<a id="pl.1.3"></a><var>1.3</var>from campaign finance reporting requirements; changing a definition and certain <br/>
<a id="pl.1.4"></a><var>1.4</var>exceptions; requiring preelection reports of certain political committees and <br/>
<a id="pl.1.5"></a><var>1.5</var>political funds; changing preelection reporting requirements for contributions <br/>
<a id="pl.1.6"></a><var>1.6</var>to candidates; advancing deadline to file affidavit of contributions; requiring <br/>
<a id="pl.1.7"></a><var>1.7</var>captioning of certain campaign advertisements; providing for delivery of <br/>
<a id="pl.1.8"></a><var>1.8</var>absentee ballots to an agent of certain persons and return of ballots by the agent; <br/>
<a id="pl.1.9"></a><var>1.9</var>permitting appointment of election judges not affiliated with a major political <br/>
<a id="pl.1.10"></a><var>1.10</var>party; eliminating an approval requirement for mail elections; increasing the <br/>
<a id="pl.1.11"></a><var>1.11</var>maximum time to conduct certain special elections; modifying recount of special <br/>
<a id="pl.1.12"></a><var>1.12</var>primary or special election; changing certain school district election provisions; <br/>
<a id="pl.1.13"></a><var>1.13</var>authorizing certain school board primary elections; shortening time to complete <br/>
<a id="pl.1.14"></a><var>1.14</var>postelection review of electronic voting system results; changing a prohibition <br/>
<a id="pl.1.15"></a><var>1.15</var>on certain expenditures; authorizing use of certain voter registration application <br/>
<a id="pl.1.16"></a><var>1.16</var>forms;amending Minnesota Statutes 2006, sections 10A.01, subdivisions <br/>
<a id="pl.1.17"></a><var>1.17</var>7, 26; 10A.071, subdivision 3; 10A.14, subdivision 1; 10A.20, subdivision <br/>
<a id="pl.1.18"></a><var>1.18</var>5; 10A.322, subdivision 1; 10A.323; 203B.06, subdivision 3; 203B.11, <br/>
<a id="pl.1.19"></a><var>1.19</var>subdivision 4; 204B.21, subdivisions 1, 2; 204B.46; 204D.19, subdivision 2; <br/>
<a id="pl.1.20"></a><var>1.20</var>204D.23, subdivision 2; 204D.27, by adding a subdivision; 205.075, by adding <br/>
<a id="pl.1.21"></a><var>1.21</var>a subdivision; 205A.03, subdivision 1; 205A.06, subdivision 1a; 205A.10, <br/>
<a id="pl.1.22"></a><var>1.22</var>subdivision 2; 205A.12, by adding a subdivision; 206.89, subdivision 5; 211B.12; <br/>
<a id="pl.1.23"></a><var>1.23</var>proposing coding for new law in Minnesota Statutes, chapter 10A.<br/>
<a id="pl.1.24"></a><var>1.24</var>BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF MINNESOTA:<br/>
<br/>
<a id="bill.0.1.0"></a><a id="pl.1.25"></a><var>1.25</var>    Section 1. Minnesota Statutes 2006, section 10A.01, subdivision 7, is amended to read:<br/>
<a id="pl.1.26"></a><var>1.26</var>    Subd. 7. <b>Ballot question.</b> "Ballot question" means a question or proposition that is <br/>
<a id="pl.1.27"></a><var>1.27</var>placed on the ballot and that may be voted on by all voters of the state. "Promoting or <br/>
<a id="pl.1.28"></a><var>1.28</var>defeating a ballot question" includes activities, other than lobbying activities, related to <br/>
<a id="pl.1.29"></a><var>1.29</var>qualifying the question for placement on the ballot.<br/>
<a id="pl.1.30"></a><var>1.30</var><b>EFFECTIVE DATE.</b>This section is effective retroactively from January 1, 2008.<br/>
<br/>
<a id="bill.0.2.0"></a><a id="pl.2.1"></a><var>2.1</var>    Sec. 2. Minnesota Statutes 2006, section 10A.01, subdivision 26, is amended to read:<br/>
<a id="pl.2.2"></a><var>2.2</var>    Subd. 26. <b>Noncampaign disbursement.</b> "Noncampaign disbursement" means <br/>
<a id="pl.2.3"></a><var>2.3</var>a purchase or payment of money or anything of value made, or an advance of credit <br/>
<a id="pl.2.4"></a><var>2.4</var>incurred, or a donation in kind received, by a principal campaign committee for any of <br/>
<a id="pl.2.5"></a><var>2.5</var>the following purposes:<br/>
<a id="pl.2.6"></a><var>2.6</var>    (1) payment for accounting and legal services;<br/>
<a id="pl.2.7"></a><var>2.7</var>    (2) return of a contribution to the source;<br/>
<a id="pl.2.8"></a><var>2.8</var>    (3) repayment of a loan made to the principal campaign committee by that <br/>
<a id="pl.2.9"></a><var>2.9</var>committee;<br/>
<a id="pl.2.10"></a><var>2.10</var>    (4) return of a public subsidy;<br/>
<a id="pl.2.11"></a><var>2.11</var>    (5) payment for food, beverages, entertainment, and facility rental for a fund-raising <br/>
<a id="pl.2.12"></a><var>2.12</var>event;<br/>
<a id="pl.2.13"></a><var>2.13</var>    (6) services for a constituent by a member of the legislature or a constitutional officer <br/>
<a id="pl.2.14"></a><var>2.14</var>in the executive branch, including the costs of preparing and distributing a suggestion or <br/>
<a id="pl.2.15"></a><var>2.15</var>idea solicitation to constituents, performed from the beginning of the term of office to <br/>
<a id="pl.2.16"></a><var>2.16</var>adjournment sine die of the legislature in the election year for the office held, and half <br/>
<a id="pl.2.17"></a><var>2.17</var>the cost of services for a constituent by a member of the legislature or a constitutional <br/>
<a id="pl.2.18"></a><var>2.18</var>officer in the executive branch performed from adjournment sine die to 60 days after <br/>
<a id="pl.2.19"></a><var>2.19</var>adjournment sine die;<br/>
<a id="pl.2.20"></a><var>2.20</var>    (7) payment for food and beverages consumed by a candidate or volunteers while <br/>
<a id="pl.2.21"></a><var>2.21</var>they are engaged in campaign activities;<br/>
<a id="pl.2.22"></a><var>2.22</var>    (8) payment for food or a beverage consumed while attending a reception or meeting <br/>
<a id="pl.2.23"></a><var>2.23</var>directly related to legislative duties;<br/>
<a id="pl.2.24"></a><var>2.24</var>    (9) payment of expenses incurred by elected or appointed leaders of a legislative <br/>
<a id="pl.2.25"></a><var>2.25</var>caucus in carrying out their leadership responsibilities;<br/>
