HF598

Purpose

This bill repeals the authority to use absentee ballot drop boxes in Minnesota and clarifies how absentee ballots can be returned to local election offices. It preserves mail-in and in-person return options (without drop boxes) and adds restrictions on how third-party agents can assist voters.

Main provisions

• Repeal of drop boxes:
  • The bill repeals Minnesota Statutes 2024 section 203B.082, which previously governed absentee ballot drop boxes, their security rules, location publication, and electioneering rules near drop boxes.
• Returns of absentee ballots without drop boxes:
  • Voters may return marked absentee ballots by mail or deliver the sealed return envelope in person to the county auditor or municipal clerk who transmitted the ballots.
  • The return envelope must be submitted by 8:00 p.m. on election day if delivered in person.
• Agent delivery limit:
  • Voters may designate an agent to deliver in person the sealed absentee ballot return envelope or to mail it.
  • An agent may deliver or mail the return envelopes of up to three voters in any election.
  • If an agent tampers with the return envelope or ballots or does not immediately mail or deliver the return envelope, the agent commits a misdemeanor.
• Restrictions on agencies:
  • The county auditor or municipal clerk must not provide a drop box or similar receptacle for depositing absentee ballot envelopes.

Significant changes to existing law

• Elimination of absentee ballot drop boxes:
  • Drop boxes are no longer authorized or provided by election offices.
  • All absentee ballot returns must go through mail or in-person delivery to election officials, not to drop boxes.
• Removal of security, publication, and electioneering provisions:
  • The previous security/integrity standards, location publication requirements, and 100-foot electioneering rules related to drop boxes are repealed.

Practical impact

• For voters:
  • No more drop boxes for returning absentee ballots. You must use mail or return the ballot in person to the county auditor or municipal clerk by the election day deadline.
  • If using an agent to help you return a ballot, the agent can assist with up to three voters in an election.
• For election offices:
  • Counties and municipalities will not establish or maintain drop boxes and will focus on traditional mail and in-person return processes.
  • The responsibilities related to drop box security, signage, daily collection, and public listing of locations are removed.

Notable terms to know

• Absentee ballots
• Absentee ballot return envelope
• Return envelope
• In person delivery
• By mail
• County auditor
• Municipal clerk
• Agent
• Up to three voters
• Tampering
• Misdemeanor
• Drop box
• Absentee ballot drop box
• Security and integrity
• Electioneering

Relevant Terms absentee ballots; absentee ballot drop box; drop box; county auditor; municipal clerk; in-person return; mail return; agent; return envelope; signature envelope; tampering; misdemeanor; election day; 8:00 p.m.; 203B.08; 203B.082; security and integrity; electioneering; Secretary of State