Engrossments
Introduction		Posted on 02/22/2017

ARTICLE 1

UNIFORM ELECTION DATES

Section 1.

Minnesota Statutes 2016, section 103B.545, subdivision 2, is amended to read:

Subd. 2.

Election.

The county board or joint county authority shall conduct a special
election deleted text begin in July or August after receiving the referendum petitiondeleted text end new text begin on a date authorized in
section 205.10, subdivision 3anew text end . The special election must be held within the proposed lake
improvement district. The county auditor shall administer the special election.

Sec. 2.

Minnesota Statutes 2016, section 123A.46, subdivision 12, is amended to read:

Subd. 12.

Election date.

If an election is required under subdivision 11, then before the
expiration of a 45 day period after the date of the order for dissolution and attachment, the
auditor shall set a date and call the election by filing a written order for the election and
serving a copy of the order personally or by mail on the clerk of the district in which the
election is to be held. The deleted text begin date shall be not less than 15 nor more than 30 days after the date
of the order, upon which date adeleted text end special election shall be held in the district proposed for
dissolutionnew text begin and must be held on a date authorized in section 205A.05, subdivision 1anew text end . The
auditor shall post and publish notice of the election according to law. Upon receipt of the
notice, the board shall conduct the election.

Sec. 3.

Minnesota Statutes 2016, section 123A.48, subdivision 14, is amended to read:

Subd. 14.

Election.

The board shall determine the date of the electiondeleted text begin ,deleted text end new text begin authorized by
section 205A.05, subdivision 1a, and new text end the number of boundaries of voting precinctsdeleted text begin , and the
location of the polling places where voting shall be conducted, and the hours the polls will
be opendeleted text end . The deleted text begin board shall alsodeleted text end new text begin coordinating county auditor, as defined in section 200.02,
subdivision 16b, shall new text end provide official ballots which must be used exclusively and shall be
in the following form: "Shall the (name of school district) and the (name of school district)
be consolidated as proposed? Yes .... No ...."

deleted text begin The board must appoint election judges who shall act as clerks of election.deleted text end The ballots
and results must be certified to the deleted text begin boarddeleted text end new text begin coordinating county auditor and administering
counties, as defined in section 200.02, subdivision 16, new text end who shall canvass and tabulate the
total vote cast for and against the proposal.

Sec. 4.

Minnesota Statutes 2016, section 123B.63, subdivision 3, is amended to read:

Subd. 3.

Capital project levy referendum.

(a) A district may levy the local tax rate
approved by a majority of the electors voting on the question to provide funds for an approved
project. The election must take place no more than five years before the estimated date of
commencement of the project. The referendum must be held on a date deleted text begin set by the boarddeleted text end new text begin
authorized by section 205A.05, subdivision 1anew text end . A district must meet the requirements of
section 123B.71 for projects funded under this section. If a review and comment is required
under section 123B.71, subdivision 8, a referendum for a project not receiving a positive
review and comment by the commissioner must be approved by at least 60 percent of the
voters at the election.

(b) The referendum may be called by the school board and may be held:

(1) separately, before an election for the issuance of obligations for the project under
chapter 475; or

(2) in conjunction with an election for the issuance of obligations for the project under
chapter 475; or

(3) notwithstanding section 475.59, as a conjunctive question authorizing both the capital
project levy and the issuance of obligations for the project under chapter 475. Any obligations
authorized for a project may be issued within five years of the date of the election.

(c) The ballot must provide a general description of the proposed project, state the
estimated total cost of the project, state whether the project has received a positive or negative
review and comment from the commissioner, state the maximum amount of the capital
project levy as a percentage of net tax capacity, state the amount that will be raised by that
local tax rate in the first year it is to be levied, and state the maximum number of years that
the levy authorization will apply.

The ballot must contain a textual portion with the information required in this section
and a question stating substantially the following:

"Shall the capital project levy proposed by the board of .......... School District No. ..........
be approved?"

If approved, the amount provided by the approved local tax rate applied to the net tax
capacity for the year preceding the year the levy is certified may be certified for the number
of years, not to exceed ten, approved.

(d) If the district proposes a new capital project to begin at the time the existing capital
project expires and at the same maximum tax rate, the general description on the ballot may
state that the capital project levy is being renewed and that the tax rate is not being increased
from the previous year's rate. An election to renew authority under this paragraph may be
called at any time that is otherwise authorized by this subdivision. The ballot notice required
under section 275.60 may be modified to read:

"BY VOTING YES ON THIS BALLOT QUESTION, YOU ARE VOTING TO RENEW
AN EXISTING CAPITAL PROJECTS REFERENDUM THAT IS SCHEDULED TO
EXPIRE."

(e) In the event a conjunctive question proposes to authorize both the capital project
levy and the issuance of obligations for the project, appropriate language authorizing the
issuance of obligations must also be included in the question.

(f) The district must notify the commissioner of the results of the referendum.

Sec. 5.

Minnesota Statutes 2016, section 126C.17, subdivision 11, is amended to read:

Subd. 11.

Referendum date.

(a) Except for a referendum held under paragraph (b), any
referendum under this section held on a day other than the first Tuesday after the first
Monday in November must be conducted by mail in accordance with section 204B.46new text begin and
held on a date authorized by section 205A.05, subdivision 1anew text end . Notwithstanding subdivision
9, paragraph (b), to the contrary, in the case of a referendum conducted by mail under this
paragraph, the notice required by subdivision 9, paragraph (b), must be prepared and delivered
by first-class mail at least 20 days before the referendum.

(b) In addition to the referenda allowed in subdivision 9, deleted text begin clausedeleted text end new text begin paragraphnew text end (a), the
commissioner may grant authority to a district to hold a referendum on a deleted text begin different daydeleted text end new text begin date
authorized by section 205A.05, subdivision 1a, new text end if the district is in statutory operating debt
and has an approved plan or has received an extension from the department to file a plan
to eliminate the statutory operating debt.

(c) The commissioner must approve, deny, or modify each district's request for a
referendum levy on a different day within 60 days of receiving the request from a district.

Sec. 6.

Minnesota Statutes 2016, section 128D.05, subdivision 2, is amended to read:

Subd. 2.

Time of change.

A proposed change in election years adopted under subdivision
1 is effective 240 days after passage and publication or at a later date fixed in the proposal.
Within 180 days after passage and publication of the proposal, a petition requesting a
referendum on the proposal may be filed with the school district clerk. The petition must
be signed by eligible voters equal in number to five percent of the total number of votes
cast in the city of Minneapolis at the most recent state general election. If the requisite
petition is filed within the prescribed period, the proposal does not become effective until
it is approved by a majority of the voters voting on the question at a general or special
election held deleted text begin at least 60 days after submission of the petitiondeleted text end new text begin on a date authorized by section
205A.05, subdivision 1anew text end . If the petition is filed, the governing body may reconsider its
action in adopting the proposal.

Sec. 7.

Minnesota Statutes 2016, section 200.02, subdivision 4, is amended to read:

Subd. 4.

Special election.

"Special election" means:

deleted text begin (a)deleted text end new text begin (1)new text end an election held at any time to fill vacancies in deleted text begin publicdeleted text end new text begin state or federalnew text end offices; or

deleted text begin (b)deleted text end new text begin (2)new text end an election deleted text begin held by a subdivision of the statedeleted text end for a special purposenew text begin held by a
subdivision of the state on a date authorized by section 205.10, subdivision 3a, or 205A.05,
subdivision 1anew text end .

Sec. 8.

Minnesota Statutes 2016, section 205.07, subdivision 3, is amended to read:

Subd. 3.

Effect of ordinance; referendum.

An ordinance changing the year of the
municipal election is effective 240 days after passage and publication or at a later date fixed
in the ordinance. Within 180 days after passage and publication of the ordinance, a petition
requesting a referendum on the ordinance may be filed with the city clerk. The petition shall
be signed by eligible voters equal in number to ten percent of the total number of votes cast
in the city at the last municipal general election. If the requisite petition is filed within the
prescribed period, the ordinance shall not become effective until it is approved by a majority
of the voters voting on the question at a general or special election held deleted text begin at least 60 days
after submission of the petitiondeleted text end new text begin on a date authorized by section 205.10, subdivision 3anew text end . If
the petition is filed, the governing body may reconsider its action in adopting the ordinance.

Sec. 9.

Minnesota Statutes 2016, section 205.10, is amended by adding a subdivision to
read:

new text begin Subd. 3a. new text end

new text begin Uniform election dates. new text end

new text begin (a) Except as allowed in paragraph (b) and subdivision
4, a special election held in a city or town must be held on one of the following dates: the
second Tuesday in March, the second Tuesday in May, the second Tuesday in August, or
the first Tuesday after the first Monday in November. A home rule charter city must not
designate additional dates in its charter.
new text end

new text begin (b) A special election may be held on a date other than those designated in paragraph
(a) if the special election is held in response to an emergency or disaster. "Emergency"
means an unforeseen combination of circumstances that calls for immediate action to prevent
a disaster from developing or occurring. "Disaster" means a situation that creates an actual
or imminent, serious threat to the health and safety of persons or a situation that has resulted
or is likely to result in catastrophic loss to property or the environment.
new text end

Sec. 10.

Minnesota Statutes 2016, section 205A.05, subdivision 1, is amended to read:

Subdivision 1.

Questions.

deleted text begin (a)deleted text end Special elections must be held for a school district on a
question on which the voters are authorized by law to pass judgment. The school board may
on its own motion call a special election to vote on any matter requiring approval of the
voters of a district. Upon petition filed with the school board of 50 or more voters of the
school district or five percent of the number of voters voting at the preceding school district
general election, whichever is greater, the school board shall by resolution call a special
election to vote on any matter requiring approval of the voters of a district. new text begin Within seven
days of adoption, the school board must transmit a copy of the resolution to the county
auditor of the coordinating county. new text end A question is carried only with the majority in its favor
required by law. The election officials for a special election are the same as for the most
recent school district general election unless changed according to law. Otherwise, special
elections must be conducted and the returns made in the manner provided for the school
district general election.

deleted text begin (b) A special election may not be held:
deleted text end

deleted text begin (1) during the 56 days before and the 56 days after a regularly scheduled primary or
general election conducted wholly or partially within the school district;
deleted text end

deleted text begin (2) on the date of a regularly scheduled town election or annual meeting in March
conducted wholly or partially within the school district; or
deleted text end

deleted text begin (3) during the 30 days before or the 30 days after a regularly scheduled town election
in March conducted wholly or partially within the school district.
deleted text end

deleted text begin (c) Notwithstanding any other law to the contrary, the time period in which a special
election must be conducted under any other law may be extended by the school board to
conform with the requirements of this subdivision.
deleted text end

Sec. 11.

