<a id="pl.1.3"></a><var>1.3</var>procedures and requirements, filing requirements, voting procedures, election <br/>
<a id="pl.1.4"></a><var>1.4</var>day prohibitions, ballot preparation requirements, and other election provisions; <br/>
<a id="pl.1.5"></a><var>1.5</var>imposing penalties;amending Minnesota Statutes 2006, sections 103C.305, <br/>
<a id="pl.1.6"></a><var>1.6</var>subdivision 3; 201.054, subdivision 1, by adding a subdivision; 201.056; <br/>
<a id="pl.1.7"></a><var>1.7</var>201.061, subdivisions 3, 4; 201.071, subdivisions 3, 4; 201.081; 201.091, <br/>
<a id="pl.1.8"></a><var>1.8</var>subdivisions 1, 8; 201.171; 201.27, subdivision 1; 203B.04, subdivisions 1, 4; <br/>
<a id="pl.1.9"></a><var>1.9</var>203B.05, subdivision 2; 203B.07; 203B.08, subdivision 3; 203B.081; 203B.10; <br/>
<a id="pl.1.10"></a><var>1.10</var>203B.13, subdivisions 1, 2; 204B.06, subdivision 8; 204B.08, subdivision 3; <br/>
<a id="pl.1.11"></a><var>1.11</var>204B.09; 204B.16, subdivision 1; 204B.45, subdivision 2; 204C.06, subdivision <br/>
<a id="pl.1.12"></a><var>1.12</var>1; 204C.07, subdivision 3a; 204C.35, subdivisions 1, 2, by adding a subdivision; <br/>
<a id="pl.1.13"></a><var>1.13</var>204C.36, subdivision 2, by adding a subdivision; 205.16, subdivision 4; 205A.05, <br/>
<a id="pl.1.14"></a><var>1.14</var>by adding a subdivision; 205A.07, subdivisions 3, 3a; 205A.10, subdivision <br/>
<a id="pl.1.15"></a><var>1.15</var>1; 205A.11, subdivision 2; 206.82, subdivision 2; 206.89, subdivisions 1, 2, <br/>
<a id="pl.1.16"></a><var>1.16</var>5; 211A.02, subdivision 2; 211A.05, subdivision 1; Laws 2004, chapter 293, <br/>
<a id="pl.1.17"></a><var>1.17</var>article 1, section 37, subdivision 2; repealing Minnesota Statutes 2006, sections <br/>
<a id="pl.1.18"></a><var>1.18</var>203B.02, subdivision 1a; 203B.13, subdivision 3a.<br/>
<a id="pl.1.19"></a><var>1.19</var>BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF MINNESOTA:<br/>
<br/>
<a id="bill.1.0.0"></a>

<a id="bill.1.1.0"></a><a id="pl.1.22"></a><var>1.22</var>    Section 1. Minnesota Statutes 2006, section 201.054, is amended by adding a <br/>
<a id="pl.1.23"></a><var>1.23</var>subdivision to read:<br/>
<a id="pl.1.24"></a><var>1.24</var>    Subd. 3. <b>Prohibited methods of compensation; penalty.</b> (a) No individual <br/>
<a id="pl.1.25"></a><var>1.25</var>may be compensated for the solicitation, collection, or acceptance of voter registration <br/>
<a id="pl.1.26"></a><var>1.26</var>applications from voters for submission to the secretary of state, a county auditor, or other <br/>
<a id="pl.1.27"></a><var>1.27</var>local election official in a manner in which payment is calculated by multiplying (1) <br/>
<a id="pl.1.28"></a><var>1.28</var>either a set or variable payment rate, by (2) the number of voter registration applications <br/>
<a id="pl.1.29"></a><var>1.29</var>solicited, collected, or accepted.<br/>
<a id="pl.2.1"></a><var>2.1</var>    (b) No individual may be deprived of compensation or have compensation <br/>
<a id="pl.2.2"></a><var>2.2</var>automatically reduced exclusively for failure to solicit, collect, or accept a minimum <br/>
<a id="pl.2.3"></a><var>2.3</var>number of voter registration applications, and no individual may receive additional <br/>
<a id="pl.2.4"></a><var>2.4</var>compensation for reaching or exceeding a minimum number of voter registration <br/>
<a id="pl.2.5"></a><var>2.5</var>applications.<br/>
<a id="pl.2.6"></a><var>2.6</var>    (c) A person who violates this subdivision is guilty of a petty misdemeanor.<br/>
<br/>
<a id="bill.1.2.0"></a><a id="pl.2.7"></a><var>2.7</var>    Sec. 2. Minnesota Statutes 2006, section 201.056, is amended to read:<br/>
<a id="pl.2.8"></a><var>2.8</var><b>201.056 SIGNATURE OF REGISTERED VOTER; MARKS ALLOWED.</b><br/>
<a id="pl.2.9"></a><var>2.9</var>    An individual who is unable to write the individual's name shall be required to sign a <br/>
<a id="pl.2.10"></a><var>2.10</var>registration card by making the individual's mark application in the manner provided by <br/>
<a id="pl.2.11"></a><var>2.11</var>section 645.44, subdivision 14. If the individual registers in person and signs by making <br/>
<a id="pl.2.12"></a><var>2.12</var>a mark, the clerk or election judge accepting the registration shall certify the mark by <br/>
<a id="pl.2.13"></a><var>2.13</var>signing the individual's name. If the individual registers by mail and signs by making a <br/>
<a id="pl.2.14"></a><var>2.14</var>mark, the mark shall be certified by having a voter registered in the individual's precinct <br/>
<a id="pl.2.15"></a><var>2.15</var>sign the individual's name and the voter's own name and give the voter's own address.<br/>
<br/>
<a id="bill.1.3.0"></a><a id="pl.2.16"></a><var>2.16</var>    Sec. 3. Minnesota Statutes 2006, section 201.061, subdivision 3, is amended to read:<br/>
<a id="pl.2.17"></a><var>2.17</var>    Subd. 3. <b>Election day registration.</b> (a) An individual who is eligible to vote may <br/>
<a id="pl.2.18"></a><var>2.18</var>register on election day by appearing in person at the polling place for the precinct in <br/>
<a id="pl.2.19"></a><var>2.19</var>which the individual maintains residence, by completing a registration application, making <br/>
<a id="pl.2.20"></a><var>2.20</var>an oath in the form prescribed by the secretary of state and providing proof of residence. <br/>
<a id="pl.2.21"></a><var>2.21</var>An individual may prove residence for purposes of registering by:<br/>
<a id="pl.2.22"></a><var>2.22</var>    (1) presenting a driver's license or Minnesota identification card issued pursuant <br/>
<a id="pl.2.23"></a><var>2.23</var>to section 
         <statute_ref>171.07</statute_ref>;<br/>
<a id="pl.2.24"></a><var>2.24</var>    (2) presenting any document approved by the secretary of state as proper <br/>
<a id="pl.2.25"></a><var>2.25</var>identification;<br/>
<a id="pl.2.26"></a><var>2.26</var>    (3) presenting one of the following:<br/>
<a id="pl.2.27"></a><var>2.27</var>    (i) a current valid student identification card from a postsecondary educational <br/>
<a id="pl.2.28"></a><var>2.28</var>institution in Minnesota, if a list of students from that institution has been prepared under <br/>
<a id="pl.2.29"></a><var>2.29</var>section 
         <statute_ref>135A.17</statute_ref> and certified to the county auditor in the manner provided in rules of <br/>
<a id="pl.2.30"></a><var>2.30</var>the secretary of state; or<br/>
<a id="pl.2.31"></a><var>2.31</var>    (ii) a current student fee statement that contains the student's valid address in the <br/>
<a id="pl.2.32"></a><var>2.32</var>precinct together with a picture identification card; or<br/>
<a id="pl.2.33"></a><var>2.33</var>    (4) having a voter who is registered to vote in the precinct, or who is an employee <br/>
<a id="pl.2.34"></a><var>2.34</var>employed by and working in a residential facility in the precinct and vouching for a <br/>
<a id="pl.3.1"></a><var>3.1</var>resident in the facility, sign an oath in the presence of the election judge vouching that the <br/>
<a id="pl.3.2"></a><var>3.2</var>voter or employee personally knows that the individual is a resident of the precinct. A <br/>
<a id="pl.3.3"></a><var>3.3</var>voter who has been vouched for on election day may not sign a proof of residence oath <br/>
<a id="pl.3.4"></a><var>3.4</var>vouching for any other individual on that election day. A voter who is registered to vote in <br/>
<a id="pl.3.5"></a><var>3.5</var>the precinct may sign up to 15 proof-of-residence oaths on any election day. This limitation <br/>
<a id="pl.3.6"></a><var>3.6</var>does not apply to an employee of a residential facility described in this clause. The <br/>
<a id="pl.3.7"></a><var>3.7</var>secretary of state shall provide a form for election judges to use in recording the number <br/>
<a id="pl.3.8"></a><var>3.8</var>of individuals for whom a voter signs proof-of-residence oaths on election day. The <br/>
<a id="pl.3.9"></a><var>3.9</var>form must include space for the maximum number of individuals for whom a voter may <br/>
<a id="pl.3.10"></a><var>3.10</var>sign proof-of-residence oaths. For each proof-of-residence oath, the form must include <br/>
<a id="pl.3.11"></a><var>3.11</var>a statement that the voter is registered to vote in the precinct, personally knows that the <br/>
<a id="pl.3.12"></a><var>3.12</var>individual is a resident of the precinct, and is making the statement on oath. The form must <br/>
<a id="pl.3.13"></a><var>3.13</var>include a space for the voter's printed name, signature, telephone number, and address.<br/>
<a id="pl.3.14"></a><var>3.14</var>    The oath required by this subdivision and Minnesota Rules, part 
         <statute_ref>8200.9939</statute_ref>, must <br/>
<a id="pl.3.15"></a><var>3.15</var>be attached to the voter registration application and the information on the oath must be <br/>
<a id="pl.3.16"></a><var>3.16</var>recorded on the records of both the voter registering on election day and the voter who <br/>
<a id="pl.3.17"></a><var>3.17</var>is vouching for the person's residence, and entered into the statewide voter registration <br/>
<a id="pl.3.18"></a><var>3.18</var>system by the county auditor when the voter registration application is entered into that <br/>
<a id="pl.3.19"></a><var>3.19</var>system.<br/>
<a id="pl.3.20"></a><var>3.20</var>    (b) The operator of a residential facility shall prepare a list of the names of its <br/>
<a id="pl.3.21"></a><var>3.21</var>employees currently working in the residential facility and the address of the residential <br/>
<a id="pl.3.22"></a><var>3.22</var>facility. The operator shall certify the list and provide it to the appropriate county auditor <br/>
<a id="pl.3.23"></a><var>3.23</var>no less than 20 days before each election for use in election day registration.<br/>
<a id="pl.3.24"></a><var>3.24</var>    (c) "Residential facility" means transitional housing as defined in section 
         <statute_ref>256E.33, <br/>
<a id="pl.3.25"></a><var>3.25</var>subdivision 1
         </statute_ref>; a supervised living facility licensed by the commissioner of health under <br/>
<a id="pl.3.26"></a><var>3.26</var>section 
         <statute_ref>144.50, subdivision 6</statute_ref>; a nursing home as defined in section 
         <statute_ref>144A.01, subdivision <br/>
<a id="pl.3.27"></a><var>3.27</var>5
         </statute_ref>; a residence registered with the commissioner of health as a housing with services <br/>
<a id="pl.3.28"></a><var>3.28</var>establishment as defined in section 
         <statute_ref>144D.01, subdivision 4</statute_ref>; a veterans home operated by <br/>
<a id="pl.3.29"></a><var>3.29</var>the board of directors of the Minnesota Veterans Homes under chapter 198; a residence <br/>
<a id="pl.3.30"></a><var>3.30</var>licensed by the commissioner of human services to provide a residential program as <br/>
<a id="pl.3.31"></a><var>3.31</var>defined in section 
         <statute_ref>245A.02, subdivision 14</statute_ref>; a residential facility for persons with a <br/>
<a id="pl.3.32"></a><var>3.32</var>developmental disability licensed by the commissioner of human services under section <br/>
<statute_ref><a id="pl.3.33"></a><var>3.33</var>252.28
         </statute_ref>; group residential housing as defined in section 
         <statute_ref>256I.03, subdivision 3</statute_ref>; a shelter <br/>
<a id="pl.3.34"></a><var>3.34</var>for battered women as defined in section 
         <statute_ref>611A.37, subdivision 4</statute_ref>; or a supervised <br/>
<a id="pl.3.35"></a><var>3.35</var>publicly or privately operated shelter or dwelling designed to provide temporary living <br/>
<a id="pl.3.36"></a><var>3.36</var>accommodations for the homeless.<br/>
<a id="pl.4.1"></a><var>4.1</var>    (d) For tribal band members, an individual may prove residence for purposes of <br/>
<a id="pl.4.2"></a><var>4.2</var>registering by:<br/>
<a id="pl.4.3"></a><var>4.3</var>    (1) presenting an identification card issued by the tribal government of a tribe <br/>
<a id="pl.4.4"></a><var>4.4</var>recognized by the Bureau of Indian Affairs, United States Department of the Interior, that <br/>
<a id="pl.4.5"></a><var>4.5</var>contains the name, address, signature, and picture of the individual; or<br/>
<a id="pl.4.6"></a><var>4.6</var>    (2) presenting an identification card issued by the tribal government of a tribe <br/>
<a id="pl.4.7"></a><var>4.7</var>recognized by the Bureau of Indian Affairs, United States Department of the Interior, that <br/>
<a id="pl.4.8"></a><var>4.8</var>contains the name, signature, and picture of the individual and also presenting one of the <br/>
<a id="pl.4.9"></a><var>4.9</var>documents listed in Minnesota Rules, part 
         <statute_ref>8200.5100</statute_ref>, subpart 2, item B.<br/>
<a id="pl.4.10"></a><var>4.10</var>    (e) A county, school district, or municipality may require that an election judge <br/>
