SF3315

SF3315 (Legislative Session 94 (2025-2026))

Voters who register on election day requirement to cast provisional ballots

AI Generated Summary

Purpose of the Bill

The bill aims to change the voting process in Minnesota, particularly focusing on the process for voters who register on election day. It seeks to introduce the use of provisional ballots for these voters and to update related voting procedures and technologies.

Main Provisions

Provisional Ballots for Same-Day Registration: Voters who register on election day will cast provisional ballots. The provisional ballot is held separately until the voter's registration is verified post-election.
Tribal Identification: Allows tribal identification cards as valid proof of identity and residence for voter registration.
Voter Registration System Updates: Updates to how registration applications are managed, especially for same-day registrations, ensuring they are logged in a centralized statewide registration system quickly.
Ballot Board Duties: Election judges on ballot boards must examine absentee and provisional ballots, ensuring they meet all requirements before being counted.
Election Results Reporting: Adjusts timelines for local counties and municipalities to report election results and aggregate data.

Significant Changes

Same-Day Registration: Modifies existing laws by requiring provisional ballots for voters registering on election day.
Provisional Ballot Processing: Details new processes for handling and verifying provisional ballots, including steps to accept or reject them based on voter eligibility.
Public Awareness Campaigns: Mandates that the Secretary of State increase public awareness about pre-election day registration to reduce last-minute registrations.
Extended Canvass Period: Extends the time local officials have to complete vote canvassing and reporting, typically moving from three to ten days after the election.

Relevant Terms

Election day registration
Provisional ballot
Voter registration
Tribal identification
Ballot board
Canvassing board
Public awareness campaign
Election procedures

Bill text versions

Introduction PDF file

Actions

Date	Chamber	Where	Type	Name	Committee Name
April 06, 2025	Senate	Floor	Action	Introduction and first reading
April 06, 2025	Senate	Floor	Action	Referred to	Elections

Citations

[
  {
    "analysis": {
      "added": [],
      "removed": [],
      "summary": "This section pertains to the use of tribal identification cards as acceptable forms of identification in Minnesota.",
      "modified": [
        "Clarifies that a tribal identification card is a primary document for noncompliant license or identification card applications under section 171.062."
      ]
    },
    "citation": "171.072",
    "subdivision": ""
  },
  {
    "analysis": {
      "added": [],
      "removed": [],
      "summary": "This bill adjusts procedures for incomplete voter registration applications submitted by mail for first-time voters.",
      "modified": [
        "Details steps for completing registration if a county auditor determines a registration by mail is incomplete due to lack of verification documents."
      ]
    },
    "citation": "201.061",
    "subdivision": "subdivision 1a"
  },
  {
    "analysis": {
      "added": [],
      "removed": [],
      "summary": "This section covers proof of residence documentation for election day registration.",
      "modified": [
        "Specifies the types of documents accepted to prove residence on election day."
      ]
    },
    "citation": "201.061",
    "subdivision": "subdivision 3"
  },
  {
    "analysis": {
      "added": [],
      "removed": [],
      "summary": "This change refers to the process of registering to vote at the time of applying for an absentee ballot.",
      "modified": [
        "Clarifies that proof of residence is needed for those not previously registered who apply for an absentee ballot."
      ]
    },
    "citation": "203B.04",
    "subdivision": "subdivision 4"
  },
  {
    "analysis": {
      "added": [],
      "removed": [],
      "summary": "Addressed the eligibility certificate for voting by absentee ballot.",
      "modified": [
        "Ensures absentee voters provide matching identification information as was used on their application."
      ]
    },
    "citation": "203B.07",
    "subdivision": "subdivision 3"
  },
  {
    "analysis": {
      "added": [],
      "removed": [],
      "summary": "This section mandates residing status for poll challengers.",
      "modified": [
        "Requires challengers to prove residency within the state through listed identification."
      ]
    },
    "citation": "204C.07",
    "subdivision": "subdivision 3a"
  },
  {
    "analysis": {
      "added": [],
      "removed": [],
      "summary": "Describes the canvassing procedure for state primaries.",
      "modified": [
        "Changes the timeline for primary canvassing by county canvassing boards from the third to the tenth day after the primary."
      ]
    },
    "citation": "204C.32",
    "subdivision": ""
  }
]