Minnesota Statutes 2016, section 205A.05, is amended by adding a subdivision
to read:

new text begin Subd. 1a. new text end

new text begin Uniform election dates. new text end

new text begin (a) Except as allowed in paragraph (b), a special
election held in a school district must be held on one of the following dates: the second
Tuesday in March, the second Tuesday in May, the second Tuesday in August, or the first
Tuesday after the first Monday in November.
new text end

Sec. 12.

Minnesota Statutes 2016, section 216B.46, is amended to read:

216B.46 MUNICIPAL ACQUISITION PROCEDURES; NOTICE; ELECTION.

Any municipality which desires to acquire the property of a public utility as authorized
under the provisions of section 216B.45 may determine to do so by resolution of the
governing body of the municipality taken after a public hearing of which at least 30 days'
published notice shall be given as determined by the governing body. The determination
shall become effective when ratified by a majority of the qualified electors voting on the
question at a special election to be held deleted text begin for that purpose, not less than 60 nor more than 120
days after the resolution of the governing body of the municipalitydeleted text end new text begin on a date authorized by
section 205.10, subdivision 3anew text end .

Sec. 13.

Minnesota Statutes 2016, section 365A.06, subdivision 2, is amended to read:

Subd. 2.

Election.

The town board shall hold a special election within the boundaries
of the proposed district deleted text begin not less than 30 nor more than 90 days after receipt of the petitiondeleted text end new text begin
on a date authorized by section 205.10, subdivision 3anew text end . The question submitted and voted
upon by the property owners within the territory of the proposed district must be phrased
substantially as follows:

"Shall a subordinate service district be established to provide (service or services to be
provided) financed by (revenue sources)?"

If a majority of those voting on the question favor creation of the district, the district
shall begin upon certification of the vote by the town clerk. The town clerk shall administer
the election.

Sec. 14.

Minnesota Statutes 2016, section 367.33, subdivision 1, is amended to read:

Subdivision 1.

Election at annual election or special election.

Following the adoption
of option A in a town, except a town exercising the powers of a statutory city, the town
board may call a special town election to be held deleted text begin not less than 30 nor more than 60 days
after the annual town election at which the option is adopteddeleted text end new text begin on a date authorized by section
205.10, subdivision 3anew text end , to elect two additional members to the board of supervisors. In lieu
of a special election, the town board may determine to elect the additional members at the
next annual town election.

If the town is exercising the powers of a statutory city under section 368.01 or a special
law granting substantially similar powers, the town board shall call a special election to be
held deleted text begin not less than 30 nor more than 60 days after the annual electiondeleted text end new text begin on a date authorized
by section 205.10, subdivision 3a, new text end at which option A is adopted to elect the two additional
supervisors.

Sec. 15.

Minnesota Statutes 2016, section 375.101, subdivision 1, is amended to read:

Subdivision 1.

Option for filling vacancies; special election.

(a) Except as provided
in subdivision 3, a vacancy in the office of county commissioner may be filled as provided
in this subdivision and subdivision 2, or as provided in subdivision 4. If the vacancy is to
be filled under this subdivision and subdivision 2, it must be filled at a special election. The
county board may by resolution call for a special election to be held deleted text begin according to the earliest
of the following time schedules:
deleted text end

deleted text begin (1) not less than 120 days following the date the vacancy is declared, but no later than
12 weeks prior to the date of the next regularly scheduled primary election;
deleted text end

deleted text begin (2) concurrently with the next regularly scheduled primary election and general election;
or
deleted text end

deleted text begin (3) no sooner than 120 days following the next regularly scheduled general electiondeleted text end new text begin on
a date authorized by section 205.10, subdivision 3anew text end .

(b) The person elected at the special election shall take office immediately after receipt
of the certificate of election and upon filing the bond and taking the oath of office and shall
serve the remainder of the unexpired term. If the county has been reapportioned since the
commencement of the term of the vacant office, the election shall be based on the district
as reapportioned.

Sec. 16.

Minnesota Statutes 2016, section 375B.07, subdivision 2, is amended to read:

Subd. 2.

Election.

The county board shall make arrangements for the holding of a special
election deleted text begin not less than 30 nor more than 90 days after receipt of the petitiondeleted text end new text begin on a date
authorized by section 205.10, subdivision 3a,new text end within the boundaries of the proposed district.
The question to be submitted and voted upon by the qualified voters within the territory of
the proposed district shall be phrased substantially as follows:

"Shall a subordinate service district be established in order to provide (service or services
to be provided) financed by (revenue sources)?"

If a majority of those voting on the question favor creation of the proposed district, the
district shall be deemed created upon certification of the vote by the county auditor. The
county auditor shall administer the election.

Sec. 17.

Minnesota Statutes 2016, section 375B.10, is amended to read:

375B.10 WITHDRAWAL; ELECTION.

Upon receipt of a petition signed by ten percent of the qualified voters within the territory
of the subordinate service district requesting the removal of the district, or pursuant to its
own resolution, the county board shall make arrangements for the holding of a special
election within the boundaries of the service district deleted text begin not less than 30 nor more than 90 days
after the resolution or receipt of the petitiondeleted text end new text begin on a date authorized by section 205.10,
subdivision 3anew text end . The question to be submitted and voted upon by the qualified voters within
the territory of the district shall be phrased substantially as follows:

"Shall the subordinate service district presently established be removed and the service
or services of the county as provided for the service district be discontinued?"

If a majority of those voting on the question favor the removal and discontinuance of
the services, the service district shall be removed and the services shall be discontinued
upon certification of the vote by the county auditor. The county auditor shall administer the
election.

Sec. 18.

Minnesota Statutes 2016, section 383B.031, subdivision 1, is amended to read:

Subdivision 1.

More than six months; special election.

Notwithstanding the provisions
of section 375.101, if a vacancy occurs in a seat on the Board of County Commissioners of
Hennepin County more than six months before the general election in which a commissioner
will next be selected to occupy such seat the county auditor shall, within seven days after
the vacancy occurs, call a special election within the affected district to fill such vacancy.
The auditor shall specify a date for the election deleted text begin which shall be between 56 and 77 days after
the vacancy occurreddeleted text end new text begin to be held on a date authorized by section 205.10, subdivision 3anew text end .
Candidates shall file with the county auditor prior to the 35th day before the election. The
primary election shall be held 14 days before the election. If no more than two candidates
file for the office, the primary election shall be canceled and the date of the general election
advanced 14 days.

Sec. 19.

Minnesota Statutes 2016, section 383E.24, subdivision 7, is amended to read:

Subd. 7.

Referendum.

(a) Upon receipt of a petition signed by five percent of the
qualified voters within the territory of the proposed service district prior to the effective
date of its creation as specified in subdivision 6, the creation shall be held in abeyance
pending a referendum vote of all qualified electors residing within the boundaries of the
proposed service district.

(b) The county board shall make arrangements for the holding of a special election deleted text begin not
less than 30 or more than 90 days after receipt of such petitiondeleted text end new text begin on a date authorized by
section 205.10, subdivision 3a, and new text end within the boundaries of the proposed taxing district.
The question to be submitted and voted upon by the qualified voters within the territory of
the proposed service district shall be phrased substantially as follows:

"Shall a subordinate service district be established in order to provide (service or services
to be provided) financed by (revenue sources)?"

(c) If a majority of those voting on the question favor creation of the proposed subordinate
service district, the district shall be deemed created upon certification of the vote by the
county auditor. The county auditor shall administer the election.

Sec. 20.

Minnesota Statutes 2016, section 410.10, subdivision 1, is amended to read:

Subdivision 1.

Timing; procedure; recall.

Upon delivery of such draft, the council or
other governing body of the city shall cause the proposed charter to be submitted at the next
general election thereafter occurring in the city within six months after the delivery of such
draft, and if there is no general city election occurring in the city within six months after
the delivery of such draft, then the council or other governing body of the city shall cause
the proposed charter to be submitted at a special election to be held deleted text begin within 90 days after the
delivery of such draftdeleted text end new text begin on a date authorized by section 205.10, subdivision 3anew text end . The council
or other governing body may call a special election for that purpose only at any time. If the
election is held at the same time with the general election, the voting places and election
officers shall be the same for both elections. At any time before the council has fixed the
date of the election upon the proposed charter, the charter commission may recall it for
further action; and the council may authorize recall of the charter by the commission at any
later date prior to the first publication of the proposed charter.

Sec. 21.

Minnesota Statutes 2016, section 447.32, subdivision 2, is amended to read:

Subd. 2.

Elections.

Except as provided in this chapter, the Minnesota Election Law
applies to hospital district elections, as far as practicable. Regular elections must be held in
each hospital district at the same time, in the same election precincts, and at the same polling
places as general elections of state and county officers. It may establish the whole district
as a single election precinct or establish two or more different election precincts and polling
places for the elections. If there is more than one precinct, the boundaries of the election
precincts and the locations of the polling places must be defined in the notice of election,
either in full or by reference to a description or map on file in the office of the clerk.

Special elections may be called by the hospital board to vote on any matter required by
law to be submitted to the voters. A special election deleted text begin may not be conducted either during the
56 days before or the 56 days after a regularly scheduled primary or general election,
conducted wholly or partially within the hospital districtdeleted text end new text begin must be held on a date authorized
by section 205.10, subdivision 3anew text end . Special elections must be held within the election precinct
or precincts and at the polling place or places designated by the board. In the case of the
first election of officers of a new district, precincts and polling places must be set by the
governing body of the most populous city or town included in the district.

Advisory ballots may be submitted by the hospital board on any question it wishes,
concerning the affairs of the district, but only at a regular election or at a special election
required for another purpose.

Sec. 22.

Minnesota Statutes 2016, section 475.59, is amended to read:

475.59 MANNER OF SUBMISSION; NOTICE.

new text begin Subdivision 1. new text end

new text begin Generally; notice. new text end

When the governing body of a municipality resolves
to issue bonds for any purpose requiring the approval of the electors, it shall provide for
submission of the proposition of their issuance at a general or special election or town or
school district meeting. Notice of such election or meeting shall be given in the manner
required by law and shall state the maximum amount and the purpose of the proposed issue.
In any school district, the school board or board of education may, according to its judgment
and discretion, submit as a single ballot question or as two or more separate questions in
the notice of election and ballots the proposition of their issuance for any one or more of
the following, stated conjunctively or in the alternative: acquisition or enlargement of sites,
acquisition, betterment, erection, furnishing, equipping of one or more new schoolhouses,
remodeling, repairing, improving, adding to, betterment, furnishing, equipping of one or
more existing schoolhouses. In any city, town, or county, the governing body may, according
to its judgment and discretion, submit as a single ballot question or as two or more separate
questions in the notice of election and ballots the proposition of their issuance, stated
conjunctively or in the alternative, for the acquisition, construction, or improvement of any
facilities at one or more locations.

new text begin Subd. 2. new text end

new text begin Election date. new text end

new text begin An election to approve issuance of bonds under this section held
by a municipality or school district must be held on a date authorized in section 205.10,
subdivision 3a, or 205A.05, subdivision 1a.
new text end

Sec. 23. new text begin REPEALER.
new text end

new text begin Minnesota Statutes 2016, section 205.10, subdivision 3, new text end new text begin is repealed.
new text end

Sec. 24. new text begin EFFECTIVE DATE.
new text end

new text begin This article is effective August 1, 2017, and applies to any special election held on or
after that date.
new text end

ARTICLE 2

SCHOOL ELECTION ADMINISTRATION

Section 1.

