<a id="pl.1.3"></a><var>1.3</var>new election procedures;amending Minnesota Statutes 2008, sections 13.607, <br/>
<a id="pl.1.4"></a><var>1.4</var>subdivision 7; 135A.17, subdivision 2; 201.016, subdivisions 1a, 2; 201.022, <br/>
<a id="pl.1.5"></a><var>1.5</var>subdivision 1; 201.056; 201.061, subdivisions 1, 3; 201.071, subdivision 1; <br/>
<a id="pl.1.6"></a><var>1.6</var>201.091, by adding a subdivision; 201.11; 201.12; 201.13; 202A.14, subdivision <br/>
<a id="pl.1.7"></a><var>1.7</var>3; 203B.001; 203B.01, by adding a subdivision; 203B.03, subdivision 1; <br/>
<a id="pl.1.8"></a><var>1.8</var>203B.04, subdivisions 1, 6; 203B.05; 203B.06, subdivision 3; 203B.07, <br/>
<a id="pl.1.9"></a><var>1.9</var>subdivisions 2, 3; 203B.08, subdivisions 2, 3; 203B.081; 203B.085; 203B.11, <br/>
<a id="pl.1.10"></a><var>1.10</var>subdivision 1; 203B.12, subdivision 2; 203B.125; 203B.23, subdivisions 1, <br/>
<a id="pl.1.11"></a><var>1.11</var>2; 203B.24, subdivision 1; 203B.26; 204B.04, subdivisions 2, 3; 204B.07, <br/>
<a id="pl.1.12"></a><var>1.12</var>subdivision 1; 204B.09, subdivisions 1, 3; 204B.11, subdivision 2; 204B.13, <br/>
<a id="pl.1.13"></a><var>1.13</var>subdivisions 1, 2, by adding subdivisions; 204B.14, subdivision 4, by adding <br/>
<a id="pl.1.14"></a><var>1.14</var>a subdivision; 204B.16, subdivision 1; 204B.18, subdivision 1; 204B.27, <br/>
<a id="pl.1.15"></a><var>1.15</var>subdivision 2; 204B.33; 204B.38; 204B.45, subdivision 2; 204B.46; 204C.02; <br/>
<a id="pl.1.16"></a><var>1.16</var>204C.04, subdivision 1; 204C.06, subdivision 1; 204C.08, subdivisions 1a, 3; <br/>
<a id="pl.1.17"></a><var>1.17</var>204C.10; 204C.13, subdivisions 2, 6; 204C.15, subdivision 3; 204C.17; 204C.27; <br/>
<a id="pl.1.18"></a><var>1.18</var>204C.30, by adding a subdivision; 204C.33, subdivisions 1, 3; 204C.37; <br/>
<a id="pl.1.19"></a><var>1.19</var>204D.04, subdivision 2; 204D.09, subdivision 2; 204D.28, subdivisions 5, 6, 8, <br/>
<a id="pl.1.20"></a><var>1.20</var>9; 205.065, subdivision 2; 205.075, subdivision 1, by adding a subdivision; <br/>
<a id="pl.1.21"></a><var>1.21</var>205.13, subdivisions 1, 2; 205.16, subdivisions 2, 3; 205.185, subdivision 3, <br/>
<a id="pl.1.22"></a><var>1.22</var>by adding a subdivision; 205A.03, subdivision 1; 205A.05, subdivisions 1, 2; <br/>
<a id="pl.1.23"></a><var>1.23</var>205A.07, subdivision 2; 205A.10, subdivisions 2, 3, by adding a subdivision; <br/>
<a id="pl.1.24"></a><var>1.24</var>206.57, subdivision 6; 206.61, subdivision 5; 206.83; 206.89, subdivision 2; <br/>
<a id="pl.1.25"></a><var>1.25</var>208.05; 211A.02, subdivision 2; 367.03, subdivision 4, by adding a subdivision; <br/>
<a id="pl.1.26"></a><var>1.26</var>412.02, subdivision 2a; 414.02, subdivision 4; 414.031, subdivision 6; 414.0325, <br/>
<a id="pl.1.27"></a><var>1.27</var>subdivisions 1, 4; 414.033, subdivision 7; proposing coding for new law in <br/>
<a id="pl.1.28"></a><var>1.28</var>Minnesota Statutes, chapters 201; 203B; 204B; 204D; 205; 205A; repealing <br/>
<a id="pl.1.29"></a><var>1.29</var>Minnesota Statutes 2008, sections 201.096; 203B.04, subdivision 5; 203B.10; <br/>
<a id="pl.1.30"></a><var>1.30</var>203B.11, subdivision 2; 203B.12; 203B.13; 203B.25; 204B.12, subdivision 2a; <br/>
<a id="pl.1.31"></a><var>1.31</var>204B.13, subdivisions 4, 5, 6; 204B.41; 204D.169; 206.805, subdivision 2.<br/>
<a id="pl.1.32"></a><var>1.32</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.2.3"></a><var>2.3</var>    Section 1. Minnesota Statutes 2008, section 13.607, subdivision 7, is amended to read:<br/>
<a id="pl.2.4"></a><var>2.4</var>    Subd. 7. <b>Absentee ballots.</b> Disclosure of names of voters submitting absentee <br/>
