SF1166 (Legislative Session 94 (2025-2026))

Photo ID requirement to register to vote and to vote requirement; voter identification card and provisional ballot establishment; appropriating money

Related bill: HF1513

AI Generated Summary

The bill proposed, S.F. No. 1166, introduces several changes to the election laws in Minnesota. Key points include:

  1. Voter ID Requirement: It mandates that voters must present a photo ID to register and to vote. This is aimed at verifying the identity of each voter during the registration and voting process.

  2. Voter Identification Card: The bill introduces a new voter identification card, which will be managed under specific rules to protect voter information.

  3. Provisional Ballots: Provisional ballots will be introduced, allowing individuals who do not have the required ID at the time of voting to cast a vote. Their votes will be counted once their identity is confirmed.

  4. Changes to Absentee Voting: For those enrolled in certain programs, such as program participants allowed under the proposed new rules, they can register as permanent absentee voters. Once registered, they do not need to receive an absentee ballot application before each election and will have ballots mailed to them automatically for each election.

  5. Confidentiality for Certain Voters: The bill ensures that details of certain participants, like their names and addresses, are not listed in the statewide voter registration system, maintaining their privacy.

  6. Legal Amendments and Appropriation: The bill proposes amendments to a range of existing laws and regulations to accommodate these changes. It also involves appropriating funds to implement these changes effectively.

The overall aim of this bill is to enhance the security and integrity of the electoral process by ensuring that all voters are properly verified before casting their votes, while still accommodating voters who might face difficulty in obtaining traditional IDs.

Bill text versions

Actions

DateChamberWhereTypeNameCommittee Name
February 09, 2025SenateFloorActionIntroduction and first reading
February 09, 2025SenateFloorActionReferred toElections
February 12, 2025SenateFloorActionAuthor added

Citations

 
[
  {
    "analysis": {
      "added": [
        "Clarification on precinct determination and mailing of ballots by the secretary of state."
      ],
      "removed": [],
      "summary": "Modifications to absentee voting for program participants under section 5B.06.",
      "modified": [
        "Process for permanent absentee voters and related ballot procedures."
      ]
    },
    "citation": "5B.06"
  },
  {
    "analysis": {
      "added": [],
      "removed": [],
      "summary": "Adjustment of absentee ballot application process concerning section 203B.04.",
      "modified": [
        "Specifies exceptions for sending absentee ballot applications to permanent absentee voters under section 5B.06."
      ]
    },
    "citation": "203B.04"
  },
  {
    "analysis": {
      "added": [],
      "removed": [],
      "summary": "Refinement in processing absentee ballots under section 203B.121.",
      "modified": [
        "Describes the review process by the secretary of state for absentee ballots from program participants."
      ]
    },
    "citation": "203B.121"
  }
]