HF66

This legislative bill proposed in Minnesota establishes rules for when and how special elections are to be conducted if there are vacancies in public office. Key points of the bill include:

1. If a vacancy occurs more than 150 days before a general election and when the legislature is not in session until after the election, the vacancy is filled during the next state general election. The period during which candidates can file to run for the election should ideally match the standard filing period for general elections. If that’s not feasible, the filing period must be between seven and ten days, excluding holidays.

2. If a vacancy occurs when the legislature is in session or will be before a new member could complete their post-election duties, the governor must call a special election within five days of the vacancy arising. The special election must then be scheduled as soon as possible, respecting necessary legal notice periods, but no later than 45 days after the writ is issued. The elections should not be held within four days before or after a holiday.

3. For any other times not covered by the first two categories, if a vacancy occurs, a special election must be facilitated by the governor so the elected individual can start their duties at the beginning of the next legislative session or the resumption of an ongoing one. The filing period guidelines remain the same as in the other cases, between seven to ten days excluding holidays.

This bill aims to streamline and clarify the process and timeline for filling vacancies through special elections, ensuring minimal disruption in legislative functions while accommodating standard legal and holiday considerations.