Minnesota Statutes 2016, section 123A.48, subdivision 15, is amended to read:

Subd. 15.

Effective date.

If a majority of the votes cast on the question at the election
approve the consolidation, and if the necessary approving resolutions of boards entitled to
act on the plat have been adopted, deleted text begin the board must, within ten days of the election, notifydeleted text end
the county auditor deleted text begin whodeleted text end shall, within ten days of the deleted text begin noticedeleted text end new text begin electionnew text end or of the expiration of
the period during which an election can be called, issue an order setting a date for the
effective date of the change. The effective date must be July 1 of the year determined by
the board in the original resolution adopted under subdivision 2. The auditor shall mail or
deliver a copy of such order to each auditor holding a copy of the plat and to the clerk of
each district affected by the order and to the commissioner. deleted text begin The board must similarly notify
the county auditordeleted text end If the election failsdeleted text begin .deleted text end new text begin ,new text end the proceedings are then terminated and the county
auditor shall so notify the commissioner and the auditors and the clerk of each district
affected.

Sec. 2.

Minnesota Statutes 2016, section 126C.69, subdivision 11, is amended to read:

Subd. 11.

District referendum.

After receipt of the review and comment on the project
and before January 1 of the even-numbered year, the question authorizing the borrowing
of money for the facilities must be submitted by the school board to the voters of the district
at a regular or special election. The question submitted must state the total amount to be
borrowed from all sources. Approval of a majority of those voting on the question is sufficient
to authorize the issuance of the obligations on public sale in accordance with chapter 475.
The face of the ballot must include the following statement: "APPROVAL OF THIS
QUESTION DOES NOT GUARANTEE THAT THE SCHOOL DISTRICT WILL
RECEIVE A CAPITAL LOAN FROM THE STATE. THE LOAN MUST BE APPROVED
BY THE STATE LEGISLATURE AND IS DEPENDENT ON AVAILABLE FUNDING."
The deleted text begin districtdeleted text end new text begin coordinating county auditor, as defined in section 200.02, subdivision 16b, new text end must
mail to the commissioner a certificate by the deleted text begin clerkdeleted text end new text begin auditor new text end showing the vote at the election.

Sec. 3.

Minnesota Statutes 2016, section 200.02, is amended by adding a subdivision to
read:

new text begin Subd. 16a. new text end

new text begin Coordinating county. new text end

new text begin "Coordinating county" means the county where the
school district administrative offices are located.
new text end

Sec. 4.

Minnesota Statutes 2016, section 200.02, is amended by adding a subdivision to
read:

new text begin Subd. 16b. new text end

new text begin Coordinating county auditor. new text end

new text begin "Coordinating county auditor" means the
county auditor where the school district administrative offices are located.
new text end

Sec. 5.

Minnesota Statutes 2016, section 200.02, is amended by adding a subdivision to
read:

new text begin Subd. 16c. new text end

new text begin Administering county or administering counties. new text end

new text begin "Administering county"
or "administering counties" means a county or counties, other than the coordinating county,
that include any part of the school district.
new text end

Sec. 6.

Minnesota Statutes 2016, section 201.022, subdivision 1, is amended to read:

Subdivision 1.

Establishment.

The secretary of state shall maintain a statewide voter
registration system to facilitate voter registration and to provide a central database containing
voter registration information from around the state. The system must be accessible to the
county auditor of each county in the state. The system must also:

(1) provide for voters to submit their voter registration applications to any county auditor,
the secretary of state, or the Department of Public Safety;

(2) provide for the definition, establishment, and maintenance of a central database for
all voter registration information;

(3) provide for entering data into the statewide registration system;

(4) provide for electronic transfer of completed voter registration applications from the
Department of Public Safety to the secretary of state or the county auditor;

(5) assign a unique identifier to each legally registered voter in the state;

(6) provide for the acceptance of the Minnesota driver's license number, Minnesota state
identification number, and last four digits of the Social Security number for each voter
record;

(7) coordinate with other agency databases within the state;

(8) allow county auditors and the secretary of state to add or modify information in the
system to provide for accurate and up-to-date records;

(9) allow county auditors, municipal deleted text begin and school districtdeleted text end clerks, and the secretary of state
to have electronic access to the statewide registration system for review and search
capabilities;

(10) provide security and protection of all information in the statewide registration
system and ensure that unauthorized access is not allowed;

(11) provide access to municipal clerks to use the system;

(12) provide a system for each county to identify the precinct to which a voter should
be assigned for voting purposes;

(13) provide daily reports accessible by county auditors on the driver's license numbers,
state identification numbers, or last four digits of the Social Security numbers submitted on
voter registration applications that have been verified as accurate by the secretary of state;
and

(14) provide reports on the number of absentee ballots transmitted to and returned and
cast by voters under section 203B.16.

The appropriate state or local official shall provide security measures to prevent
unauthorized access to the computerized list established under section 201.021.

Sec. 7.

Minnesota Statutes 2016, section 201.061, subdivision 3, is amended to read:

Subd. 3.

Election day registration.

(a) An individual who is eligible to vote may register
on election day by appearing in person at the polling place for the precinct in which the
individual maintains residence, by completing a registration application, making an oath in
the form prescribed by the secretary of state and providing proof of residence. An individual
may prove residence for purposes of registering by:

(1) presenting a driver's license or Minnesota identification card issued pursuant to
section 171.07;

(2) presenting any document approved by the secretary of state as proper identification;

(3) presenting one of the following:

(i) a current valid student identification card from a postsecondary educational institution
in Minnesota, if a list of students from that institution has been prepared under section
135A.17 and certified to the county auditor in the manner provided in rules of the secretary
of state; or

(ii) a current student fee statement that contains the student's valid address in the precinct
together with a picture identification card; or

(4) having a voter who is registered to vote in the precinct, or an employee employed
by and working in a residential facility in the precinct and vouching for a resident in the
facility, sign an oath in the presence of the election judge vouching that the voter or employee
personally knows that the individual is a resident of the precinct. A voter who has been
vouched for on election day may not sign a proof of residence oath vouching for any other
individual on that election day. A voter who is registered to vote in the precinct may sign
up to eight proof-of-residence oaths on any election day. This limitation does not apply to
an employee of a residential facility described in this clause. The secretary of state shall
provide a form for election judges to use in recording the number of individuals for whom
a voter signs proof-of-residence oaths on election day. The form must include space for the
maximum number of individuals for whom a voter may sign proof-of-residence oaths. For
each proof-of-residence oath, the form must include a statement that the individual: (i) is
registered to vote in the precinct or is an employee of a residential facility in the precinct,
(ii) personally knows that the voter is a resident of the precinct, and (iii) is making the
statement on oath. The form must include a space for the voter's printed name, signature,
telephone number, and address.

The oath required by this subdivision and Minnesota Rules, part 8200.9939, must be
attached to the voter registration application.

(b) The operator of a residential facility shall prepare a list of the names of its employees
currently working in the residential facility and the address of the residential facility. The
operator shall certify the list and provide it to the appropriate county auditor no less than
20 days before each election for use in election day registration.

(c) "Residential facility" means transitional housing as defined in section 256E.33,
subdivision 1; a supervised living facility licensed by the commissioner of health under
section 144.50, subdivision 6; a nursing home as defined in section 144A.01, subdivision
5; a residence registered with the commissioner of health as a housing with services
establishment as defined in section 144D.01, subdivision 4; a veterans home operated by
the board of directors of the Minnesota Veterans Homes under chapter 198; a residence
licensed by the commissioner of human services to provide a residential program as defined
in section 245A.02, subdivision 14; a residential facility for persons with a developmental
disability licensed by the commissioner of human services under section 252.28; group
residential housing as defined in section 256I.03, subdivision 3; a shelter for battered women
as defined in section 611A.37, subdivision 4; or a supervised publicly or privately operated
shelter or dwelling designed to provide temporary living accommodations for the homeless.

(d) For tribal band members, an individual may prove residence for purposes of
registering by:

(1) presenting an identification card issued by the tribal government of a tribe recognized
by the Bureau of Indian Affairs, United States Department of the Interior, that contains the
name, address, signature, and picture of the individual; or

(2) presenting an identification card issued by the tribal government of a tribe recognized
by the Bureau of Indian Affairs, United States Department of the Interior, that contains the
name, signature, and picture of the individual and also presenting one of the documents
listed in Minnesota Rules, part 8200.5100, subpart 2, item B.

(e) A countydeleted text begin , school district,deleted text end or municipality may require that an election judge
responsible for election day registration initial each completed registration application.

Sec. 8.

Minnesota Statutes 2016, section 201.061, subdivision 6, is amended to read:

Subd. 6.

Precinct map.

Except as otherwise provided by this subdivision, the county
auditor shall provide each precinct with an accurate precinct map or precinct finder to assist
the election judges in determining whether an address is located in that precinct. A county
auditor may delegate this responsibility as provided in section 201.221, subdivision 4, to a
municipal deleted text begin or school districtdeleted text end clerk who prepares precinct maps as provided in section 204B.14,
subdivision 5.

Sec. 9.

Minnesota Statutes 2016, section 201.225, subdivision 1, is amended to read:

Subdivision 1.

Authority.

A countydeleted text begin ,deleted text end new text begin or new text end municipalitydeleted text begin , or school districtdeleted text end may use electronic
rosters for any election. In a countydeleted text begin ,deleted text end new text begin or new text end municipalitydeleted text begin , or school districtdeleted text end that uses electronic
rosters, the head elections official may designate that some or all of the precincts use
electronic rosters. An electronic roster must comply with all of the requirements of this
section. An electronic roster must include information required in section 201.221,
subdivision 3, and any rules adopted pursuant to that section.

Sec. 10.

Minnesota Statutes 2016, section 201.225, subdivision 6, is amended to read:

Subd. 6.

Reporting; certification.

(a) A countydeleted text begin ,deleted text end new text begin or new text end municipalitydeleted text begin , or school districtdeleted text end that
intends to use electronic rosters in an upcoming election must notify the Office of the
Secretary of State at least 90 days before the first election in which the countydeleted text begin ,deleted text end new text begin or
new text end municipalitydeleted text begin , or school districtdeleted text end intends to use electronic rosters. The notification must specify
whether all precincts will use electronic rosters, and if not, specify which precincts will be
using electronic rosters. The notification is valid for all subsequent elections, unless revoked
by the countydeleted text begin ,deleted text end new text begin or new text end municipalitydeleted text begin , or school districtdeleted text end . If precincts within a countydeleted text begin ,deleted text end new text begin or new text end municipalitydeleted text begin ,
or school districtdeleted text end that were not included in the initial notification intend to use electronic
rosters, a new notification must be submitted.

