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SF2695 (Legislative Session 94 (2025-2026))

Voter verification requirement before mail delivery of an absentee ballot

Related bill: HF1496

AI Generated Summary

Purpose of the Bill

The bill aims to enhance the security of the absentee voting process in Minnesota by introducing verification measures before mailing absentee ballots to voters. It seeks to ensure that only eligible voters receive these ballots by verifying their identity through various government databases.

Main Provisions

  • Application for Absentee Ballots: Voters can apply for absentee ballots in person, by mail, or electronically. Applications must include identity verification through a Minnesota driver's license number, state ID number, or the last four digits of their Social Security number.
  • Electronic Application Verification: If an absentee ballot application is submitted online, it must be verified against a government database confirming the applicant's identity.
  • Law Enforcement Referrals: Any discrepancies found in the verification process that suggest suspicious activities must be forwarded to law enforcement agencies for investigation.

Changes to Existing Law

  • Secure Website Use: The Secretary of State will maintain a secure website for electronic absentee ballot applications, and this website will be used by county auditors and municipal clerks for verification.
  • Privacy Protections: The bill specifies that full birth dates and identification numbers of applicants will not be publicly accessible.
  • Permanent Absentee Voter Status: This status enables voters to receive absentee ballots automatically for each election without having to apply repeatedly. However, this automatic provision will be terminated upon certain conditions such as undeliverable ballots or a change in voter status to "challenged" or "inactive."
  • Verification for Permanent Absentees: Before each major election, the Secretary of State must verify that each permanent absentee voter's information matches with government databases. Any voter who cannot be verified will be notified and removed from the permanent absentee list.

Significant Changes

  • New Verification Requirement: Introduces mandatory verification of identity for all absentee ballot applications, enhancing the integrity of the absentee voting process.
  • Increased Law Enforcement Involvement: Introduces measures to engage law enforcement in cases of potential fraudulent applications.

Relevant Terms

  • Voter verification
  • Absentee ballot
  • Electronic application
  • Government database
  • Permanent absentee voter
  • Identity confirmation
  • Law enforcement investigation

Bill text versions

Actions

DateChamberWhereTypeNameCommittee Name
March 19, 2025SenateFloorActionIntroduction and first reading
March 19, 2025SenateFloorActionReferred toElections

Citations

 
[
  {
    "analysis": {
      "added": [
        "Details electronic submission process and security measures for absentee ballot applications."
      ],
      "removed": [
        "Previous text lacked specifications for secure electronic application submissions."
      ],
      "summary": "This bill modifies the application procedures for absentee ballots under section 203B.04.",
      "modified": [
        "Clarifies the verification process for absentee ballot applications."
      ]
    },
    "citation": "203B.04"
  },
  {
    "analysis": {
      "added": [
        "No changes, merely references the existing statute."
      ],
      "removed": [],
      "summary": "This bill references existing provisions on mail elections under section 204B.45.",
      "modified": []
    },
    "citation": "204B.45"
  }
]

Sponsors