<a id="pl.1.3"></a><var>1.3</var>voters; providing for privacy of certain voter registration information; providing <br/>
<a id="pl.1.4"></a><var>1.4</var>for certain emergency situations; amending Minnesota Statutes 2006, sections <br/>
<a id="pl.1.5"></a><var>1.5</var>201.091, subdivision 9; 203B.16, subdivision 2; 203B.17, subdivision 2; <br/>
<a id="pl.1.6"></a><var>1.6</var>203B.19; 203B.20; 203B.21, subdivisions 2, 3; 203B.22; 203B.23; 203B.24; <br/>
<a id="pl.1.7"></a><var>1.7</var>203B.25; 203B.26; proposing coding for new law in Minnesota Statutes, chapter <br/>
<a id="pl.1.8"></a><var>1.8</var>203B; repealing Minnesota Statutes 2006, section 203B.16, subdivision 3.<br/>
<a id="pl.1.9"></a><var>1.9</var>BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF MINNESOTA:<br/>
<br/>
<a id="bill.0.1.0"></a><a id="pl.1.10"></a><var>1.10</var>    Section 1. Minnesota Statutes 2006, section 201.091, subdivision 9, is amended to read:<br/>
<a id="pl.1.11"></a><var>1.11</var>    Subd. 9. <b>Restricted data.</b> A list provided for public inspection or purchase, for <br/>
<a id="pl.1.12"></a><var>1.12</var>jury selection, or in response to a law enforcement inquiry, must not include a voter's <br/>
<a id="pl.1.13"></a><var>1.13</var>date of birth or any part of a voter's Social Security number, driver's license number, or <br/>
<a id="pl.1.14"></a><var>1.14</var>identification card number, military identification card number, or passport number.<br/>
<br/>
<a id="bill.0.2.0"></a><a id="pl.1.15"></a><var>1.15</var>    Sec. 2. Minnesota Statutes 2006, section 203B.16, subdivision 2, is amended to read:<br/>
<a id="pl.1.16"></a><var>1.16</var>    Subd. 2. <b>Permanent residence outside United States.</b> Sections 
         <statute_ref>203B.16</statute_ref> to <br/>
<statute_ref><a id="pl.1.17"></a><var>1.17</var>203B.27
         </statute_ref> provide the exclusive voting procedure for United States citizens who are <br/>
<a id="pl.1.18"></a><var>1.18</var>living permanently outside the territorial limits of the United States who meet all the <br/>
<a id="pl.1.19"></a><var>1.19</var>qualifications of an eligible voter except residence in Minnesota, but who are authorized <br/>
<a id="pl.1.20"></a><var>1.20</var>by federal law to vote in Minnesota because they maintained residence in Minnesota for <br/>
<a id="pl.1.21"></a><var>1.21</var>at least 20 days immediately prior to their departure from the United States or because, <br/>
<a id="pl.1.22"></a><var>1.22</var>although they have never resided in the United States, their parent maintained residence in <br/>
<a id="pl.1.23"></a><var>1.23</var>Minnesota for at least 20 days immediately before their parent departed from the United <br/>
<a id="pl.1.24"></a><var>1.24</var>States. Individuals described in this subdivision shall be permitted to vote only for the <br/>
<a id="pl.1.25"></a><var>1.25</var>offices of president, vice-president, senator in Congress, and representative in Congress. <br/>
<br/>
<a id="bill.0.3.0"></a><a id="pl.2.1"></a><var>2.1</var>    Sec. 3. Minnesota Statutes 2006, section 203B.17, subdivision 2, is amended to read:<br/>
<a id="pl.2.2"></a><var>2.2</var>    Subd. 2. <b>Required information.</b> An application shall be accepted if it contains the <br/>
<a id="pl.2.3"></a><var>2.3</var>following information stated under oath:<br/>
<a id="pl.2.4"></a><var>2.4</var>    (a) the voter's name, birthdate, and present address of residence in Minnesota, or <br/>
<a id="pl.2.5"></a><var>2.5</var>former address of residence in Minnesota if the voter is living permanently outside the <br/>
<a id="pl.2.6"></a><var>2.6</var>United States;<br/>
<a id="pl.2.7"></a><var>2.7</var>    (b) a statement indicating that the voter is in the military, or is the spouse or <br/>
<a id="pl.2.8"></a><var>2.8</var>dependent of an individual serving in the military, or is temporarily outside the territorial <br/>
<a id="pl.2.9"></a><var>2.9</var>limits of the United States, or is living permanently outside the territorial limits of the <br/>
<a id="pl.2.10"></a><var>2.10</var>United States and voting under federal law;<br/>
<a id="pl.2.11"></a><var>2.11</var>    (c) a statement that the voter expects to be absent from the precinct at the time <br/>
<a id="pl.2.12"></a><var>2.12</var>of the election;<br/>
<a id="pl.2.13"></a><var>2.13</var>    (d) the address to which absentee ballots are to be mailed;<br/>