(b) The countydeleted text begin ,deleted text end new text begin or new text end municipalitydeleted text begin , or school districtdeleted text end that intends to use electronic rosters
must certify to the Office of the Secretary of State at least 30 days before the election that
the electronic rosters meet all of the requirements in this section.

Sec. 11.

Minnesota Statutes 2016, section 201.27, subdivision 2, is amended to read:

Subd. 2.

Knowledge of violation.

A deputy, clerk, employee, or other subordinate of a
county auditor or municipal deleted text begin or school districtdeleted text end clerk who has knowledge or reason to believe
that a violation of this chapter has occurred shall immediately transmit a report of the
knowledge or belief to the county auditor or municipal deleted text begin or school districtdeleted text end clerk, together with
any possessed evidence of the violation. Any county auditor or municipal deleted text begin or school districtdeleted text end
clerk who has knowledge or reason to believe that a violation of this chapter has occurred
shall immediately transmit a report of the knowledge or belief to the county attorney of the
county where the violation is thought to have occurred, together with any possessed evidence
of the violation. The county auditor or municipal deleted text begin or school districtdeleted text end clerk shall also
immediately send a copy of the report to the secretary of state. A violation of this subdivision
is a misdemeanor.

Sec. 12.

Minnesota Statutes 2016, section 203B.01, subdivision 2, is amended to read:

Subd. 2.

Municipal clerk.

"Municipal clerk" means a full-time town or city clerk who
is authorized or required to administer the provisions of sections 203B.04 to 203B.15, as
provided in section 203B.05. deleted text begin "Municipal clerk" also means clerk of the school district who
is authorized or required to administer the provisions of sections 203B.04 to 203B.15, as
provided in section 203B.05 for a school district election not held on the same day as a
statewide election.
deleted text end

Sec. 13.

Minnesota Statutes 2016, section 203B.04, subdivision 1, is amended to read:

Subdivision 1.

Application procedures.

(a) Except as otherwise allowed by subdivision
2 or by section 203B.11, subdivision 4, an application for absentee ballots for any election
may be submitted at any time not less than one day before the day of that election. The
county auditor shall prepare absentee ballot application forms in the format provided by the
secretary of state and shall furnish them to any person on request. By January 1 of each
even-numbered year, the secretary of state shall make the forms to be used available to
auditors through electronic means. An application submitted pursuant to this subdivision
shall be in writing. An application may be submitted in person, by electronic facsimile
device, by electronic mail, or by mail to:

(1) the county auditor of the county where the applicant maintains residence; or

(2) the municipal clerk of the municipalitydeleted text begin , or school district if applicable,deleted text end where the
applicant maintains residence.

For a federal, state, or county election, an absentee ballot application may alternatively be
submitted electronically through a secure Web site that shall be maintained by the secretary
of state for this purpose. Notwithstanding paragraph (b), the secretary of state must require
applicants using the Web site to submit the applicant's e-mail address and verifiable
Minnesota driver's license number, Minnesota state identification card number, or the last
four digits of the applicant's Social Security number.

An application submitted electronically under this paragraph may only be transmitted to
the county auditor for processing if the secretary of state has verified the application
information matches the information in a government database associated with the applicant's
driver's license number, state identification card number, or Social Security number. The
secretary of state must review all unverifiable applications for evidence of suspicious activity
and must forward any such application to an appropriate law enforcement agency for
investigation.

(b) An application shall be approved if it is timely received, signed and dated by the
applicant, contains the applicant's name and residence and mailing addresses, date of birth,
and at least one of the following:

(1) the applicant's Minnesota driver's license number;

(2) Minnesota state identification card number;

(3) the last four digits of the applicant's Social Security number; or

(4) a statement that the applicant does not have any of these numbers.

(c) To be approved, the application must contain an oath that the information contained
on the form is accurate, that the applicant is applying on the applicant's own behalf, and
that the applicant is signing the form under penalty of perjury.

(d) An applicant's full date of birth, Minnesota driver's license or state identification
number, and the last four digits of the applicant's Social Security number must not be made
available for public inspection. An application may be submitted to the county auditor or
municipal clerk by an electronic facsimile device. An application mailed or returned in
person to the county auditor or municipal clerk on behalf of a voter by a person other than
the voter must be deposited in the mail or returned in person to the county auditor or
municipal clerk within ten days after it has been dated by the voter and no later than six
days before the election. The absentee ballot applications or a list of persons applying for
an absentee ballot may not be made available for public inspection until the close of voting
on election day, except as authorized in section 203B.12.

(e) An application under this subdivision may contain an application under subdivision
5 to automatically receive an absentee ballot application.

Sec. 14.

Minnesota Statutes 2016, section 203B.05, subdivision 2, is amended to read:

Subd. 2.

City, school district, and town elections.

For citydeleted text begin ,deleted text end new text begin and new text end towndeleted text begin , and school districtdeleted text end
elections not held on the same day as a statewide election, applications for absentee ballots
shall be filed with the citydeleted text begin , school district,deleted text end or town clerk and the duties prescribed by this
chapter for the county auditor shall be performed by the citydeleted text begin , school district,deleted text end or town clerk
unless the county auditor agrees to perform those duties on behalf of the citydeleted text begin , school district,deleted text end
or town clerk. new text begin For school district elections not held on the same day as a statewide election,
applications for absentee ballots shall be filed with the coordinating county auditor, and the
county auditor shall perform the duties prescribed by this chapter for school district elections.
new text end The costs incurred to provide absentee ballots and perform the duties prescribed by this
subdivision shall be paid by the citydeleted text begin ,deleted text end new text begin ornew text end towndeleted text begin , or school districtdeleted text end holding the election.new text begin The
school district shall reimburse the coordinating county and administering counties for the
costs incurred to provide absentee ballots and perform the duties prescribed in this
subdivision.
new text end

Notwithstanding any other law, this chapter applies to school district elections held on
the same day as a statewide election or an election for a county or municipality wholly or
partially within the school district.

Sec. 15.

Minnesota Statutes 2016, section 203B.085, is amended to read:

203B.085 COUNTY AUDITOR'S AND MUNICIPAL CLERK'S OFFICES TO
REMAIN OPEN DURING CERTAIN HOURS PRECEDING ELECTION.

The county auditor's office in each county and the clerk's office in each city or town
authorized under section 203B.05 to administer absentee balloting must be open for
acceptance of absentee ballot applications and casting of absentee ballots from 10:00 a.m.
to 3:00 p.m. on Saturday and until 5:00 p.m. on the day immediately preceding a primary,
special, or general election unless that day falls on a Saturday or Sunday. Town clerks'
offices must be open for absentee voting from 10:00 a.m. to 12:00 noon on the Saturday
before a town general election held in March. deleted text begin The school district clerk, when performing
the county auditor's election duties, need not comply with this section.
deleted text end

Sec. 16.

Minnesota Statutes 2016, section 203B.11, subdivision 1, is amended to read:

Subdivision 1.

Generally.

Each full-time municipal clerk deleted text begin or school district clerkdeleted text end who
has authority under section 203B.05 to administer absentee voting laws shall designate
election judges to deliver absentee ballots in accordance with this section. The county auditor
must also designate election judges to perform the duties in this section. A ballot may be
delivered only to an eligible voter who is a temporary or permanent resident or patient in a
health care facility or hospital located in the municipality in which the voter maintains
residence. The ballots shall be delivered by two election judges, each of whom is affiliated
with a different major political party. When the election judges deliver or return ballots as
provided in this section, they shall travel together in the same vehicle. Both election judges
shall be present when an applicant completes the certificate of eligibility and marks the
absentee ballots, and may assist an applicant as provided in section 204C.15. The election
judges shall deposit the return envelopes containing the marked absentee ballots in a sealed
container and return them to the clerk on the same day that they are delivered and marked.

Sec. 17.

Minnesota Statutes 2016, section 203B.121, subdivision 1, is amended to read:

Subdivision 1.

Establishment; applicable laws.

(a) The governing body of each countydeleted text begin ,deleted text end
new text begin and new text end municipalitydeleted text begin , and school districtdeleted text end with responsibility to accept and reject absentee ballots
must, by ordinance or resolution, establish a ballot board. The board must consist of a
sufficient number of election judges trained in the handling of absentee ballots and appointed
as provided in sections 204B.19 to 204B.22. The board may include deputy county auditors
or deputy city clerks who have received training in the processing and counting of absentee
ballots.

(b) Each jurisdiction must pay a reasonable compensation to each member of that
jurisdiction's ballot board for services rendered during an election.

Sec. 18.

Minnesota Statutes 2016, section 203B.121, subdivision 2, is amended to read:

Subd. 2.

Duties of ballot board; absentee ballots.

(a) The members of the ballot board
shall take possession of all return envelopes delivered to them in accordance with section
203B.08. Upon receipt from the county auditor, municipal clerk, or deleted text begin school district clerkdeleted text end new text begin
coordinating county auditornew text end , two or more members of the ballot board shall examine each
return envelope and shall mark it accepted or rejected in the manner provided in this
subdivision. Election judges performing the duties in this section must be of different major
political parties, unless they are exempt from that requirement under section 205.075,
subdivision 4, or section 205A.10, subdivision 2.

(b) The members of the ballot board shall mark the return envelope "Accepted" and
initial or sign the return envelope below the word "Accepted" if a majority of the members
of the ballot board examining the envelope are satisfied that:

(1) the voter's name and address on the return envelope are the same as the information
provided on the absentee ballot application;

(2) the voter signed the certification on the envelope;

(3) the voter's Minnesota driver's license, state identification number, or the last four
digits of the voter's Social Security number are the same as a number on the voter's absentee
ballot application or voter record. If the number does not match, the election judges must
compare the signature provided by the applicant to determine whether the ballots were
returned by the same person to whom they were transmitted;

(4) the voter is registered and eligible to vote in the precinct or has included a properly
completed voter registration application in the return envelope;

(5) the certificate has been completed as prescribed in the directions for casting an
absentee ballot; and

(6) the voter has not already voted at that election, either in person or, if it is after the
close of business on the seventh day before the election, by absentee ballot.

The return envelope from accepted ballots must be preserved and returned to the county
auditor.

(c)(1) If a majority of the members of the ballot board examining a return envelope find
that an absentee voter has failed to meet one of the requirements provided in paragraph (b),
they shall mark the return envelope "Rejected," initial or sign it below the word "Rejected,"
list the reason for the rejection on the envelope, and return it to the county auditor. There
is no other reason for rejecting an absentee ballot beyond those permitted by this section.
Failure to place the ballot within the security envelope before placing it in the outer white
envelope is not a reason to reject an absentee ballot.