<a id="pl.2.26"></a><var>2.26</var>    (10) payment by a principal campaign committee of the candidate's expenses for <br/>
<a id="pl.2.27"></a><var>2.27</var>serving in public office, other than for personal uses;<br/>
<a id="pl.2.28"></a><var>2.28</var>    (11) costs of child care for the candidate's children when campaigning;<br/>
<a id="pl.2.29"></a><var>2.29</var>    (12) fees paid to attend a campaign school;<br/>
<a id="pl.2.30"></a><var>2.30</var>    (13) costs of a postelection party during the election year when a candidate's name <br/>
<a id="pl.2.31"></a><var>2.31</var>will no longer appear on a ballot or the general election is concluded, whichever occurs <br/>
<a id="pl.2.32"></a><var>2.32</var>first;<br/>
<a id="pl.2.33"></a><var>2.33</var>    (14) interest on loans paid by a principal campaign committee on outstanding loans;<br/>
<a id="pl.2.34"></a><var>2.34</var>    (15) filing fees;<br/>
<a id="pl.2.35"></a><var>2.35</var>    (16) post-general election thank-you notes or advertisements in the news media;<br/>
<a id="pl.3.1"></a><var>3.1</var>    (17) the cost of campaign material purchased to replace defective campaign material, <br/>
<a id="pl.3.2"></a><var>3.2</var>if the defective material is destroyed without being used;<br/>
<a id="pl.3.3"></a><var>3.3</var>    (18) contributions to a party unit;<br/>
<a id="pl.3.4"></a><var>3.4</var>    (19) payments for funeral gifts or memorials; <br/>
<a id="pl.3.5"></a><var>3.5</var>    (20) the cost of a magnet less than six inches in diameter containing legislator <br/>
<a id="pl.3.6"></a><var>3.6</var>contact information and distributed to constituents; and <br/>
<a id="pl.3.7"></a><var>3.7</var>    (21) costs associated with a candidate attending a political party state or national <br/>
<a id="pl.3.8"></a><var>3.8</var>convention in this state; and <br/>
<a id="pl.3.9"></a><var>3.9</var>    (22) other purchases or payments specified in board rules or advisory opinions as <br/>
<a id="pl.3.10"></a><var>3.10</var>being for any purpose other than to influence the nomination or election of a candidate <br/>
<a id="pl.3.11"></a><var>3.11</var>or to promote or defeat a ballot question.<br/>
<a id="pl.3.12"></a><var>3.12</var>    The board must determine whether an activity involves a noncampaign disbursement <br/>
<a id="pl.3.13"></a><var>3.13</var>within the meaning of this subdivision.<br/>
<a id="pl.3.14"></a><var>3.14</var>    A noncampaign disbursement is considered to be made in the year in which the <br/>
<a id="pl.3.15"></a><var>3.15</var>candidate made the purchase of goods or services or incurred an obligation to pay for <br/>
<a id="pl.3.16"></a><var>3.16</var>goods or services.<br/>
<br/>
<a id="bill.0.3.0"></a><a id="pl.3.17"></a><var>3.17</var>    Sec. 3. Minnesota Statutes 2006, section 10A.071, subdivision 3, is amended to read:<br/>
<a id="pl.3.18"></a><var>3.18</var>    Subd. 3. <b>Exceptions.</b> (a) The prohibitions in this section do not apply if the gift is:<br/>
<a id="pl.3.19"></a><var>3.19</var>    (1) a contribution as defined in section 
         <statute_ref>10A.01, subdivision 11</statute_ref>;<br/>
<a id="pl.3.20"></a><var>3.20</var>    (2) services to assist an official in the performance of official duties, including <br/>
<a id="pl.3.21"></a><var>3.21</var>but not limited to providing advice, consultation, information, and communication in <br/>
<a id="pl.3.22"></a><var>3.22</var>connection with legislation, and services to constituents;<br/>
<a id="pl.3.23"></a><var>3.23</var>    (3) services of insignificant monetary value;<br/>
<a id="pl.3.24"></a><var>3.24</var>    (4) a plaque or similar memento recognizing individual services in a field of <br/>
<a id="pl.3.25"></a><var>3.25</var>specialty or to a charitable cause with a resale value of $5 or less;<br/>
<a id="pl.3.26"></a><var>3.26</var>    (5) a trinket or memento costing $5 or less;<br/>
<a id="pl.3.27"></a><var>3.27</var>    (6) informational material of unexceptional value; or<br/>
<a id="pl.3.28"></a><var>3.28</var>    (7) food or a beverage given at a reception, meal, or meeting away from the <br/>
<a id="pl.3.29"></a><var>3.29</var>recipient's place of work by an organization before whom the recipient appears to make a <br/>
<a id="pl.3.30"></a><var>3.30</var>speech or answer questions as part of a program.<br/>
<a id="pl.3.31"></a><var>3.31</var>    (b) The prohibitions in this section do not apply if the gift is given:<br/>
<a id="pl.3.32"></a><var>3.32</var>    (1) because of the recipient's membership in a group, a majority of whose members <br/>
<a id="pl.3.33"></a><var>3.33</var>are not officials, and an equivalent gift is given to the other members of the group; or<br/>
<a id="pl.3.34"></a><var>3.34</var>    (2) by a lobbyist or principal who is a member of the family of the recipient, unless <br/>
<a id="pl.3.35"></a><var>3.35</var>the gift is given on behalf of someone who is not a member of that family.<br/>
<br/>
<a id="bill.0.4.0"></a><a id="pl.4.1"></a><var>4.1</var>    Sec. 4. Minnesota Statutes 2006, section 10A.14, subdivision 1, is amended to read:<br/>
<a id="pl.4.2"></a><var>4.2</var>    Subdivision 1. <b>First registration.</b> The treasurer of a political committee, political <br/>
<a id="pl.4.3"></a><var>4.3</var>fund, principal campaign committee, or party unit must register with the board by filing a <br/>
<a id="pl.4.4"></a><var>4.4</var>statement of organization no later than 14 days after the committee, fund, or party unit has <br/>
<a id="pl.4.5"></a><var>4.5</var>made a contribution, received contributions, or made expenditures in excess of $100, or <br/>
<a id="pl.4.6"></a><var>4.6</var>by the end of the next business day after it has received a loan or contribution that must be <br/>
<a id="pl.4.7"></a><var>4.7</var>reported under section 10A.20, subdivision 5, whichever is earlier.<br/>
<a id="pl.4.8"></a><var>4.8</var><b>EFFECTIVE DATE.</b>This section is effective July 1, 2008, and applies to <br/>
