SF2698

SF2698 (Legislative Session 94 (2025-2026))

Voter who register on election day requirement to cast provisional ballots

Related bill: HF1494

AI Generated Summary

Purpose of the Bill

The main purpose of this legislative bill is to modify the voting process in Minnesota by requiring individuals who register to vote on election day to cast provisional ballots. This aims to ensure verification of voter eligibility and amend various statutes to support this new requirement.

Main Provisions

Provisional Ballots: Voters registering on election day or during early voting will now cast provisional ballots. These ballots will only be counted after verifying the voter's eligibility post-election.
Identification Requirements: It clarifies the types of identification required for voter registration, including the acceptance of tribal identification cards if they meet certain security standards.
Electronic Rosters: Updates provisions concerning the technological requirements for electronic rosters used during elections, including handling of provisional ballots and ensuring immediate alerts for discrepancies in voter eligibility.
Election Day Registration: Details procedures for election judges and auditors regarding how election day registrations should be processed, and introduces steps for reviewing incomplete applications.
Statewide and County Canvassing: Adjusts the timelines for canvassing election results to accommodate the verification of provisional ballots. It extends the deadlines for county boards and state canvassing boards to complete their duties.
Public Awareness Campaign: The secretary of state is tasked to conduct campaigns encouraging voter registration prior to election day.

Significant Changes to Existing Law

Implements a system of provisional ballots for individuals registering on election day or during early voting.
Alters timelines and procedures for processing voter registrations and election canvassing to incorporate the verification of provisional ballots.
Repeals certain sections of Minnesota law regarding voter registration procedures to align with the new provisional ballot requirements.
Enhances the use and required specifications of electronic poll books, supporting more reliable and secure election processes.

Relevant Terms

Provisional Ballots
Election Day Registration
Voter Eligibility
Tribal Identification Cards
Electronic Rosters
Canvassing Board

Bill text versions

Introduction PDF file

Actions

Date	Chamber	Where	Type	Name	Committee Name
March 19, 2025	Senate	Floor	Action	Introduction and first reading
March 19, 2025	Senate	Floor	Action	Referred to	Elections

Citations

[
  {
    "analysis": {
      "added": [
        "Clarification that tribal IDs can be used as primary documents for noncompliant licenses."
      ],
      "removed": [],
      "summary": "The bill amends the legal framework for tribal identification cards under section 171.072, recognizing them as acceptable forms of identification.",
      "modified": [
        "Specifies security features required for tribal IDs."
      ]
    },
    "citation": "171.072"
  },
  {
    "analysis": {
      "added": [
        "New procedures for voters who fail to present authorized voter registration documents."
      ],
      "removed": [],
      "summary": "The bill modifies voter registration processes on election day under section 201.061.",
      "modified": [
        "Changes to proof of residence and election day registration requirements."
      ]
    },
    "citation": "201.061"
  },
  {
    "analysis": {
      "added": [
        "New steps for registration at the time of absentee ballot applications."
      ],
      "removed": [],
      "summary": "Changes regarding absentee ballot applications and registration in section 203B.04.",
      "modified": [
        "Altered processes for submitting registration with absentee ballots."
      ]
    },
    "citation": "203B.04"
  },
  {
    "analysis": {
      "added": [],
      "removed": [],
      "summary": "Amendments regarding eligibility certificates for absentee voting under section 203B.07.",
      "modified": [
        "The certificate must match the identification type provided on the absentee ballot application."
      ]
    },
    "citation": "203B.07"
  },
  {
    "analysis": {
      "added": [],
      "removed": [],
      "summary": "Provision regarding residency requirement for challengers under section 204C.07.",
      "modified": [
        "Specifies documentation required to prove residence in Minnesota for challengers."
      ]
    },
    "citation": "204C.07"
  },
  {
    "analysis": {
      "added": [],
      "removed": [],
      "summary": "Changes to the canvass of state primaries as reflected in section 204C.32.",
      "modified": [
        "Adjustment to the timeline and procedures for county canvass for state primaries."
      ]
    },
    "citation": "204C.32"
  },
  {
    "analysis": {
      "added": [],
      "removed": [],
      "summary": "The bill revises procedures for county canvassing of general election returns under section 204C.33.",
      "modified": [
        "Extends timeline for the county canvassing board to meet and report results."
      ]
    },
    "citation": "204C.33"
  },
  {
    "analysis": {
      "added": [],
      "removed": [],
      "summary": "Amendment to the return of county canvass reports to the Secretary of State in section 204C.37.",
      "modified": [
        "Extended deadline for delivering county canvass reports after an election."
      ]
    },
    "citation": "204C.37"
  },
  {
    "analysis": {
      "added": [],
      "removed": [],
      "summary": "Provision for the conduct of municipal primaries in section 205.065.",
      "modified": [
        "Modifies timelines and result announcement procedures for municipal primaries."
      ]
    },
    "citation": "205.065"
  },
  {
    "analysis": {
      "added": [],
      "removed": [],
      "summary": "Changes to procedures for canvassing municipal election returns in section 205.185.",
      "modified": [
        "Adjusts timeframes and requirements for canvassing boards after municipal elections."
      ]
    },
    "citation": "205.185"
  },
  {
    "analysis": {
      "added": [],
      "removed": [],
      "summary": "Revisions concerning school district primary results in section 205A.03.",
      "modified": [
        "Updates procedures and timelines for school district primary canvassing and nomination."
      ]
    },
    "citation": "205A.03"
  },
  {
    "analysis": {
      "added": [],
      "removed": [],
      "summary": "The bill modifies canvass and certification procedures for school district elections under section 205A.10.",
      "modified": [
        "Revised timelines for canvass and declaration of school district election results."
      ]
    },
    "citation": "205A.10"
  }
]