<a id="pl.2.14"></a><var>2.14</var>    (e) the voter's signature or the signature and relationship of the individual authorized <br/>
<a id="pl.2.15"></a><var>2.15</var>to apply on the voter's behalf; and<br/>
<a id="pl.2.16"></a><var>2.16</var>    (f) the voter's military identification card number, passport number, or , Minnesota <br/>
<a id="pl.2.17"></a><var>2.17</var>driver's license or state identification card number; if the voter does not have a valid <br/>
<a id="pl.2.18"></a><var>2.18</var>passport or identification card, the signed statement of an individual authorized to <br/>
<a id="pl.2.19"></a><var>2.19</var>administer oaths or a commissioned or noncommissioned officer of the military not <br/>
<a id="pl.2.20"></a><var>2.20</var>below the rank of sergeant or its equivalent, certifying that the voter or other individual <br/>
<a id="pl.2.21"></a><var>2.21</var>requesting absentee ballots has attested to the truthfulness of the contents of the application <br/>
<a id="pl.2.22"></a><var>2.22</var>under oath.<br/>
<a id="pl.2.23"></a><var>2.23</var>    The oath taken must be the standard oath prescribed by section 101(b)(7) of the <br/>
<a id="pl.2.24"></a><var>2.24</var>Uniformed and Overseas Citizens Absentee Voting Act.<br/>
<a id="pl.2.25"></a><var>2.25</var>    A form for providing this information shall be prepared by each county auditor and <br/>
<a id="pl.2.26"></a><var>2.26</var>shall be furnished to individuals who request it pursuant to this section. access to any of <br/>
<a id="pl.2.27"></a><var>2.27</var>these documents, the voter or other individual requesting absentee ballots may attest to the <br/>
<a id="pl.2.28"></a><var>2.28</var>truthfulness of the contents of the application under penalty of perjury.<br/>
<br/>
<a id="bill.0.4.0"></a><a id="pl.2.29"></a><var>2.29</var>    Sec. 4. Minnesota Statutes 2006, section 203B.19, is amended to read:<br/>
<a id="pl.2.30"></a><var>2.30</var><b>203B.19 RECORDING APPLICATIONS.</b><br/>
<a id="pl.2.31"></a><var>2.31</var>    Upon accepting an application, the county auditor shall record in the statewide <br/>
<a id="pl.2.32"></a><var>2.32</var>registration system the voter's name, address of present or former residence in Minnesota, <br/>
<a id="pl.2.33"></a><var>2.33</var>mailing address, school district number, military identification card number, passport <br/>
<a id="pl.2.34"></a><var>2.34</var>number, Minnesota driver's license number or state identification card number, and <br/>
<a id="pl.2.35"></a><var>2.35</var>whether the voter is in the military or the spouse or dependent of an individual serving in <br/>
<a id="pl.3.1"></a><var>3.1</var>the military, is a voter temporarily outside the territorial limits of the United States, or <br/>
<a id="pl.3.2"></a><var>3.2</var>is living permanently outside the territorial limits of the United States and voting under <br/>
<a id="pl.3.3"></a><var>3.3</var>federal law. The county auditor shall retain the record for six years. A voter whose name <br/>
<a id="pl.3.4"></a><var>3.4</var>is recorded as provided in this section shall not be required to register under any other <br/>
<a id="pl.3.5"></a><var>3.5</var>provision of law in order to vote under sections 
         <statute_ref>203B.16</statute_ref> to 
         <statute_ref>203B.27</statute_ref>. Persons from whom <br/>
<a id="pl.3.6"></a><var>3.6</var>applications are not accepted must be notified by the county auditor and provided with the <br/>
<a id="pl.3.7"></a><var>3.7</var>reasons for the rejection. <br/>
<a id="pl.3.8"></a><var>3.8</var>    No later than 60 days after the general election, the county auditor shall report to the <br/>
<a id="pl.3.9"></a><var>3.9</var>secretary of state the combined number of absentee ballots transmitted to absent voters <br/>
<a id="pl.3.10"></a><var>3.10</var>described in section 
         <statute_ref>203B.16</statute_ref>. No later than 60 days after the general election, the county <br/>
<a id="pl.3.11"></a><var>3.11</var>auditor shall report to the secretary of state the combined number of absentee ballots <br/>
<a id="pl.3.12"></a><var>3.12</var>returned and cast by absent voters described in section 
         <statute_ref>203B.16</statute_ref>. The secretary of state <br/>
<a id="pl.3.13"></a><var>3.13</var>may require the information be reported by category under section 
         <statute_ref>203B.16</statute_ref> or by precinct. <br/>