<a id="pl.4.9"></a><var>4.9</var>contributions made on or after that date.<br/>
<br/>
<a id="bill.0.5.0"></a><a id="pl.4.10"></a><var>4.10</var>    Sec. 5. Minnesota Statutes 2006, section 10A.20, subdivision 5, is amended to read:<br/>
<a id="pl.4.11"></a><var>4.11</var>    Subd. 5. <b>Preelection reports.</b> Any loan, contribution, or contributions to a <br/>
<a id="pl.4.12"></a><var>4.12</var>political committee or political fund from any one source totaling $1,000 or more, or in a <br/>
<a id="pl.4.13"></a><var>4.13</var>statewide election for judicial office, any loan, contribution, or contributions from any one <br/>
<a id="pl.4.14"></a><var>4.14</var>source totaling $2,000 or more, or in any judicial district or legislative election totaling <br/>
<a id="pl.4.15"></a><var>4.15</var>more than $400 or more, and any loan, contribution, or contributions to a candidate for <br/>
<a id="pl.4.16"></a><var>4.16</var>constitutional office or for the legislature from any one source totaling 80 percent or <br/>
<a id="pl.4.17"></a><var>4.17</var>more of the contribution limit for the office, received between the last day covered in the <br/>
<a id="pl.4.18"></a><var>4.18</var>last report before an election and the election must be reported to the board in one of <br/>
<a id="pl.4.19"></a><var>4.19</var>the following ways:<br/>
<a id="pl.4.20"></a><var>4.20</var>    (1) in person within 48 hours by the end of the next business day after its receipt; or<br/>
<a id="pl.4.21"></a><var>4.21</var>    (2) by telegram or mailgram within 48 hours after its receipt;<br/>
<a id="pl.4.22"></a><var>4.22</var>    (3) by certified mail sent within 48 hours after its receipt; or<br/>
<a id="pl.4.23"></a><var>4.23</var>    (4) by electronic means sent within 48 24 hours after its receipt.<br/>
<a id="pl.4.24"></a><var>4.24</var>    These loans and contributions must also be reported in the next required report.<br/>
<a id="pl.4.25"></a><var>4.25</var>    The 48-hour This notice requirement does not apply with respect to a primary in <br/>
<a id="pl.4.26"></a><var>4.26</var>which the statewide or legislative candidate is unopposed.<br/>
<a id="pl.4.27"></a><var>4.27</var>    The board must post the report on its Web site by the end of the next business day <br/>
<a id="pl.4.28"></a><var>4.28</var>after it is received.<br/>
<br/>
<a id="bill.0.6.0"></a><a id="pl.4.29"></a><var>4.29</var>    Sec. 6. Minnesota Statutes 2006, section 10A.322, subdivision 1, is amended to read:<br/>
<a id="pl.4.30"></a><var>4.30</var>    Subdivision 1. <b>Agreement by candidate.</b> (a) As a condition of receiving a public <br/>
<a id="pl.4.31"></a><var>4.31</var>subsidy, a candidate must sign and file with the board a written agreement in which the <br/>
<a id="pl.4.32"></a><var>4.32</var>candidate agrees that the candidate will comply with sections 
         <statute_ref>10A.25</statute_ref>; 
         <statute_ref>10A.27, subdivision <br/>
<a id="pl.4.33"></a><var>4.33</var>10
         </statute_ref>; 
         <statute_ref>10A.31, subdivision 7</statute_ref>, paragraph (c); and
<statute_ref>10A.324</statute_ref>; and 10A.38. <br/>
<a id="pl.5.1"></a><var>5.1</var>    (b) Before the first day of filing for office, the board must forward agreement forms to <br/>
<a id="pl.5.2"></a><var>5.2</var>all filing officers. The board must also provide agreement forms to candidates on request at <br/>
<a id="pl.5.3"></a><var>5.3</var>any time. The candidate must file the agreement with the board by September 1 preceding <br/>
<a id="pl.5.4"></a><var>5.4</var>the candidate's general election or a special election held at the general election. An <br/>
<a id="pl.5.5"></a><var>5.5</var>agreement may not be filed after that date. An agreement once filed may not be rescinded.<br/>
<a id="pl.5.6"></a><var>5.6</var>    (c) The board must notify the commissioner of revenue of any agreement signed <br/>
<a id="pl.5.7"></a><var>5.7</var>under this subdivision.<br/>
<a id="pl.5.8"></a><var>5.8</var>    (d) Notwithstanding paragraph (b), if a vacancy occurs that will be filled by means <br/>
<a id="pl.5.9"></a><var>5.9</var>of a special election and the filing period does not coincide with the filing period for the <br/>
<a id="pl.5.10"></a><var>5.10</var>general election, a candidate may sign and submit a spending limit agreement not later <br/>
<a id="pl.5.11"></a><var>5.11</var>than the day after the candidate files the affidavit of candidacy or nominating petition <br/>
<a id="pl.5.12"></a><var>5.12</var>for the office.<br/>
<br/>
<a id="bill.0.7.0"></a><a id="pl.5.13"></a><var>5.13</var>    Sec. 7. Minnesota Statutes 2006, section 10A.323, is amended to read:<br/>
<a id="pl.5.14"></a><var>5.14</var><b>10A.323 AFFIDAVIT OF CONTRIBUTIONS.</b><br/>
<a id="pl.5.15"></a><var>5.15</var>    In addition to the requirements of section 
         <statute_ref>10A.322</statute_ref>, to be eligible to receive a public <br/>
<a id="pl.5.16"></a><var>5.16</var>subsidy under section 
         <statute_ref>10A.31</statute_ref> a candidate or the candidate's treasurer must file an affidavit <br/>
<a id="pl.5.17"></a><var>5.17</var>with the board stating that during that calendar year the candidate has accumulated <br/>
<a id="pl.5.18"></a><var>5.18</var>contributions from persons eligible to vote in this state in at least the amount indicated for <br/>
<a id="pl.5.19"></a><var>5.19</var>the office sought, counting only the first $50 received from each contributor: <br/>
<a id="pl.5.20"></a><var>5.20</var>    (1) candidates for governor and lieutenant governor running together, $35,000;<br/>
<a id="pl.5.21"></a><var>5.21</var>    (2) candidates for attorney general, $15,000;<br/>
<a id="pl.5.22"></a><var>5.22</var>    (3) candidates for secretary of state and state auditor, separately, $6,000;<br/>
<a id="pl.5.23"></a><var>5.23</var>    (4) candidates for the senate, $3,000; and<br/>
<a id="pl.5.24"></a><var>5.24</var>    (5) candidates for the house of representatives, $1,500.<br/>