(2) If an envelope has been rejected at least five days before the election, the envelope
must remain sealed and the official in charge of the ballot board shall provide the voter with
a replacement absentee ballot and return envelope in place of the rejected ballot.

(3) If an envelope is rejected within five days of the election, the envelope must remain
sealed and the official in charge of the ballot board must attempt to contact the voter by
telephone or e-mail to notify the voter that the voter's ballot has been rejected. The official
must document the attempts made to contact the voter.

(d) The official in charge of the absentee ballot board must mail the voter a written notice
of absentee ballot rejection between six and ten weeks following the election. If the official
determines that the voter has otherwise cast a ballot in the election, no notice is required.
If an absentee ballot arrives after the deadline for submission provided by this chapter, the
notice must be provided between six to ten weeks after receipt of the ballot. A notice of
absentee ballot rejection must contain the following information:

(1) the date on which the absentee ballot was rejected or, if the ballot was received after
the required deadline for submission, the date on which the ballot was received;

(2) the reason for rejection; and

(3) the name of the appropriate election official to whom the voter may direct further
questions, along with appropriate contact information.

(e) An absentee ballot return envelope marked "Rejected" may not be opened or subject
to further review except in an election contest filed pursuant to chapter 209.

Sec. 19.

Minnesota Statutes 2016, section 203B.15, is amended to read:

203B.15 ADMINISTRATIVE EXPENSES.

Each county shall pay the expenses incurred by its county auditor deleted text begin anddeleted text end new text begin ,new text end each municipality
deleted text begin or school districtdeleted text end shall pay the expenses incurred by its clerknew text begin , and each school district shall
pay the expenses incurred by the coordinating county and administering countiesnew text end for
administering the provisions of sections 203B.04 to 203B.15.

Sec. 20.

Minnesota Statutes 2016, section 204B.181, subdivision 2, is amended to read:

Subd. 2.

County elections emergency plans.

(a) County election officials, in consultation
with the political subdivision's local organization for emergency management established
under section 12.25 and the municipalities and school districts within the county, must
develop a county elections emergency plan to be made available for use in all state, county,
municipal, and school district elections held in that county.

(b) In developing the county elections emergency plan, the county must address the
needs of voters with disabilities in all aspects of the plan. Where ballot security is affected,
the plan must provide procedures to maintain the security of the ballots. When an emergency
requires the relocation of the polling place, the plan must include procedures for securing
the ballots and voting equipment, notifying the public and other government officials, and
restoring voting activities as soon as possible. If the county contains jurisdictions that cross
county lines, the affected counties must make efforts to ensure that the emergency procedures
affecting the local jurisdiction are uniform throughout the jurisdiction.

(c) Citiesdeleted text begin ,deleted text end new text begin and new text end townsdeleted text begin , and school districtsdeleted text end may create a local elections emergency plan
that meets the requirements of the county elections emergency plan. If a local jurisdiction
creates a local elections emergency plan, the procedures within the local elections emergency
plan govern in all election emergencies within that local jurisdiction.

(d) County election officials and any municipality with a local elections emergency plan
must review their county or local elections emergency plan prior to each state general
election. Any revisions to the county or local elections emergency plan must be completed
and filed with the secretary of state by July 1 prior to the state general election.

Sec. 21.

Minnesota Statutes 2016, section 204B.25, subdivision 4, is amended to read:

Subd. 4.

Training for local election officials.

At least once every two years, the county
auditor shall conduct training sessions for the municipal deleted text begin and school districtdeleted text end clerks in the
county. The training sessions must be conducted in the manner provided by the secretary
of state. No local election official may administer an election without receiving training
from the county auditor.

Sec. 22.

Minnesota Statutes 2016, section 204B.29, is amended to read:

204B.29 ELECTION JUDGES; ELECTION SUPPLIES; DUTIES.

Subdivision 1.

Securing election materials.

Before 9:00 p.m. on the day preceding an
election, at least one election judge from each precinct in each municipality, or school
district if applicable, shall secure voter registration files, ballots, forms, envelopes and other
required supplies from the municipal clerk, deleted text begin school district clerkdeleted text end new text begin coordinating county auditornew text end ,
or other legal custodian. The election judge shall deliver the materials to the polling place
before the time when voting is scheduled to begin on election day. The county auditor shall
send or deliver the election supplies enumerated in this section to the election judges in the
precincts in unorganized territory. The election supplies may be sent by certified mail, parcel
post, express mail or any other postal service providing assured delivery by no later than
the day before the election. If the election supplies are delivered by any other means, they
shall be delivered by no later than the day before the election.

Each precinct shall be furnished with 100 ballots of each kind for every 85 individuals
who voted in that precinct at the last election for the same office or on similar questions, or
with ballots of each kind in an amount at least ten percent greater than the number of votes
which are reasonably expected to be cast in that precinct in that election, whichever supply
of ballots is greater. No precinct shall be furnished with any ballots containing the name of
any candidate who cannot properly be voted for in that precinct.

The election judges shall be responsible for the preservation of all election materials
received by them until returned to the appropriate election officials after the voting has
ended.

Subd. 2.

Failure of election judges to secure materials.

If no election judge secures
the election materials for a precinct in any municipality, or school district if applicable, as
provided in subdivision 1, the municipal deleted text begin or school districtdeleted text end clerk new text begin or coordinating county
auditor new text end shall deliver them to an election judge for that precinct not later than the time when
voting is scheduled to begin. The municipal deleted text begin or school districtdeleted text end clerk new text begin or coordinating county
auditor new text end shall require the election judge accepting delivery of the election supplies to sign a
receipt for them. The election judges of that precinct shall pay the expenses of delivery of
the materials and shall be liable for the penalty provided by law for neglect of duty.

Sec. 23.

Minnesota Statutes 2016, section 204B.32, is amended to read:

204B.32 ELECTION EXPENSES; PAYMENT.

Subdivision 1.

Payment.

(a) The secretary of state shall pay the compensation for
presidential electors and all necessary expenses incurred by the secretary of state in
connection with elections.

(b) The counties shall pay the compensation prescribed in section 204B.31, clauses (2)
and (3), the cost of printing the state general election ballots when machines are used, the
state partisan primary ballots, and the state and county nonpartisan primary ballots, all
necessary expenses incurred by county auditors in connection with elections, and the expenses
of special county elections.

(c) Subject to subdivision 2, the municipalities shall pay the compensation prescribed
for election judges and sergeants at arms, the cost of printing the municipal ballots, providing
ballot boxes, providing and equipping polling places and all necessary expenses of the
municipal clerks in connection with elections, except special county elections.

(d) The school districts shall deleted text begin paydeleted text end new text begin reimburse the coordinating county and administering
counties for new text end the compensation prescribed for election judges and sergeants-at-arms, the cost
of printing the school district ballots, providing ballot boxes, providing and equipping polling
places and all necessary expenses of the deleted text begin school district clerksdeleted text end new text begin coordinating county auditor
new text end in connection with school district elections not held in conjunction with state elections.
When school district elections are held in conjunction with state elections, the school district
shall pay the costs of printing the school district ballots, providing ballot boxes and all
necessary expenses of the school district deleted text begin clerkdeleted text end new text begin electionnew text end .

All disbursements under this section shall be presented, audited, and paid as in the case
of other public expenses.

Subd. 2.

Allocation of election expenses.

The secretary of state shall develop procedures
for the allocation of election expenses among counties, municipalities, and school districts
for elections that are held concurrently. The following expenses must be included in the
procedures: salaries of election judges; postage for absentee ballots and applications;
preparation of polling places; preparation and testing of electronic voting systems; ballot
preparation; publication of election notices and sample ballots; transportation of ballots and
election supplies; and compensation for administrative expenses of the county auditor,
municipal clerk, or deleted text begin school district clerkdeleted text end new text begin coordinating county auditornew text end .

Sec. 24.

Minnesota Statutes 2016, section 204B.40, is amended to read:

204B.40 BALLOTS; ELECTION RECORDS AND OTHER MATERIALS;
DISPOSITION; INSPECTION OF BALLOTS.

The county auditors, municipal clerks, and deleted text begin school district clerksdeleted text end new text begin coordinating county
auditor new text end shall retain all election materials returned to them after any election for at least 22
months from the date of that election. All election materials involved in a contested election
must be retained for 22 months or until the contest has been finally determined, whichever
is later. Abstracts filed by canvassing boards shall be retained permanently by any officer
with whom those abstracts are filed. Election materials no longer required to be retained
pursuant to this section shall be disposed of in accordance with sections 138.163 to 138.21.
Sealed envelopes containing voted ballots must be retained unopened, except as provided
in this section, in a secure location. The county auditor, municipal clerk, or deleted text begin school district
clerkdeleted text end new text begin coordinating county auditor new text end shall not permit any voted ballots to be tampered with or
defaced.

After the time for filing a notice of contest for an election has passed, the secretary of
state may, for the purpose of monitoring and evaluating election procedures: (1) open the
sealed ballot envelopes and inspect the ballots for that election maintained by the county
auditors, municipal clerks, or deleted text begin school district clerksdeleted text end new text begin coordinating county auditornew text end ; (2) inspect
the polling place rosters and completed voter registration applications; or (3) examine other
forms required in the Minnesota election laws for use in the polling place. No inspected
ballot or document may be marked or identified in any manner. After inspection, all ballots
must be returned to the ballot envelope and the ballot envelope must be securely resealed.
Any other election materials inspected or examined must be secured or resealed. No polling
place roster may be inspected until the voting history for that precinct has been posted. No
voter registration application may be inspected until the information on it has been entered
into the statewide registration system.

Sec. 25.

Minnesota Statutes 2016, section 204B.46, is amended to read:

204B.46 MAIL ELECTIONS; QUESTIONS.

A county, municipality, or school district submitting questions to the voters at a special
election may conduct an election by mail with no polling place other than the office of the
auditor or clerk. No offices may be voted on at a mail election. Notice of the election must
be given to the county auditor at least 74 days prior to the election. This notice shall also
fulfill the requirements of Minnesota Rules, part 8210.3000. The special mail ballot
procedures must be posted at least six weeks prior to the election. Not more than 46 nor
later than 14 days prior to the election, the auditor or clerk shall mail ballots by
nonforwardable mail to all voters registered in the county, municipality, or school district.
No later than 14 days before the election, the auditor or clerk must make a subsequent
mailing of ballots to those voters who register to vote after the initial mailing but before the
20th day before the election. Eligible voters not registered at the time the ballots are mailed
may apply for ballots pursuant to chapter 203B. The auditor or clerk must appoint a ballot
board to examine the mail and absentee ballot return envelopes and mark them "Accepted"
or "Rejected" within three days of receipt if there are 14 or fewer days before election day,
or within five days of receipt if there are more than 14 days before election day. The board
may consist of deputy county auditorsdeleted text begin ,deleted text end new text begin or new text end deputy municipal clerksdeleted text begin , or deputy school district
clerksdeleted text end who have received training in the processing and counting of mail ballots, who need
not be affiliated with a major political party. Election judges performing the duties in this
section must be of different major political parties, unless they are exempt from that
requirement under section 205.075, subdivision 4, or section 205A.10. If an envelope has
been rejected at least five days before the election, the ballots in the envelope must remain
sealed and the auditor or clerk must provide the voter with a replacement ballot and return
envelope in place of the spoiled ballot. If the ballot is rejected within five days of the election,
the envelope must remain sealed and the official in charge of the ballot board must attempt
to contact the voter by telephone or e-mail to notify the voter that the voter's ballot has been
rejected. The official must document the attempts made to contact the voter.