<a id="pl.3.14"></a><var>3.14</var>    No later than 90 days after the general election, the secretary of state shall report to <br/>
<a id="pl.3.15"></a><var>3.15</var>the federal Election Assistance Commission the number of absentee ballots transmitted <br/>
<a id="pl.3.16"></a><var>3.16</var>to voters under section 
         <statute_ref>203B.16</statute_ref>. <br/>
<br/>
<a id="bill.0.5.0"></a><a id="pl.3.17"></a><var>3.17</var>    Sec. 5. Minnesota Statutes 2006, section 203B.20, is amended to read:<br/>
<a id="pl.3.18"></a><var>3.18</var><b>203B.20 CHALLENGES.</b><br/>
<a id="pl.3.19"></a><var>3.19</var>    Except as provided in this section, the eligibility or residence of a voter whose <br/>
<a id="pl.3.20"></a><var>3.20</var>application for absentee ballots is recorded under section 
         <statute_ref>203B.19</statute_ref> may be challenged in <br/>
<a id="pl.3.21"></a><var>3.21</var>the manner set forth by section 
         <statute_ref>201.195</statute_ref>. The county auditor or municipal clerk shall not <br/>
<a id="pl.3.22"></a><var>3.22</var>be required to serve a copy of the petition and notice of hearing on the challenged voter. <br/>
<a id="pl.3.23"></a><var>3.23</var>If the absentee ballot application was submitted on behalf of a voter by an individual <br/>
<a id="pl.3.24"></a><var>3.24</var>authorized under section 
         <statute_ref>203B.17, subdivision 1</statute_ref>, paragraph (a), the county auditor must <br/>
<a id="pl.3.25"></a><var>3.25</var>attempt to notify the individual who submitted the application of the challenge. The <br/>
<a id="pl.3.26"></a><var>3.26</var>county auditor may contact other registered voters to request information that may resolve <br/>
<a id="pl.3.27"></a><var>3.27</var>any discrepancies appearing in the application. All reasonable doubt shall be resolved <br/>
<a id="pl.3.28"></a><var>3.28</var>in favor of the validity of the application. If the voter's challenge is affirmed, the county <br/>
<a id="pl.3.29"></a><var>3.29</var>auditor shall provide the challenged voter with a copy of the petition and the decision and <br/>
<a id="pl.3.30"></a><var>3.30</var>shall inform the voter of the right to appeal as provided in section 
         <statute_ref>201.195</statute_ref>.<br/>
<br/>
<a id="bill.0.6.0"></a><a id="pl.3.31"></a><var>3.31</var>    Sec. 6. Minnesota Statutes 2006, section 203B.21, subdivision 2, is amended to read:<br/>
<a id="pl.3.32"></a><var>3.32</var>    Subd. 2. <b>Mailing of ballots; return.</b> Ballots and instructions for marking them, <br/>
<a id="pl.3.33"></a><var>3.33</var>ballot envelopes, and return envelopes shall be sent by first class mail to addresses within <br/>
<a id="pl.3.34"></a><var>3.34</var>the continental United States and by air mail to addresses outside the continental United <br/>
<a id="pl.4.1"></a><var>4.1</var>States, unless the voter requests to have the ballots and related materials sent electronically <br/>
<a id="pl.4.2"></a><var>4.2</var>under section 203B.225. The ballot envelope and return envelope shall be marked <br/>
<a id="pl.4.3"></a><var>4.3</var>"Official Ballot," and shall contain sufficient postage to assure proper return delivery. The <br/>
<a id="pl.4.4"></a><var>4.4</var>return envelope shall be addressed to comply with any method for return of absentee <br/>
<a id="pl.4.5"></a><var>4.5</var>ballots as authorized under section 
         <statute_ref>203B.08, subdivision 2</statute_ref>. <br/>
<br/>
<a id="bill.0.7.0"></a><a id="pl.4.6"></a><var>4.6</var>    Sec. 7. Minnesota Statutes 2006, section 203B.21, subdivision 3, is amended to read:<br/>
<a id="pl.4.7"></a><var>4.7</var>    Subd. 3. <b>Back of return envelope.</b> On the back of the return envelope an affidavit <br/>
<a id="pl.4.8"></a><var>4.8</var>form a certificate shall appear with space for:<br/>
<a id="pl.4.9"></a><var>4.9</var>    (a) (1) the voter's address of present or former residence in Minnesota;<br/>
<a id="pl.4.10"></a><var>4.10</var>    (2) the voter's current e-mail address, if the voter has one;<br/>
<a id="pl.4.11"></a><var>4.11</var>    (b) (3) a statement indicating the category described in section 
         <statute_ref>203B.16</statute_ref> to which <br/>
<a id="pl.4.12"></a><var>4.12</var>the voter belongs;<br/>
<a id="pl.4.13"></a><var>4.13</var>    (c) (4) a statement that the voter has not cast and will not cast another absentee ballot <br/>
<a id="pl.4.14"></a><var>4.14</var>in the same election or elections;<br/>
