SF651 (Legislative Session 94 (2025-2026))
Date modification of the state primary to the same date as the presidential primary nomination
Related bill: HF594
AI Generated Summary
The legislative bill SF No. 651 aims to align the date of Minnesota’s state primary elections with the presidential nomination primary, meaning both would occur on the same date. This change is intended to consolidate elections and ostensibly make voting processes more streamlined and efficient. The bill also proposes amendments to various other election-related statutes, including but not limited to precinct boundaries, the appointment of election judges, and specifics on how primary and general elections are managed concerning voter registration, electronic voting, and ballot design. The bill seeks to modify how and when election officials can combine polling places, particularly under emergency situations, and addresses details regarding the printing and distribution of ballots for consistency across voting precincts.
In summary, this bill consolidates multiple election processes to coincide on the same date, streamlines election administration protocols, and updates election procedural requirements to enhance clarity and voter accessibility.
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 |
| February 23, 2025 | Senate | Floor | Action | Author stricken |
Citations
[
{
"analysis": {
"added": [
"Adjusting the state primary election date to coincide with the presidential nomination primary."
],
"removed": [],
"summary": "The state primary will be held on the date of the presidential nomination primary as provided in section 207A11.",
"modified": []
},
"citation": "207A11"
},
{
"analysis": {
"added": [
"Notification requirements for voters voting from their motor vehicles."
],
"removed": [],
"summary": "A reference to voting from motor vehicles is made in relation to section 204C15, subdivision 2.",
"modified": []
},
"citation": "204C15, subdivision 2"
},
{
"analysis": {
"added": [
"Notice to indicate extended polling hours under specific conditions."
],
"removed": [],
"summary": "Polling place hours may be extended pursuant to section 204C05, subdivision 2.",
"modified": []
},
"citation": "204C05, subdivision 2"
},
{
"analysis": {
"added": [
"Aligning the municipal primary with the presidential nomination primary date."
],
"removed": [],
"summary": "The state primary date adjustment refers to section 204D03, subdivision 1.",
"modified": []
},
"citation": "204D03, subdivision 1"
},
{
"analysis": {
"added": [
"Ensuring eligible voters under specific programs can participate in the presidential nomination primary."
],
"removed": [],
"summary": "Voter eligibility to cast ballots according to section 5B.06 is noted.",
"modified": []
},
"citation": "5B.06"
},
{
"analysis": {
"added": [
"Ensuring compliance with voter registration before participating in elections."
],
"removed": [],
"summary": "Voter registration requirements per section 201.054, subdivision 1.",
"modified": []
},
"citation": "201.054, subdivision 1"
},
{
"analysis": {
"added": [
"Adjusting privacy data rules regarding party ballot choice."
],
"removed": [],
"summary": "Reference to recording voter party choice differently from section 204C.18, subdivision 1 requirements.",
"modified": []
},
"citation": "204C.18, subdivision 1"
},
{
"analysis": {
"added": [
"Ensuring voter history records include party ballot chosen."
],
"removed": [],
"summary": "Inclusion of party ballot selection in voter history as per section 201.171.",
"modified": []
},
"citation": "201.171"
}
]