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SF2131 (Legislative Session 94 (2025-2026))

Ranked choice voting jurisdictional authorization for local offices provision, local jurisdictions ranked choice voting adoption, implementation, and usage procedures establishment, and appropriation

AI Generated Summary

This bill (S.F. No. 2131) introduced in the Minnesota Senate proposes the authorization, implementation, and regulation of Ranked Choice Voting (RCV) for local elections in cities, counties, and school districts within the state.

Key Provisions:

  • Authorization for Local Governments:

    • Local jurisdictions (cities, counties, and school districts) may adopt RCV as their election method through a ballot question presented to voters.
    • If adopted, jurisdictions must notify the Secretary of State and applicable county auditors.

  • Ranked Choice Voting Process:

    • Voters rank candidates in order of preference.
    • If a candidate secures enough first-choice votes to meet the election threshold, they are elected.
    • If no candidate reaches the threshold, the candidate with the fewest votes is eliminated, and ballots are reallocated to the next-ranked choice until winners are determined.
    • Special rules apply for single-seat elections (one winner) versus multi-seat elections (multiple winners).

  • Ballot & Voting System Requirements:

    • Ballots must allow voters to rank at least three choices.
    • Voting machines must be capable of handling RCV.
    • Separate ballot sections must be used if RCV elections are held alongside traditional (non-RCV) elections.

  • Rules for Vote Counting & Recounts:

    • Vote counting follows a round-by-round elimination process.
    • If errors or ties occur, predefined procedures (including tie-breaking by lot) will be followed.
    • Losing candidates can request a recount, which may be publicly funded if the margin meets state guidelines, otherwise at the candidate’s expense.

  • Election Audits & Integrity Measures:

    • Post-election audits and reviews are required to ensure accuracy.
    • The Secretary of State will develop rules governing RCV implementations and recount standards.

  • Funding & Implementation Timeline:

    • RCV cannot be adopted before January 1, 2026, or until the Secretary of State finalizes administrative rules.
    • Funding and resources are allocated for systems capable of conducting RCV elections.

Implications:

If passed, this bill will allow Minnesota's local governments to modernize their election processes, potentially improving voter representation and election efficiency while ensuring transparency and integrity in vote tabulation.

Bill text versions

Actions

DateChamberWhereTypeNameCommittee Name
March 02, 2025SenateFloorActionIntroduction and first reading
March 02, 2025SenateFloorActionReferred toElections

Citations

 
[
  {
    "analysis": {
      "added": [
        "Includes references to chapters dealing with ranked choice voting."
      ],
      "removed": [],
      "summary": "The bill amends ballot preparation procedures under section 204B.35 subdivision 1 to incorporate ranked choice voting processes outlined in new chapter provisions.",
      "modified": [
        "Expands application to incorporate new ranked choice voting mechanisms."
      ]
    },
    "citation": "204B.35 subdivision 1"
  },
  {
    "analysis": {
      "added": [
        "Adds a subdivision for vote counting in ranked choice voting elections."
      ],
      "removed": [],
      "summary": "Modifies the vote counting processes for ranked choice voting elections in section 204C.21.",
      "modified": []
    },
    "citation": "204C.21"
  },
  {
    "analysis": {
      "added": [],
      "removed": [],
      "summary": "Amends exceptions for certain nonpartisan candidates in state and county primary ballots under section 204D.07 subdivision 3.",
      "modified": [
        "Allows omission of certain nonpartisan candidates from primary ballots in ranked choice voting elections."
      ]
    },
    "citation": "204D.07 subdivision 3"
  },
  {
    "analysis": {
      "added": [
        "Includes cost responsibility details for losing candidates requesting recounts."
      ],
      "removed": [],
      "summary": "References are made to existing recount procedures in section 204C.36 in the context of recounts requested by defeated candidates in ranked choice voting.",
      "modified": [
        "Clarifies recount procedures specific to ranked choice voting elections."
      ]
    },
    "citation": "204C.36"
  },
  {
    "analysis": {
      "added": [
        "Specifies procedures for reviews if discrepancies occur."
      ],
      "removed": [],
      "summary": "The bill sets guidelines for post-election reviews in ranked choice voting contexts, referring to section 206.89.",
      "modified": [
        "Sets additional requirements for post-election review in ranked choice voting scenarios."
      ]
    },
    "citation": "206.89"
  },
  {
    "analysis": {
      "added": [],
      "removed": [],
      "summary": "Updates notice requirements for filing affidavits related to city officer vacancies in the context of ranked choice voting as per section 412.02 subdivision 2a.",
      "modified": [
        "Ensures notices reflect potential use of ranked choice voting in special elections."
      ]
    },
    "citation": "412.02 subdivision 2a"
  }
]

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