<a id="pl.4.15"></a><var>4.15</var>    (d) (5) a statement that the voter personally marked the ballots without showing <br/>
<a id="pl.4.16"></a><var>4.16</var>them to anyone, or if physically unable to mark them, that the voter directed another <br/>
<a id="pl.4.17"></a><var>4.17</var>individual to mark them; and<br/>
<a id="pl.4.18"></a><var>4.18</var>    (e) (6) the same voter's military identification card number, passport number, or, <br/>
<a id="pl.4.19"></a><var>4.19</var>Minnesota driver's license or state identification card number as provided on the absentee <br/>
<a id="pl.4.20"></a><var>4.20</var>ballot application; if the voter does not have a valid passport or identification card, <br/>
<a id="pl.4.21"></a><var>4.21</var>the signature and certification of an individual authorized to administer oaths under <br/>
<a id="pl.4.22"></a><var>4.22</var>federal law or the law of the place where the oath was administered or commissioned or <br/>
<a id="pl.4.23"></a><var>4.23</var>noncommissioned personnel of the military not below the rank of sergeant or its equivalent <br/>
<a id="pl.4.24"></a><var>4.24</var>access to any of these documents, the voter may attest to the truthfulness of the contents <br/>
<a id="pl.4.25"></a><var>4.25</var>of the certificate under penalty of perjury.<br/>
<a id="pl.4.26"></a><var>4.26</var>    The affidavit certificate shall also contain a signed and dated oath in the form required <br/>
<a id="pl.4.27"></a><var>4.27</var>by section 705 of the Help America Vote Act, Public Law 107-252, which must read:<br/>
<a id="pl.4.28"></a><var>4.28</var>    "I swear or affirm, under penalty of perjury, that:<br/>
<a id="pl.4.29"></a><var>4.29</var>    I am a member of the uniformed services or merchant marine on active duty or <br/>
<a id="pl.4.30"></a><var>4.30</var>an eligible spouse or dependent of such a member; a United States citizen temporarily <br/>
<a id="pl.4.31"></a><var>4.31</var>residing outside the United States; or other United States citizen residing outside the <br/>
<a id="pl.4.32"></a><var>4.32</var>United States; and I am a United States citizen, at least 18 years of age (or will be by the <br/>
<a id="pl.4.33"></a><var>4.33</var>date of the election), and I am eligible to vote in the requested jurisdiction; I have not <br/>
<a id="pl.4.34"></a><var>4.34</var>been convicted of a felony, or other disqualifying offense, or been adjudicated mentally <br/>
<a id="pl.4.35"></a><var>4.35</var>incompetent, or, if so, my voting rights have been reinstated; and I am not registering, <br/>
<a id="pl.5.1"></a><var>5.1</var>requesting a ballot, or voting in any other jurisdiction in the United States except the <br/>
<a id="pl.5.2"></a><var>5.2</var>jurisdiction cited in this voting form. In voting, I have marked and sealed my ballot in <br/>
<a id="pl.5.3"></a><var>5.3</var>private and have not allowed any person to observe the marking of the ballot, except for <br/>
<a id="pl.5.4"></a><var>5.4</var>those authorized to assist voters under state or federal law. I have not been influenced.<br/>
<a id="pl.5.5"></a><var>5.5</var>    My signature and date below indicate when I completed this document.<br/>
<a id="pl.5.6"></a><var>5.6</var>    The information on this form is true, accurate, and complete to the best of my <br/>
<a id="pl.5.7"></a><var>5.7</var>knowledge. I understand that a material misstatement of fact in completion of this <br/>
<a id="pl.5.8"></a><var>5.8</var>document may constitute grounds for a conviction for perjury."<br/>
<br/>
<a id="bill.0.8.0"></a><a id="pl.5.9"></a><var>5.9</var>    Sec. 8. Minnesota Statutes 2006, section 203B.22, is amended to read:<br/>
<a id="pl.5.10"></a><var>5.10</var><b>203B.22 MAILING BALLOTS.</b><br/>
<a id="pl.5.11"></a><var>5.11</var>    The county auditor shall mail the appropriate ballots, as promptly as possible, to an <br/>
<a id="pl.5.12"></a><var>5.12</var>absent voter whose application has been recorded under section 
         <statute_ref>203B.19</statute_ref>. If the county <br/>
<a id="pl.5.13"></a><var>5.13</var>auditor determines that a voter is not eligible to vote at the primary but will be eligible to <br/>
<a id="pl.5.14"></a><var>5.14</var>vote at the general election, only general election ballots shall be mailed. Only one set of <br/>
<a id="pl.5.15"></a><var>5.15</var>ballots shall be mailed to any applicant for any election, except that the county auditor <br/>
