1.1 	A bill for an act
1.2 	relating to elections; providing for the postponement of a local election or 
1.3 	extension of voting hours in the event of inclement weather;proposing coding 
1.4 	for new law in Minnesota Statutes, chapter 204C.
1.5 	BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF MINNESOTA:

1.6 	Section 1. [204C.055] POSTPONEMENT OR EXTENSION OF VOTING; 
1.7 	INCLEMENT WEATHER.
1.8 		Subdivision 1.Applicability. This section applies to a primary, special, or 
1.9 	general election held in a county, city, school district, or municipality that is not held in 
1.10 	conjunction with a state or federal election.
1.11 		Subd. 2.Postponement or extension of voting hours. (a) In the event of severe 
1.12 	or inclement weather, the county auditor, municipal clerk, or school district clerk may 
1.13 	postpone an election or extend or delay the hours for voting. Prior to postponement or 
1.14 	modification of the hours for voting, the auditor or clerk must consult with the National 
1.15 	Weather Service and local law enforcement agencies to determine whether the weather 
1.16 	conditions would make travel to a polling place difficult or hazardous for voters and 
1.17 	election judges.
1.18 	(b) A decision to postpone an election or modify the hours for voting must apply to 
1.19 	every precinct in the jurisdiction. If a delay is ordered, the polling place closing time must 
1.20 	be extended for an amount of time at least equivalent to the amount of the delay.
1.21 	(c) A postponed election must be rescheduled for the next following Tuesday after 
1.22 	the election was originally scheduled. An election that is postponed due to weather may 
1.23 	be postponed again if necessary under this section.