AI Generated Summary
The legislative bill S.F. No. 1071 is designed to permit and regulate the adoption of ranked choice voting (RCV) for local elections within Minnesota. Here are the key points of the bill:
Allow Ranked Choice Voting: Local jurisdictions such as cities, school districts, and counties in Minnesota are authorized to adopt ranked choice voting as a method for their elections.
Procedures for Implementing RCV: The bill outlines detailed procedures for adopting, implementing, and utilizing ranked choice voting in local elections. This includes allowing local jurisdictions to use electronic voting systems that support this voting method.
Electronic Voting and Rulemaking: It mandates electronic voting systems capable of reallocating votes based on ranked-choice preferences and authorizes rulemaking to ensure proper implementation and standards.
Election Process: Specifies processes for counting votes in elections that use ranked choice voting, addressing everything from first-choice tabulations to handling overvotes and undervotes.
Transparency and Oversight: Included are protocols for reporting the results of ranked choice voting, ensuring transparency. Additionally, requirements for post-election review to verify the accuracy of the vote counts are established.
Financial Implications: The bill includes an appropriation of funds, although specific amounts and details of allocation are not described.
Amendment to Existing Laws: It also proposes amendments to several sections of Minnesota Statutes to incorporate the provisions for ranked choice voting.
Overall, S.F. No. 1071 sets up a framework that allows local jurisdictions in Minnesota the option of adopting a ranked choice voting system, ensuring that adequate procedures and systems are in place for its implementation and integrity.
Bill text versions
- Introduction PDF file
Actions
| Date | Chamber | Where | Type | Name | Committee Name |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| February 05, 2025 | Senate | Floor | Action | Introduction and first reading | |
| February 05, 2025 | Senate | Floor | Action | Referred to | Elections |
| February 09, 2025 | Senate | Floor | Action | Authors added | |
| February 12, 2025 | Senate | Floor | Action | Author added | |
| February 16, 2025 | Senate | Floor | Action | Comm report: To pass and re-referred to | State and Local Government |
Citations
[
{
"analysis": {
"added": [
"Includes ranked choice voting under chapter 204E requirements."
],
"removed": [
"No significant removals noted."
],
"summary": "This bill modifies the application of election ballot preparation rules as defined in section 204B.35.",
"modified": [
"Clarifies that ballots must conform to both chapters 204D and 204E."
]
},
"citation": "204B.35"
},
{
"analysis": {
"added": [
"Ranked choice voting recounts will adhere to existing recount contest rules."
],
"removed": [
"Requirement for candidates' bonds, but applicable to recount costs."
],
"summary": "Existing recount procedures under section 204C.36 are referenced for recounts in ranked choice voting elections.",
"modified": [
"Adapts to include ranked choice voting methodology in recount processes."
]
},
"citation": "204C.36"
},
{
"analysis": {
"added": [
"Final tabulation recount request for ranked choice voting."
],
"removed": [
"Non-ranked choice specific recount details not impacted."
],
"summary": "Existing provision allows a candidate defeated in the final round to request a recount as permitted under section 204C.361.",
"modified": [
"Aligns candidate recount rights to suit ranked choice voting scenarios."
]
},
"citation": "204C.361"
},
{
"analysis": {
"added": [
"Requirement for ranked choice voting tabulation center procedures align with this section."
],
"removed": [
"No effect on return procedures."
],
"summary": "This section references the return of materials process as per section 204C.27 after vote counting is completed.",
"modified": [
"Integrates ranked choice voting data handling in material return processes."
]
},
"citation": "204C.27"
},
{
"analysis": {
"added": [
"Ranked choice transitions include detailed performance review thresholds."
],
"removed": [
"Non-ranked choice specific review elements not altered."
],
"summary": "Section 206.89 provides the framework for post-election review and sets performance standards for electronic voting systems.",
"modified": [
"Ensures alignment of ranked choice voting tabulation scrutiny with existing audit practices."
]
},
"citation": "206.89"
}
]