SF2724

Purpose of the Bill

The purpose of this bill is to adjust voter registration procedures for individuals in jail and to mandate the secretary of state to provide grants to county sheriffs. The goal is to facilitate voting access and participation for those incarcerated, particularly on election days.

Main Provisions

• Grants to Sheriffs: The bill requires the Minnesota Secretary of State to provide grants to county sheriffs. These grants are intended to support the implementation of plans that facilitate voting access for eligible voters in jail. The allocation of funds is based on the number of jail beds under a sheriff's authority.

• Election Day Registration: The bill modifies existing voter registration requirements to ease the process for individuals in jail. Among other forms of identification, eligible voters in jail can use the address from their intake form to prove residence when registering to vote on election day.

• Sheriff Responsibilities: Each sheriff is required to create a plan in coordination with the county auditor to offer voter education, registration assistance, and mail voting opportunities to eligible voters in jail. This includes designating a staff member as a voting coordinator and ensuring inmates have phone access to request absentee ballots.

• Reporting Requirements: Sheriffs must report biennially to the Secretary of State on the efforts and outcomes of facilitating voting for inmates. The Secretary of State is also required to include information about these efforts in statistical reports concerning absentee voting.

• Funding: An appropriation of $2,500,000 is allocated for fiscal year 2027 to support these initiatives, with specific funding bases outlined for future fiscal years.

Significant Changes to Existing Law

• Voter Registration Process: Expands the documents acceptable for proving residency for voter registration, specifically including jail intake forms for those incarcerated.
• Role of Sheriffs and Jail Staff: Establishes new responsibilities for sheriffs and jail staff related to voter education and facilitating absentee voting for jailed individuals.

Relevant Terms

voter registration, election day registration, absentee voting, mailing voting, county jail, voter education, grants, Secretary of State, sheriff responsibilities, Minnesota elections