SF2493 (Legislative Session 94 (2025-2026))
Absentee ballots return on election day requirements provisions modifications and certain voters absentee voting period modifications provision
Related bill: HF1253
AI Generated Summary
Purpose of the Bill
The bill aims to modify several aspects of the absentee voting process and absentee ballot management in Minnesota to streamline and improve elections.
Main Provisions
- Absentee Ballot Mailing Timeline: The bill shortens the timeframe for mailing absentee ballots. Absentee ballots must now be mailed at least 28 days before elections, including regularly scheduled primaries, general and special elections, instead of the previous 46 days.
- Absentee Voting Period: The period during which voters can vote absentee in person is reduced from 46 days to 28 days before the election.
- Ballot Return Deadline on Election Day: Absentee ballots must be returned in person to county auditors or municipal clerks by 3:00 p.m. on election day, rather than the previous 8:00 p.m.
- Agent Delivery Restriction: An agent can deliver or mail the absentee ballots of a maximum of three voters per election.
- Temporary Polling Locations: The timeline for setting up temporary polling places is adjusted to at least 29 days before an election, instead of 47 days.
Significant Changes to Existing Law
- The timeline for various election-related actions concerning absentee ballots, such as preparation, delivery, and public notices, has been shortened from 46 to 28 days.
- The return deadline for absentee ballots on election day is now earlier.
- There is a requirement for public officials to not release precinct election results unless all ballots, including absentee, are counted.
Relevant Terms
absentee voting, absentee ballots, mailing timeline, voting period, election day, ballot return deadline, agent delivery, temporary polling places, precinct results, public notice
Bill text versions
- Introduction PDF file
Actions
| Date | Chamber | Where | Type | Name | Committee Name |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| March 12, 2025 | Senate | Floor | Action | Introduction and first reading | |
| March 12, 2025 | Senate | Floor | Action | Referred to | Elections |
Citations
[
{
"analysis": {
"added": [
"Modified the timeline for absentee ballot mailing."
],
"removed": [],
"summary": "Amendments made to the procedures involving absentee ballot delivery to permanent absentee voters.",
"modified": [
"Change in the timeline for mailing absentee ballots from at least 46 to 28 days before an election."
]
},
"citation": "203B.06"
},
{
"analysis": {
"added": [],
"removed": [],
"summary": "Adjusted the marking and return process of absentee ballots.",
"modified": [
"Change of deadline for in-person absentee ballot delivery from 8:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m."
]
},
"citation": "203B.08"
},
{
"analysis": {
"added": [],
"removed": [],
"summary": "Changes to the location and timing for absentee voting.",
"modified": [
"Reduced the early absentee voting period from 46 days to 28 days before an election."
]
},
"citation": "203B.081"
},
{
"analysis": {
"added": [],
"removed": [],
"summary": "Modification in the mailing of ballots and return procedures.",
"modified": [
"Reduced the duration from at least 46 days to 28 days for mailing ballots before elections."
]
},
"citation": "203B.21"
},
{
"analysis": {
"added": [],
"removed": [],
"summary": "Adjusted the timeline for processing absentee voters for special elections.",
"modified": [
"Changed the period for transmitting absentee ballots from 46-50 days to 28-32 days before special elections."
]
},
"citation": "204B.13"
},
{
"analysis": {
"added": [],
"removed": [],
"summary": "Updates on the preparation and delivery procedures for absentee ballots.",
"modified": [
"Adjusted timeline for the preparation and delivery of absentee ballots from at least 46 days to 28 days."
]
},
"citation": "204B.35"
},
{
"analysis": {
"added": [],
"removed": [],
"summary": "Revised procedures for voting prior to election day involving special mail procedures.",
"modified": [
"Adjusted the timeframe for mailing ballots from not more than 46 days to 28 days before an election."
]
},
"citation": "204B.45"
},
{
"analysis": {
"added": [
"Requirement that all votes including absentee ballots need to be reported before results are posted."
],
"removed": [],
"summary": "Addition of a subdivision regarding public disclosure of unofficial election results.",
"modified": []
},
"citation": "204C.28"
},
{
"analysis": {
"added": [],
"removed": [],
"summary": "Amendment related to the provision and posting of sample ballots.",
"modified": [
"Reduction in the timeframe for preparing sample ballots from at least 46 days to 28 days before the state primary."
]
},
"citation": "204D.09"
},
{
"analysis": {
"added": [],
"removed": [],
"summary": "Update on the posting and publication requirements for sample general election ballots.",
"modified": [
"Change in the deadline for posting general election sample ballots from at least 46 days to 28 days before elections."
]
},
"citation": "204D.16"
}
]