SF529

Purpose

• To amend the Minnesota Constitution so elections are guaranteed to be free, fair, and equal, and to protect the right to vote from interference by civil or military powers.

Main Provisions

• Adds a new section (Sec 18) to Article I of the Minnesota Constitution that states:
  • "Elections shall be free, fair, and equal."
  • "No civil or military power shall at any time interfere with the free exercise of the right to vote."
• This creates a constitutional guarantee that voting cannot be obstructed by government or military authorities.

How it would work

• The amendment would be submitted to Minnesota voters at the 2026 general election.
• If voters approve, the amendment becomes part of the Constitution and takes effect on January 1, 2027.
• The ballot question presented to voters would be: "Shall the Minnesota Constitution be amended to provide for free, fair and equal elections and prohibit civil and military powers from interfering with the right to vote."
• The ballot title required for the question would be: "Free Fair and Equal Elections."

Significant Changes to Existing Law

• Introduces a new constitutional guarantee (Sec 18) focused on elections, constraining any civil or military interference with voting.
• This is a change to the fundamental rules governing elections, adding explicit language about non-interference and the standards of being free, fair, and equal.
• No other provisions or procedures for elections are altered beyond adding this new constitutional section and its effective date.

Key Terms to Watch

• free, fair, and equal elections
• right to vote
• no interference
• civil power
• military power
• Article I, Sec 18
• constitutional amendment
• 2026 general election
• effective January 1, 2027
• ballot question: "Shall the Minnesota Constitution be amended to provide for free fair and equal elections and prohibit civil and military powers from interfering with the right to vote"
• ballot title: Free Fair and Equal Elections

Relevant Terms - free, fair, and equal elections - right to vote - interfere - civil power - military power - constitutional amendment - Article I, Sec 18 - 2026 general election - January 1, 2027 - ballot question - ballot title: Free Fair and Equal Elections