<a id="pl.5.16"></a><var>5.16</var>may mail a replacement ballot to a voter whose ballot has been spoiled or lost in transit <br/>
<a id="pl.5.17"></a><var>5.17</var>or whose mailing address has changed after the date on which the original application <br/>
<a id="pl.5.18"></a><var>5.18</var>was submitted as confirmed by the county auditor. Ballots to be sent outside the United <br/>
<a id="pl.5.19"></a><var>5.19</var>States shall be given priority in mailing. A county auditor may make use of any special <br/>
<a id="pl.5.20"></a><var>5.20</var>service provided by the United States government for the mailing of voting materials <br/>
<a id="pl.5.21"></a><var>5.21</var>under sections 
         <statute_ref>203B.16</statute_ref> to 
         <statute_ref>203B.27</statute_ref>. <br/>
<br/>
<a id="bill.0.9.0"></a><a id="pl.5.22"></a><var>5.22</var>    Sec. 9. <b>[203B.225] TRANSMITTING AND RETURNING BALLOTS.</b><br/>
<a id="pl.5.23"></a><var>5.23</var>    Subdivision 1. <b>Transmitting ballot and certificate of voter eligibility.</b> A voter <br/>
<a id="pl.5.24"></a><var>5.24</var>described in section 203B.16 may include in an application for absentee ballots a request <br/>
<a id="pl.5.25"></a><var>5.25</var>that the ballots, instructions, and a certificate of voter eligibility meeting the requirements <br/>
<a id="pl.5.26"></a><var>5.26</var>of section 203B.21, subdivision 3, be transmitted to the voter electronically. Upon receipt <br/>
<a id="pl.5.27"></a><var>5.27</var>of a properly completed application requesting electronic transmission, the county auditor <br/>
<a id="pl.5.28"></a><var>5.28</var>shall electronically transmit the requested materials to the voter.<br/>
<a id="pl.5.29"></a><var>5.29</var>    Subd. 2. <b>Returning voted ballots.</b> The voter must return the voted ballots and the <br/>
<a id="pl.5.30"></a><var>5.30</var>certificate of voter eligibility to the county auditor in a sealed envelope. Upon receipt <br/>
<a id="pl.5.31"></a><var>5.31</var>of a ballot, the county auditor must immediately compare the information provided on <br/>
<a id="pl.5.32"></a><var>5.32</var>the absentee ballot application with the information provided on the certificate of voter <br/>
<a id="pl.5.33"></a><var>5.33</var>eligibility. After the information on the certificate of voter eligibility has been verified, <br/>
<a id="pl.6.1"></a><var>6.1</var>the certificate must be attached to the ballot secrecy envelope and placed with the other <br/>
<a id="pl.6.2"></a><var>6.2</var>absentee ballots for the precinct in which the voter resides.<br/>
<a id="pl.6.3"></a><var>6.3</var>    Subd. 3. <b>Rejecting transmitted ballots.</b> If the county auditor cannot verify that the <br/>
<a id="pl.6.4"></a><var>6.4</var>ballots were returned by the same person to whom the absentee ballot application was <br/>
<a id="pl.6.5"></a><var>6.5</var>transmitted, the ballots must be rejected and no votes on the ballots may be counted.<br/>
<br/>
<a id="bill.0.10.0"></a><a id="pl.6.6"></a><var>6.6</var>    Sec. 10. <b>[203B.227] WRITE-IN ABSENTEE BALLOT.</b><br/>
<a id="pl.6.7"></a><var>6.7</var>    An eligible voter who will be outside the territorial limits of the United States during <br/>
<a id="pl.6.8"></a><var>6.8</var>the 180 days prior to the state general election may use a state write-in absentee ballot to <br/>
<a id="pl.6.9"></a><var>6.9</var>vote in any federal, state, or local election. In a state or local election, a vote for a political <br/>
<a id="pl.6.10"></a><var>6.10</var>party without specifying the name of a candidate must not be counted.<br/>
<br/>
<a id="bill.0.11.0"></a><a id="pl.6.11"></a><var>6.11</var>    Sec. 11. Minnesota Statutes 2006, section 203B.23, is amended to read:<br/>
<a id="pl.6.12"></a><var>6.12</var><b>203B.23 </b><b>APPLICATION RECORDS; DELIVERY TO ELECTION JUDGES</b><b> </b><br/>
<a id="pl.6.13"></a><var>6.13</var><b>ABSENTEE BALLOT BOARD</b><b>.</b><br/>
<a id="pl.6.14"></a><var>6.14</var>    Subdivision 1. <b>Establishment.</b> When election materials are transmitted to the <br/>
<a id="pl.6.15"></a><var>6.15</var>municipal clerks as provided in section 
<statute_ref>204B.28, subdivision 2</statute_ref>, the county auditor shall <br/>
<a id="pl.6.16"></a><var>6.16</var>also transmit a certified copy of the record of applications compiled as provided in section <br/>
<a id="pl.6.17"></a><var>6.17</var><statute_ref>203B.19</statute_ref>, for absentee ballots to be cast at that election in that town, school district, or city. <br/>