<a id="pl.2.5"></a><var>2.5</var>ballots is governed by section 
         <statute_ref>203B.12, subdivision 7</statute_ref> 203B.121, subdivision 2.  <br/>
<br/>
<a id="bill.1.2.0"></a><a id="pl.2.6"></a><var>2.6</var>    Sec. 2. Minnesota Statutes 2008, section 201.022, subdivision 1, is amended to read:<br/>
<a id="pl.2.7"></a><var>2.7</var>    Subdivision 1. <b>Establishment.</b> The secretary of state shall maintain a statewide <br/>
<a id="pl.2.8"></a><var>2.8</var>voter registration system to facilitate voter registration and to provide a central database <br/>
<a id="pl.2.9"></a><var>2.9</var>containing voter registration information from around the state. The system must be <br/>
<a id="pl.2.10"></a><var>2.10</var>accessible to the county auditor of each county in the state. The system must also:<br/>
<a id="pl.2.11"></a><var>2.11</var>(1) provide for voters to submit their voter registration applications to any county <br/>
<a id="pl.2.12"></a><var>2.12</var>auditor, the secretary of state, or the Department of Public Safety;<br/>
<a id="pl.2.13"></a><var>2.13</var>(2) provide for the definition, establishment, and maintenance of a central database <br/>
<a id="pl.2.14"></a><var>2.14</var>for all voter registration information;<br/>
<a id="pl.2.15"></a><var>2.15</var>(3) provide for entering data into the statewide registration system;<br/>
<a id="pl.2.16"></a><var>2.16</var>(4) provide for electronic transfer of completed voter registration applications from <br/>
<a id="pl.2.17"></a><var>2.17</var>the Department of Public Safety to the secretary of state or the county auditor;<br/>
<a id="pl.2.18"></a><var>2.18</var>(5) assign a unique identifier to each legally registered voter in the state;<br/>
<a id="pl.2.19"></a><var>2.19</var>(6) provide for the acceptance of the Minnesota driver's license number, Minnesota <br/>
<a id="pl.2.20"></a><var>2.20</var>state identification number, and last four digits of the Social Security number for each <br/>
<a id="pl.2.21"></a><var>2.21</var>voter record;<br/>
<a id="pl.2.22"></a><var>2.22</var>(7) coordinate with other agency databases within the state;<br/>
<a id="pl.2.23"></a><var>2.23</var>(8) allow county auditors and the secretary of state to add or modify information in <br/>
<a id="pl.2.24"></a><var>2.24</var>the system to provide for accurate and up-to-date records;<br/>
<a id="pl.2.25"></a><var>2.25</var>(9) allow county auditors, municipal and school district clerks, and the secretary <br/>
<a id="pl.2.26"></a><var>2.26</var>of state to have electronic access to the statewide registration system for review and <br/>
<a id="pl.2.27"></a><var>2.27</var>search capabilities;<br/>
<a id="pl.2.28"></a><var>2.28</var>(10) provide security and protection of all information in the statewide registration <br/>
<a id="pl.2.29"></a><var>2.29</var>system and ensure that unauthorized access is not allowed;<br/>
<a id="pl.2.30"></a><var>2.30</var>(11) provide access to municipal clerks to use the system;<br/>
<a id="pl.2.31"></a><var>2.31</var>(12) provide a system for each county to identify the precinct to which a voter <br/>
<a id="pl.2.32"></a><var>2.32</var>should be assigned for voting purposes;<br/>
<a id="pl.2.33"></a><var>2.33</var>(13) provide daily reports accessible by county auditors on the driver's license <br/>
<a id="pl.2.34"></a><var>2.34</var>numbers, state identification numbers, or last four digits of the Social Security numbers <br/>
<a id="pl.3.1"></a><var>3.1</var>submitted on voter registration applications that have been verified as accurate by the <br/>
<a id="pl.3.2"></a><var>3.2</var>secretary of state; and<br/>
