SF2697

Purpose of the Bill

This legislative bill aims to revise and update various election-related procedures and regulations in Minnesota. It focuses on enhancing the efficiency and security of the voting process by making changes to candidate filing, voter registration, polling place management, and absentee voting, among other aspects.

Main Provisions

• Election Judge Party Affiliation: Classifies party affiliations of election judges for transparency.
• Election Day Registration: Provides guidelines on how individuals can register to vote on election day, including acceptable forms of identification and the role of vouching for residence.
• Electronic Rosters: Allows counties, municipalities, and school districts to use electronic rosters for elections, setting conditions for their implementation and operation.
• Absentee Voting: Sets timelines for mailing absentee ballots and establishes procedures to ensure offenders in adult correctional facilities do not receive absentee ballots.
• Candidate Filing Requirements: Requires candidates to provide contact information and, optionally, a private address, alongside stipulations for verifying residency.

Significant Changes

• Voter Registration Verification: Updates the process for cleaning voter lists to ensure only eligible voters are maintained, involving verification with the Social Security Administration.
• Reporting of Name Changes and Citizenship Status: Mandates regular reporting from court administrators to the Secretary of State to update voter records for individuals who have changed names or revealed non-citizenship when summoned for jury duty.
• Residential Facility Guidelines: Formalizes the process for employees of residential facilities who vouch for residents during voter registration.
• Criminal Penalties: Introduces penalties for providing false information in affidavits of candidacy.

Relevant Terms

election judge, voter registration, absentee voting, electronic roster, proof of residence, party affiliation, candidate filing, vouching process, Help America Vote Act, address privacy, criminal penalties.