<a id="pl.6.18"></a><var>6.18</var>A certified copy of the record of additional applications received by the county auditor <br/>
<a id="pl.6.19"></a><var>6.19</var>after the ballots have been delivered shall also be delivered to the appropriate municipal <br/>
<a id="pl.6.20"></a><var>6.20</var>clerk. Each municipal clerk shall in turn deliver to the election judges in the appropriate <br/>
<a id="pl.6.21"></a><var>6.21</var>precincts the application records received from the county auditor. The county auditor <br/>
<a id="pl.6.22"></a><var>6.22</var>must establish an absentee ballot board for ballots issued under sections 203B.16 to <br/>
<a id="pl.6.23"></a><var>6.23</var>203B.27. The board may consist of staff trained and certified as election judges, in which <br/>
<a id="pl.6.24"></a><var>6.24</var>case, the board is exempt from sections 204B.19, subdivision 5, and 204C.15, relating <br/>
<a id="pl.6.25"></a><var>6.25</var>to party balance in appointment of judges and to duties to be performed by judges of <br/>
<a id="pl.6.26"></a><var>6.26</var>different major political parties.<br/>
<a id="pl.6.27"></a><var>6.27</var>    Subd. 2. <b>Duties.</b> The absentee ballot board must examine all returned absentee <br/>
<a id="pl.6.28"></a><var>6.28</var>ballot envelopes for ballots issued under sections 203B.16 to 203B.27 and accept or reject <br/>
<a id="pl.6.29"></a><var>6.29</var>the absentee ballots in the manner provided in section 203B.24.<br/>
<a id="pl.6.30"></a><var>6.30</var>    The absentee ballot board must examine the return envelopes and mark them <br/>
<a id="pl.6.31"></a><var>6.31</var>"accepted" or "rejected" during the 30 days before the election. If an envelope has been <br/>
<a id="pl.6.32"></a><var>6.32</var>rejected at least five days before the election, the ballots in the envelope must be considered <br/>
<a id="pl.6.33"></a><var>6.33</var>spoiled ballots and the official in charge of the absentee ballot board must provide the <br/>
<a id="pl.6.34"></a><var>6.34</var>voter with a replacement absentee ballot and return envelope in place of the spoiled ballot.<br/>
<a id="pl.7.1"></a><var>7.1</var>    Subd. 3. <b>Applicable laws.</b> Except as otherwise provided in this section, all the <br/>
<a id="pl.7.2"></a><var>7.2</var>laws applicable to absentee ballots and absentee voters and all other provisions of the <br/>
<a id="pl.7.3"></a><var>7.3</var>Minnesota Election Law apply to an absentee ballot board.<br/>
<br/>
<a id="bill.0.12.0"></a><a id="pl.7.4"></a><var>7.4</var>    Sec. 12. Minnesota Statutes 2006, section 203B.24, is amended to read:<br/>
<a id="pl.7.5"></a><var>7.5</var><b>203B.24 DUTIES OF ELECTION JUDGES.</b><br/>
<a id="pl.7.6"></a><var>7.6</var>    Subdivision 1. <b>Check of voter eligibility; proper execution of </b><b>affidavit</b><b> certificate</b><b>.</b><br/>
<a id="pl.7.7"></a><var>7.7</var>    Upon receipt of an absentee ballot returned as provided in sections 
         <statute_ref>203B.16</statute_ref> to 
         <statute_ref>203B.27</statute_ref>, <br/>
<a id="pl.7.8"></a><var>7.8</var>the election judges shall compare the voter's name with the names appearing on their copy <br/>
<a id="pl.7.9"></a><var>7.9</var>of the application records recorded under section 203B.19 in the statewide registration <br/>
<a id="pl.7.10"></a><var>7.10</var>system to insure that the ballot is from a voter eligible to cast an absentee ballot under <br/>
<a id="pl.7.11"></a><var>7.11</var>sections 
         <statute_ref>203B.16</statute_ref> to 
         <statute_ref>203B.27</statute_ref>. The election judges shall mark the return envelope <br/>
<a id="pl.7.12"></a><var>7.12</var>"Accepted" and initial or sign the return envelope below the word "Accepted" if the <br/>
<a id="pl.7.13"></a><var>7.13</var>election judges are satisfied that:<br/>
<a id="pl.7.14"></a><var>7.14</var>    (1) the voter's name on the return envelope appears in substantially the same form as <br/>
<a id="pl.7.15"></a><var>7.15</var>on the application records provided to the election judges by the county auditor;<br/>
<a id="pl.7.16"></a><var>7.16</var>    (2) the voter has signed the federal oath prescribed pursuant to section 705(b)(2) of <br/>
<a id="pl.7.17"></a><var>7.17</var>the Help America Vote Act, Public Law 107-252;<br/>
<a id="pl.7.18"></a><var>7.18</var>    (3) the voter has set forth the same voter's military identification number or, passport <br/>