<a id="pl.5.25"></a><var>5.25</var>    The affidavit must state the total amount of contributions that have been received <br/>
<a id="pl.5.26"></a><var>5.26</var>from persons eligible to vote in this state, disregarding the portion of any contribution in <br/>
<a id="pl.5.27"></a><var>5.27</var>excess of $50.<br/>
<a id="pl.5.28"></a><var>5.28</var>    The candidate or the candidate's treasurer must submit the affidavit required by this <br/>
<a id="pl.5.29"></a><var>5.29</var>section to the board in writing by September 1 of the general election year the cutoff <br/>
<a id="pl.5.30"></a><var>5.30</var>date for reporting of receipts and expenditures before a primary under section 10A.20, <br/>
<a id="pl.5.31"></a><var>5.31</var>subdivision 4.<br/>
<a id="pl.5.32"></a><var>5.32</var>    A candidate for a vacancy to be filled at a special election for which the filing period <br/>
<a id="pl.5.33"></a><var>5.33</var>does not coincide with the filing period for the general election must submit the affidavit <br/>
<a id="pl.5.34"></a><var>5.34</var>required by this section to the board within five days after filing the affidavit of candidacy.<br/>
<br/>
<a id="bill.0.8.0"></a><a id="pl.6.1"></a><var>6.1</var>    Sec. 8. <b>[10A.38] CAPTIONING OF CAMPAIGN ADVERTISEMENTS.</b><br/>
<a id="pl.6.2"></a><var>6.2</var>    (a) This section applies to a campaign advertisement by a candidate who is governed <br/>
<a id="pl.6.3"></a><var>6.3</var>by an agreement under section 10A.322. <br/>
<a id="pl.6.4"></a><var>6.4</var>    (b) "Campaign advertisement" means a visual or audio recording of two minutes or <br/>
<a id="pl.6.5"></a><var>6.5</var>less produced by the candidate for the purpose of influencing the nomination or election <br/>
<a id="pl.6.6"></a><var>6.6</var>of a candidate.<br/>
<a id="pl.6.7"></a><var>6.7</var>    (c) A campaign advertisement that is disseminated as an advertisement by broadcast <br/>
<a id="pl.6.8"></a><var>6.8</var>or cable television must include closed captioning for deaf and hard-of-hearing viewers, <br/>
<a id="pl.6.9"></a><var>6.9</var>unless the candidate has filed with the board before the advertisement is disseminated a <br/>
<a id="pl.6.10"></a><var>6.10</var>statement setting forth the reasons for not doing so. A campaign advertisement that is <br/>
<a id="pl.6.11"></a><var>6.11</var>disseminated as an advertisement to the public on the candidate's Web site must include <br/>
<a id="pl.6.12"></a><var>6.12</var>closed captioning for deaf and hard-of-hearing viewers, unless the candidate has posted <br/>
<a id="pl.6.13"></a><var>6.13</var>on the Web site a transcript of the spoken content of the advertisement or the candidate <br/>
<a id="pl.6.14"></a><var>6.14</var>has filed with the board before the advertisement is disseminated a statement setting forth <br/>
<a id="pl.6.15"></a><var>6.15</var>the reasons for not doing so. A campaign advertisement must not be disseminated as an <br/>
<a id="pl.6.16"></a><var>6.16</var>advertisement by radio unless the candidate has posted on the candidate's Web site a <br/>
<a id="pl.6.17"></a><var>6.17</var>transcript of the spoken content of the advertisement or the candidate has filed with the <br/>
<a id="pl.6.18"></a><var>6.18</var>board before the advertisement is disseminated a statement setting forth the reasons for <br/>
<a id="pl.6.19"></a><var>6.19</var>not doing so.<br/>
<br/>
<a id="bill.0.9.0"></a><a id="pl.6.20"></a><var>6.20</var>    Sec. 9. Minnesota Statutes 2006, section 203B.06, subdivision 3, is amended to read:<br/>
<a id="pl.6.21"></a><var>6.21</var>    Subd. 3. <b>Delivery of ballots.</b> (a) If an application for absentee ballots is accepted <br/>
<a id="pl.6.22"></a><var>6.22</var>at a time when absentee ballots are not yet available for distribution, the county auditor, <br/>
<a id="pl.6.23"></a><var>6.23</var>or municipal clerk accepting the application shall file it and as soon as absentee ballots <br/>
<a id="pl.6.24"></a><var>6.24</var>are available for distribution shall mail them to the address specified in the application. <br/>
<a id="pl.6.25"></a><var>6.25</var>If an application for absentee ballots is accepted when absentee ballots are available for <br/>
<a id="pl.6.26"></a><var>6.26</var>distribution, the county auditor or municipal clerk accepting the application shall promptly:<br/>
<a id="pl.6.27"></a><var>6.27</var>    (1) mail the ballots to the voter whose signature appears on the application if the <br/>
<a id="pl.6.28"></a><var>6.28</var>application is submitted by mail and does not request commercial shipping under clause <br/>
<a id="pl.6.29"></a><var>6.29</var>(2);<br/>
<a id="pl.6.30"></a><var>6.30</var>    (2) ship the ballots to the voter using a commercial shipper requested by the voter at <br/>
<a id="pl.6.31"></a><var>6.31</var>the voter's expense;<br/>
<a id="pl.6.32"></a><var>6.32</var>    (3) deliver the absentee ballots directly to the voter if the application is submitted in <br/>
<a id="pl.6.33"></a><var>6.33</var>person; or<br/>
<a id="pl.6.34"></a><var>6.34</var>    (4) deliver the absentee ballots in a sealed transmittal envelope to an agent who has <br/>
<a id="pl.6.35"></a><var>6.35</var>been designated to bring the ballots, as provided in section 203B.11, subdivision 4, to a <br/>
<a id="pl.7.1"></a><var>7.1</var>voter who would have difficulty getting to the polls because of incapacitating health <br/>
<a id="pl.7.2"></a><var>7.2</var>reasons, or who is disabled, or who is a patient in a health care facility, as provided in <br/>
<a id="pl.7.3"></a><var>7.3</var>section 
<statute_ref>203B.11, subdivision 4</statute_ref>, a resident of a facility providing assisted living services <br/>
<a id="pl.7.4"></a><var>7.4</var>governed by chapter 144G, a participant in a residential program for adults licensed under <br/>
<a id="pl.7.5"></a><var>7.5</var>section 
         <statute_ref>245A.02, subdivision 14</statute_ref>, or a resident of a shelter for battered women as defined <br/>
