HF69 (Legislative Session 94 (2025-2026))
City, town, and school district general elections required to be conducted on the first Tuesday after the first Monday in November of an even-numbered year; cities of the first class permitted to choose between even-numbered or odd-numbered year; and orderly transition plans required.
Related bill: SF634
AI Generated Summary
This bill aims to standardize the timing of general elections for cities, towns, and school districts in Minnesota by setting them to occur on the first Tuesday after the first Monday in November of every even-numbered year. However, it allows larger cities (cities of the first class) the option to hold their elections on this day in either odd-numbered or even-numbered years, according to their choice.
The bill requires these bodies to develop a plan to transition smoothly to this new election schedule. If a city decides to switch to a different year for its elections, it must also adjust the terms of its officials to align with the new election date, ensuring an orderly governance transition.
Furthermore, the bill presents a process for towns and school districts to select their specific election year (odd or even), and provides mechanisms for public participation, such as allowing citizens to call for a referendum on election timing changes.
Overall, this legislation seeks to make election dates more consistent while giving some flexibility to individual cities and towns. It also necessitates related administrative updates and public notifications to ensure voters are well-informed of any changes.
Bill text versions
- Introduction PDF file
Actions
| Date | Chamber | Where | Type | Name | Committee Name |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| February 09, 2025 | House | Floor | Action | Introduction and first reading, referred to | Elections Finance and Government Operations |
| February 12, 2025 | House | Floor | Action | Author added | |
| February 18, 2025 | House | Floor | Action | Committee report, to adopt and re-refer to | Education Policy |
Citations
[
{
"analysis": {
"added": [
"Allows cities of the first class to choose odd-numbered or even-numbered years for elections."
],
"removed": [],
"summary": "This bill modifies the timing and procedural options for municipal general elections under section 205.07.",
"modified": [
"Amends the existing provisions to clarify election scheduling."
]
},
"citation": "205.07"
},
{
"analysis": {
"added": [],
"removed": [],
"summary": "This bill references postponing municipal general elections for weather under section 205.105.",
"modified": [
"Extends applicability to elections held in odd-numbered years."
]
},
"citation": "205.105"
},
{
"analysis": {
"added": [
"Enables towns to designate their general election date with a resolution."
],
"removed": [],
"summary": "This bill amends the law regarding town general election dates under section 205.075.",
"modified": [
"Provides process for transition to the new election schedule."
]
},
"citation": "205.075"
},
{
"analysis": {
"added": [
"Details on primary election requirements."
],
"removed": [],
"summary": "This bill alters procedures for school district elections under section 205A.03.",
"modified": [
"Changes method of choosing school board nominees."
]
},
"citation": "205A.03"
},
{
"analysis": {
"added": [],
"removed": [],
"summary": "This bill discusses postponement for inclement weather for certain school district elections under section 205A.055.",
"modified": [
"Clarifies applicability of election date postponements."
]
},
"citation": "205A.055"
}
]