<a id="pl.4.11"></a><var>4.11</var>responsible for election day registration initial each completed registration application.<br/>
<br/>
<a id="bill.1.4.0"></a><a id="pl.4.12"></a><var>4.12</var>    Sec. 4. Minnesota Statutes 2006, section 201.171, is amended to read:<br/>
<a id="pl.4.13"></a><var>4.13</var><b>201.171 POSTING VOTING HISTORY; FAILURE TO VOTE; </b><br/>
<a id="pl.4.14"></a><var>4.14</var><b>REGISTRATION REMOVED.</b><br/>
<a id="pl.4.15"></a><var>4.15</var>    Within six weeks after every election, the county auditor shall post the voting <br/>
<a id="pl.4.16"></a><var>4.16</var>history for every person who voted in the election. After the close of the calendar year, the <br/>
<a id="pl.4.17"></a><var>4.17</var>secretary of state shall determine if any registrants have not voted during the preceding <br/>
<a id="pl.4.18"></a><var>4.18</var>four years. The secretary of state shall perform list maintenance by changing the status of <br/>
<a id="pl.4.19"></a><var>4.19</var>those registrants to "inactive" in the statewide registration system. The list maintenance <br/>
<a id="pl.4.20"></a><var>4.20</var>performed must be conducted in a manner that ensures that the name of each registered <br/>
<a id="pl.4.21"></a><var>4.21</var>voter appears in the official list of eligible voters in the statewide registration system. <br/>
<a id="pl.4.22"></a><var>4.22</var>A voter must not be removed from the official list of eligible voters unless the voter is <br/>
<a id="pl.4.23"></a><var>4.23</var>not eligible or is not registered to vote. List maintenance must include procedures for <br/>
<a id="pl.4.24"></a><var>4.24</var>eliminating duplicate names from the official list of eligible voters.<br/>
<a id="pl.4.25"></a><var>4.25</var>    The secretary of state shall also prepare a report to the county auditor containing the <br/>
<a id="pl.4.26"></a><var>4.26</var>names of all registrants whose status was changed to "inactive."<br/>
<a id="pl.4.27"></a><var>4.27</var>    Registrants whose status was changed to "inactive" must register in the manner <br/>
<a id="pl.4.28"></a><var>4.28</var>specified in section 
         <statute_ref>201.054</statute_ref> before voting in any primary, special primary, general, school <br/>
<a id="pl.4.29"></a><var>4.29</var>district, or special election, as required by section 
         <statute_ref>201.018</statute_ref>. <br/>
<a id="pl.4.30"></a><var>4.30</var>    Although not counted in an election, a late or rejected absentee or mail ballot must <br/>
<a id="pl.4.31"></a><var>4.31</var>be considered a vote for the purpose of continuing registration.<br/>
<br/>
<a id="bill.1.5.0"></a><a id="pl.4.32"></a><var>4.32</var>    Sec. 5. Minnesota Statutes 2006, section 203B.07, is amended to read:<br/>
<a id="pl.4.33"></a><var>4.33</var><b>203B.07 RETURN AND BALLOT ENVELOPES; DIRECTIONS TO </b><br/>
<a id="pl.4.34"></a><var>4.34</var><b>VOTERS.</b><br/>
<a id="pl.5.1"></a><var>5.1</var>    Subdivision 1. <b>Delivery of envelopes, directions.</b> The county auditor or the <br/>
<a id="pl.5.2"></a><var>5.2</var>municipal clerk shall prepare, print, and transmit a return envelope, a ballot envelope, and <br/>
<a id="pl.5.3"></a><var>5.3</var>a copy of the directions for casting an absentee ballot to each applicant whose application <br/>
<a id="pl.5.4"></a><var>5.4</var>for absentee ballots is accepted pursuant to section 
         <statute_ref>203B.04</statute_ref>. The county auditor or <br/>
<a id="pl.5.5"></a><var>5.5</var>municipal clerk shall provide first class postage for the return envelope. The directions <br/>
<a id="pl.5.6"></a><var>5.6</var>for casting an absentee ballot shall be printed in at least 14-point bold type with heavy <br/>
<a id="pl.5.7"></a><var>5.7</var>leading and may be printed on the ballot envelope. When a person requests the directions <br/>
<a id="pl.5.8"></a><var>5.8</var>in Braille or on cassette tape, the county auditor or municipal clerk shall provide them <br/>
<a id="pl.5.9"></a><var>5.9</var>in the form requested. The secretary of state shall prepare Braille and cassette copies <br/>
<a id="pl.5.10"></a><var>5.10</var>and make them available. <br/>
<a id="pl.5.11"></a><var>5.11</var>    When a voter registration card is sent to the applicant as provided in section <br/>
<statute_ref><a id="pl.5.12"></a><var>5.12</var>203B.06, subdivision 4
         </statute_ref>, the directions or registration card shall include instructions for <br/>
<a id="pl.5.13"></a><var>5.13</var>registering to vote. <br/>
<a id="pl.5.14"></a><var>5.14</var>    Subd. 2. <b>Design of envelopes.</b> The return envelope shall be of sufficient size to <br/>
<a id="pl.5.15"></a><var>5.15</var>conveniently enclose and contain the ballot envelope and a folded voter registration card <br/>
<a id="pl.5.16"></a><var>5.16</var>folded along its perforations application. The return envelope shall be designed to open on <br/>
<a id="pl.5.17"></a><var>5.17</var>the left-hand end. Notwithstanding any rule to the contrary, If the voter was not previously <br/>
<a id="pl.5.18"></a><var>5.18</var>registered, the return envelope must be designed in one of the following ways:<br/>
<a id="pl.5.19"></a><var>5.19</var>    (1) it must be of sufficient size to contain an additional envelope that when sealed, <br/>
<a id="pl.5.20"></a><var>5.20</var>conceals the signature, identification, and other information; or<br/>
<a id="pl.5.21"></a><var>5.21</var>    (2) it must provide an additional flap that when sealed, conceals the signature, <br/>
<a id="pl.5.22"></a><var>5.22</var>identification, and other information.<br/>
<a id="pl.5.23"></a><var>5.23</var>     Election officials may open the flap or the additional envelope at any time after <br/>
<a id="pl.5.24"></a><var>5.24</var>receiving the returned ballot to inspect the returned certificate for completeness or to <br/>
<a id="pl.5.25"></a><var>5.25</var>ascertain other information. <br/>
<a id="pl.5.26"></a><var>5.26</var>    Subd. 3. <b>Eligibility certificate.</b> A certificate of eligibility to vote by absentee <br/>
<a id="pl.5.27"></a><var>5.27</var>ballot shall be printed on the back of the return envelope. The certificate shall contain a <br/>
<a id="pl.5.28"></a><var>5.28</var>statement to be signed and sworn by the voter indicating that the voter meets all of the <br/>
<a id="pl.5.29"></a><var>5.29</var>requirements established by law for voting by absentee ballot. The certificate shall also <br/>
<a id="pl.5.30"></a><var>5.30</var>contain a statement signed by a person who is registered to vote in Minnesota or by a <br/>
<a id="pl.5.31"></a><var>5.31</var>notary public or other individual authorized to administer oaths stating that:<br/>
<a id="pl.5.32"></a><var>5.32</var>    (a) (1) the ballots were displayed to that individual unmarked;<br/>
<a id="pl.5.33"></a><var>5.33</var>    (b) (2) the voter marked the ballots in that individual's presence without showing <br/>
<a id="pl.5.34"></a><var>5.34</var>how they were marked, or, if the voter was physically unable to mark them, that the voter <br/>
<a id="pl.5.35"></a><var>5.35</var>directed another individual to mark them; and<br/>
<a id="pl.6.1"></a><var>6.1</var>    (c) if the voter was not previously registered, (3) the voter has provided proof of <br/>
<a id="pl.6.2"></a><var>6.2</var>residence as required by section 
         <statute_ref>201.061, subdivision 3</statute_ref>.<br/>
<a id="pl.6.3"></a><var>6.3</var>    The county auditor or municipal clerk shall affix first class postage to the return <br/>
<a id="pl.6.4"></a><var>6.4</var>envelopes.<br/>
<br/>
<a id="bill.1.6.0"></a><a id="pl.6.5"></a><var>6.5</var>    Sec. 6. Minnesota Statutes 2006, section 203B.081, is amended to read:<br/>
<a id="pl.6.6"></a><var>6.6</var><b>203B.081 LOCATIONS FOR ABSENTEE VOTING IN PERSON.</b><br/>
<a id="pl.6.7"></a><var>6.7</var>    An eligible voter may vote by absentee ballot during the 30 days before the election <br/>
<a id="pl.6.8"></a><var>6.8</var>in the office of the county auditor and at any other polling place designated by the county <br/>
<a id="pl.6.9"></a><var>6.9</var>auditor. The county auditor shall make such designations at least 90 days before the <br/>
<a id="pl.6.10"></a><var>6.10</var>election. At least one voting booth in each polling place must be made available by the <br/>
<a id="pl.6.11"></a><var>6.11</var>county auditor for this purpose. The county auditor must also make available at least one <br/>
<a id="pl.6.12"></a><var>6.12</var>electronic ballot marker in each polling place that has implemented a voting system that is <br/>
<a id="pl.6.13"></a><var>6.13</var>accessible for individuals with disabilities pursuant to section 206.57, subdivision 5.<br/>
<br/>
<a id="bill.1.7.0"></a><a id="pl.6.14"></a><var>6.14</var>    Sec. 7. Minnesota Statutes 2006, section 203B.13, subdivision 1, is amended to read:<br/>
<a id="pl.6.15"></a><var>6.15</var>    Subdivision 1. <b>Establishment.</b> The governing body of any county that has <br/>
<a id="pl.6.16"></a><var>6.16</var>established a counting center as provided in section 
<statute_ref>206.85, subdivision 2</statute_ref>, any <br/>
<a id="pl.6.17"></a><var>6.17</var>municipality, or any school district may by ordinance or resolution, authorize an absentee <br/>
<a id="pl.6.18"></a><var>6.18</var>ballot board. The board shall consist of a sufficient number of election judges appointed as <br/>
<a id="pl.6.19"></a><var>6.19</var>provided in sections 
         <statute_ref>204B.19</statute_ref> to 
         <statute_ref>204B.22</statute_ref>. <br/>
<br/>
<a id="bill.1.8.0"></a><a id="pl.6.20"></a><var>6.20</var>    Sec. 8. Minnesota Statutes 2006, section 203B.13, subdivision 2, is amended to read:<br/>
<a id="pl.6.21"></a><var>6.21</var>    Subd. 2. <b>Duties.</b> The absentee ballot board may do any of the following:<br/>
<a id="pl.6.22"></a><var>6.22</var>    (a) receive from each precinct in the municipality or school district all ballot <br/>
<a id="pl.6.23"></a><var>6.23</var>envelopes marked "Accepted" by the election judges; provided that the governing body of <br/>
<a id="pl.6.24"></a><var>6.24</var>a municipality or the school board of a school district may authorize the board to examine <br/>
<a id="pl.6.25"></a><var>6.25</var>all return absentee ballot envelopes and receive accept or reject absentee ballots in the <br/>
<a id="pl.6.26"></a><var>6.26</var>manner provided in section 
         <statute_ref>203B.12</statute_ref>;. <br/>
<a id="pl.6.27"></a><var>6.27</var>    (b) open and count the absentee ballots, tabulating the vote in a manner that indicates <br/>
<a id="pl.6.28"></a><var>6.28</var>each vote of the absentee voter and the total absentee vote cast for each candidate or <br/>
<a id="pl.6.29"></a><var>6.29</var>question in each precinct; or<br/>
<a id="pl.6.30"></a><var>6.30</var>    (c) report the vote totals tabulated for each precinct.<br/>
<a id="pl.6.31"></a><var>6.31</var>    The absentee ballot board may begin the process of examining the return envelopes <br/>
<a id="pl.6.32"></a><var>6.32</var>and marking them "accepted" or "rejected" at any time during the 30 days before the <br/>
<a id="pl.6.33"></a><var>6.33</var>election. If an envelope has been rejected at least five days before the election, the <br/>
<a id="pl.7.1"></a><var>7.1</var>ballots in the envelope must be considered spoiled ballots and the official in charge of the <br/>
<a id="pl.7.2"></a><var>7.2</var>absentee ballot board shall provide the voter with a replacement absentee ballot and return <br/>
<a id="pl.7.3"></a><var>7.3</var>envelope in place of the spoiled ballot. The secretary of state shall provide samples of the <br/>
<a id="pl.7.4"></a><var>7.4</var>replacement ballot and return envelope for use by the county auditor.<br/>
<br/>
<a id="bill.1.9.0"></a><a id="pl.7.5"></a><var>7.5</var>    Sec. 9. Minnesota Statutes 2006, section 204B.09, is amended to read:<br/>
<a id="pl.7.6"></a><var>7.6</var><b>204B.09 TIME AND PLACE OF FILING AFFIDAVITS AND PETITIONS.</b><br/>
<a id="pl.7.7"></a><var>7.7</var>    Subdivision 1. <b>Candidates in state and county general elections.</b> (a) Except as <br/>
<a id="pl.7.8"></a><var>7.8</var>otherwise provided by this subdivision, affidavits of candidacy and nominating petitions <br/>
<a id="pl.7.9"></a><var>7.9</var>for county, state, and federal offices filled at the state general election shall be filed not <br/>
<a id="pl.7.10"></a><var>7.10</var>more than 70 days nor less than 56 days before the state primary. The affidavit may <br/>
<a id="pl.7.11"></a><var>7.11</var>be prepared and signed at any time between 60 days before the filing period opens and <br/>
<a id="pl.7.12"></a><var>7.12</var>the last day of the filing period.<br/>
<a id="pl.7.13"></a><var>7.13</var>    (b) Notwithstanding other law to the contrary, the affidavit of candidacy must be <br/>
<a id="pl.7.14"></a><var>7.14</var>signed in the presence of a notarial officer or an individual authorized to administer oaths <br/>
