SF1586

The Minnesota Elections Integrity Act (S.F. No. 1586) is a bill that proposes significant changes to Minnesota's election laws, primarily focusing on voter identification requirements. Key provisions of the bill include:

1. Voter ID Requirement – Individuals must present a photo ID to register to vote and to cast a ballot.
   
2. Voter Identification Card – Establishes a new state-issued voter ID card for those without qualifying identification.
   
3. Provisional Ballots – Voters unable to provide valid ID at the polls may cast a provisional ballot, which will only be counted once their identity is verified.
   
4. Absentee Voting Identification – Requires identity verification for individuals acting as an agent to submit an absentee ballot on behalf of another voter.
   
5. Voter Assistance Identification – Those assisting voters in polling places must provide identification.
   
6. Restrictions on Voter Registration and Absentee Voting – Implements new limitations and prohibitions related to voter registration and absentee ballot handling.
   
7. Increased Criminal Penalties – Enhances penalties for election law violations related to fraudulent registration, voting, and assisting voters improperly.
   
8. New Reporting Requirements – Mandates additional reporting by election officials to ensure compliance with the revised election procedures.
   
9. Funding Appropriation – Allocates state funds to implement these changes.
   
10. Repeals Certain Provisions – Eliminates existing statutory provisions that conflict with the new law, including some related to same-day voter registration.
    

These provisions involve changes to multiple sections of the Minnesota Statutes (2024) and introduce new measures aimed at enhancing election security and integrity by tightening voter identification requirements and modifying election processes.