SF2918

Purpose of the Bill

The purpose of this bill is to regulate how absentee ballot applications and sample ballots are distributed by committees and private organizations in Minnesota. It aims to ensure clarity and prevent confusion among voters when they receive election-related mailings that are not from official government sources.

Main Provisions

• Required Statements: Any mailing from a committee or private organization that includes an absentee ballot application or a sample ballot must clearly state that:

  1. The mailing is not an official communication from the government.
  2. The application or ballot included was not requested by a government official.
  3. If it includes a sample ballot, it must state that it is not an official ballot that can be cast by a voter.

• Visibility and Clarity: The statement must be printed clearly and visibly for the recipient when they open the mail. Additionally, mailing envelopes must be clearly marked to distinguish them from official government election mail.

• Voter Information on Applications: Absentee ballot applications sent by such organizations are prohibited from being preprinted with any voter’s name, address, or other registration details that voters are required to provide themselves when submitting the application.

Significant Changes to Existing Law

This bill introduces new regulations concerning how third-party organizations can engage with voters through mail about absentee voting, requiring explicit disclaimers to prevent confusion with official government communications.

Relevant Terms

• Absentee ballot
• Sample ballot
• Committee
• Private organization
• Voter registration
• Official communication
• Government mail