<a id="pl.7.15"></a><var>7.15</var>under section 
         <statute_ref>358.10</statute_ref>. <br/>
<a id="pl.7.16"></a><var>7.16</var>    (c) This provision does not apply to candidates for presidential elector nominated by <br/>
<a id="pl.7.17"></a><var>7.17</var>major political parties. Major party candidates for presidential elector are certified under <br/>
<a id="pl.7.18"></a><var>7.18</var>section 
         <statute_ref>208.03</statute_ref>. Other candidates for presidential electors may file petitions on or before <br/>
<a id="pl.7.19"></a><var>7.19</var>the state primary day pursuant to section 
         <statute_ref>204B.07</statute_ref>. Nominating petitions to fill vacancies <br/>
<a id="pl.7.20"></a><var>7.20</var>in nominations shall be filed as provided in section 
         <statute_ref>204B.13</statute_ref>. No affidavit or petition shall <br/>
<a id="pl.7.21"></a><var>7.21</var>be accepted later than 5:00 p.m. on the last day for filing. <br/>
<a id="pl.7.22"></a><var>7.22</var>    (d) Affidavits and petitions for county offices to be voted on in only one county shall <br/>
<a id="pl.7.23"></a><var>7.23</var>must be filed with the county auditor of that county. Affidavits and petitions for federal <br/>
<a id="pl.7.24"></a><var>7.24</var>offices to be voted on in more than one county shall must be filed with the secretary of <br/>
<a id="pl.7.25"></a><var>7.25</var>state. Affidavits and petitions for state offices must be filed with the secretary of state or <br/>
<a id="pl.7.26"></a><var>7.26</var>with the county auditor of the county in which the candidate resides.<br/>
<a id="pl.7.27"></a><var>7.27</var>    (e) Affidavits other than those filed pursuant to subdivision 1a must be submitted <br/>
<a id="pl.7.28"></a><var>7.28</var>by mail or by hand, notwithstanding chapter 325L, or any other law to the contrary and <br/>
<a id="pl.7.29"></a><var>7.29</var>must be received by 5:00 p.m. on the last day for filing.<br/>
<a id="pl.7.30"></a><var>7.30</var>    Subd. 1a. <b>Absent candidates.</b> (a) A candidate for special district, county, state, <br/>
<a id="pl.7.31"></a><var>7.31</var>or federal office who will be absent from the state during the filing period may submit <br/>
<a id="pl.7.32"></a><var>7.32</var>a properly executed affidavit of candidacy, the appropriate filing fee, and any necessary <br/>
<a id="pl.7.33"></a><var>7.33</var>petitions in person to the filing officer. The candidate shall state in writing the reason for <br/>
<a id="pl.7.34"></a><var>7.34</var>being unable to submit the affidavit during the filing period. The affidavit, filing fee, if any, <br/>
<a id="pl.7.35"></a><var>7.35</var>and petitions must be submitted to the filing officer during the seven days immediately <br/>
<a id="pl.8.1"></a><var>8.1</var>preceding the candidate's absence from the state. Nominating petitions may be signed <br/>
<a id="pl.8.2"></a><var>8.2</var>during the 14 days immediately preceding the date when the affidavit of candidacy is filed.<br/>
<a id="pl.8.3"></a><var>8.3</var>    (b) A candidate for special district, county, state, or federal office who will be absent <br/>
<a id="pl.8.4"></a><var>8.4</var>from the state during the entire filing period or who must leave the state for the remainder <br/>
<a id="pl.8.5"></a><var>8.5</var>of the filing period and who certifies to the secretary of state that the circumstances <br/>
<a id="pl.8.6"></a><var>8.6</var>constitute an emergency and were unforeseen, may submit a properly executed affidavit <br/>
<a id="pl.8.7"></a><var>8.7</var>of candidacy by facsimile device or by transmitting electronically a scanned image of <br/>
<a id="pl.8.8"></a><var>8.8</var>the affidavit to the secretary of state during the filing period. The candidate shall state <br/>
<a id="pl.8.9"></a><var>8.9</var>in writing the specific reason for being unable to submit the affidavit by mail or by hand <br/>
<a id="pl.8.10"></a><var>8.10</var>during the filing period or in person prior to the start of the filing period. The affidavit of <br/>
<a id="pl.8.11"></a><var>8.11</var>candidacy, filing fee, if any, and any necessary petitions must be received by the secretary <br/>
<a id="pl.8.12"></a><var>8.12</var>of state by 5:00 p.m. on the last day for filing. If the candidate is filing for a special district <br/>
<a id="pl.8.13"></a><var>8.13</var>or county office, the secretary of state shall forward the affidavit of candidacy, filing fee, if <br/>
<a id="pl.8.14"></a><var>8.14</var>any, and any necessary petitions to the appropriate filing officer.<br/>
<a id="pl.8.15"></a><var>8.15</var>    Subd. 2. <b>Other elections.</b> Affidavits of candidacy and nominating petitions for <br/>
<a id="pl.8.16"></a><var>8.16</var>city, town or other elective offices shall be filed during the time and with the official <br/>
<a id="pl.8.17"></a><var>8.17</var>specified in chapter 205 or other applicable law or charter, except as provided for a special <br/>
<a id="pl.8.18"></a><var>8.18</var>district candidate under subdivision 1a. Affidavits of candidacy and applications filed on <br/>
<a id="pl.8.19"></a><var>8.19</var>behalf of eligible voters for school board office shall be filed during the time and with the <br/>
<a id="pl.8.20"></a><var>8.20</var>official specified in chapter 205A or other applicable law. Affidavits of candidacy and <br/>
<a id="pl.8.21"></a><var>8.21</var>nominating petitions filed under this subdivision must be submitted by mail or by hand, <br/>
<a id="pl.8.22"></a><var>8.22</var>notwithstanding chapter 325L, or any other law to the contrary, and must be received by <br/>
<a id="pl.8.23"></a><var>8.23</var>the appropriate official within the specified time for the filing of affidavits and petitions <br/>
<a id="pl.8.24"></a><var>8.24</var>for the office.<br/>
<a id="pl.8.25"></a><var>8.25</var>    Subd. 3. <b>Write-in candidates.</b> (a) A candidate for county, state, or federal office <br/>
<a id="pl.8.26"></a><var>8.26</var>who wants write-in votes for the candidate to be counted must file a written request with <br/>
<a id="pl.8.27"></a><var>8.27</var>the filing office for the office sought no later than the fifth seventh day before the general <br/>
<a id="pl.8.28"></a><var>8.28</var>election. The filing officer shall provide copies of the form to make the request.<br/>
<a id="pl.8.29"></a><var>8.29</var>    (b) A candidate for president of the United States who files a request under this <br/>
<a id="pl.8.30"></a><var>8.30</var>subdivision must include the name of a candidate for vice-president of the United States. <br/>
<a id="pl.8.31"></a><var>8.31</var>The request must also include the name of at least one candidate for presidential elector. <br/>
<a id="pl.8.32"></a><var>8.32</var>The total number of names of candidates for presidential elector on the request may not <br/>
<a id="pl.8.33"></a><var>8.33</var>exceed the total number of electoral votes to be cast by Minnesota in the presidential <br/>
<a id="pl.8.34"></a><var>8.34</var>election.<br/>
<a id="pl.8.35"></a><var>8.35</var>    (c) A candidate for governor who files a request under this subdivision must include <br/>
<a id="pl.8.36"></a><var>8.36</var>the name of a candidate for lieutenant governor.<br/>
<br/>
<a id="bill.1.10.0"></a><a id="pl.9.1"></a><var>9.1</var>    Sec. 10. Minnesota Statutes 2006, section 204B.16, subdivision 1, is amended to read:<br/>
<a id="pl.9.2"></a><var>9.2</var>    Subdivision 1. <b>Authority; location.</b> The governing body of each municipality and <br/>
<a id="pl.9.3"></a><var>9.3</var>of each county with precincts in unorganized territory shall designate by ordinance or <br/>
<a id="pl.9.4"></a><var>9.4</var>resolution a polling place for each election precinct. Polling places must be designated <br/>
<a id="pl.9.5"></a><var>9.5</var>and ballots must be distributed so that no one is required to go to more than one polling <br/>
<a id="pl.9.6"></a><var>9.6</var>place to vote in a school district and municipal election held on the same day. The polling <br/>
<a id="pl.9.7"></a><var>9.7</var>place for a precinct in a city or in a school district located in whole or in part in the <br/>
<a id="pl.9.8"></a><var>9.8</var>metropolitan area defined by section 
         <statute_ref>200.02, subdivision 24</statute_ref>, shall be located within the <br/>
<a id="pl.9.9"></a><var>9.9</var>boundaries of the precinct or within 3,000 feet one mile of one of those boundaries unless <br/>
<a id="pl.9.10"></a><var>9.10</var>a single polling place is designated for a city pursuant to section 
         <statute_ref>204B.14, subdivision <br/>
<a id="pl.9.11"></a><var>9.11</var>2
         </statute_ref>, or a school district pursuant to section 
         <statute_ref>205A.11</statute_ref>. The polling place for a precinct in <br/>
<a id="pl.9.12"></a><var>9.12</var>unorganized territory may be located outside the precinct at a place which is convenient to <br/>
<a id="pl.9.13"></a><var>9.13</var>the voters of the precinct. If no suitable place is available within a town or within a school <br/>
<a id="pl.9.14"></a><var>9.14</var>district located outside the metropolitan area defined by section 
         <statute_ref>200.02, subdivision 24</statute_ref>, <br/>
<a id="pl.9.15"></a><var>9.15</var>then the polling place for a town or school district may be located outside the town or <br/>
<a id="pl.9.16"></a><var>9.16</var>school district within five miles of one of the boundaries of the town or school district.<br/>
<br/>
<a id="bill.1.11.0"></a><a id="pl.9.17"></a><var>9.17</var>    Sec. 11. Minnesota Statutes 2006, section 204B.45, subdivision 2, is amended to read:<br/>
<a id="pl.9.18"></a><var>9.18</var>    Subd. 2. <b>Procedure.</b> Notice of the election and the special mail procedure must be <br/>
<a id="pl.9.19"></a><var>9.19</var>given at least six weeks prior to the election. No earlier Not more than 20 30 days or nor <br/>
<a id="pl.9.20"></a><var>9.20</var>later than 14 days prior to the election, the auditor shall mail ballots by nonforwardable <br/>
<a id="pl.9.21"></a><var>9.21</var>mail to all voters registered in the town or unorganized territory. No later than 14 days <br/>
<a id="pl.9.22"></a><var>9.22</var>before the election, the auditor must make a subsequent mailing of ballots to those voters <br/>
<a id="pl.9.23"></a><var>9.23</var>who register to vote after the initial mailing but before the 20th day before the election. <br/>
<a id="pl.9.24"></a><var>9.24</var>Eligible voters not registered at the time the ballots are mailed may apply for ballots as <br/>
<a id="pl.9.25"></a><var>9.25</var>provided in chapter 203B. Ballot return envelopes, with return postage provided, must be <br/>
<a id="pl.9.26"></a><var>9.26</var>preaddressed to the auditor or clerk and the voter may return the ballot by mail or in person <br/>
<a id="pl.9.27"></a><var>9.27</var>to the office of the auditor or clerk. The auditor or clerk may appoint election judges to <br/>
<a id="pl.9.28"></a><var>9.28</var>examine the return envelopes and mark them "accepted" or "rejected" during the 30 days <br/>
<a id="pl.9.29"></a><var>9.29</var>before the election. If an envelope has been rejected at least five days before the election, <br/>
<a id="pl.9.30"></a><var>9.30</var>the ballots in the envelope must be considered spoiled ballots and the auditor or clerk shall <br/>
<a id="pl.9.31"></a><var>9.31</var>provide the voter with a replacement ballot and return envelope in place of the spoiled <br/>
<a id="pl.9.32"></a><var>9.32</var>ballot. The costs of the mailing shall be paid by the election jurisdiction in which the voter <br/>
<a id="pl.9.33"></a><var>9.33</var>resides. Any ballot received by 8:00 p.m. on the day of the election must be counted.<br/>
<br/>
<a id="bill.1.12.0"></a><a id="pl.9.34"></a><var>9.34</var>    Sec. 12. Minnesota Statutes 2006, section 204C.06, subdivision 1, is amended to read:<br/>
<a id="pl.10.1"></a><var>10.1</var>    Subdivision 1. <b>Lingering near polling place.</b> An individual shall be allowed to go <br/>
<a id="pl.10.2"></a><var>10.2</var>to and from the polling place for the purpose of voting without unlawful interference. No <br/>
<a id="pl.10.3"></a><var>10.3</var>one except an election official or an individual who is waiting to register or to vote shall <br/>
<a id="pl.10.4"></a><var>10.4</var>stand within 100 feet of the entrance to a polling place. The entrance to a polling place <br/>
<a id="pl.10.5"></a><var>10.5</var>is the doorway or point of entry leading into the room or area where voting is occurring <br/>
<a id="pl.10.6"></a><var>10.6</var>building in which a polling place is located.<br/>
<br/>
<a id="bill.1.13.0"></a><a id="pl.10.7"></a><var>10.7</var>    Sec. 13. Minnesota Statutes 2006, section 204C.07, subdivision 3a, is amended to read:<br/>
<a id="pl.10.8"></a><var>10.8</var>    Subd. 3a. <b>Residence requirement.</b> A challenger must be a resident of this state. <br/>