<a id="pl.3.3"></a><var>3.3</var>(14) provide reports on the number of absentee ballots transmitted to and returned <br/>
<a id="pl.3.4"></a><var>3.4</var>and cast by voters under section 
         <statute_ref>203B.16; and</statute_ref>
<statute_ref></statute_ref>
<statute_ref></statute_ref> <br/>
<a id="pl.3.5"></a><var>3.5</var>(15) provide rosters, master lists, and other reports necessary for early voting.<br/>
<a id="pl.3.6"></a><var>3.6</var>The appropriate state or local official shall provide security measures to prevent <br/>
<a id="pl.3.7"></a><var>3.7</var>unauthorized access to the computerized list established under section 
         <statute_ref>201.021</statute_ref>.  <br/>
<br/>
<a id="bill.1.3.0"></a><a id="pl.3.8"></a><var>3.8</var>    Sec. 3. Minnesota Statutes 2008, section 203B.001, is amended to read:<br/>
<a id="pl.3.9"></a><var>3.9</var><b>203B.001 ELECTION LAW APPLICABILITY.</b><br/>
<a id="pl.3.10"></a><var>3.10</var>The Minnesota Election Law is applicable to voting by absentee ballot and early <br/>
<a id="pl.3.11"></a><var>3.11</var>voting unless otherwise provided in this chapter.<br/>
<br/>
<a id="bill.1.4.0"></a><a id="pl.3.12"></a><var>3.12</var>    Sec. 4. Minnesota Statutes 2008, section 203B.01, is amended by adding a subdivision <br/>
<a id="pl.3.13"></a><var>3.13</var>to read:<br/>
<a id="pl.3.14"></a><var>3.14</var>    Subd. 5. <b>Early voting.</b> "Early voting" means voting in person before election day at <br/>
<a id="pl.3.15"></a><var>3.15</var>the office of the county auditor or any other location authorized in this chapter within the <br/>
<a id="pl.3.16"></a><var>3.16</var>time period provided in section 203B.31.<br/>
<br/>
<a id="bill.1.5.0"></a><a id="pl.3.17"></a><var>3.17</var>    Sec. 5. Minnesota Statutes 2008, section 203B.03, subdivision 1, is amended to read:<br/>
<a id="pl.3.18"></a><var>3.18</var>    Subdivision 1. <b>Violation.</b> No individual shall intentionally:<br/>
<a id="pl.3.19"></a><var>3.19</var>(a) make or sign any false certificate required by this chapter;<br/>
<a id="pl.3.20"></a><var>3.20</var>(b) make any false or untrue statement in any application for absentee ballots;<br/>
<a id="pl.3.21"></a><var>3.21</var>(c) apply for absentee ballots more than once in any election with the intent to <br/>
<a id="pl.3.22"></a><var>3.22</var>cast an illegal ballot;<br/>
<a id="pl.3.23"></a><var>3.23</var>(d) exhibit a ballot marked by that individual to any other individual;<br/>
<a id="pl.3.24"></a><var>3.24</var>(e) do any act in violation of the provisions of this chapter for the purpose of casting <br/>
<a id="pl.3.25"></a><var>3.25</var>an illegal vote in any precinct or for the purpose of aiding another to cast an illegal vote;<br/>
<a id="pl.3.26"></a><var>3.26</var>(f) use information from absentee ballot or early voting materials or records for <br/>
<a id="pl.3.27"></a><var>3.27</var>purposes unrelated to elections, political activities, or law enforcement;<br/>
<a id="pl.3.28"></a><var>3.28</var>(g) provide assistance to an absentee or early voter except in the manner provided by <br/>
<a id="pl.3.29"></a><var>3.29</var>section 
         <statute_ref>204C.15, subdivision 1</statute_ref>;  <br/>
<a id="pl.3.30"></a><var>3.30</var>(h) solicit the vote of an absentee or early voter while in the immediate presence of <br/>
<a id="pl.3.31"></a><var>3.31</var>the voter during the time the individual knows the absentee or early voter is voting; or<br/>
<a id="pl.3.32"></a><var>3.32</var>(i) alter an absentee ballot application after it has been signed by the voter, except by <br/>
<a id="pl.3.33"></a><var>3.33</var>an election official for administrative purposes.<br/>
