SF634

SF634 (Legislative Session 94 (2025-2026))

Local elections in cities of the first class date modification authorization

Related bill: HF69

AI Generated Summary

Senate File No. 634 is a proposed bill that addresses the scheduling of general elections for cities, towns, and school districts in Minnesota. Here's a simplified breakdown of what the bill entails:

Uniform Election Dates: The bill mandates that general elections for cities, towns, and school districts be held on the first Tuesday after the first Monday in November of every even-numbered year.
Flexibility for Major Cities: Cities of the first class (larger cities) can choose to hold their elections either in odd-numbered or even-numbered years. This choice is made through an ordinance passed by the city council.
Transition Plans: Cities, towns, and school districts affected by this change are required to create a transition plan. This involves possibly adjusting the length of terms for elected officials to align with the new election schedule.
Notification Requirements: When a city of the first class changes its election date, it must notify the county auditor and secretary of state in writing.
Referendum Option: If the decision to change election years is contentious, citizens can petition for a referendum. If enough signatures are gathered (10% of voters from the last election), a referendum will be held, allowing all voters to decide on the change.
Weather Postponements: The bill allows for elections scheduled in odd-numbered years to be postponed due to inclement weather.
Special Provisions for Towns and School Districts: Towns and school districts also have the option to choose their election years and must include a transition plan to manage term lengths and align election schedules.

This bill aims to streamline election processes, possibly reduce administrative burdens, and increase voter turnout by consolidating election dates across different levels of government within the state.

Bill text versions

Introduction PDF file

Actions

Date	Chamber	Where	Type	Name	Committee Name
January 26, 2025	Senate	Floor	Action	Introduction and first reading
January 26, 2025	Senate	Floor	Action	Referred to	Elections

Citations

[
  {
    "analysis": {
      "added": [
        "Allows cities of the first class to choose election dates in either odd-numbered or even-numbered years."
      ],
      "removed": [],
      "summary": "The bill proposes changes to the scheduling and regulation of municipal general elections, governed by section 205.07.",
      "modified": [
        "Existing structure of how municipalities schedule general elections."
      ]
    },
    "citation": "205.07"
  },
  {
    "analysis": {
      "added": [
        "Provides towns with an optional ordinance to change election dates."
      ],
      "removed": [],
      "summary": "The bill modifies election scheduling for towns under section 205.075.",
      "modified": [
        "Clarifies the transition plan requirements for changing election dates."
      ]
    },
    "citation": "205.075"
  },
  {
    "analysis": {
      "added": [
        "Allows school boards to decide by resolution if they want a primary."
      ],
      "removed": [],
      "summary": "This bill amends the procedure related to school district elections per section 205A.03.",
      "modified": [
        "Changes in school district primary and general election logistics."
      ]
    },
    "citation": "205A.03"
  },
  {
    "analysis": {
      "added": [],
      "removed": [],
      "summary": "The bill discusses the impact of inclement weather on school district elections as laid out in section 205A.055.",
      "modified": [
        "Allows school district elections to be postponed due to inclement weather."
      ]
    },
    "citation": "205A.055"
  },
  {
    "analysis": {
      "added": [],
      "removed": [],
      "summary": "This bill references the existing statute about postponement of elections due to weather in section 205.105.",
      "modified": []
    },
    "citation": "205.105"
  }
]