<a id="pl.10.9"></a><var>10.9</var>Appointed challengers seeking admission to a polling place to serve in that capacity must <br/>
<a id="pl.10.10"></a><var>10.10</var>prove their status as a resident of this state by presenting one of the documents listed in <br/>
<a id="pl.10.11"></a><var>10.11</var>section 201.061, subdivision 3. Challengers need not prove residence in the precinct <br/>
<a id="pl.10.12"></a><var>10.12</var>in which they seek to act as a challenger.<br/>
<br/>
<a id="bill.1.14.0"></a><a id="pl.10.13"></a><var>10.13</var>    Sec. 14. Minnesota Statutes 2006, section 204C.35, subdivision 1, is amended to read:<br/>
<a id="pl.10.14"></a><var>10.14</var>    Subdivision 1. <b>Automatic recounts.</b> (a) In a state primary when the difference <br/>
<a id="pl.10.15"></a><var>10.15</var>between the votes cast for the candidates for nomination to a statewide federal office, <br/>
<a id="pl.10.16"></a><var>10.16</var>state constitutional office, statewide judicial office, congressional office, state legislative <br/>
<a id="pl.10.17"></a><var>10.17</var>office, or district judicial office:<br/>
<a id="pl.10.18"></a><var>10.18</var>    (1) is less than one-half of one percent of the total number of votes counted for <br/>
<a id="pl.10.19"></a><var>10.19</var>that nomination; or<br/>
<a id="pl.10.20"></a><var>10.20</var>    (2) is ten votes or less and the total number of votes cast for the nomination is 400 <br/>
<a id="pl.10.21"></a><var>10.21</var>votes or less;<br/>
<a id="pl.10.22"></a><var>10.22</var>and the difference determines the nomination, the canvassing board with responsibility for <br/>
<a id="pl.10.23"></a><var>10.23</var>declaring the results for that office shall manually recount the vote.<br/>
<a id="pl.10.24"></a><var>10.24</var>    (b) In a state general election when the difference between the votes of a candidate <br/>
<a id="pl.10.25"></a><var>10.25</var>who would otherwise be declared elected to a statewide federal office, state constitutional <br/>
<a id="pl.10.26"></a><var>10.26</var>office, statewide judicial office, congressional office, state legislative office, or district <br/>
<a id="pl.10.27"></a><var>10.27</var>judicial office and the votes of any other candidate for that office:<br/>
<a id="pl.10.28"></a><var>10.28</var>    (1) is less than one-half of one percent of the total number of votes counted for <br/>
<a id="pl.10.29"></a><var>10.29</var>that office; or<br/>
<a id="pl.10.30"></a><var>10.30</var>    (2) is ten votes or less if the total number of votes cast for the office is 400 votes or <br/>
<a id="pl.10.31"></a><var>10.31</var>less,<br/>
<a id="pl.10.32"></a><var>10.32</var>the canvassing board shall manually recount the votes.<br/>
<a id="pl.10.33"></a><var>10.33</var>    (c) A recount must not delay any other part of the canvass. The results of the recount <br/>
<a id="pl.10.34"></a><var>10.34</var>must be certified by the canvassing board as soon as possible.<br/>
<a id="pl.11.1"></a><var>11.1</var>    (d) Time for notice of a contest for an office which is recounted pursuant to this <br/>
<a id="pl.11.2"></a><var>11.2</var>section shall begin to run upon certification of the results of the recount by the canvassing <br/>
<a id="pl.11.3"></a><var>11.3</var>board.<br/>
<a id="pl.11.4"></a><var>11.4</var>    (e) A losing candidate may waive a recount required pursuant to this section by <br/>
<a id="pl.11.5"></a><var>11.5</var>filing a written notice of waiver with the canvassing board.<br/>
<br/>
<a id="bill.1.15.0"></a><a id="pl.11.6"></a><var>11.6</var>    Sec. 15. Minnesota Statutes 2006, section 204C.35, subdivision 2, is amended to read:<br/>
<a id="pl.11.7"></a><var>11.7</var>    Subd. 2. <b>Optional</b><b> Discretionary candidate</b><b> recount.</b> (a) A losing candidate for <br/>
<a id="pl.11.8"></a><var>11.8</var>nomination or election to a statewide federal office, state constitutional office, statewide <br/>
<a id="pl.11.9"></a><var>11.9</var>judicial office, congressional office, state legislative office, or district judicial office may <br/>
<a id="pl.11.10"></a><var>11.10</var>request a recount in a manner provided in this section at the candidate's own expense when <br/>
<a id="pl.11.11"></a><var>11.11</var>the vote difference is greater than the difference required by this section. The votes shall <br/>
<a id="pl.11.12"></a><var>11.12</var>be manually recounted as provided in this section if the candidate files a request during the <br/>
<a id="pl.11.13"></a><var>11.13</var>time for filing notice of contest of the primary or election for which a recount is sought.<br/>
<a id="pl.11.14"></a><var>11.14</var>    (b) The requesting candidate shall file with the filing officer a bond, cash, or surety <br/>
<a id="pl.11.15"></a><var>11.15</var>in an amount set by the filing officer for the payment of the recount expenses. The <br/>
<a id="pl.11.16"></a><var>11.16</var>requesting candidate is responsible for the following expenses: the compensation of the <br/>
<a id="pl.11.17"></a><var>11.17</var>secretary of state, or designees, and any election judge, municipal clerk, county auditor, <br/>
<a id="pl.11.18"></a><var>11.18</var>administrator, or other personnel who participate in the recount; the costs of computer <br/>
<a id="pl.11.19"></a><var>11.19</var>operation, preparation of ballot counting equipment, necessary supplies and travel <br/>
<a id="pl.11.20"></a><var>11.20</var>related to the recount; the compensation of the appropriate canvassing board and costs of <br/>
<a id="pl.11.21"></a><var>11.21</var>preparing for the canvass of recount results; and any attorney fees incurred in connection <br/>
<a id="pl.11.22"></a><var>11.22</var>with the recount by the governing body responsible for the recount.<br/>
<br/>
<a id="bill.1.16.0"></a><a id="pl.11.23"></a><var>11.23</var>    Sec. 16. Minnesota Statutes 2006, section 204C.35, is amended by adding a <br/>
<a id="pl.11.24"></a><var>11.24</var>subdivision to read:<br/>
<a id="pl.11.25"></a><var>11.25</var>    Subd. 2a. <b>Discretionary partial candidate recount.</b> (a) A losing candidate for <br/>
<a id="pl.11.26"></a><var>11.26</var>nomination or election to an office where the difference between the votes cast for that <br/>
<a id="pl.11.27"></a><var>11.27</var>candidate and the winning candidate is greater than one-half of one percent and less <br/>
<a id="pl.11.28"></a><var>11.28</var>than five percent of the total votes counted for the office may request a partial manual <br/>
<a id="pl.11.29"></a><var>11.29</var>recount at the candidate's expense. The recount official must determine the expenses for <br/>
<a id="pl.11.30"></a><var>11.30</var>the partial recount in the manner provided by subdivision 2, paragraph (b). The request <br/>
<a id="pl.11.31"></a><var>11.31</var>for a partial recount must be submitted in writing to the recount official during the time <br/>
<a id="pl.11.32"></a><var>11.32</var>for filing notice of contest of the primary or election for which a recount is sought. The <br/>
<a id="pl.11.33"></a><var>11.33</var>candidate requesting the recount may identify in the request up to three specific precincts <br/>
<a id="pl.12.1"></a><var>12.1</var>in which the ballots are to be recounted. Any specific precincts requested by a candidate <br/>
<a id="pl.12.2"></a><var>12.2</var>for recount must be recounted.<br/>
<a id="pl.12.3"></a><var>12.3</var>    (b) If the results of the vote counting in the manual recount is different from the <br/>
<a id="pl.12.4"></a><var>12.4</var>results of the vote counting reported on election day by a margin greater than the standard <br/>
<a id="pl.12.5"></a><var>12.5</var>for acceptable performance of voting systems provided in section 206.89, subdivision 4, <br/>
<a id="pl.12.6"></a><var>12.6</var>the election results shall be subject to a complete review as provided in section 206.89, <br/>
<a id="pl.12.7"></a><var>12.7</var>subdivision 5. If the costs of the partial recount indicate a result different from that <br/>
<a id="pl.12.8"></a><var>12.8</var>which was reported on election day, any costs submitted by the candidate to pay for the <br/>
<a id="pl.12.9"></a><var>12.9</var>recount shall be refunded and the costs shall be assumed by the political subdivision in <br/>
<a id="pl.12.10"></a><var>12.10</var>which the discrepancy occurred.<br/>
<a id="pl.12.11"></a><var>12.11</var>    (c) This subdivision does not apply to any of the offices covered by section 206.89, <br/>
<a id="pl.12.12"></a><var>12.12</var>subdivision 3.<br/>
<br/>
<a id="bill.1.17.0"></a><a id="pl.12.13"></a><var>12.13</var>    Sec. 17. Minnesota Statutes 2006, section 204C.36, subdivision 2, is amended to read:<br/>
<a id="pl.12.14"></a><var>12.14</var>    Subd. 2. <b>Discretionary candidate recounts.</b> A losing candidate for nomination <br/>
<a id="pl.12.15"></a><var>12.15</var>or election to a county, municipal, or school district office may request a recount in the <br/>
<a id="pl.12.16"></a><var>12.16</var>manner provided in this section at the candidate's own expense when the vote difference is <br/>
<a id="pl.12.17"></a><var>12.17</var>greater than the difference required by subdivision 1, clauses (a) to (e). The votes shall <br/>
<a id="pl.12.18"></a><var>12.18</var>be manually recounted as provided in this section if the requesting candidate files with <br/>
<a id="pl.12.19"></a><var>12.19</var>the county auditor, municipal clerk, or school district clerk a bond, cash, or surety in an <br/>
<a id="pl.12.20"></a><var>12.20</var>amount set by the governing body of the jurisdiction or the school board of the school <br/>
<a id="pl.12.21"></a><var>12.21</var>district for the payment of the recount expenses.<br/>
<br/>
<a id="bill.1.18.0"></a><a id="pl.12.22"></a><var>12.22</var>    Sec. 18. Minnesota Statutes 2006, section 204C.36, is amended by adding a <br/>
<a id="pl.12.23"></a><var>12.23</var>subdivision to read:<br/>
<a id="pl.12.24"></a><var>12.24</var>    Subd. 2a. <b>Discretionary partial candidate recount.</b> (a) A losing candidate for <br/>
<a id="pl.12.25"></a><var>12.25</var>nomination or election to an office where the difference between the votes cast for that <br/>
<a id="pl.12.26"></a><var>12.26</var>candidate and the winning candidate is greater than one-half of one percent and less than <br/>
<a id="pl.12.27"></a><var>12.27</var>five percent of the total votes counted for the office may request a partial manual recount <br/>
<a id="pl.12.28"></a><var>12.28</var>at the candidate's expense. The recount official must determine the expenses for the partial <br/>
<a id="pl.12.29"></a><var>12.29</var>recount in the manner provided by section 204C.35, subdivision 2, paragraph (b). The <br/>
<a id="pl.12.30"></a><var>12.30</var>request for a partial recount must be submitted in writing to the recount official during the <br/>
<a id="pl.12.31"></a><var>12.31</var>time for filing notice of contest of the primary or election for which a recount is sought. <br/>
<a id="pl.12.32"></a><var>12.32</var>The candidate requesting the recount may identify in the request up to three specific <br/>
<a id="pl.12.33"></a><var>12.33</var>precincts in which the ballots are to be recounted. Any specific precincts requested by a <br/>
<a id="pl.12.34"></a><var>12.34</var>candidate for recount must be recounted.<br/>
<a id="pl.13.1"></a><var>13.1</var>    (b) If the results of the vote counting in the manual recount is different from the <br/>
<a id="pl.13.2"></a><var>13.2</var>results of the vote counting reported on election day by a margin greater than the standard <br/>
<a id="pl.13.3"></a><var>13.3</var>for acceptable performance of voting systems provided in section 206.89, subdivision 4, <br/>
<a id="pl.13.4"></a><var>13.4</var>the election results shall be subject to a complete review as provided in section 206.89, <br/>
<a id="pl.13.5"></a><var>13.5</var>subdivision 5. If the costs of the partial recount indicate a result different from that <br/>
<a id="pl.13.6"></a><var>13.6</var>which was reported on election day, any costs submitted by the candidate to pay for the <br/>
<a id="pl.13.7"></a><var>13.7</var>recount shall be refunded and the costs shall be assumed by the political subdivision in <br/>
<a id="pl.13.8"></a><var>13.8</var>which the discrepancy occurred.<br/>
<br/>
<a id="bill.1.19.0"></a><a id="pl.13.9"></a><var>13.9</var>    Sec. 19. Minnesota Statutes 2006, section 205.16, subdivision 4, is amended to read:<br/>
<a id="pl.13.10"></a><var>13.10</var>    Subd. 4. <b>Notice to auditor.</b> At least 53 days prior to every municipal election, the <br/>
<a id="pl.13.11"></a><var>13.11</var>municipal clerk shall provide a written notice to the county auditor, including the date of <br/>
<a id="pl.13.12"></a><var>13.12</var>the election, the offices to be voted on at the election, and the title and language for each <br/>