<a id="pl.7.6"></a><var>7.6</var>in section 
         <statute_ref>611A.37, subdivision 4</statute_ref>. <br/>
<a id="pl.7.7"></a><var>7.7</var>    (b) If an application does not indicate the election for which absentee ballots are <br/>
<a id="pl.7.8"></a><var>7.8</var>sought, the county auditor or municipal clerk shall mail or deliver only the ballots for <br/>
<a id="pl.7.9"></a><var>7.9</var>the next election occurring after receipt of the application. Only one set of ballots may <br/>
<a id="pl.7.10"></a><var>7.10</var>be mailed, shipped, or delivered to an applicant for any election, except as provided in <br/>
<a id="pl.7.11"></a><var>7.11</var>section 
         <statute_ref>203B.13, subdivision 2</statute_ref>, or when a replacement ballot has been requested by the <br/>
<a id="pl.7.12"></a><var>7.12</var>voter for a ballot that has been spoiled or lost in transit. <br/>
<a id="pl.7.13"></a><var>7.13</var><b>EFFECTIVE DATE.</b>This section is effective for elections held on or after June <br/>
<a id="pl.7.14"></a><var>7.14</var>1, 2008.<br/>
<br/>
<a id="bill.0.10.0"></a><a id="pl.7.15"></a><var>7.15</var>    Sec. 10. Minnesota Statutes 2006, section 203B.11, subdivision 4, is amended to read:<br/>
<a id="pl.7.16"></a><var>7.16</var>    Subd. 4. <b>Agent delivery of ballots.</b> During the four seven days preceding an <br/>
<a id="pl.7.17"></a><var>7.17</var>election and until 2:00 p.m. on election day, an eligible voter who would have difficulty <br/>
<a id="pl.7.18"></a><var>7.18</var>getting to the polls because of incapacitating health reasons, or who is disabled, or who is <br/>
<a id="pl.7.19"></a><var>7.19</var>a patient of a health care facility, a resident of a facility providing assisted living services <br/>
<a id="pl.7.20"></a><var>7.20</var>governed by chapter 144G, a participant in a residential program for adults licensed under <br/>
<a id="pl.7.21"></a><var>7.21</var>section 
         <statute_ref>245A.02</statute_ref>, subdivision 14, or a resident of a shelter for battered women as defined in <br/>
<a id="pl.7.22"></a><var>7.22</var>section 
         <statute_ref>611A.37</statute_ref>, subdivision 4, may designate an agent to deliver the ballots to the voter <br/>
<a id="pl.7.23"></a><var>7.23</var>from the county auditor or municipal clerk. An agent must have a preexisting relationship <br/>
<a id="pl.7.24"></a><var>7.24</var>with the voter. A candidate at the election may not be designated as an agent. The voted <br/>
<a id="pl.7.25"></a><var>7.25</var>ballots must be returned to the county auditor or municipal clerk no later than 3:00 p.m. <br/>
<a id="pl.7.26"></a><var>7.26</var>on election day. The voter must complete an affidavit requesting the auditor or clerk to <br/>
<a id="pl.7.27"></a><var>7.27</var>provide the agent with the ballots in a sealed transmittal envelope. The affidavit must <br/>
<a id="pl.7.28"></a><var>7.28</var>include a statement from the voter stating that the ballots were delivered to the voter by <br/>
<a id="pl.7.29"></a><var>7.29</var>the agent in the sealed transmittal envelope. An agent may deliver ballots to no more than <br/>
<a id="pl.7.30"></a><var>7.30</var>three persons in any election. The secretary of state shall provide samples of the affidavit <br/>
<a id="pl.7.31"></a><var>7.31</var>and transmission envelope for use by the county auditors.<br/>
<a id="pl.7.32"></a><var>7.32</var><b>EFFECTIVE DATE.</b>This section is effective for elections held on or after June <br/>
<a id="pl.7.33"></a><var>7.33</var>1, 2008.<br/>
<br/>
<a id="bill.0.11.0"></a><a id="pl.8.1"></a><var>8.1</var>    Sec. 11. Minnesota Statutes 2006, section 204B.21, subdivision 1, is amended to read:<br/>
<a id="pl.8.2"></a><var>8.2</var>    Subdivision 1. <b>Appointment lists; duties of political parties and county auditor.</b><br/>
<a id="pl.8.3"></a><var>8.3</var>    On July June 1 in a year in which there is an election for a partisan political office, the <br/>
<a id="pl.8.4"></a><var>8.4</var>county or legislative district chairs of each major political party, whichever is designated <br/>
<a id="pl.8.5"></a><var>8.5</var>by the state party, shall prepare a list of eligible voters to act as election judges in each <br/>
<a id="pl.8.6"></a><var>8.6</var>election precinct in the county or legislative district. The chairs shall furnish the lists to <br/>
<a id="pl.8.7"></a><var>8.7</var>the county auditor of the county in which the precinct is located.<br/>
<a id="pl.8.8"></a><var>8.8</var>    By July June 15, the county auditor shall furnish to the appointing authorities a list <br/>
<a id="pl.8.9"></a><var>8.9</var>of the appropriate names for each election precinct in the jurisdiction of the appointing <br/>
<a id="pl.8.10"></a><var>8.10</var>authority. Separate lists shall be submitted by the county auditor for each major political <br/>
<a id="pl.8.11"></a><var>8.11</var>party.<br/>
<br/>
<a id="bill.0.12.0"></a><a id="pl.8.12"></a><var>8.12</var>    Sec. 12. Minnesota Statutes 2006, section 204B.21, subdivision 2, is amended to read:<br/>
<a id="pl.8.13"></a><var>8.13</var>    Subd. 2. <b>Appointing authority; powers and duties.</b> Election judges for precincts <br/>
<a id="pl.8.14"></a><var>8.14</var>in a municipality shall be appointed by the governing body of the municipality. Election <br/>
<a id="pl.8.15"></a><var>8.15</var>judges for precincts in unorganized territory and for performing election-related duties <br/>
<a id="pl.8.16"></a><var>8.16</var>assigned by the county auditor shall be appointed by the county board. Election judges for <br/>
<a id="pl.8.17"></a><var>8.17</var>a precinct composed of two or more municipalities must be appointed by the governing <br/>
<a id="pl.8.18"></a><var>8.18</var>body of the municipality or municipalities responsible for appointing election judges as <br/>
<a id="pl.8.19"></a><var>8.19</var>provided in the agreement to combine for election purposes. Except as otherwise provided <br/>