<a id="pl.4.1"></a><var>4.1</var>Before inspecting information from absentee ballot or early voting materials or <br/>
<a id="pl.4.2"></a><var>4.2</var>records, an individual shall provide identification to the public official having custody of <br/>
<a id="pl.4.3"></a><var>4.3</var>the material or information.<br/>
<br/>
<a id="bill.1.6.0"></a><a id="pl.4.4"></a><var>4.4</var>    Sec. 6. Minnesota Statutes 2008, section 203B.04, subdivision 1, is amended to read:<br/>
<a id="pl.4.5"></a><var>4.5</var>    Subdivision 1.  <b>Application procedures.</b> Except as otherwise allowed by <br/>
<a id="pl.4.6"></a><var>4.6</var>subdivision 2 or by section 
         <statute_ref>203B.11, subdivision 4</statute_ref>, an application for absentee ballots <br/>
<a id="pl.4.7"></a><var>4.7</var>for any election may be submitted at any time not less than one day before the day of <br/>
<a id="pl.4.8"></a><var>4.8</var>that election. The county auditor shall prepare absentee ballot application forms in the <br/>
<a id="pl.4.9"></a><var>4.9</var>format provided by the secretary of state, notwithstanding rules on absentee ballot forms, <br/>
<a id="pl.4.10"></a><var>4.10</var>and shall furnish them to any person on request. By January 1 of each even-numbered <br/>
<a id="pl.4.11"></a><var>4.11</var>year, the secretary of state shall make the forms to be used available to auditors through <br/>
<a id="pl.4.12"></a><var>4.12</var>electronic means. An application submitted pursuant to this subdivision shall be in writing <br/>
<a id="pl.4.13"></a><var>4.13</var>and shall be submitted to: <br/>
<a id="pl.4.14"></a><var>4.14</var>    (a) (1) the county auditor of the county where the applicant maintains residence; or <br/>
<a id="pl.4.15"></a><var>4.15</var>    (b) (2) the municipal clerk of the municipality, or school district if applicable, where <br/>
<a id="pl.4.16"></a><var>4.16</var>the applicant maintains residence. <br/>
<a id="pl.4.17"></a><var>4.17</var>    An application shall be approved if it is timely received, signed and dated by the <br/>
<a id="pl.4.18"></a><var>4.18</var>applicant, contains the applicant's name and residence and mailing addresses, and states <br/>
<a id="pl.4.19"></a><var>4.19</var>that the applicant is eligible to vote by absentee ballot for one of the reasons specified in <br/>
<a id="pl.4.20"></a><var>4.20</var>section 
         <statute_ref>203B.02</statute_ref>. The application may must contain a request for the voter's applicant's <br/>
<a id="pl.4.21"></a><var>4.21</var>date of birth, which the applicant's Minnesota driver's license or state identification card <br/>
<a id="pl.4.22"></a><var>4.22</var>number, and the last four digits of the applicant's Social Security number, if the applicant <br/>
<a id="pl.4.23"></a><var>4.23</var>has these numbers, an oath that the information contained on the form is accurate, that the <br/>
<a id="pl.4.24"></a><var>4.24</var>applicant is applying on the applicant's own behalf, and that the applicant is signing the <br/>
<a id="pl.4.25"></a><var>4.25</var>form under penalty of perjury. An applicant's full date of birth, driver's license or state <br/>
<a id="pl.4.26"></a><var>4.26</var>identification number, and the last four digits of the applicant's Social Security number <br/>
<a id="pl.4.27"></a><var>4.27</var>must not be made available for public inspection. An application may be submitted to <br/>
<a id="pl.4.28"></a><var>4.28</var>the county auditor or municipal clerk by an electronic facsimile device. An application <br/>
<a id="pl.4.29"></a><var>4.29</var>mailed or returned in person to the county auditor or municipal clerk on behalf of a voter <br/>
<a id="pl.4.30"></a><var>4.30</var>by a person other than the voter must be deposited in the mail or returned in person to <br/>