<a id="pl.13.13"></a><var>13.13</var>ballot question to be voted on at the election. Not less than 46 days before the election, the <br/>
<a id="pl.13.14"></a><var>13.14</var>municipal clerk must provide written notice to the county auditor of any special election <br/>
<a id="pl.13.15"></a><var>13.15</var>canceled under section 205.10, subdivision 6.<br/>
<br/>
<a id="bill.1.20.0"></a><a id="pl.13.16"></a><var>13.16</var>    Sec. 20. Minnesota Statutes 2006, section 205A.05, is amended by adding a <br/>
<a id="pl.13.17"></a><var>13.17</var>subdivision to read:<br/>
<a id="pl.13.18"></a><var>13.18</var>    Subd. 3. <b>Cancellation.</b> A special election ordered by the school board on its own <br/>
<a id="pl.13.19"></a><var>13.19</var>motion under subdivision 1 may be canceled by motion of the school board, but not less <br/>
<a id="pl.13.20"></a><var>13.20</var>than 46 days before the election.<br/>
<br/>
<a id="bill.1.21.0"></a><a id="pl.13.21"></a><var>13.21</var>    Sec. 21. Minnesota Statutes 2006, section 205A.07, subdivision 3, is amended to read:<br/>
<a id="pl.13.22"></a><var>13.22</var>    Subd. 3. <b>Notice to auditor.</b> At least 53 days prior to every school district election, <br/>
<a id="pl.13.23"></a><var>13.23</var>the school district clerk shall provide a written notice to the county auditor of each county <br/>
<a id="pl.13.24"></a><var>13.24</var>in which the school district is located. The notice must include the date of the election, the <br/>
<a id="pl.13.25"></a><var>13.25</var>offices to be voted on at the election, and the title and language for each ballot question to <br/>
<a id="pl.13.26"></a><var>13.26</var>be voted on at the election. For the purposes of meeting the timelines of this section, in <br/>
<a id="pl.13.27"></a><var>13.27</var>a bond election, a notice, including a proposed question, may be provided to the county <br/>
<a id="pl.13.28"></a><var>13.28</var>auditor prior to receipt of a review and comment from the commissioner of education and <br/>
<a id="pl.13.29"></a><var>13.29</var>prior to actual initiation of the election. Not less than 46 days before the election, the <br/>
<a id="pl.13.30"></a><var>13.30</var>school district clerk must provide written notice to the county auditor of any special <br/>
<a id="pl.13.31"></a><var>13.31</var>election canceled under section 205A.05, subdivision 3.<br/>
<br/>
<a id="bill.1.22.0"></a><a id="pl.13.32"></a><var>13.32</var>    Sec. 22. Minnesota Statutes 2006, section 205A.07, subdivision 3a, is amended to read:<br/>
<a id="pl.14.1"></a><var>14.1</var>    Subd. 3a. <b>Notice to commissioner of education.</b> At least 49 days prior to every <br/>
<a id="pl.14.2"></a><var>14.2</var>school district election, under section 
         <statute_ref>123B.62</statute_ref>, 
         <statute_ref>123B.63</statute_ref>, 
         <statute_ref>126C.17</statute_ref>, 
         <statute_ref>126C.69</statute_ref>, or 
         <statute_ref>475.58</statute_ref>, <br/>
<a id="pl.14.3"></a><var>14.3</var>the school district clerk shall provide a written notice to the commissioner of education. <br/>
<a id="pl.14.4"></a><var>14.4</var>The notice must include the date of the election and the title and language for each ballot <br/>
<a id="pl.14.5"></a><var>14.5</var>question to be voted on at the election. Not less than 46 days before the election, the <br/>
<a id="pl.14.6"></a><var>14.6</var>school district clerk must provide a written notice to the commissioner of education of <br/>
<a id="pl.14.7"></a><var>14.7</var>any special election canceled under section 205A.05, subdivision 3. The certified vote <br/>
<a id="pl.14.8"></a><var>14.8</var>totals for each ballot question shall be provided in a written notice to the commissioner <br/>
<a id="pl.14.9"></a><var>14.9</var>in a timely manner. <br/>
<br/>
<a id="bill.1.23.0"></a><a id="pl.14.10"></a><var>14.10</var>    Sec. 23. Minnesota Statutes 2006, section 206.89, subdivision 1, is amended to read:<br/>
<a id="pl.14.11"></a><var>14.11</var>    Subdivision 1.  <b>Definition. </b> For purposes of this section "postelection review official" <br/>
<a id="pl.14.12"></a><var>14.12</var>means the election administration official who is responsible for the conduct of elections <br/>
<a id="pl.14.13"></a><var>14.13</var>in a precinct selected for review under this section county auditor, unless the county <br/>
<a id="pl.14.14"></a><var>14.14</var>auditor designates the municipal clerk as the "postelection review official" within 24 hours <br/>
<a id="pl.14.15"></a><var>14.15</var>after the canvass of the state general election.<br/>
<br/>
<a id="bill.1.24.0"></a><a id="pl.14.16"></a><var>14.16</var>    Sec. 24. Minnesota Statutes 2006, section 206.89, subdivision 2, is amended to read:<br/>
<a id="pl.14.17"></a><var>14.17</var>    Subd. 2.  <b>Selection for review; notice. </b> At the canvass of the state primary, the <br/>
<a id="pl.14.18"></a><var>14.18</var>county canvassing board in each county must set the date, time, and place for the <br/>
<a id="pl.14.19"></a><var>14.19</var>postelection review of the state general election to be held under this section.  <br/>
<a id="pl.14.20"></a><var>14.20</var>    At the canvass of the state general election, the county canvassing boards must select <br/>
<a id="pl.14.21"></a><var>14.21</var>the precincts to be reviewed. The county canvassing board of a county with fewer than <br/>
<a id="pl.14.22"></a><var>14.22</var>50,000 registered voters must select at least two precincts for postelection review.  The <br/>
<a id="pl.14.23"></a><var>14.23</var>county canvassing board of a county with between 50,000 and 100,000 registered voters <br/>
<a id="pl.14.24"></a><var>14.24</var>must select at least three precincts for review.  The county canvassing board of a county <br/>
<a id="pl.14.25"></a><var>14.25</var>with over 100,000 registered voters must select at least four precincts, or five percent of <br/>
<a id="pl.14.26"></a><var>14.26</var>the total number of precincts in the county, whichever is greater. A losing candidate may <br/>
<a id="pl.14.27"></a><var>14.27</var>select up to three specific precincts to be reviewed. Any precincts selected by a candidate <br/>
<a id="pl.14.28"></a><var>14.28</var>must be included in the postelection review.  The All other precincts must be selected by <br/>
<a id="pl.14.29"></a><var>14.29</var>lot at a public meeting.  At least one precinct selected in each county must have had more <br/>
<a id="pl.14.30"></a><var>14.30</var>than 150 votes cast at the general election.<br/>
<a id="pl.14.31"></a><var>14.31</var>    The county auditor must notify the secretary of state of the precincts that have been <br/>
<a id="pl.14.32"></a><var>14.32</var>chosen for review and the time and place the postelection review for that county will <br/>
<a id="pl.14.33"></a><var>14.33</var>be conducted, as soon as the decisions are made.  The secretary of state must post this <br/>
<a id="pl.14.34"></a><var>14.34</var>information on the office Web site.<br/>
<br/>
<a id="bill.1.25.0"></a><a id="pl.15.1"></a><var>15.1</var>    Sec. 25. Minnesota Statutes 2006, section 206.89, subdivision 5, is amended to read:<br/>
<a id="pl.15.2"></a><var>15.2</var>    Subd. 5.  <b>Additional review. </b>  (a) If the postelection review in one of the reviewed <br/>
<a id="pl.15.3"></a><var>15.3</var>precincts reveals a difference greater than one-half of one percent, or greater than <br/>
<a id="pl.15.4"></a><var>15.4</var>two votes in a precinct where 400 or fewer voters cast ballots, the postelection review <br/>
<a id="pl.15.5"></a><var>15.5</var>official must, within two days, conduct an additional review of the races indicated in <br/>
<a id="pl.15.6"></a><var>15.6</var>subdivision 3 in at least three precincts in the same jurisdiction where the discrepancy <br/>
<a id="pl.15.7"></a><var>15.7</var>was discovered. If all precincts in that jurisdiction have been reviewed, the county auditor <br/>
<a id="pl.15.8"></a><var>15.8</var>must immediately publicly select by lot at least three additional precincts for review. The <br/>
<a id="pl.15.9"></a><var>15.9</var>postelection review official must complete the additional review within two days after <br/>
<a id="pl.15.10"></a><var>15.10</var>the precincts are selected and report the results immediately to the county auditor. If the <br/>
<a id="pl.15.11"></a><var>15.11</var>second review in any of the reviewed precincts also indicates a difference in the vote totals <br/>
<a id="pl.15.12"></a><var>15.12</var>compiled by the voting system that is greater than one-half of one percent from the result <br/>
<a id="pl.15.13"></a><var>15.13</var>indicated by the postelection review, or greater than two votes in a precinct where 400 or <br/>
<a id="pl.15.14"></a><var>15.14</var>fewer voters cast ballots, the county auditor must conduct a review of the ballots from all <br/>
<a id="pl.15.15"></a><var>15.15</var>the remaining precincts in the county for the races indicated in subdivision 3. This review <br/>
<a id="pl.15.16"></a><var>15.16</var>must be completed no later than six weeks after the state general election.<br/>
<a id="pl.15.17"></a><var>15.17</var>    (b) If the results from the countywide reviews from one or more counties comprising <br/>
<a id="pl.15.18"></a><var>15.18</var>in the aggregate more than ten percent of the total number of persons voting in the election <br/>
<a id="pl.15.19"></a><var>15.19</var>clearly indicate that an error in vote counting has occurred, the postelection review official <br/>
<a id="pl.15.20"></a><var>15.20</var>must conduct a manual recount of all the ballots in the district for the affected office. The <br/>
<a id="pl.15.21"></a><var>15.21</var>recount must be completed and the results reported to the appropriate canvassing board no <br/>
<a id="pl.15.22"></a><var>15.22</var>later than ten weeks after the state general election.<br/>
<br/>
<a id="bill.1.26.0"></a><a id="pl.15.23"></a><var>15.23</var>    Sec. 26. Minnesota Statutes 2006, section 211A.02, subdivision 2, is amended to read:<br/>
<a id="pl.15.24"></a><var>15.24</var>    Subd. 2. <b>Information required.</b> The report to be filed by a candidate or committee <br/>
<a id="pl.15.25"></a><var>15.25</var>must include:<br/>
<a id="pl.15.26"></a><var>15.26</var>    (1) the name of the candidate or ballot question;<br/>
<a id="pl.15.27"></a><var>15.27</var>    (2) the printed name and, address, telephone number, signature, and e-mail address, <br/>
<a id="pl.15.28"></a><var>15.28</var>if available, of the person responsible for filing the report;<br/>
<a id="pl.15.29"></a><var>15.29</var>    (3) the total amount of receipts and expenditures for the period from the last previous <br/>
<a id="pl.15.30"></a><var>15.30</var>report to five days before the current report is due;<br/>
<a id="pl.15.31"></a><var>15.31</var>    (4) the amount, date, and purpose for each expenditure; and<br/>
<a id="pl.15.32"></a><var>15.32</var>    (5) the name, address, and employer, or occupation if self-employed,  of any <br/>
<a id="pl.15.33"></a><var>15.33</var>individual or committee that during the year has made one or more contributions that in <br/>
<a id="pl.15.34"></a><var>15.34</var>the aggregate are equal to or greater than exceed $100, and the amount and date of each <br/>
<a id="pl.15.35"></a><var>15.35</var>contribution. The filing officer must restrict public access to the address of any individual <br/>
<a id="pl.16.1"></a><var>16.1</var>who has made a contribution that exceeds $100 and who has filed with the filing officer a <br/>
<a id="pl.16.2"></a><var>16.2</var>written statement signed by the individual that withholding the individual's address from <br/>
<a id="pl.16.3"></a><var>16.3</var>the financial report is required for the safety of the individual or the individual's family.<br/>
<a id="pl.16.4"></a><var>16.4</var><b>EFFECTIVE DATE.</b>This section is effective the day following final enactment, <br/>
<a id="pl.16.5"></a><var>16.5</var>and applies to contributions made after December 31, 2007. However, if a candidate <br/>
<a id="pl.16.6"></a><var>16.6</var>or committee has filed a report before the effective date of this section that includes <br/>
<a id="pl.16.7"></a><var>16.7</var>contributions made after December 31, 2007, the candidate or committee does not need to <br/>
<a id="pl.16.8"></a><var>16.8</var>amend or refile that report.<br/>
<br/>
<a id="bill.1.27.0"></a><a id="pl.16.9"></a><var>16.9</var>    Sec. 27. Minnesota Statutes 2006, section 211A.05, subdivision 1, is amended to read:<br/>
<a id="pl.16.10"></a><var>16.10</var>    Subdivision 1. <b>Penalty.</b> A candidate who intentionally fails to file a report required <br/>
<a id="pl.16.11"></a><var>16.11</var>by section 
         <statute_ref>211A.02</statute_ref> or a certification required by this section is guilty of a misdemeanor. <br/>
<a id="pl.16.12"></a><var>16.12</var>The treasurer of a committee formed to promote or defeat a ballot question who <br/>