<a id="pl.8.20"></a><var>8.20</var>in this section, appointments shall be made from lists furnished pursuant to subdivision 1 <br/>
<a id="pl.8.21"></a><var>8.21</var>subject to the eligibility requirements and other qualifications established or authorized <br/>
<a id="pl.8.22"></a><var>8.22</var>under section 
         <statute_ref>204B.19</statute_ref>. At least two election judges in each precinct must be affiliated <br/>
<a id="pl.8.23"></a><var>8.23</var>with different major political parties. If no lists have been furnished or if additional <br/>
<a id="pl.8.24"></a><var>8.24</var>election judges are required after all listed names have been exhausted, the appointing <br/>
<a id="pl.8.25"></a><var>8.25</var>authority may appoint any other individual to serve as an election judge subject to the <br/>
<a id="pl.8.26"></a><var>8.26</var>same requirements and qualifications individuals who meet the qualifications to serve as <br/>
<a id="pl.8.27"></a><var>8.27</var>an election judge, including persons who are not affiliated with a major political party. <br/>
<a id="pl.8.28"></a><var>8.28</var>The appointments shall be made at least 25 days before the election at which the election <br/>
<a id="pl.8.29"></a><var>8.29</var>judges will serve. <br/>
<br/>
<a id="bill.0.13.0"></a><a id="pl.8.30"></a><var>8.30</var>    Sec. 13. Minnesota Statutes 2006, section 204B.46, is amended to read:<br/>
<a id="pl.8.31"></a><var>8.31</var><b>204B.46 MAIL ELECTIONS; QUESTIONS.</b><br/>
<a id="pl.8.32"></a><var>8.32</var>    A county, municipality, or school district submitting questions to the voters at a <br/>
<a id="pl.8.33"></a><var>8.33</var>special election may apply to the county auditor for approval of conduct an election by <br/>
<a id="pl.8.34"></a><var>8.34</var>mail with no polling place other than the office of the auditor or clerk. No more than two <br/>
<a id="pl.9.1"></a><var>9.1</var>questions may be submitted at a mail election and no offices may be voted on. Notice of <br/>
<a id="pl.9.2"></a><var>9.2</var>the election and must be given to the county auditor at least 53 days prior to the election. <br/>
<a id="pl.9.3"></a><var>9.3</var>This notice shall also fulfill the requirements of Minnesota Rules, part 8210.3000. The <br/>
<a id="pl.9.4"></a><var>9.4</var>special mail procedure ballot procedures must be given posted at least six weeks prior <br/>
<a id="pl.9.5"></a><var>9.5</var>to the election. No earlier than 20 or later than 14 days prior to the election, the auditor <br/>
<a id="pl.9.6"></a><var>9.6</var>or clerk shall mail ballots by nonforwardable mail to all voters registered in the county, <br/>
<a id="pl.9.7"></a><var>9.7</var>municipality, or school district. Eligible voters not registered at the time the ballots are <br/>
<a id="pl.9.8"></a><var>9.8</var>mailed may apply for ballots pursuant to chapter 203B.<br/>
<br/>
<a id="bill.0.14.0"></a><a id="pl.9.9"></a><var>9.9</var>    Sec. 14. Minnesota Statutes 2006, section 204D.19, subdivision 2, is amended to read:<br/>
<a id="pl.9.10"></a><var>9.10</var>    Subd. 2. <b>Special election when the Congress or legislature will be in session.</b><br/>
<a id="pl.9.11"></a><var>9.11</var>    Except for vacancies in the legislature which occur at any time between the last day <br/>
<a id="pl.9.12"></a><var>9.12</var>of session in an odd-numbered year and the 33rd 40th day prior to the opening day of <br/>
<a id="pl.9.13"></a><var>9.13</var>session in the succeeding even-numbered year, when a vacancy occurs and the Congress <br/>
<a id="pl.9.14"></a><var>9.14</var>or legislature will be in session so that the individual elected as provided by this section <br/>
<a id="pl.9.15"></a><var>9.15</var>could take office and exercise the duties of the office immediately upon election, the <br/>
<a id="pl.9.16"></a><var>9.16</var>governor shall issue within five days after the vacancy occurs a writ calling for a special <br/>
<a id="pl.9.17"></a><var>9.17</var>election. The special election shall be held as soon as possible, consistent with the notice <br/>
<a id="pl.9.18"></a><var>9.18</var>requirements of section 
         <statute_ref>204D.22, subdivision 3</statute_ref>, but in no event more than 28 35 days <br/>
<a id="pl.9.19"></a><var>9.19</var>after the issuance of the writ. <br/>
<a id="pl.9.20"></a><var>9.20</var><b>EFFECTIVE DATE.</b>This section is effective the day following final enactment.<br/>
<br/>
<a id="bill.0.15.0"></a><a id="pl.9.21"></a><var>9.21</var>    Sec. 15. Minnesota Statutes 2006, section 204D.23, subdivision 2, is amended to read:<br/>
<a id="pl.9.22"></a><var>9.22</var>    Subd. 2. <b>Time of filing.</b> Except as provided in subdivision 3, the affidavits and <br/>
<a id="pl.9.23"></a><var>9.23</var>petitions shall be filed no later than the seventh day 14 days before the special primary.<br/>
<a id="pl.9.24"></a><var>9.24</var><b>EFFECTIVE DATE.</b>This section is effective the day following final enactment.<br/>
<br/>
<a id="bill.0.16.0"></a><a id="pl.9.25"></a><var>9.25</var>    Sec. 16. Minnesota Statutes 2006, section 204D.27, is amended by adding a <br/>
<a id="pl.9.26"></a><var>9.26</var>subdivision to read:<br/>
<a id="pl.9.27"></a><var>9.27</var>    Subd. 12. <b>Recounts.</b> In a special primary or special election, the provisions of <br/>
<a id="pl.9.28"></a><var>9.28</var>section 204C.35 apply, except that the secretary of state may immediately proceed to <br/>
<a id="pl.9.29"></a><var>9.29</var>recount the votes upon review of the certified reports of the county canvassing boards if <br/>
<a id="pl.9.30"></a><var>9.30</var>it is apparent from the review that a recount is required.<br/>
<a id="pl.9.31"></a><var>9.31</var><b>EFFECTIVE DATE.</b>This section is effective the day following final enactment.<br/>
<br/>
<a id="bill.0.17.0"></a><a id="pl.10.1"></a><var>10.1</var>    Sec. 17. Minnesota Statutes 2006, section 205.075, is amended by adding a subdivision <br/>
<a id="pl.10.2"></a><var>10.2</var>to read:<br/>