<a id="pl.7.19"></a><var>7.19</var>number, or, if those numbers do not appear, a person authorized to administer oaths under <br/>
<a id="pl.7.20"></a><var>7.20</var>federal law or the law of the place where the oath was administered or a witness who is <br/>
<a id="pl.7.21"></a><var>7.21</var>military personnel with a rank at or above the rank of sergeant or its equivalent has signed <br/>
<a id="pl.7.22"></a><var>7.22</var>the ballot Minnesota driver's license or state identification card number as submitted on <br/>
<a id="pl.7.23"></a><var>7.23</var>the application, if the voter has one of these documents; and<br/>
<a id="pl.7.24"></a><var>7.24</var>    (4) the voter has not already voted at that election, either in person or by absentee <br/>
<a id="pl.7.25"></a><var>7.25</var>ballot.<br/>
<a id="pl.7.26"></a><var>7.26</var>    If the identification number described in clause (3) does not match the number as <br/>
<a id="pl.7.27"></a><var>7.27</var>submitted on the application, the election judges must make a reasonable effort to satisfy <br/>
<a id="pl.7.28"></a><var>7.28</var>themselves through other information provided by the applicant, or by an individual <br/>
<a id="pl.7.29"></a><var>7.29</var>authorized to apply on behalf of the voter, that the ballots were returned by the same <br/>
<a id="pl.7.30"></a><var>7.30</var>person to whom the ballots were transmitted.<br/>
<a id="pl.7.31"></a><var>7.31</var>    An absentee ballot case cast pursuant to sections 
         <statute_ref>203B.16</statute_ref> to 
         <statute_ref>203B.27</statute_ref> may only be <br/>
<a id="pl.7.32"></a><var>7.32</var>rejected for the lack of one of clauses (1) to (4). In particular, failure to place the ballot <br/>
<a id="pl.7.33"></a><var>7.33</var>within the security envelope before placing it in the outer white envelope is not a reason to <br/>
<a id="pl.7.34"></a><var>7.34</var>reject an absentee ballot.<br/>
<a id="pl.8.1"></a><var>8.1</var>    Election judges must note the reason for rejection on the back of the envelope in the <br/>
<a id="pl.8.2"></a><var>8.2</var>space provided for that purpose.<br/>
<a id="pl.8.3"></a><var>8.3</var>    Failure to return unused ballots shall not invalidate a marked ballot, but a ballot shall <br/>
<a id="pl.8.4"></a><var>8.4</var>not be counted if the affidavit certificate on the return envelope is not properly executed. <br/>
<a id="pl.8.5"></a><var>8.5</var>In all other respects the provisions of the Minnesota Election Law governing deposit and <br/>
<a id="pl.8.6"></a><var>8.6</var>counting of ballots shall apply.<br/>
<a id="pl.8.7"></a><var>8.7</var>    Subd. 2. <b>Voting more than once</b><b> Recording accepted and rejected ballots</b><b>.</b> The <br/>
<a id="pl.8.8"></a><var>8.8</var>election judges shall compare the voter's name with the names appearing on their copy <br/>
<a id="pl.8.9"></a><var>8.9</var>of the application records to insure that the voter has not already returned a ballot in <br/>
<a id="pl.8.10"></a><var>8.10</var>the election recorded under section 203B.19 in the statewide registration system. For <br/>
<a id="pl.8.11"></a><var>8.11</var>each returned ballot, the election judges must indicate on the record in the statewide <br/>
<a id="pl.8.12"></a><var>8.12</var>registration system whether an the absentee ballot was accepted for each applicant whose <br/>
<a id="pl.8.13"></a><var>8.13</var>name appears on the record or rejected. If a voter whose application has been recorded <br/>
<a id="pl.8.14"></a><var>8.14</var>under section 
<statute_ref>203B.19</statute_ref> casts a ballot in person on election day, no absentee ballot shall be <br/>
<a id="pl.8.15"></a><var>8.15</var>counted for that voter. If more than one return envelope is received from a voter whose <br/>
<a id="pl.8.16"></a><var>8.16</var>application has been recorded under section 
<statute_ref>203B.19</statute_ref>, the ballots in the return envelope <br/>
<a id="pl.8.17"></a><var>8.17</var>bearing the latest date shall be counted and the uncounted ballots shall be returned by the <br/>
<a id="pl.8.18"></a><var>8.18</var>election judges with the rejected ballots. The election judges must preserve the record and <br/>
<a id="pl.8.19"></a><var>8.19</var>return it to the county auditor or municipal clerk with the election day materials. <br/>
<br/>