<a id="pl.16.13"></a><var>16.13</var>intentionally fails to file a report required by section 
         <statute_ref>211A.02</statute_ref> or a certification required <br/>
<a id="pl.16.14"></a><var>16.14</var>by this section is guilty of a misdemeanor. Each candidate or treasurer of a committee <br/>
<a id="pl.16.15"></a><var>16.15</var>formed to promote or defeat a ballot question shall certify to the filing officer that all <br/>
<a id="pl.16.16"></a><var>16.16</var>reports required by section 
         <statute_ref>211A.02</statute_ref> have been submitted to the filing officer or that the <br/>
<a id="pl.16.17"></a><var>16.17</var>candidate or committee has not received contributions or made disbursements exceeding <br/>
<a id="pl.16.18"></a><var>16.18</var>$750 in the calendar year. The certification shall be submitted to the filing officer no <br/>
<a id="pl.16.19"></a><var>16.19</var>later than seven days after the general or special election. The secretary of state shall <br/>
<a id="pl.16.20"></a><var>16.20</var>prepare blanks for this certification. An officer who issues a certificate of election to a <br/>
<a id="pl.16.21"></a><var>16.21</var>candidate who has not certified that all reports required by section 
         <statute_ref>211A.02</statute_ref> have been <br/>
<a id="pl.16.22"></a><var>16.22</var>filed is guilty of a misdemeanor. <br/>
<br/>
<a id="bill.1.28.0"></a><a id="pl.16.23"></a><var>16.23</var>    Sec. 28. <b> REPEALER.</b><br/>
<a id="pl.16.24"></a><var>16.24</var>Minnesota Statutes 2006, sections 203B.02, subdivision 1a; and 203B.13, <br/>
<a id="pl.16.25"></a><var>16.25</var>subdivision 3a, are repealed.<br/>
<br/>
<a id="bill.1.29.0"></a><a id="pl.16.26"></a><var>16.26</var>    Sec. 29. <b>EFFECTIVE DATE.</b><br/>
<a id="pl.16.27"></a><var>16.27</var>    Sections 5, 8, 9, and 21 to 26 are effective for elections held after June 1, 2008. <br/>
<a id="pl.16.28"></a><var>16.28</var>Unless otherwise noted, all other sections are effective on June 1, 2008.<br/>
<br/>
<a id="bill.2.0.0"></a>

<a id="bill.2.1.0"></a><a id="pl.17.3"></a><var>17.3</var>    Section 1. Minnesota Statutes 2006, section 103C.305, subdivision 3, is amended to <br/>
<a id="pl.17.4"></a><var>17.4</var>read:<br/>
<a id="pl.17.5"></a><var>17.5</var>    Subd. 3. <b>Ballots.</b> Ballots shall be prepared by the county auditor. The names of <br/>
<a id="pl.17.6"></a><var>17.6</var>candidates shall be placed on the "canary ballot" described in section 
         <statute_ref>204D.11, subdivision <br/>
<a id="pl.17.7"></a><var>17.7</var>3
         </statute_ref>. The office title printed on the ballot must be either "Soil and Water Conservation <br/>
<a id="pl.17.8"></a><var>17.8</var>District Supervisor" or "Conservation District Supervisor," based upon the district from <br/>
<a id="pl.17.9"></a><var>17.9</var>which the supervisor is to be elected. <br/>
<br/>
<a id="bill.2.2.0"></a><a id="pl.17.10"></a><var>17.10</var>    Sec. 2. Minnesota Statutes 2006, section 201.054, subdivision 1, is amended to read:<br/>
<a id="pl.17.11"></a><var>17.11</var>    Subdivision 1. <b>Registration.</b> An individual may register to vote:<br/>
<a id="pl.17.12"></a><var>17.12</var>    (1) at any time before the 20th day preceding any election as provided in section <br/>
<statute_ref><a id="pl.17.13"></a><var>17.13</var>201.061, subdivision 1
         </statute_ref>; <br/>
<a id="pl.17.14"></a><var>17.14</var>    (2) on the day of an election as provided in section 
         <statute_ref>201.061, subdivision 3</statute_ref>; or <br/>
<a id="pl.17.15"></a><var>17.15</var>    (3) when submitting an absentee ballot, by enclosing a completed registration card <br/>
<a id="pl.17.16"></a><var>17.16</var>application as provided in section 
         <statute_ref>203B.04, subdivision 4</statute_ref>. <br/>
<br/>
<a id="bill.2.3.0"></a><a id="pl.17.17"></a><var>17.17</var>    Sec. 3. Minnesota Statutes 2006, section 201.061, subdivision 4, is amended to read:<br/>
<a id="pl.17.18"></a><var>17.18</var>    Subd. 4. <b>Registration by election judges; procedures.</b> Registration at the polling <br/>
<a id="pl.17.19"></a><var>17.19</var>place on election day shall be conducted by the election judges. The election judge who <br/>
<a id="pl.17.20"></a><var>17.20</var>registers an individual at the polling place on election day shall not handle that voter's <br/>
<a id="pl.17.21"></a><var>17.21</var>ballots at any time prior to the opening of the ballot box after the voting ends. Registration <br/>
<a id="pl.17.22"></a><var>17.22</var>cards applications and forms for oaths shall be available at each polling place. If an <br/>
<a id="pl.17.23"></a><var>17.23</var>individual who registers on election day proves residence by oath of a registered voter, the <br/>
<a id="pl.17.24"></a><var>17.24</var>form containing the oath shall be attached to the individual's registration card application. <br/>
<a id="pl.17.25"></a><var>17.25</var>Registration cards applications completed on election day shall be forwarded to the <br/>
<a id="pl.17.26"></a><var>17.26</var>county auditor who shall add the name of each voter to the registration system unless the <br/>
<a id="pl.17.27"></a><var>17.27</var>information forwarded is substantially deficient. A county auditor who finds an election <br/>
<a id="pl.17.28"></a><var>17.28</var>day registration substantially deficient shall give written notice to the individual whose <br/>
<a id="pl.17.29"></a><var>17.29</var>registration is found deficient. An election day registration shall not be found deficient <br/>
<a id="pl.17.30"></a><var>17.30</var>solely because the individual who provided proof of residence was ineligible to do so.<br/>
<br/>
<a id="bill.2.4.0"></a><a id="pl.17.31"></a><var>17.31</var>    Sec. 4. Minnesota Statutes 2006, section 201.071, subdivision 3, is amended to read:<br/>
<a id="pl.18.1"></a><var>18.1</var>    Subd. 3. <b>Deficient registration.</b> No voter registration application is deficient if it <br/>
<a id="pl.18.2"></a><var>18.2</var>contains the voter's name, address, date of birth, current and valid Minnesota driver's <br/>
<a id="pl.18.3"></a><var>18.3</var>license number or Minnesota state identification number, or if the voter has no current and <br/>
<a id="pl.18.4"></a><var>18.4</var>valid Minnesota driver's license or Minnesota state identification number, the last four <br/>
<a id="pl.18.5"></a><var>18.5</var>digits of the voter's Social Security number, if the voter has been issued a Social Security <br/>
<a id="pl.18.6"></a><var>18.6</var>number, prior registration, if any, and signature. The absence of a zip code number does <br/>
<a id="pl.18.7"></a><var>18.7</var>not cause the registration to be deficient. Failure to check a box on an application form <br/>
<a id="pl.18.8"></a><var>18.8</var>that a voter has certified to be true does not cause the registration to be deficient. The <br/>
<a id="pl.18.9"></a><var>18.9</var>election judges shall request an individual to correct a voter registration application if it is <br/>
<a id="pl.18.10"></a><var>18.10</var>deficient or illegible or if the name or number of the voter's school district is missing or <br/>
<a id="pl.18.11"></a><var>18.11</var>obviously incorrect. No eligible voter may be prevented from voting unless the voter's <br/>
<a id="pl.18.12"></a><var>18.12</var>registration application is deficient or the voter is duly and successfully challenged in <br/>
<a id="pl.18.13"></a><var>18.13</var>accordance with section 
         <statute_ref>201.195</statute_ref> or 
         <statute_ref>204C.12</statute_ref>. <br/>
<a id="pl.18.14"></a><var>18.14</var>    A voter registration application accepted prior to August 1, 1983, is not deficient <br/>
<a id="pl.18.15"></a><var>18.15</var>for lack of date of birth. The county or municipality may attempt to obtain the date of <br/>
<a id="pl.18.16"></a><var>18.16</var>birth for a voter registration application accepted prior to August 1, 1983, by a request to <br/>
<a id="pl.18.17"></a><var>18.17</var>the voter at any time except at the polling place. Failure by the voter to comply with this <br/>
<a id="pl.18.18"></a><var>18.18</var>request does not make the registration deficient.<br/>
<a id="pl.18.19"></a><var>18.19</var>    A voter registration application accepted before January 1, 2004, is not deficient for <br/>
<a id="pl.18.20"></a><var>18.20</var>lack of a valid Minnesota driver's license or state identification number or the last four <br/>
<a id="pl.18.21"></a><var>18.21</var>digits of a Social Security number. A voter registration application submitted by a voter <br/>
<a id="pl.18.22"></a><var>18.22</var>who does not have a Minnesota driver's license or state identification number, or a Social <br/>
<a id="pl.18.23"></a><var>18.23</var>Security number, is not deficient for lack of any of these numbers.<br/>
<br/>
<a id="bill.2.5.0"></a><a id="pl.18.24"></a><var>18.24</var>    Sec. 5. Minnesota Statutes 2006, section 201.071, subdivision 4, is amended to read:<br/>
<a id="pl.18.25"></a><var>18.25</var>    Subd. 4. <b>Change of registration.</b> Any A county auditor who receives a registration <br/>
<a id="pl.18.26"></a><var>18.26</var>card application indicating that an individual was previously registered in a different <br/>
<a id="pl.18.27"></a><var>18.27</var>county in Minnesota shall notify the county auditor of that county update the voter's <br/>
<a id="pl.18.28"></a><var>18.28</var>record electronically through the statewide registration system in the manner prescribed <br/>
<a id="pl.18.29"></a><var>18.29</var>in the rules of by the secretary of state. A county auditor receiving a registration card <br/>
<a id="pl.18.30"></a><var>18.30</var>indicating that a voter was previously registered in a different precinct in the same county <br/>
<a id="pl.18.31"></a><var>18.31</var>or receiving a notification as provided in this subdivision shall remove that individual's <br/>
<a id="pl.18.32"></a><var>18.32</var>voter registration card from the files. Any A county auditor who receives a registration <br/>
<a id="pl.18.33"></a><var>18.33</var>card application or notification requiring a change of registration records under this <br/>
<a id="pl.18.34"></a><var>18.34</var>subdivision as a result of an election day registration shall also check the statewide <br/>
<a id="pl.19.1"></a><var>19.1</var>registration system to determine whether the individual voted in more than one precinct in <br/>
<a id="pl.19.2"></a><var>19.2</var>the most recent election.<br/>
<br/>
<a id="bill.2.6.0"></a><a id="pl.19.3"></a><var>19.3</var>    Sec. 6. Minnesota Statutes 2006, section 201.081, is amended to read:<br/>
<a id="pl.19.4"></a><var>19.4</var><b>201.081 REGISTRATION FILES.</b><br/>
<a id="pl.19.5"></a><var>19.5</var>    The statewide registration system is the official record of registered voters. The <br/>
<a id="pl.19.6"></a><var>19.6</var>voter registration cards applications and the terminal providing access to the statewide <br/>
<a id="pl.19.7"></a><var>19.7</var>registration system must be under the control of the county auditor or the public official to <br/>
<a id="pl.19.8"></a><var>19.8</var>whom the county auditor has delegated the responsibility for maintaining voter registration <br/>
<a id="pl.19.9"></a><var>19.9</var>records. The voter registration cards applications and terminals providing access to the <br/>
<a id="pl.19.10"></a><var>19.10</var>statewide registration system must not be removed from the control of the county auditor <br/>
<a id="pl.19.11"></a><var>19.11</var>except as provided in this subdivision. The county auditor may make photographic copies <br/>
<a id="pl.19.12"></a><var>19.12</var>of voter registration cards applications in the manner provided by section 
         <statute_ref>138.17</statute_ref>. <br/>
<a id="pl.19.13"></a><var>19.13</var>    A properly completed voter registration card application that has been submitted to <br/>
<a id="pl.19.14"></a><var>19.14</var>the secretary of state or a county auditor must be maintained by the secretary of state or <br/>
<a id="pl.19.15"></a><var>19.15</var>the county auditor for at least 22 months after the date that the information on the card <br/>
<a id="pl.19.16"></a><var>19.16</var>application is entered into the database of the statewide registration system. The secretary <br/>
<a id="pl.19.17"></a><var>19.17</var>of state or the county auditor may dispose of the cards applications after retention for 22 <br/>
<a id="pl.19.18"></a><var>19.18</var>months in the manner provided by section 
         <statute_ref>138.17</statute_ref>. <br/>
<br/>
<a id="bill.2.7.0"></a><a id="pl.19.19"></a><var>19.19</var>    Sec. 7. Minnesota Statutes 2006, section 201.091, subdivision 1, is amended to read:<br/>
<a id="pl.19.20"></a><var>19.20</var>    Subdivision 1. <b>Master list.</b> Each county auditor shall prepare and maintain a <br/>