<a id="pl.10.3"></a><var>10.3</var>    Subd. 4. <b>Election judges; party balance.</b> The provisions of sections 204B.19, <br/>
<a id="pl.10.4"></a><var>10.4</var>subdivision 5; 204B.21, subdivision 2; 204C.15; 204C.19; 206.83; and 206.86, subdivision <br/>
<a id="pl.10.5"></a><var>10.5</var>2, relating to party balance in the appointment of judges and to duties to be performed <br/>
<a id="pl.10.6"></a><var>10.6</var>by judges of different major political parties do not apply to a town election not held <br/>
<a id="pl.10.7"></a><var>10.7</var>in conjunction with a statewide election.<br/>
<br/>
<a id="bill.0.18.0"></a><a id="pl.10.8"></a><var>10.8</var>    Sec. 18. Minnesota Statutes 2006, section 205A.03, subdivision 1, is amended to read:<br/>
<a id="pl.10.9"></a><var>10.9</var>    Subdivision 1. <b>Required</b><b> </b><b>Resolution requiring </b><b>primary in certain circumstances.</b><br/>
<a id="pl.10.10"></a><var>10.10</var>    In The school board of a school district election, may, by resolution adopted by June 1 of <br/>
<a id="pl.10.11"></a><var>10.11</var>any year, decide to choose nominees for school board by a primary as provided in this <br/>
<a id="pl.10.12"></a><var>10.12</var>section. The resolution, when adopted, is effective for all ensuing elections of board <br/>
<a id="pl.10.13"></a><var>10.13</var>members in that school district until it is revoked. If the board decides to choose nominees <br/>
<a id="pl.10.14"></a><var>10.14</var>by primary and if there are more than two candidates for a specified school board position <br/>
<a id="pl.10.15"></a><var>10.15</var>or more than twice as many school board candidates as there are at-large school board <br/>
<a id="pl.10.16"></a><var>10.16</var>positions available, a the school district must hold a primary.<br/>
<a id="pl.10.17"></a><var>10.17</var><b>EFFECTIVE DATE.</b>This section is effective the day following final enactment.<br/>
<br/>
<a id="bill.0.19.0"></a><a id="pl.10.18"></a><var>10.18</var>    Sec. 19. Minnesota Statutes 2006, section 205A.06, subdivision 1a, is amended to read:<br/>
<a id="pl.10.19"></a><var>10.19</var>    Subd. 1a. <b>Filing period.</b> In school districts that have adopted a resolution to choose <br/>
<a id="pl.10.20"></a><var>10.20</var>nominees for school board by a primary election, affidavits of candidacy must be filed <br/>
<a id="pl.10.21"></a><var>10.21</var>with the school district clerk no earlier than the 70th day and no later than the 56th day <br/>
<a id="pl.10.22"></a><var>10.22</var>before the first Tuesday after the second Monday in September in the year when the <br/>
<a id="pl.10.23"></a><var>10.23</var>school district general election is held. In all other school districts, affidavits of candidacy <br/>
<a id="pl.10.24"></a><var>10.24</var>must be filed no earlier than the 70th day and no later than the 56th day before the school <br/>
<a id="pl.10.25"></a><var>10.25</var>district general election.<br/>
<br/>
<a id="bill.0.20.0"></a><a id="pl.10.26"></a><var>10.26</var>    Sec. 20. Minnesota Statutes 2006, section 205A.10, subdivision 2, is amended to read:<br/>
<a id="pl.10.27"></a><var>10.27</var>    Subd. 2. <b>Election, conduct.</b> A school district election must be by secret ballot and <br/>
<a id="pl.10.28"></a><var>10.28</var>must be held and the returns made in the manner provided for the state general election, as <br/>
<a id="pl.10.29"></a><var>10.29</var>far as practicable. The vote totals from an absentee ballot board established pursuant to <br/>
<a id="pl.10.30"></a><var>10.30</var>section 
         <statute_ref>203B.13</statute_ref> may be tabulated and reported by the school district as a whole rather <br/>
<a id="pl.10.31"></a><var>10.31</var>than by precinct. For school district elections not held in conjunction with a statewide <br/>
<a id="pl.10.32"></a><var>10.32</var>election, the school board shall appoint election judges as provided in section 
         <statute_ref>204B.21, <br/>
<a id="pl.10.33"></a><var>10.33</var>subdivision 2
         </statute_ref>. The provisions of sections 
         <statute_ref>204B.19, subdivision 5</statute_ref>; 204B.21, subdivision 2; <br/>
<statute_ref><a id="pl.11.1"></a><var>11.1</var>204C.15
         </statute_ref>; 
         <statute_ref>204C.19</statute_ref>; 
         <statute_ref>206.64, subdivision 2</statute_ref>;
<statute_ref>206.83</statute_ref>; and 
         <statute_ref>206.86, subdivision 2</statute_ref>, relating to <br/>
<a id="pl.11.2"></a><var>11.2</var>party balance in appointment of judges and to duties to be performed by judges of different <br/>
<a id="pl.11.3"></a><var>11.3</var>major political parties do not apply to school district elections not held in conjunction <br/>
<a id="pl.11.4"></a><var>11.4</var>with a statewide election.<br/>
<br/>
<a id="bill.0.21.0"></a><a id="pl.11.5"></a><var>11.5</var>    Sec. 21. Minnesota Statutes 2006, section 205A.12, is amended by adding a <br/>
<a id="pl.11.6"></a><var>11.6</var>subdivision to read:<br/>
<a id="pl.11.7"></a><var>11.7</var>    Subd. 5a. <b>School districts.</b> The school board of a school district may provide for <br/>
<a id="pl.11.8"></a><var>11.8</var>the use by the district of an electronic voting system in one or more polling places or <br/>
<a id="pl.11.9"></a><var>11.9</var>combined polling places in the school district for an election not held in conjunction with a <br/>
<a id="pl.11.10"></a><var>11.10</var>statewide election. No system may be adopted or used unless it has been approved by the <br/>
<a id="pl.11.11"></a><var>11.11</var>secretary of state pursuant to section 206.57. The school district shall notify the secretary <br/>
<a id="pl.11.12"></a><var>11.12</var>of state of its decision in compliance with section 206.58, subdivision 4.<br/>
<br/>
<a id="bill.0.22.0"></a><a id="pl.11.13"></a><var>11.13</var>    Sec. 22. Minnesota Statutes 2006, section 206.89, subdivision 5, is amended to read:<br/>