If the ballot is accepted, the county auditor or municipal clerk must mark the roster to
indicate that the voter has already cast a ballot in that election. After the close of business
on the seventh day before the election, the ballots from return envelopes marked "Accepted"
may be opened, duplicated as needed in the manner provided by section 206.86, subdivision
5, initialed by the ballot board, and deposited in the appropriate ballot box.

In all other respects, the provisions of the Minnesota Election Law governing deposit
and counting of ballots apply.

The mail and absentee ballots for a precinct must be counted together and reported as
one vote total. No vote totals from ballots may be made public before the close of voting
on election day.

Sec. 26.

Minnesota Statutes 2016, section 204C.08, subdivision 4, is amended to read:

Subd. 4.

Ballot box boxcar seals.

The governing body of a municipality or school district
by resolution may direct the municipal deleted text begin or school districtdeleted text end clerk new text begin or coordinating county auditor
new text end to furnish a boxcar seal for each ballot box in place of a lock and key. Each seal shall consist
of a numbered strap with a self-locking device securely attached to one end of the strap so
that the other end may be inserted and securely locked in the seal. No two straps shall bear
the same number.

Sec. 27.

Minnesota Statutes 2016, section 204C.20, subdivision 4, is amended to read:

Subd. 4.

Ballots not counted; disposition.

When the final count of ballots agrees with
the number of ballots to be counted, those ballots not counted shall be attached to a certificate
made by the election judges which states why the ballots were not counted. The certificate
and uncounted ballots shall be sealed in a separate envelope and returned to the county
auditor deleted text begin ordeleted text end new text begin ,new text end municipal deleted text begin or school districtdeleted text end clerknew text begin , or coordinating county auditornew text end from whom
they were received.

Sec. 28.

Minnesota Statutes 2016, section 204C.25, is amended to read:

204C.25 DISPOSITION OF BALLOTS.

After the count and the summary statements have been completed, in the presence of
all the election judges, the counted, defective, and blank ballots shall be placed in envelopes,
and the envelopes shall be sealed. The election judges shall sign each envelope over the
sealed part so that the envelope cannot be opened without disturbing the continuity of the
signatures. The number of ballots in each envelope, the name of the town or city, and the
name of the precinct shall be plainly written upon the envelopes. The number and name of
the district must be plainly written on envelopes containing school district ballots. The
spoiled ballots shall be placed in separate envelopes and returned with the unused ballots
to the county auditor deleted text begin ordeleted text end new text begin ,new text end municipal deleted text begin or school districtdeleted text end clerknew text begin , or coordinating county auditornew text end
from whom they were received.

Sec. 29.

Minnesota Statutes 2016, section 204C.26, subdivision 3, is amended to read:

Subd. 3.

Secretary of state.

No later than ten weeks before the state primary in each
even-numbered year, the secretary of state shall prescribe the form for summary statements
of election returns and the methods by which returns for the state primary and state general
election shall be recorded by precinct, county, and state election officials. Each county
auditor deleted text begin anddeleted text end new text begin ,new text end municipal deleted text begin or school districtdeleted text end clerknew text begin , and coordinating county auditornew text end required to
furnish summary statements shall prepare them in the manner prescribed by the secretary
of state. The summary statement of the primary returns shall be in the same form as the
summary statement of the general election returns except that a separate part of the summary
statement shall be provided for the partisan primary ballot and a separate part for the
nonpartisan primary ballot.

Sec. 30.

Minnesota Statutes 2016, section 204C.27, is amended to read:

204C.27 DELIVERY OF RETURNS TO COUNTY AUDITORS.

One or more of the election judges in each precinct shall deliver two sets of summary
statements; all spoiled ballots; and the envelopes containing the ballots either directly to
the municipal clerk for transmittal to the county auditor's office or directly to the county
auditor's office as soon as possible after the vote counting is completed but no later than 24
hours after the end of the hours for voting. One or more election judges shall deliver the
remaining set of summary statements and returns, all unused and spoiled municipal and
school district ballots, the envelopes containing municipal and school district ballots, and
all other things furnished by the municipal deleted text begin or school districtdeleted text end clerknew text begin or coordinating county
auditornew text end , to the municipal deleted text begin or school districtdeleted text end clerk's new text begin or coordinating county auditor's new text end office
within 24 hours after the end of the hours for voting. The municipal deleted text begin or school districtdeleted text end clerk
new text begin or coordinating county auditor new text end shall return all polling place rosters and completed voter
registration cards to the county auditor within 48 hours after the end of the hours for voting.

Sec. 31.

Minnesota Statutes 2016, section 204C.28, subdivision 3, is amended to read:

Subd. 3.

School district returns and materials.

At a school district election held in
conjunction with a state election, the county auditor or municipal clerk shall deliver the
summary statements of the school district election returns, all unused and spoiled school
district ballots, and the envelope containing the school district ballots from each precinct
to the deleted text begin clerk of thedeleted text end appropriate deleted text begin school districtdeleted text end new text begin coordinating county auditor new text end within 48 hours
after the polls close.

Sec. 32.

Minnesota Statutes 2016, section 204C.29, subdivision 1, is amended to read:

Subdivision 1.

Failure of election judges to make delivery; penalty.

If the election
judges fail to deliver returns as required by section 204C.27, the county auditor deleted text begin ordeleted text end new text begin ,new text end municipal
deleted text begin or school districtdeleted text end clerknew text begin , or coordinating county auditornew text end to whom the returns should have
been delivered shall dispatch a special messenger to obtain them. The messenger shall
receive the same compensation as an election judge would receive for performing the same
service and shall be subject to the same penalties as an election judge for violation of any
provision of the Minnesota Election Law.

Sec. 33.

Minnesota Statutes 2016, section 204C.36, subdivision 1, is amended to read:

Subdivision 1.

Publicly funded recounts.

(a) Except as provided in paragraphs (b) and
(c), a losing candidate for nomination or election to a county, municipal, or school district
office may request a recount of the votes cast for the nomination or election to that office
if the difference between the vote cast for that candidate and for a winning candidate for
nomination or election is less than one-quarter of one percent of the total votes counted for
that office. In case of offices where two or more seats are being filled from among all the
candidates for the office, the one-quarter of one percent difference is between the elected
candidate with the fewest votes and the candidate with the most votes from among the
candidates who were not elected.

(b) A losing candidate for nomination or election to a county, municipal, or school
district office may request a recount of the votes cast for nomination or election to that
office if the difference between the votes cast for that candidate and for a winning candidate
for nomination or election is less than one-half of one percent, and the total number of votes
cast for the nomination or election of all candidates is more than 400 but less than 50,000.
In cases of offices where two or more seats are being filled from among all the candidates
for the office, the one-half of one percent difference is between the elected candidate with
the fewest votes and the candidate with the most votes from among the candidates who
were not elected.

(c) A losing candidate for nomination or election to a county, municipal, or school district
office may request a recount of the votes cast for nomination or election to that office if the
difference between the vote cast for that candidate and for a winning candidate for nomination
or election is ten votes or less, and the total number of votes cast for the nomination or
election of all candidates is no more than 400. In cases of offices where two or more seats
are being filled from among all the candidates for the office, the ten vote difference is
between the elected candidate with the fewest votes and the candidate with the most votes
from among the candidates who were not elected.

(d) Candidates for county offices shall file a written request for the recount with the
county auditor. Candidates for municipal deleted text begin or school districtdeleted text end offices shall file a written request
with the municipal deleted text begin or school districtdeleted text end clerk deleted text begin as appropriatedeleted text end . new text begin Candidates for school district
offices shall file a written request for the recount with the coordinating county auditor. new text end All
requests shall be filed by 5:00 p.m. on the fifth day after the canvass of a primary or special
primary or by 5:00 p.m. on the seventh day of the canvass of a special or general election
for which a recount is sought.

(e) Upon receipt of a request made pursuant to this section, the county auditor shall
recount the votes for a county office at the expense of the county, the governing body of
the municipality shall recount the votes for a municipal office at the expense of the
municipality, and the deleted text begin school board of the school districtdeleted text end new text begin coordinating county auditor new text end shall
recount the votes for a school district office at the expense of the school district.

Sec. 34.

Minnesota Statutes 2016, section 204C.36, subdivision 2, is amended to read:

Subd. 2.

Discretionary candidate recounts.

(a) A losing candidate for nomination or
election to a county, municipal, or school district office may request a recount in the manner
provided in this section at the candidate's own expense when the vote difference is greater
than the difference required by subdivision 1, paragraphs (a) to (e). The votes shall be
manually recounted as provided in this section if the requesting candidate files with the
county auditor, municipal clerk, or deleted text begin school district clerkdeleted text end new text begin coordinating county auditor new text end a bond,
cash, or surety in an amount set by the governing body of the jurisdiction deleted text begin or the school
board of the school districtdeleted text end for the payment of the recount expenses.

(b) The requesting candidate may provide the filing officer with a list of up to three
precincts that are to be recounted first and may waive the balance of the recount after these
precincts have been counted. If the candidate provides a list, the recount official must
determine the expenses for those precincts in the manner provided by paragraph (b).

(c) A discretionary recount of a primary must not delay delivery of the notice of
nomination to the winning candidate under section 204C.32.

(d) The results of the recount must be certified by the canvassing board as soon as
possible.

(e) If the winner of the race is changed by the optional recount, the cost of the recount
must be paid by the jurisdiction conducting the recount.

(f) If a result of the vote counting in the manual recount is different from the result of
the vote counting reported on election day by a margin greater than the standard for
acceptable performance of voting systems provided in section 206.89, subdivision 4, the
cost of the recount must be paid by the jurisdiction conducting the recount.

Sec. 35.

Minnesota Statutes 2016, section 204C.36, subdivision 3, is amended to read:

Subd. 3.

Discretionary ballot question recounts.

