a ballot to briefly leave the polling place at the discretion of the head election judge to address an unexpected need and then return to cast the ballot."
      ],
      "removed": [],
      "summary": "This bill amends Minnesota Statutes 2024 section 204C.13, subdivision 7, to permit a voter to briefly leave the polling place to address an unexpected need at the discretion of the head election judge, and to specify ballot handling if permission is granted.",
      "modified": [
        "Requires that if permission is granted, the original ballot remains in the polling place, is spoiled, and a new ballot is issued to the voter upon return."
      ]
    },
    "citation": "204C.13",
    "subdivision": "7"
  },
  {
    "analysis": {
      "added": [],
      "removed": [],
      "summary": "Cross-reference to Minnesota Statutes 204C.06 cited in the bill as a provision governing returning to the polling place after leaving.",
      "modified": []
    },
    "citation": "204C.06",
    "subdivision": ""
  },
  {
    "analysis": {
      "added": [],
      "removed": [],
      "summary": "Cross-reference to Minnesota Statutes 204C.07 cited in the bill as a provision governing returning to the polling place after leaving.",
      "modified": []
    },
    "citation": "204C.07",
    "subdivision": ""
  }
]

Progress through the legislative process

17%
In Committee

Sponsors

Loading…