<a id="pl.11.14"></a><var>11.14</var>    Subd. 5.  <b>Additional review. </b>  (a) If the postelection review reveals a difference <br/>
<a id="pl.11.15"></a><var>11.15</var>greater than one-half of one percent, the postelection review official must, within two days, <br/>
<a id="pl.11.16"></a><var>11.16</var>conduct an additional review of at least three precincts in the same jurisdiction where the <br/>
<a id="pl.11.17"></a><var>11.17</var>discrepancy was discovered. If all precincts in that jurisdiction have been reviewed, the <br/>
<a id="pl.11.18"></a><var>11.18</var>county auditor must immediately publicly select by lot at least three additional precincts <br/>
<a id="pl.11.19"></a><var>11.19</var>for review. The postelection review official must complete the additional review within <br/>
<a id="pl.11.20"></a><var>11.20</var>two days after the precincts are selected and report the results immediately to the county <br/>
<a id="pl.11.21"></a><var>11.21</var>auditor. If the second review also indicates a difference in the vote totals compiled by the <br/>
<a id="pl.11.22"></a><var>11.22</var>voting system that is greater than one-half of one percent from the result indicated by the <br/>
<a id="pl.11.23"></a><var>11.23</var>postelection review, the county auditor must conduct a review of the ballots from all the <br/>
<a id="pl.11.24"></a><var>11.24</var>remaining precincts in the county. This review must be completed no later than six weeks <br/>
<a id="pl.11.25"></a><var>11.25</var>after the state general election and the results must be reported to the secretary of state <br/>
<a id="pl.11.26"></a><var>11.26</var>within one week after the second review was completed.<br/>
<a id="pl.11.27"></a><var>11.27</var>    (b) If the results from the countywide reviews from one or more counties comprising <br/>
<a id="pl.11.28"></a><var>11.28</var>in the aggregate more than ten percent of the total number of persons voting in the election <br/>
<a id="pl.11.29"></a><var>11.29</var>clearly indicate that an error in vote counting has occurred, the secretary of state must <br/>
<a id="pl.11.30"></a><var>11.30</var>notify the postelection review official of each county in the district that they must conduct <br/>
<a id="pl.11.31"></a><var>11.31</var>a manual recount recounts of all the ballots in the district for the affected office using the <br/>
<a id="pl.11.32"></a><var>11.32</var>procedure outlined in section 204C.35. The recount must be completed and the results <br/>
<a id="pl.11.33"></a><var>11.33</var>reported to the appropriate canvassing board no later than ten weeks after the state general <br/>
<a id="pl.12.1"></a><var>12.1</var>election within two weeks after the postelection review official received notice from <br/>
<a id="pl.12.2"></a><var>12.2</var>the secretary of state.<br/>
<br/>
<a id="bill.0.23.0"></a><a id="pl.12.3"></a><var>12.3</var>    Sec. 23. Minnesota Statutes 2006, section 211B.12, is amended to read:<br/>
<a id="pl.12.4"></a><var>12.4</var><b>211B.12 LEGAL EXPENDITURES.</b><br/>
<a id="pl.12.5"></a><var>12.5</var>    Use of money collected for political purposes is prohibited unless the use is <br/>
<a id="pl.12.6"></a><var>12.6</var>reasonably related to the conduct of election campaigns, or is a noncampaign disbursement <br/>
<a id="pl.12.7"></a><var>12.7</var>as defined in section 
         <statute_ref>10A.01, subdivision 26</statute_ref>. The following are permitted expenditures <br/>
<a id="pl.12.8"></a><var>12.8</var>when made for political purposes: <br/>
<a id="pl.12.9"></a><var>12.9</var>    (1) salaries, wages, and fees;<br/>
<a id="pl.12.10"></a><var>12.10</var>    (2) communications, mailing, transportation, and travel;<br/>
<a id="pl.12.11"></a><var>12.11</var>    (3) campaign advertising;<br/>
<a id="pl.12.12"></a><var>12.12</var>    (4) printing;<br/>
<a id="pl.12.13"></a><var>12.13</var>    (5) office and other space and necessary equipment, furnishings, and incidental <br/>
<a id="pl.12.14"></a><var>12.14</var>supplies;<br/>
<a id="pl.12.15"></a><var>12.15</var>    (6) charitable contributions of not more than $50 $100 to any charity organized <br/>
<a id="pl.12.16"></a><var>12.16</var>under section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code annually, except that the amount <br/>
<a id="pl.12.17"></a><var>12.17</var>contributed by a principal campaign committee that dissolves within one year after the <br/>
<a id="pl.12.18"></a><var>12.18</var>contribution is made is not limited by this clause; and<br/>
<a id="pl.12.19"></a><var>12.19</var>    (7) other expenses, not included in clauses (1) to (6), that are reasonably related to <br/>
<a id="pl.12.20"></a><var>12.20</var>the conduct of election campaigns. In addition, expenditures made for the purpose of <br/>
<a id="pl.12.21"></a><var>12.21</var>providing information to constituents, whether or not related to the conduct of an election, <br/>
<a id="pl.12.22"></a><var>12.22</var>are permitted expenses. Money collected for political purposes and assets of a political <br/>
<a id="pl.12.23"></a><var>12.23</var>committee or political fund may not be converted to personal use.<br/>
<a id="pl.12.24"></a><var>12.24</var><b>EFFECTIVE DATE.</b>This section is effective the day following final enactment.<br/>
<br/>
<a id="bill.0.24.0"></a><a id="pl.12.25"></a><var>12.25</var>    Sec. 24. <b>VOTER REGISTRATION APPLICATIONS ON HAND MAY BE USED.</b><br/>
<a id="pl.12.26"></a><var>12.26</var>    Voter registration applications in existence on July 31, 2007, may be distributed, <br/>
<a id="pl.12.27"></a><var>12.27</var>completed, submitted, and processed until consumed, without alteration.<br/>
<a id="pl.12.28"></a><var>12.28</var><b>EFFECTIVE DATE.</b>This section is effective retroactively from August 1, 2007.<br/>
<br/>
<a id="bill.0.25.0"></a><a id="pl.12.29"></a><var>12.29</var>    Sec. 25. <b>EFFECTIVE DATE.</b><br/>
<a id="pl.12.30"></a><var>12.30</var>    Except as otherwise provided, this act is effective June 1, 2008.<br/>