<a id="pl.4.31"></a><var>4.31</var>the county auditor or municipal clerk within ten days after it has been dated by the voter <br/>
<a id="pl.4.32"></a><var>4.32</var>and no later than six days before the election. The absentee ballot applications or a list of <br/>
<a id="pl.4.33"></a><var>4.33</var>persons applying for an absentee ballot may not be made available for public inspection <br/>
<a id="pl.4.34"></a><var>4.34</var>until the close of voting on election day. <br/>
<a id="pl.5.1"></a><var>5.1</var>    An application under this subdivision may contain an application under subdivision <br/>
<a id="pl.5.2"></a><var>5.2</var>5 6 to automatically receive an absentee ballot application. <br/>
<br/>
<a id="bill.1.7.0"></a><a id="pl.5.3"></a><var>5.3</var>    Sec. 7. Minnesota Statutes 2008, section 203B.04, subdivision 6, is amended to read:<br/>
<a id="pl.5.4"></a><var>5.4</var>    Subd. 6. <b>Ongoing absentee status; termination.</b> (a) An eligible voter may apply to <br/>
<a id="pl.5.5"></a><var>5.5</var>a county auditor or municipal clerk for status as an ongoing absentee voter who reasonably <br/>
<a id="pl.5.6"></a><var>5.6</var>expects to meet the requirements of section 
         <statute_ref>203B.02, subdivision 1</statute_ref>. The voter may <br/>
<a id="pl.5.7"></a><var>5.7</var>decline to receive an absentee ballot for one or more elections if that request is received <br/>
<a id="pl.5.8"></a><var>5.8</var>by the county auditor or municipal clerk at least five days before the deadline in section <br/>
<a id="pl.5.9"></a><var>5.9</var>204B.35 for delivering ballots for the election to which it applies. Sixty days before each <br/>
<a id="pl.5.10"></a><var>5.10</var>state primary, the county auditor must send each voter with ongoing absentee ballot status <br/>
<a id="pl.5.11"></a><var>5.11</var>a nonforwardable postcard to notify the voter when the voter can expect to receive the <br/>
<a id="pl.5.12"></a><var>5.12</var>ballots. Each applicant must automatically be provided with an absentee ballot application <br/>
<a id="pl.5.13"></a><var>5.13</var>for each ensuing election other than an election by mail conducted under section 
         <statute_ref>204B.45</statute_ref>, <br/>
<a id="pl.5.14"></a><var>5.14</var>or as otherwise requested by the voter, and must have the status of ongoing absentee voter <br/>
<a id="pl.5.15"></a><var>5.15</var>indicated on the voter's registration record.<br/>
<a id="pl.5.16"></a><var>5.16</var>(b) Ongoing absentee voter status ends on:<br/>
<a id="pl.5.17"></a><var>5.17</var>(1) the voter's written request;<br/>
<a id="pl.5.18"></a><var>5.18</var>(2) the voter's death;<br/>
<a id="pl.5.19"></a><var>5.19</var>(3) return of an ongoing absentee ballot as undeliverable;<br/>
<a id="pl.5.20"></a><var>5.20</var>(4) a change in the voter's status so that the voter is not eligible to vote under section <br/>
<statute_ref><a id="pl.5.21"></a><var>5.21</var>201.15
         </statute_ref> or 
         <statute_ref>201.155</statute_ref>; or<br/>
<a id="pl.5.22"></a><var>5.22</var>(5) placement of the voter's registration on inactive status under section 
         <statute_ref>201.171</statute_ref>.<br/>
<a id="pl.5.23"></a><var>5.23</var>By May 1, 2010, each county auditor shall mail an explanation of the changes to the <br/>
<a id="pl.5.24"></a><var>5.24</var>ongoing absentee balloting process and an updated ongoing absentee voter application to <br/>
<a id="pl.5.25"></a><var>5.25</var>every voter with ongoing absentee ballot status in their county. A voter must return the <br/>
<a id="pl.5.26"></a><var>5.26</var>application to maintain the voter's status as an ongoing absentee voter. Upon receipt of <br/>