A recount may be conducted for a
ballot question when the difference between the votes for and the votes against the question
is less than or equal to the difference provided in subdivision 1. A recount may be requested
by any person eligible to vote on the ballot question. A written request for a recount must
be filed with the deleted text begin filing officer of the county, municipality, or school districtdeleted text end new text begin municipal clerk,
county auditor, or coordinating county auditor new text end placing the question on the ballot and must
be accompanied by a petition containing the signatures of 25 voters eligible to vote on the
question. Upon receipt of a written request when the difference between the votes for and
the votes against the question is less than or equal to the difference provided in subdivision
1, the county auditor shall recount the votes for a county question at the expense of the
county, the governing body of the municipality shall recount the votes for a municipal
question at the expense of the municipality, and the deleted text begin school board of the school districtdeleted text end
new text begin coordinating county auditor new text end shall recount the votes for a school district question at the
expense of the school district. If the difference between the votes for and the votes against
the question is greater than the difference provided in subdivision 1, the person requesting
the recount shall also file with the filing officer of the county, municipality, or school district
a bond, cash, or surety in an amount set by the appropriate governing body for the payment
of recount expenses. The written request, petition, and any bond, cash, or surety required
must be filed during the time for notice of contest for the election for which the recount is
requested.

Sec. 36.

Minnesota Statutes 2016, section 204C.36, subdivision 5, is amended to read:

Subd. 5.

Notice of contest.

Time for notice of contest of a nomination or election to a
county office which is recounted pursuant to this section shall begin to run upon certification
of the results of the recount by the county canvassing board. Time for notice of contest of
a nomination or election to a municipal office which is recounted pursuant to this section
shall begin to run upon certification of the results by the governing body of the municipality.
Time for notice of contest of a school district election that is recounted under this subdivision
begins to run on certification of the results of the recount by the deleted text begin school boarddeleted text end new text begin county
canvassing boardsnew text end .

Sec. 37.

Minnesota Statutes 2016, section 204D.09, subdivision 1, is amended to read:

Subdivision 1.

Example ballot.

No later than May 1 of each year, the secretary of state
shall supply each auditor with a copy of an example ballot to be used at the state primary
and state general election. The example ballot must illustrate the format required for the
ballots used in the primary and general elections that year. The county auditor shall distribute
copies of the example ballot to municipal deleted text begin and school districtdeleted text end clerks in municipalities deleted text begin and
school districtsdeleted text end holding elections that year. The official ballot must conform in all respects
to the example ballot.

Sec. 38.

Minnesota Statutes 2016, section 205A.03, subdivision 3, is amended to read:

Subd. 3.

Candidates, filing.

The deleted text begin clerkdeleted text end new text begin county auditor of the coordinating county new text end shall
place upon the primary ballot without partisan designation the names of individuals whose
candidacies have been filed and for whom the proper filing fee has been paid. When not
more than twice as many school board candidates as there are at-large school board positions
available file for nomination for the office or when not more than two candidates for a
specified school board position file for nomination for that office, their names must not be
placed upon the primary ballot and must be placed on the school district general election
ballot as the nominees for that office. When more than one school board member is to be
elected for full terms at the same election, the candidates' names shall be placed under one
office on the ballot with the number to be elected to the office specified directly underneath
the title and identification of the office.

Sec. 39.

Minnesota Statutes 2016, section 205A.03, subdivision 4, is amended to read:

Subd. 4.

Results.

(a) The school district primary must be conducted and the returns
made in the manner provided for the state primary as far as practicable. If the primary is
conducted:

(1) only within that school district, a canvass may be conducted on either the second or
third day after the primary; or

(2) in conjunction with the state primary, the canvass must be conducted on the third
day after the primary, except as otherwise provided in paragraph (b).

The deleted text begin school board of the school districtdeleted text end new text begin coordinating county and any administering
counties new text end shall canvass the returns, and the two candidates for each specified school board
position who receive the highest number of votes, or a number of candidates equal to twice
the number of individuals to be elected to at-large school board positions who receive the
highest number of votes, are the nominees for the office named. Their names must be
certified to the deleted text begin school district clerkdeleted text end new text begin coordinating county administrator new text end who shall place them
on the school district general election ballot without partisan designation and without
payment of an additional fee.

(b) Following a school district primary as described in paragraph (a), clause (2), a canvass
may be conducted on the second day after the primary if the county auditor of each county
in which the school district is located agrees to administratively review the school district's
primary voting statistics for accuracy and completeness within a time that permits the canvass
to be conducted on that day.

Sec. 40.

Minnesota Statutes 2016, section 205A.04, subdivision 3, is amended to read:

Subd. 3.

Change in year of general election.

The school board may, by resolution,
change the year in which the school district general election will be held. The resolution
must be approved no later than four weeks before the first day to file affidavits of candidacy
for the general election. A plan for the orderly transition to the new election year must be
included in the resolution. The terms of school board members may be lengthened or
shortened by one year as a part of the transition process.new text begin Within seven days of adoption,
the school board must transmit a copy of the resolution to the county auditor of the
coordinating county.
new text end

Sec. 41.

Minnesota Statutes 2016, section 205A.05, subdivision 3, is amended to read:

Subd. 3.

Cancellation.

A special election ordered by the school board on its own motion
under subdivision 1 may be canceled by motion of the school board, but not less than 74
days before an election held in conjunction with a regularly scheduled election for federal,
state, county, city, or school board office or a special election for federal office, or 46 days
before any other election.new text begin Within three days of adoption, the school board must notify the
county auditor of the coordinating county that the election is canceled.
new text end

Sec. 42.

Minnesota Statutes 2016, section 205A.055, subdivision 2, is amended to read:

Subd. 2.

Postponement of election.

(a) In the event of severe or inclement weather, the
deleted text begin school district clerkdeleted text end new text begin coordinating county auditor new text end may postpone an election when the National
Weather Service or a law enforcement agency has issued storm warnings or travel advisories
indicating that the weather conditions would make travel to a polling place difficult or
hazardous for voters and election judges. When one or more jurisdictions are holding
elections in conjunction with one another, the jurisdiction that covers the largest geographic
area has the authority, after consulting with the other auditors and clerks, to make the decision
to postpone all of the elections. A decision to postpone an election must apply to every
precinct in the jurisdiction.

(b) A decision to postpone an election must be made no later than 6:00 p.m. on the day
before the election. The deleted text begin clerkdeleted text end new text begin coordinating county auditor new text end must contact the election judges
and notify local media outlets of the postponement. The clerk new text begin and coordinating county
auditor new text end must also post a notice on deleted text begin thedeleted text end new text begin each new text end jurisdiction's Web site, if practicable.

(c) A postponed election must be rescheduled for the next following Tuesday after the
election was originally scheduled. The date on which the postponed election will be held
shall be considered the date of the election for purposes of absentee voting under chapter
203B. An election that is postponed due to weather may be postponed again if necessary
under this section.

Sec. 43.

Minnesota Statutes 2016, section 205A.06, subdivision 1, is amended to read:

Subdivision 1.

Affidavit of candidacy.

An individual who is eligible and desires to
become a candidate for an office to be voted on at the election must file an affidavit of
candidacy with the deleted text begin school district clerkdeleted text end new text begin auditor of the coordinating countynew text end . The affidavit
must be in the form prescribed by section 204B.06. The deleted text begin school district clerkdeleted text end new text begin auditor of the
coordinating county new text end shall also accept an application signed by at least five voters and filed
on behalf of an eligible voter in the school district whom they desire to be a candidate, if
service of a copy of the application has been made on the candidate and proof of service is
endorsed on the application being filed. No individual shall be nominated by nominating
petition for a school district elective office. Upon receipt of the proper filing fee, the deleted text begin clerkdeleted text end new text begin
auditor of the coordinating county new text end shall place the name of the candidate on the official ballot
without partisan designation.

Sec. 44.

Minnesota Statutes 2016, section 205A.06, subdivision 1a, is amended to read:

Subd. 1a.

Filing period.

In school districts that have adopted a resolution to choose
nominees for school board by a primary election, affidavits of candidacy must be filed with
the deleted text begin school district clerkdeleted text end new text begin auditor of the coordinating county new text end no earlier than the 84th day and
no later than the 70th day before the second Tuesday in August in the year when the school
district general election is held. In all other school districts, affidavits of candidacy must be
filed no earlier than the 98th day and no later than the 84th day before the school district
general election.

Sec. 45.

Minnesota Statutes 2016, section 205A.06, subdivision 2, is amended to read:

Subd. 2.

Notice of filing dates.

At least two weeks before the first day to file affidavits
of candidacy, the deleted text begin school district clerkdeleted text end new text begin coordinating county and each administering county
new text end shall publish a notice in the official newspaper stating the first and last dates on which
affidavits of candidacy may be filed in the deleted text begin clerk'sdeleted text end new text begin coordinating county auditor's new text end office and
the closing time for filing on the last day for filing. The new text begin school district new text end clerk shall post a
similar notice in the administrative offices of the school district at least ten days before the
first day to file affidavits of candidacy.

Sec. 46.

Minnesota Statutes 2016, section 205A.06, subdivision 5, is amended to read:

Subd. 5.

Withdrawal.

A candidate for a school district elective office may withdraw
from the election by filing an affidavit of withdrawal with the deleted text begin school district clerkdeleted text end
new text begin coordinating county auditor new text end no later than 5:00 p.m. two days after the last day for filing
affidavits of candidacy. After that date, no candidate may file an affidavit of withdrawal.

Sec. 47.

Minnesota Statutes 2016, section 205A.07, subdivision 1, is amended to read:

Subdivision 1.

Publication and posting.

The deleted text begin clerk of a school districtdeleted text end new text begin coordinating
county and each administering county new text end shall give two weeks' published notice and give ten
days' posted notice of a school district primary, general, or special election, stating the time
of the election, the location of each polling place, the offices to be filled, and all propositions
or questions to be voted upon at the primary, general, or special election. The notice shall
be posted new text begin for public inspection new text end in the administrative offices of the school district deleted text begin for public
inspectiondeleted text end new text begin and at the county seat of the coordinating county and each administering countynew text end .

Sec. 48.

Minnesota Statutes 2016, section 205A.07, subdivision 2, is amended to read:

Subd. 2.

Sample ballot, posting.

For every school district primary, general, or special
election, the school district clerk shall at least four days before the primary, general, or
special election, post a sample ballot in the administrative offices of the school district for
public inspectiondeleted text begin , anddeleted text end new text begin . The auditor of the coordinating county and each administering county
must post a sample ballot at the county seat. The coordinating county auditornew text end shall post a
sample ballot in each polling place on election day.

Sec. 49.

Minnesota Statutes 2016, section 205A.07, subdivision 3, is amended to read:

Subd. 3.

Notice to auditor.

At least 74 days before every school district election, the
deleted text begin school district clerkdeleted text end new text begin coordinating county auditor new text end shall provide a written notice to the county
auditor of each new text begin administering new text end county in which the school district is located. The notice must
include the date of the election, the offices to be voted on at the election, and the title and
language for each ballot question to be voted on at the election. For the purposes of meeting
the timelines of this section, in a bond election, a notice, including a proposed question,
may be provided to the county auditor before receipt of a review and comment from the
commissioner of education and before actual initiation of the election. At least 74 days
before every school district election, the school district clerk must provide written notice
to the county auditor of any special election canceled under section 205A.05, subdivision
3.

