HF 2959

as introduced - 89th Legislature (2015 - 2016) Posted on 03/22/2016 08:08am

A bill for an act
relating to elections; authorizing an alternative method for casting in-person
absentee ballots; amending Minnesota Statutes 2014, section 203B.081.

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

Section 1.

Minnesota Statutes 2014, section 203B.081, is amended to read:

203B.081 LOCATIONS new text begin AND METHODS new text end FOR ABSENTEE VOTING IN
PERSON.

new text begin Subdivision 1. new text end

new text begin Location; timing. new text end

An eligible voter may vote by absentee ballot in
the office of the county auditor and at any other polling place designated by the county
auditor during the 46 days before the election, except as provided in this section.

new text begin Subd. 2. new text end

new text begin Town elections. new text end

Voters casting absentee ballots in person for a town
election held in March may do so during the 30 days before the election. The county
auditor shall make such designations at least 14 weeks before the election. At least one
voting booth in each polling place must be made available by the county auditor for
this purpose. The county auditor must also make available at least one electronic ballot
marker in each polling place that has implemented a voting system that is accessible for
individuals with disabilities pursuant to section 206.57, subdivision 5.

new text begin Subd. 3. new text end

new text begin Alternative procedure. new text end

new text begin (a) The county auditor may make available a
ballot counter and ballot box for use by the voters during the seven days before the
election. If a ballot counter and ballot box is provided, a voter must be given the option
either (1) to vote using the process provided in section 203B.08, subdivision 1, or (2) to
vote in the manner provided in this subdivision.
new text end

new text begin (b) If a voter chooses to vote in the manner provided in this subdivision, the voter
must state the voter's name, address, and date of birth to the county auditor or municipal
clerk. The voter shall sign a voter's certificate, which must include the voter's name,
identification number, and the certification required by section 201.071, subdivision 1.
The signature of an individual on the voter's certificate and the issuance of a ballot to the
individual is evidence of the intent of the individual to vote at that election.
new text end

new text begin (c) After signing the voter's certificate, the voter shall be issued a ballot and
immediately retire to a voting station or other designated location in the polling place to
mark the ballot. The ballot must not be taken from the polling place. If the voter spoils the
ballot, the voter may return it to the election official in exchange for a new ballot. After
completing the ballot, the voter shall deposit the ballot into the ballot box.
new text end

new text begin (d) The election official must immediately record that the voter has voted in the
manner provided in section 203B.121, subdivision 3.
new text end

new text begin (e) The election duties required by this subdivision must be performed by the county
auditor, municipal clerk, or a deputy of the auditor or clerk.
new text end