<a id="bill.0.13.0"></a><a id="pl.8.20"></a><var>8.20</var>    Sec. 13. Minnesota Statutes 2006, section 203B.25, is amended to read:<br/>
<a id="pl.8.21"></a><var>8.21</var><b>203B.25 </b><b>DEATH OF VOTER; INDIVIDUALS VOTING UNDER</b><b> SPECIAL </b><br/>
<a id="pl.8.22"></a><var>8.22</var><b>ABSENTEE</b><b> </b><b>ELECTION DAY </b><b>PROCEDURES.</b><br/>
<a id="pl.8.23"></a><var>8.23</var>    Subdivision 1. <b>Death of voter.</b> If the election judges receive proof that a voter who <br/>
<a id="pl.8.24"></a><var>8.24</var>has returned an absentee ballot as provided in sections 
         <statute_ref>203B.16</statute_ref> to 
         <statute_ref>203B.27</statute_ref> has died <br/>
<a id="pl.8.25"></a><var>8.25</var>before the time when voting is scheduled to begin on election day, the ballot of that voter <br/>
<a id="pl.8.26"></a><var>8.26</var>shall be returned by the election judges with the rejected ballots. Notwithstanding the <br/>
<a id="pl.8.27"></a><var>8.27</var>other provisions of this section, the counting of the absentee ballot of a deceased voter <br/>
<a id="pl.8.28"></a><var>8.28</var>shall not invalidate the election. <br/>
<a id="pl.8.29"></a><var>8.29</var>    Subd. 2. <b>Voting more than once.</b> If a voter whose application has been recorded <br/>
<a id="pl.8.30"></a><var>8.30</var>under section 203B.19 casts a ballot in person on election day, an absentee ballot from <br/>
<a id="pl.8.31"></a><var>8.31</var>that voter must not be counted. If more than one return envelope is received from a voter <br/>
<a id="pl.8.32"></a><var>8.32</var>whose application has been recorded under section 203B.19, the ballots in the return <br/>
<a id="pl.8.33"></a><var>8.33</var>envelope bearing the latest date must be counted and the uncounted ballots must be <br/>
<a id="pl.8.34"></a><var>8.34</var>returned by the election judges with the rejected ballots.<br/>
<br/>
<a id="bill.0.14.0"></a><a id="pl.9.1"></a><var>9.1</var>    Sec. 14. Minnesota Statutes 2006, section 203B.26, is amended to read:<br/>
<a id="pl.9.2"></a><var>9.2</var><b>203B.26 SEPARATE RECORD.</b><br/>
<a id="pl.9.3"></a><var>9.3</var>    A separate record of the ballots of absent voters cast under sections 
         <statute_ref>203B.16</statute_ref> to <br/>
<statute_ref><a id="pl.9.4"></a><var>9.4</var>203B.27
         </statute_ref> must be kept in generated from the statewide registration system for each precinct <br/>
<a id="pl.9.5"></a><var>9.5</var>and provided to the election judges in the polling place on election day, along with the <br/>
<a id="pl.9.6"></a><var>9.6</var>returned envelopes marked "accepted" by the absentee ballot board. The content of the <br/>
<a id="pl.9.7"></a><var>9.7</var>record must be in a form prescribed by the secretary of state. The election judges in the <br/>
<a id="pl.9.8"></a><var>9.8</var>polling place must note on the record any envelopes that had been marked "accepted" by <br/>
<a id="pl.9.9"></a><var>9.9</var>the absentee ballot board but were not counted. The election judges must preserve the <br/>
<a id="pl.9.10"></a><var>9.10</var>record and return it to the county auditor or municipal clerk with the election day materials.<br/>
<br/>
<a id="bill.0.15.0"></a><a id="pl.9.11"></a><var>9.11</var>    Sec. 15. <b>[203B.28] EMERGENCY POWERS.</b><br/>
<a id="pl.9.12"></a><var>9.12</var>    If the governor has declared an emergency and filed the declaration with the <br/>
<a id="pl.9.13"></a><var>9.13</var>secretary of state under section 12.31, or if a natural disaster or armed conflict involving <br/>
<a id="pl.9.14"></a><var>9.14</var>the United States Armed Forces, or mobilization of those forces, including National Guard <br/>
<a id="pl.9.15"></a><var>9.15</var>and reserve components of this state, makes substantial compliance with the Uniformed <br/>
<a id="pl.9.16"></a><var>9.16</var>and Overseas Citizens Absentee Voting Act impossible or unreasonable, the secretary of <br/>
<a id="pl.9.17"></a><var>9.17</var>state may prescribe, by emergency orders, special procedures or requirements necessary to <br/>
<a id="pl.9.18"></a><var>9.18</var>facilitate absentee voting by those citizens directly affected who otherwise are eligible <br/>
<a id="pl.9.19"></a><var>9.19</var>to vote in this state.<br/>
<br/>
<a id="bill.0.16.0"></a><a id="pl.9.20"></a><var>9.20</var>    Sec. 16. <b> REPEALER.</b><br/>
<a id="pl.9.21"></a><var>9.21</var>Minnesota Statutes 2006, section 203B.16, subdivision 3, is repealed.<br/>