Sec. 50.

Minnesota Statutes 2016, section 205A.07, subdivision 3a, is amended to read:

Subd. 3a.

Notice to commissioner of education.

At least 74 days before every school
district election under section 123B.62, 123B.63, 126C.17, 126C.69, or 475.58, the deleted text begin school
district clerkdeleted text end new text begin coordinating county auditor new text end shall provide a written notice to the commissioner
of education. The notice must include the date of the election and the title and language for
each ballot question to be voted on at the election. At least 74 days before every school
district election, the deleted text begin school district clerkdeleted text end new text begin coordinating county auditor new text end must provide a written
notice to the commissioner of education of any special election canceled under section
205A.05, subdivision 3. The certified vote totals for each ballot question shall be provided
in a written notice to the commissioner in a timely manner.

Sec. 51.

Minnesota Statutes 2016, section 205A.07, subdivision 3b, is amended to read:

Subd. 3b.

Notice to secretary of state.

At least 74 days before every school district
election deleted text begin for which a notice is provided to the county auditor under subdivision 3deleted text end , the county
auditor shall provide a notice of the election to the secretary of state, in a manner and
including information prescribed by the secretary of state.

Sec. 52.

Minnesota Statutes 2016, section 205A.08, subdivision 5, is amended to read:

Subd. 5.

Form of ballot.

The ballots for school district elections must be prepared by
the deleted text begin school district clerkdeleted text end new text begin coordinating county auditor new text end in the manner provided in the rules of
the secretary of state.

Sec. 53.

Minnesota Statutes 2016, section 205A.10, subdivision 1, is amended to read:

Subdivision 1.

Materials, ballots.

The deleted text begin school district clerkdeleted text end new text begin coordinating county auditor
new text end shall prepare and have printed the necessary election materials, including ballots, for a
school district election. The names must be arranged on school district ballots in the manner
provided in section 204D.08, subdivision 3, for state elections.

Sec. 54.

Minnesota Statutes 2016, section 205A.10, subdivision 2, is amended to read:

Subd. 2.

Election, conduct.

A school district election must be by secret ballot and must
be held and the returns made in the manner provided for the state general election, as far as
practicable. deleted text begin The vote totals from a ballot board established pursuant to section 203B.121
may be tabulated and reported by the school district as a whole rather than by precinct. For
school district elections not held in conjunction with a statewide election, the school board
shall appoint election judges as provided in section 204B.21, subdivision 2. The provisions
of sections 204B.19, subdivision 5; 204B.21, subdivision 2; 204C.15; 204C.19; 206.83;
and 206.86, subdivision 2, relating to party balance in appointment of judges and to duties
to be performed by judges of different major political parties do not apply to school district
elections not held in conjunction with a statewide election.deleted text end new text begin The canvassing board established
by the coordinating county and each administering county shall canvass the results.
new text end

Sec. 55.

Minnesota Statutes 2016, section 205A.10, subdivision 3, is amended to read:

Subd. 3.

Canvass of returns, certificate of election, ballots, disposition.

Between the
third and tenth days after a school district election other than a recount of a special election
conducted under section 126C.17, subdivision 9, or 475.59, the deleted text begin school boarddeleted text end new text begin coordinating
county and administering counties new text end shall canvass the returns and declare the results of the
election. After the time for contesting elections has passed, the deleted text begin school district clerkdeleted text end
new text begin coordinating county auditor new text end shall issue a certificate of election to each successful candidate.
If there is a contest, the certificate of election to that office must not be issued until the
outcome of the contest has been determined by the proper court. If there is a tie vote, the
deleted text begin school boarddeleted text end new text begin coordinating county auditor new text end shall determine the result by lot. The deleted text begin clerkdeleted text end
new text begin coordinating county auditor new text end shall deliver the certificate of election to the successful candidate
by personal service or certified mail. The successful candidate shall file an acceptance and
oath of office in writing with the deleted text begin clerkdeleted text end new text begin coordinating county auditor new text end within 30 days of the
date of mailing or personal service. A person who fails to qualify prior to the time specified
shall be deemed to have refused to serve, but that filing may be made at any time before
action to fill the vacancy has been taken. The deleted text begin school district clerk shall certify the results
of the election to the county auditor, and the clerkdeleted text end new text begin coordinating county auditor new text end shall be the
final custodian of the ballots and the returns of the election.new text begin The coordinating county auditor
must notify the school district clerk of the election results.
new text end

deleted text begin A school district canvassing board shall perform the duties of the school board according
to the requirements of this subdivision for a recount of a special election conducted under
section 126C.17, subdivision 9, or 475.59.
deleted text end

Sec. 56.

Minnesota Statutes 2016, section 205A.11, subdivision 2a, is amended to read:

Subd. 2a.

Notice of special elections.

The deleted text begin school district clerkdeleted text end new text begin coordinating county
auditor new text end shall prepare a notice to the voters who will be deleted text begin voting in a combined polling place
fordeleted text end new text begin eligible to vote in new text end a school district special election. The notice must include the following
information: the date of the election, the hours of voting, and the location of the voter's
polling place. The notice must be sent by nonforwardable mail to every affected household
in the school district with at least one registered voter. The notice must be mailed no later
than 14 days before the election. The mailed notice is not required for a school district
special election that is held on the second Tuesday in August, the Tuesday following the
first Monday in November, or for a special election conducted entirely by mail. deleted text begin A notice
that is returned as undeliverable must be forwarded immediately to the county auditor.
deleted text end

Sec. 57.

Minnesota Statutes 2016, section 209.021, subdivision 3, is amended to read:

Subd. 3.

Notice served on parties.

In all contests relating to the nomination or election
of a candidate, the notice of contest must be served on the candidate who is the contestee,
a copy of the notice must be sent to the contestee's last known address by certified mail,
and a copy must be furnished to the official authorized to issue the certificate of election.
If personal or substituted service on the contestee cannot be made, an affidavit of the attempt
by the person attempting to make service and the affidavit of the person who sent a copy
of the notice to the contestee by certified mail is sufficient to confer jurisdiction upon the
court to decide the contest.

If the contest relates to a constitutional amendment, notice of contest must be served on
the secretary of state, who is the contestee. If a contest relates to a question voted on within
only one county, school district, or municipality, a copy of the notice of contest must be
served on the county auditor, deleted text begin clerk of the school districtdeleted text end new text begin coordinating county auditornew text end , or
municipal clerk, respectively, who is the contestee. If the contest is upon the question of
consolidation or reorganization of a school district, a copy of the notice of contest must be
served on the county auditor authorized by law to issue the order.

Sec. 58.

Minnesota Statutes 2016, section 211B.11, subdivision 1, is amended to read:

Subdivision 1.

Soliciting near polling places.

A person may not display campaign
material, post signs, ask, solicit, or in any manner try to induce or persuade a voter within
a polling place or within 100 feet of the building in which a polling place is situated, or
anywhere on the public property on which a polling place is situated, on primary or election
day to vote for or refrain from voting for a candidate or ballot question. A person may not
provide political badges, political buttons, or other political insignia to be worn at or about
the polling place on the day of a primary or election. A political badge, political button, or
other political insignia may not be worn at or about the polling place on primary or election
day. This section applies to areas established by the county auditor or municipal clerk for
absentee voting as provided in chapter 203B.

The secretary of state, county auditor, municipal clerk, or deleted text begin school district clerkdeleted text end
new text begin coordinating county auditor new text end may provide stickers deleted text begin whichdeleted text end new text begin thatnew text end contain the words "I VOTED"
and nothing more. Election judges may offer a sticker of this type to each voter who has
signed the polling place roster or voter signature certificate.

Sec. 59. new text begin REVISOR'S INSTRUCTION.
new text end

new text begin The revisor of statutes must make any corrections to cross-references made necessary
by this article. The revisor of statutes must make any changes to statutory language to reflect
the changes made in this article.
new text end

Sec. 60. new text begin REPEALER.
new text end

new text begin Minnesota Statutes 2016, sections 201.096; 205A.09; 205A.10, subdivision 5; 205A.11,
subdivisions 2 and 3; and 205A.12, subdivision 5a, new text end new text begin are repealed.
new text end

Sec. 61. new text begin EFFECTIVE DATE.
new text end

new text begin This article is effective August 1, 2017, and applies to school elections held on or after
that date.
new text end

HF 1585

Bill Text Versions

Current Version - as introduced

ARTICLE 1

UNIFORM ELECTION DATES

Section 1.

Subd. 2.

Election.

Sec. 2.

Subd. 12.

Election date.

Sec. 3.

Subd. 14.

Election.

Sec. 4.

Subd. 3.

Capital project levy referendum.

Sec. 5.

Subd. 11.

Referendum date.

Sec. 6.

Subd. 2.

Time of change.

Sec. 7.

Subd. 4.

Special election.

Sec. 8.

Subd. 3.

Effect of ordinance; referendum.

Sec. 9.

new text begin Subd. 3a. new text end

new text begin Uniform election dates. new text end

Sec. 10.

Subdivision 1.

Questions.

Sec. 11.

new text begin Subd. 1a. new text end

new text begin Uniform election dates. new text end

Sec. 12.

216B.46 MUNICIPAL ACQUISITION PROCEDURES; NOTICE; ELECTION.

Sec. 13.

Subd. 2.

Election.

Sec. 14.

Subdivision 1.

Election at annual election or special election.

Sec. 15.

Subdivision 1.

Option for filling vacancies; special election.

Sec. 16.

Subd. 2.

Election.

Sec. 17.

375B.10 WITHDRAWAL; ELECTION.

Sec. 18.

Subdivision 1.

More than six months; special election.

Sec. 19.

Subd. 7.

Referendum.

Sec. 20.

Subdivision 1.

Timing; procedure; recall.

Sec. 21.

Subd. 2.

Elections.

Sec. 22.

475.59 MANNER OF SUBMISSION; NOTICE.

new text begin Subdivision 1. new text end

new text begin Generally; notice. new text end

new text begin Subd. 2. new text end

new text begin Election date. new text end

Sec. 23. new text begin REPEALER.new text end

Sec. 24. new text begin EFFECTIVE DATE.new text end

ARTICLE 2

SCHOOL ELECTION ADMINISTRATION

Section 1.

Subd. 15.

Effective date.

Sec. 2.

Sec. 23. new text begin REPEALER.
new text end

Sec. 24. new text begin EFFECTIVE DATE.
new text end

203B.085 COUNTY AUDITOR'S AND MUNICIPAL CLERK'S OFFICES TO
REMAIN OPEN DURING CERTAIN HOURS PRECEDING ELECTION.