<a id="pl.19.21"></a><var>19.21</var>current list of registered voters in each precinct in the county which is known as the <br/>
<a id="pl.19.22"></a><var>19.22</var>master list. The master list must be created by entering each completed voter registration <br/>
<a id="pl.19.23"></a><var>19.23</var>card application received by the county auditor into the statewide registration system. It <br/>
<a id="pl.19.24"></a><var>19.24</var>must show the name, residence address, and date of birth of each voter registered in <br/>
<a id="pl.19.25"></a><var>19.25</var>the precinct. The information contained in the master list may only be made available <br/>
<a id="pl.19.26"></a><var>19.26</var>to public officials for purposes related to election administration, jury selection, and in <br/>
<a id="pl.19.27"></a><var>19.27</var>response to a law enforcement inquiry concerning a violation of or failure to comply with <br/>
<a id="pl.19.28"></a><var>19.28</var>any criminal statute or state or local tax statute.<br/>
<br/>
<a id="bill.2.8.0"></a><a id="pl.19.29"></a><var>19.29</var>    Sec. 8. Minnesota Statutes 2006, section 201.091, subdivision 8, is amended to read:<br/>
<a id="pl.19.30"></a><var>19.30</var>    Subd. 8. <b>Registration places.</b> Each county auditor shall designate a number of <br/>
<a id="pl.19.31"></a><var>19.31</var>public buildings in those political subdivisions of the county where preregistration of <br/>
<a id="pl.19.32"></a><var>19.32</var>voters is allowed as provided in section 
         <statute_ref>201.061, subdivision 1</statute_ref>, where eligible voters may <br/>
<a id="pl.19.33"></a><var>19.33</var>register to vote. At least one public building must be designated for each 30,000 residents <br/>
<a id="pl.20.1"></a><var>20.1</var>of the county. At least one telecommunications device for the deaf must be available for <br/>
<a id="pl.20.2"></a><var>20.2</var>voter registration information in each county seat and in every city of the first, second, <br/>
<a id="pl.20.3"></a><var>20.3</var>and third class. <br/>
<a id="pl.20.4"></a><var>20.4</var>    An adequate supply of registration cards applications and instructions must be <br/>
<a id="pl.20.5"></a><var>20.5</var>maintained at each designated location, and a designated individual must be available <br/>
<a id="pl.20.6"></a><var>20.6</var>there to accept registration cards applications and transmit them to the county auditor.<br/>
<a id="pl.20.7"></a><var>20.7</var>    A person who, because of disability, needs assistance in order to determine eligibility <br/>
<a id="pl.20.8"></a><var>20.8</var>or to register must be assisted by a designated individual. Assistance includes but is not <br/>
<a id="pl.20.9"></a><var>20.9</var>limited to reading the registration form and instructions and filling out the registration <br/>
<a id="pl.20.10"></a><var>20.10</var>form as directed by the eligible voter.<br/>
<br/>
<a id="bill.2.9.0"></a><a id="pl.20.11"></a><var>20.11</var>    Sec. 9. Minnesota Statutes 2006, section 201.27, subdivision 1, is amended to read:<br/>
<a id="pl.20.12"></a><var>20.12</var>    Subdivision 1. <b>Intentional violation.</b> No officer, deputy, clerk, or other employee <br/>
<a id="pl.20.13"></a><var>20.13</var>shall intentionally:<br/>
<a id="pl.20.14"></a><var>20.14</var>    (1) fail to perform or enforce any of the provisions of this chapter except subdivision <br/>
<a id="pl.20.15"></a><var>20.15</var>2;<br/>
<a id="pl.20.16"></a><var>20.16</var>    (2) remove a registration card application or record from its proper place in the <br/>
<a id="pl.20.17"></a><var>20.17</var>registration files in a manner or for a purpose not authorized by law;<br/>
<a id="pl.20.18"></a><var>20.18</var>    (3) destroy or make an unauthorized change to a record required to be kept by <br/>
<a id="pl.20.19"></a><var>20.19</var>this chapter; or<br/>
<a id="pl.20.20"></a><var>20.20</var>    (4) add a name or names to the voter registration files, records, or cards applications, <br/>
<a id="pl.20.21"></a><var>20.21</var>except as authorized by law.<br/>
<a id="pl.20.22"></a><var>20.22</var>    An individual who violates this subdivision is guilty of a felony.<br/>
<br/>
<a id="bill.2.10.0"></a><a id="pl.20.23"></a><var>20.23</var>    Sec. 10. Minnesota Statutes 2006, section 203B.04, subdivision 1, is amended to read:<br/>
<a id="pl.20.24"></a><var>20.24</var>    Subdivision 1. <b>Application procedures.</b> Except as otherwise allowed by <br/>
<a id="pl.20.25"></a><var>20.25</var>subdivision 2 or by section 203B.11, subdivision 4, an application for absentee ballots <br/>
<a id="pl.20.26"></a><var>20.26</var>for any election may be submitted at any time not less than one day before the day of <br/>
<a id="pl.20.27"></a><var>20.27</var>that election. The county auditor shall prepare absentee ballot application forms in the <br/>
<a id="pl.20.28"></a><var>20.28</var>format provided by the secretary of state, notwithstanding rules on absentee ballot forms, <br/>
<a id="pl.20.29"></a><var>20.29</var>and shall furnish them to any person on request. By January 1 of each even-numbered <br/>
<a id="pl.20.30"></a><var>20.30</var>year, the secretary of state shall make the forms to be used available to auditors through <br/>
<a id="pl.20.31"></a><var>20.31</var>electronic means. An application submitted pursuant to this subdivision shall be in writing <br/>
<a id="pl.20.32"></a><var>20.32</var>and shall be submitted to:<br/>
<a id="pl.20.33"></a><var>20.33</var>    (a) the county auditor of the county where the applicant maintains residence; or<br/>
<a id="pl.21.1"></a><var>21.1</var>    (b) the municipal clerk of the municipality, or school district if applicable, where <br/>
<a id="pl.21.2"></a><var>21.2</var>the applicant maintains residence.<br/>
<a id="pl.21.3"></a><var>21.3</var>    An application shall be approved if it is timely received, signed and dated by the <br/>
<a id="pl.21.4"></a><var>21.4</var>applicant, contains the applicant's name and residence and mailing addresses, and states <br/>
<a id="pl.21.5"></a><var>21.5</var>that the applicant is eligible to vote by absentee ballot for one of the reasons specified in <br/>
<a id="pl.21.6"></a><var>21.6</var>section 
         <statute_ref>203B.02</statute_ref>. The application may contain a request for the voter's date of birth, which <br/>
<a id="pl.21.7"></a><var>21.7</var>must not be made available for public inspection. An application may be submitted to <br/>
<a id="pl.21.8"></a><var>21.8</var>the county auditor or municipal clerk by an electronic facsimile device. An application <br/>
<a id="pl.21.9"></a><var>21.9</var>mailed or returned in person to the county auditor or municipal clerk on behalf of a voter <br/>
<a id="pl.21.10"></a><var>21.10</var>by a person other than the voter must be deposited in the mail or returned in person to <br/>
<a id="pl.21.11"></a><var>21.11</var>the county auditor or municipal clerk within ten days after it has been dated by the voter <br/>
<a id="pl.21.12"></a><var>21.12</var>and no later than six days before the election. The absentee ballot applications or a list of <br/>
<a id="pl.21.13"></a><var>21.13</var>persons applying for an absentee ballot may not be made available for public inspection <br/>
<a id="pl.21.14"></a><var>21.14</var>until the close of voting on election day.<br/>
<a id="pl.21.15"></a><var>21.15</var>    An application under this subdivision may contain an application under subdivision <br/>
<a id="pl.21.16"></a><var>21.16</var>5 to automatically receive an absentee ballot application.<br/>
<br/>
<a id="bill.2.11.0"></a><a id="pl.21.17"></a><var>21.17</var>    Sec. 11. Minnesota Statutes 2006, section 203B.04, subdivision 4, is amended to read:<br/>
<a id="pl.21.18"></a><var>21.18</var>    Subd. 4. <b>Registration at time of application.</b> An eligible voter who is not <br/>
<a id="pl.21.19"></a><var>21.19</var>registered to vote but who is otherwise eligible to vote by absentee ballot may register by <br/>
<a id="pl.21.20"></a><var>21.20</var>including a completed voter registration card application with the absentee ballot. The <br/>
<a id="pl.21.21"></a><var>21.21</var>individual shall present proof of residence as required by section 
         <statute_ref>201.061, subdivision <br/>
<a id="pl.21.22"></a><var>21.22</var>3
         </statute_ref>, to the individual who witnesses the marking of the absentee ballots. A military voter, <br/>
<a id="pl.21.23"></a><var>21.23</var>as defined in section 
         <statute_ref>203B.01</statute_ref>, may register in this manner if voting pursuant to sections <br/>
<statute_ref><a id="pl.21.24"></a><var>21.24</var>203B.04
         </statute_ref> to 
         <statute_ref>203B.15</statute_ref>, or may register pursuant to sections 
         <statute_ref>203B.16</statute_ref> to 
         <statute_ref>203B.27</statute_ref>.<br/>
<br/>
<a id="bill.2.12.0"></a><a id="pl.21.25"></a><var>21.25</var>    Sec. 12. Minnesota Statutes 2006, section 203B.05, subdivision 2, is amended to read:<br/>
<a id="pl.21.26"></a><var>21.26</var>    Subd. 2. <b>City, school district, and town elections.</b> For city, town, and school <br/>
<a id="pl.21.27"></a><var>21.27</var>district elections not held on the same day as a statewide election, for school district <br/>
<a id="pl.21.28"></a><var>21.28</var>elections not held on the same day as a statewide election, and for town elections <br/>
<a id="pl.21.29"></a><var>21.29</var>conducted under the Australian ballot system, applications for absentee ballots shall be <br/>
<a id="pl.21.30"></a><var>21.30</var>filed with the city, school district, or town clerk and the duties prescribed by this chapter for <br/>
<a id="pl.21.31"></a><var>21.31</var>the county auditor shall be performed by the city, school district, or town clerk unless the <br/>
<a id="pl.21.32"></a><var>21.32</var>county auditor agrees to perform those duties on behalf of the city, school district, or town <br/>
<a id="pl.21.33"></a><var>21.33</var>clerk. The costs incurred to provide absentee ballots and perform the duties prescribed by <br/>
<a id="pl.21.34"></a><var>21.34</var>this subdivision shall be paid by the city, town, or school district holding the election.<br/>
<a id="pl.22.1"></a><var>22.1</var>    Notwithstanding any other law, this chapter applies to school district elections held <br/>
<a id="pl.22.2"></a><var>22.2</var>on the same day as a statewide election or an election for a county or municipality wholly <br/>
<a id="pl.22.3"></a><var>22.3</var>or partially within the school district.<br/>
<br/>
<a id="bill.2.13.0"></a><a id="pl.22.4"></a><var>22.4</var>    Sec. 13. Minnesota Statutes 2006, section 203B.07, subdivision 1, is amended to read:<br/>
<a id="pl.22.5"></a><var>22.5</var>    Subdivision 1. <b>Delivery of envelopes, directions.</b> The county auditor or the <br/>
<a id="pl.22.6"></a><var>22.6</var>municipal clerk shall prepare, print, and transmit a return envelope, a ballot envelope, and <br/>
<a id="pl.22.7"></a><var>22.7</var>a copy of the directions for casting an absentee ballot to each applicant whose application <br/>
<a id="pl.22.8"></a><var>22.8</var>for absentee ballots is accepted pursuant to section 
         <statute_ref>203B.04</statute_ref>. The directions for casting <br/>
<a id="pl.22.9"></a><var>22.9</var>an absentee ballot shall be printed in at least 14-point bold type with heavy leading and <br/>
<a id="pl.22.10"></a><var>22.10</var>may be printed on the ballot envelope. When a person requests the directions in Braille <br/>
<a id="pl.22.11"></a><var>22.11</var>or on cassette tape, the county auditor or municipal clerk shall provide them in the form <br/>
<a id="pl.22.12"></a><var>22.12</var>requested. The secretary of state shall prepare Braille and cassette copies and make them <br/>
<a id="pl.22.13"></a><var>22.13</var>available. <br/>
<a id="pl.22.14"></a><var>22.14</var>    When a voter registration card application is sent to the applicant as provided in <br/>
<a id="pl.22.15"></a><var>22.15</var>section 
         <statute_ref>203B.06, subdivision 4</statute_ref>, the directions or registration card application shall include <br/>
<a id="pl.22.16"></a><var>22.16</var>instructions for registering to vote. <br/>
<br/>
<a id="bill.2.14.0"></a><a id="pl.22.17"></a><var>22.17</var>    Sec. 14. Minnesota Statutes 2006, section 203B.08, subdivision 3, is amended to read:<br/>
<a id="pl.22.18"></a><var>22.18</var>    Subd. 3. <b>Procedures on receipt of ballots.</b> When absentee ballots are returned to a <br/>
<a id="pl.22.19"></a><var>22.19</var>county auditor or municipal clerk, that official shall stamp or initial and date the return <br/>
<a id="pl.22.20"></a><var>22.20</var>envelope with an official seal of the office and place it in a secure location with other <br/>
<a id="pl.22.21"></a><var>22.21</var>return envelopes received by that office. The county auditor or municipal clerk shall <br/>
