HF 2156

as introduced - 86th Legislature (2009 - 2010) Posted on 02/09/2010 02:00am

A bill for an act
relating to elections; providing for the postponement of a local election or
extension of voting hours in the event of inclement weather; proposing coding
for new law in Minnesota Statutes, chapter 204C.

BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF MINNESOTA:

Section 1.

new text begin [204C.055] POSTPONEMENT OR EXTENSION OF VOTING;
INCLEMENT WEATHER.
new text end

new text begin Subdivision 1. new text end

new text begin Applicability. new text end

new text begin This section applies to a primary, special, or
general election held in a county, city, school district, or municipality that is not held in
conjunction with a state or federal election.
new text end

new text begin Subd. 2. new text end

new text begin Postponement or extension of voting hours. new text end

new text begin (a) In the event of severe
or inclement weather, the county auditor, municipal clerk, or school district clerk may
postpone an election or extend or delay the hours for voting. Prior to postponement or
modification of the hours for voting, the auditor or clerk must consult with the National
Weather Service and local law enforcement agencies to determine whether the weather
conditions would make travel to a polling place difficult or hazardous for voters and
election judges.
new text end

new text begin (b) A decision to postpone an election or modify the hours for voting must apply to
every precinct in the jurisdiction. If a delay is ordered, the polling place closing time must
be extended for an amount of time at least equivalent to the amount of the delay.
new text end

new text begin (c) A postponed election must be rescheduled for the next following Tuesday after
the election was originally scheduled. An election that is postponed due to weather may
be postponed again if necessary under this section.
new text end