<a id="pl.5.27"></a><var>5.27</var>a completed application, the county auditor shall scan an image of the application and <br/>
<a id="pl.5.28"></a><var>5.28</var>update the voter's record with any new or changed information.<br/>
<a id="pl.5.29"></a><var>5.29</var><b>EFFECTIVE DATE.</b>This section is not effective until the secretary of state has <br/>
<a id="pl.5.30"></a><var>5.30</var>certified that the statewide voter registration system has been tested and shown to properly <br/>
<a id="pl.5.31"></a><var>5.31</var>allow for the issuance of ballots to ongoing absentee voters.<br/>
<br/>
<a id="bill.1.8.0"></a><a id="pl.6.1"></a><var>6.1</var>    Sec. 8. Minnesota Statutes 2008, section 203B.05, is amended to read:<br/>
<a id="pl.6.2"></a><var>6.2</var><b>203B.05 DESIGNATION OF MUNICIPAL CLERKS TO ADMINISTER</b><b> </b><br/>
<a id="pl.6.3"></a><var>6.3</var><b>EARLY AND</b><b> ABSENTEE VOTING LAWS.</b><br/>
<a id="pl.6.4"></a><var>6.4</var>    Subdivision 1. <b>Generally.</b> The full-time clerk of any city or town shall administer <br/>
<a id="pl.6.5"></a><var>6.5</var>the provisions of sections 
         <statute_ref>203B.04</statute_ref> to 
         <statute_ref>203B.15 and 203B.30 to 203B.35</statute_ref> if: <br/>
<a id="pl.6.6"></a><var>6.6</var>(a) (1) the county auditor of that county has designated the clerk to administer <br/>
<a id="pl.6.7"></a><var>6.7</var>them; or<br/>
<a id="pl.6.8"></a><var>6.8</var>(b) (2) the clerk has given the county auditor of that county notice of intention <br/>
<a id="pl.6.9"></a><var>6.9</var>to administer them.<br/>
<a id="pl.6.10"></a><var>6.10</var>A clerk may only administer the provisions of sections 203B.04 to 203B.15 and <br/>
<a id="pl.6.11"></a><var>6.11</var>203B.30 to 203B.35 if the clerk has technical capacity to access the statewide voter <br/>
<a id="pl.6.12"></a><var>6.12</var>registration system in the secure manner prescribed by the secretary of state. The secretary <br/>
<a id="pl.6.13"></a><var>6.13</var>of state must identify hardware, software, security, or other technical prerequisites <br/>
<a id="pl.6.14"></a><var>6.14</var>necessary to ensure the security, access controls, and performance of the statewide voter <br/>
<a id="pl.6.15"></a><var>6.15</var>registration system. A clerk must receive training approved by the secretary of state <br/>
<a id="pl.6.16"></a><var>6.16</var>on the use of the statewide voter registration system before administering this section. <br/>
<a id="pl.6.17"></a><var>6.17</var>A clerk may not use the statewide voter registration system until the clerk has received <br/>
<a id="pl.6.18"></a><var>6.18</var>the required training.<br/>
<a id="pl.6.19"></a><var>6.19</var>    Subd. 2.  <b>City, school district, and town elections.</b> For city, town, and school <br/>
<a id="pl.6.20"></a><var>6.20</var>district elections not held on the same day as a statewide election, applications for <br/>
<a id="pl.6.21"></a><var>6.21</var>absentee ballots shall be filed with the city, school district, or town clerk and the duties <br/>
<a id="pl.6.22"></a><var>6.22</var>prescribed by this chapter for the county auditor shall be performed by the city, school <br/>
<a id="pl.6.23"></a><var>6.23</var>district, or town clerk unless the county auditor agrees to perform those duties on behalf <br/>
<a id="pl.6.24"></a><var>6.24</var>of the city, school district, or town clerk. The costs incurred to provide absentee ballots <br/>
<a id="pl.6.25"></a><var>6.25</var>and perform the duties prescribed by this subdivision shall be paid by the city, town, or <br/>
<a id="pl.6.26"></a><var>6.26</var>school district holding the election. <br/>