<a id="pl.22.22"></a><var>22.22</var>deliver to the appropriate election judges on election day all ballots received before or <br/>
<a id="pl.22.23"></a><var>22.23</var>with the last mail delivery by the United States Postal Service on election day. A town <br/>
<a id="pl.22.24"></a><var>22.24</var>clerk may request the United States Postal Service to deliver absentee ballots to the polling <br/>
<a id="pl.22.25"></a><var>22.25</var>place on election day instead of to the official address of the town clerk.<br/>
<br/>
<a id="bill.2.15.0"></a><a id="pl.22.26"></a><var>22.26</var>    Sec. 15. Minnesota Statutes 2006, section 203B.10, is amended to read:<br/>
<a id="pl.22.27"></a><var>22.27</var><b>203B.10 DELIVERY OF ABSENTEE BALLOT APPLICATIONS TO </b><br/>
<a id="pl.22.28"></a><var>22.28</var><b>ELECTION JUDGES.</b><br/>
<a id="pl.22.29"></a><var>22.29</var>    (a) On the day before an election:<br/>
<a id="pl.22.30"></a><var>22.30</var>    (a) (1) the county auditor shall deliver to the municipal clerks within that county <br/>
<a id="pl.22.31"></a><var>22.31</var>the applications for absentee ballots theretofore received and endorsed as provided in <br/>
<a id="pl.22.32"></a><var>22.32</var>section 
         <statute_ref>203B.06, subdivision 5</statute_ref>; and <br/>
<a id="pl.23.1"></a><var>23.1</var>    (b) (2) the municipal clerks shall deliver the applications received from the county <br/>
<a id="pl.23.2"></a><var>23.2</var>auditor and the applications for absentee ballots filed with their respective offices and <br/>
<a id="pl.23.3"></a><var>23.3</var>endorsed as provided in section 
         <statute_ref>203B.06, subdivision 5</statute_ref>, to the appropriate election <br/>
<a id="pl.23.4"></a><var>23.4</var>judges. Applications received on election day pursuant to section 
         <statute_ref>203B.04, subdivision <br/>
<a id="pl.23.5"></a><var>23.5</var>2
         </statute_ref>, shall be promptly delivered to the election judges in the precincts or to the judges of <br/>
<a id="pl.23.6"></a><var>23.6</var>an absentee ballot board. <br/>
<a id="pl.23.7"></a><var>23.7</var>    (b) Delivery of the applications to the municipal clerks and election judges in the <br/>
<a id="pl.23.8"></a><var>23.8</var>precinct is not required if the absentee ballot envelopes have been accepted or rejected <br/>
<a id="pl.23.9"></a><var>23.9</var>by an absentee ballot board pursuant to section 203B.13.<br/>
<br/>
<a id="bill.2.16.0"></a><a id="pl.23.10"></a><var>23.10</var>    Sec. 16. Minnesota Statutes 2006, section 204B.06, subdivision 8, is amended to read:<br/>
<a id="pl.23.11"></a><var>23.11</var>    Subd. 8. <b>Proof of eligibility.</b> A candidate for judicial office or for the office of <br/>
<a id="pl.23.12"></a><var>23.12</var>county attorney shall submit with the affidavit of candidacy proof that the candidate is <br/>
<a id="pl.23.13"></a><var>23.13</var>licensed to practice law in this state. Proof means providing a copy of a current attorney <br/>
<a id="pl.23.14"></a><var>23.14</var>license.<br/>
<a id="pl.23.15"></a><var>23.15</var>    A candidate for county sheriff shall submit with the affidavit of candidacy proof of <br/>
<a id="pl.23.16"></a><var>23.16</var>licensure as a peace officer in this state. Proof means providing a copy of a current Peace <br/>
<a id="pl.23.17"></a><var>23.17</var>Officer Standards and Training Board license.<br/>
<a id="pl.23.18"></a><var>23.18</var><b>EFFECTIVE DATE.</b>This section is effective for elections held after June 1, 2008.<br/>
<br/>
<a id="bill.2.17.0"></a><a id="pl.23.19"></a><var>23.19</var>    Sec. 17. Minnesota Statutes 2006, section 204B.08, subdivision 3, is amended to read:<br/>
<a id="pl.23.20"></a><var>23.20</var>    Subd. 3. <b>Number of signatures.</b> The number of signatures required on a <br/>
<a id="pl.23.21"></a><var>23.21</var>nominating petition shall be as follows:<br/>
<a id="pl.23.22"></a><var>23.22</var>    (a) for a federal or state office voted on statewide or for United States senator, one <br/>
<a id="pl.23.23"></a><var>23.23</var>percent of the total number of individuals voting in the state at the last preceding state <br/>
<a id="pl.23.24"></a><var>23.24</var>general election, or 2,000, whichever is less;<br/>
<a id="pl.23.25"></a><var>23.25</var>    (b) for a congressional office, five percent of the total number of individuals voting <br/>
<a id="pl.23.26"></a><var>23.26</var>in the district at the last preceding state general election, or 1,000, whichever is less;<br/>
<a id="pl.23.27"></a><var>23.27</var>    (c) for a county or legislative office, ten percent of the total number of individuals <br/>
<a id="pl.23.28"></a><var>23.28</var>voting in the county or legislative district at the last preceding state or county general <br/>
<a id="pl.23.29"></a><var>23.29</var>election, or 500, whichever is less;<br/>
<a id="pl.23.30"></a><var>23.30</var>    (d) for a municipal office in a city of the first class, the number specified in section <br/>
<statute_ref><a id="pl.23.31"></a><var>23.31</var>205.121
         </statute_ref>; and <br/>
<a id="pl.23.32"></a><var>23.32</var>    (e) for any other municipal or school district office, ten percent of the total number <br/>
<a id="pl.23.33"></a><var>23.33</var>of individuals voting in the municipality, ward, school district, or other election district <br/>
<a id="pl.24.1"></a><var>24.1</var>at the last preceding municipal, or school district if applicable, general election, or 500, <br/>
<a id="pl.24.2"></a><var>24.2</var>whichever is less.<br/>
<br/>
<a id="bill.2.18.0"></a><a id="pl.24.3"></a><var>24.3</var>    Sec. 18. Minnesota Statutes 2006, section 205A.10, subdivision 1, is amended to read:<br/>
<a id="pl.24.4"></a><var>24.4</var>    Subdivision 1. <b>Materials, ballots.</b> The school district clerk shall prepare and have <br/>
<a id="pl.24.5"></a><var>24.5</var>printed the necessary election materials, including ballots, for a school district election. <br/>
<a id="pl.24.6"></a><var>24.6</var>The name of each candidate for office shall be rotated with the names of the other <br/>
<a id="pl.24.7"></a><var>24.7</var>candidates for the same office so that the name of each candidate appears substantially <br/>
<a id="pl.24.8"></a><var>24.8</var>an equal number of times at the top, at the bottom, and at each intermediate place in the <br/>
<a id="pl.24.9"></a><var>24.9</var>group of candidates for that office names must be arranged on school district ballots in the <br/>
<a id="pl.24.10"></a><var>24.10</var>manner provided in section 204D.08, subdivision 3, for state elections.<br/>
<a id="pl.24.11"></a><var>24.11</var><b>EFFECTIVE DATE.</b>This section is effective for elections held after June 1, 2008.<br/>
<br/>
<a id="bill.2.19.0"></a><a id="pl.24.12"></a><var>24.12</var>    Sec. 19. Minnesota Statutes 2006, section 205A.11, subdivision 2, is amended to read:<br/>
<a id="pl.24.13"></a><var>24.13</var>    Subd. 2. <b>Combined polling place.</b> When no other election is being held in two or <br/>
<a id="pl.24.14"></a><var>24.14</var>more precincts on the day of a school district election, the school board may designate <br/>
<a id="pl.24.15"></a><var>24.15</var>one or more combined polling places at which the voters in those precincts may vote in <br/>
<a id="pl.24.16"></a><var>24.16</var>the school district election. In school districts that have organized into separate board <br/>
<a id="pl.24.17"></a><var>24.17</var>member election districts under section 205A.12, a combined polling place for a school <br/>
<a id="pl.24.18"></a><var>24.18</var>general election must be arranged so that it does not include more than one board member <br/>
<a id="pl.24.19"></a><var>24.19</var>election district.<br/>
<a id="pl.24.20"></a><var>24.20</var><b>EFFECTIVE DATE.</b>This section is effective for elections held after June 1, 2008.<br/>
<br/>
<a id="bill.2.20.0"></a><a id="pl.24.21"></a><var>24.21</var>    Sec. 20. Minnesota Statutes 2006, section 206.82, subdivision 2, is amended to read:<br/>
<a id="pl.24.22"></a><var>24.22</var>    Subd. 2. <b>Plan.</b> (a) Subject to paragraph (b), The municipal clerk in a municipality <br/>
<a id="pl.24.23"></a><var>24.23</var>where an electronic voting system is used and the county auditor of a county in which an <br/>
<a id="pl.24.24"></a><var>24.24</var>electronic voting system is used in more than one municipality and the county auditor of <br/>
<a id="pl.24.25"></a><var>24.25</var>a county in which a counting center serving more than one municipality is located shall <br/>
<a id="pl.24.26"></a><var>24.26</var>prepare a plan which indicates acquisition of sufficient facilities, computer time, and <br/>
<a id="pl.24.27"></a><var>24.27</var>professional services and which describes the proposed manner of complying with section <br/>
<statute_ref><a id="pl.24.28"></a><var>24.28</var>206.80
         </statute_ref>. The plan must be signed, notarized, and submitted to the secretary of state more <br/>
<a id="pl.24.29"></a><var>24.29</var>than 60 days before the first election at which the municipality uses an electronic voting <br/>
<a id="pl.24.30"></a><var>24.30</var>system. Prior to July 1 of each subsequent general election year, the clerk or auditor <br/>
<a id="pl.24.31"></a><var>24.31</var>shall submit to the secretary of state notification of any changes to the plan on file with <br/>
<a id="pl.24.32"></a><var>24.32</var>the secretary of state. The secretary of state shall review each plan for its sufficiency and <br/>
<a id="pl.25.1"></a><var>25.1</var>may request technical assistance from the Department of Administration or other agency <br/>
<a id="pl.25.2"></a><var>25.2</var>which may be operating as the central computer authority. The secretary of state shall <br/>
<a id="pl.25.3"></a><var>25.3</var>notify each reporting authority of the sufficiency or insufficiency of its plan within 20 days <br/>
<a id="pl.25.4"></a><var>25.4</var>of receipt of the plan. The attorney general, upon request of the secretary of state, may <br/>
<a id="pl.25.5"></a><var>25.5</var>seek a district court order requiring an election official to fulfill duties imposed by this <br/>
<a id="pl.25.6"></a><var>25.6</var>subdivision or by rules promulgated pursuant to this section.<br/>
<a id="pl.25.7"></a><var>25.7</var>    (b) Systems implemented by counties and municipalities in calendar year 2006 are <br/>
<a id="pl.25.8"></a><var>25.8</var>exempt from paragraph (a) and section 
<statute_ref>206.58</statute_ref>, subdivision 4, if:<br/>
<a id="pl.25.9"></a><var>25.9</var>    (1) the municipality has fewer than 10,000 residents; and<br/>
<a id="pl.25.10"></a><var>25.10</var>    (2) a valid county plan was filed by the county auditor of the county in which the <br/>
<a id="pl.25.11"></a><var>25.11</var>municipality is located.<br/>
<br/>
<a id="bill.2.21.0"></a><a id="pl.25.12"></a><var>25.12</var>    Sec. 21. Laws 2004, chapter 293, article 1, section 37, subdivision 2, is amended to <br/>
<a id="pl.25.13"></a><var>25.13</var>read:<br/>
<a id="pl.25.14"></a><var>25.14</var>    Subd. 2. <b>Social Security number.</b> A voter must not be included on the list of voters <br/>
<a id="pl.25.15"></a><var>25.15</var>prepared under Minnesota Statutes, section 
         <statute_ref>201.121, subdivision 1</statute_ref>, whose registration is <br/>
<a id="pl.25.16"></a><var>25.16</var>incomplete because of a failure to match the last four digits of the voter's Social Security <br/>
<a id="pl.25.17"></a><var>25.17</var>number until the commissioner of public safety has:<br/>
<a id="pl.25.18"></a><var>25.18</var>    (1) entered into an agreement with the commissioner of the Social Security <br/>
<a id="pl.25.19"></a><var>25.19</var>Administration under Minnesota Statutes, section 
         <statute_ref>201.1615</statute_ref>, regarding the use of the last <br/>
<a id="pl.25.20"></a><var>25.20</var>four digits of a Social Security number to verify voter registration information;<br/>
<a id="pl.25.21"></a><var>25.21</var>    (2) assembled a complete and current database of the last four digits of the Social <br/>
<a id="pl.25.22"></a><var>25.22</var>Security number of each resident of this state as maintained by the Social Security <br/>
<a id="pl.25.23"></a><var>25.23</var>Administration; and <br/>
<a id="pl.25.24"></a><var>25.24</var>    (3) (2) certified, along with the secretary of state, that the voter registration system <br/>
<a id="pl.25.25"></a><var>25.25</var>has been tested and shown to properly verify the last four digits of a voter's Social <br/>
<a id="pl.25.26"></a><var>25.26</var>Security number.<br/>
<a id="pl.25.27"></a><var>25.27</var><b>EFFECTIVE DATE.</b>This section is effective retroactively to November 29, 2007.<br/>
<br/>
<a id="bill.2.22.0"></a><a id="pl.25.28"></a><var>25.28</var>    Sec. 22. <b>EFFECTIVE DATE.</b><br/>
<a id="pl.25.29"></a><var>25.29</var>    Unless otherwise specified, all sections in this article are effective on June 1, 2008.<br/>