<a id="pl.6.27"></a><var>6.27</var>    Notwithstanding any other law, this chapter applies to school district elections held <br/>
<a id="pl.6.28"></a><var>6.28</var>on the same day as a statewide election or an election for a county or municipality wholly <br/>
<a id="pl.6.29"></a><var>6.29</var>or partially within the school district. <br/>
<a id="pl.6.30"></a><var>6.30</var><b>EFFECTIVE DATE.</b>This section is not effective until the secretary of state has <br/>
<a id="pl.6.31"></a><var>6.31</var>certified that the statewide voter registration system has been tested, shown to properly <br/>
<a id="pl.6.32"></a><var>6.32</var>allow municipal clerks to update absentee voting records, and to be able to handle the <br/>
<a id="pl.6.33"></a><var>6.33</var>expected volume of use.<br/>
<br/>
<a id="bill.1.9.0"></a><a id="pl.6.34"></a><var>6.34</var>    Sec. 9. Minnesota Statutes 2008, section 203B.06, subdivision 3, is amended to read:<br/>
<a id="pl.7.1"></a><var>7.1</var>    Subd. 3.  <b>Delivery of ballots.</b> (a) If an application for absentee ballots is accepted <br/>
<a id="pl.7.2"></a><var>7.2</var>at a time when absentee ballots are not yet available for distribution, the county auditor, <br/>
<a id="pl.7.3"></a><var>7.3</var>or municipal clerk accepting the application shall file it and as soon as absentee ballots <br/>
<a id="pl.7.4"></a><var>7.4</var>are available for distribution shall mail them to the address specified in the application. <br/>
<a id="pl.7.5"></a><var>7.5</var>If an application for absentee ballots is accepted when absentee ballots are available for <br/>
<a id="pl.7.6"></a><var>7.6</var>distribution, the county auditor or municipal clerk accepting the application shall promptly: <br/>
<a id="pl.7.7"></a><var>7.7</var>    (1) mail the ballots to the voter whose signature appears on the application if the <br/>
<a id="pl.7.8"></a><var>7.8</var>application is submitted by mail and does not request commercial shipping under clause <br/>
<a id="pl.7.9"></a><var>7.9</var>(2); <br/>
<a id="pl.7.10"></a><var>7.10</var>    (2) ship the ballots to the voter using a commercial shipper requested by the voter at <br/>
<a id="pl.7.11"></a><var>7.11</var>the voter's expense; <br/>
<a id="pl.7.12"></a><var>7.12</var>    (3) deliver the absentee ballots directly to the voter if the application is submitted in <br/>
<a id="pl.7.13"></a><var>7.13</var>person; or <br/>
<a id="pl.7.14"></a><var>7.14</var>    (4) deliver the absentee ballots in a sealed transmittal envelope to an agent who has <br/>
<a id="pl.7.15"></a><var>7.15</var>been designated to bring the ballots, as provided in section 
         <statute_ref>203B.11, subdivision 4</statute_ref>, to a <br/>
<a id="pl.7.16"></a><var>7.16</var>voter who would have difficulty getting to the polls because of incapacitating health <br/>
<a id="pl.7.17"></a><var>7.17</var>reasons, or who is disabled, or who is a patient in a health care facility, a resident of <br/>
<a id="pl.7.18"></a><var>7.18</var>a facility providing assisted living services governed by chapter 144G, a participant in <br/>
<a id="pl.7.19"></a><var>7.19</var>a residential program for adults licensed under section 
         <statute_ref>245A.02, subdivision 14</statute_ref>, or a <br/>
<a id="pl.7.20"></a><var>7.20</var>resident of a shelter for battered women as defined in section 
         <statute_ref>611A.37, subdivision 4</statute_ref>. <br/>
<a id="pl.7.21"></a><var>7.21</var>    (b) If an application does not indicate the election for which absentee ballots are <br/>
<a id="pl.7.22"></a><var>7.22</var>sought, the county auditor or municipal clerk shall mail or deliver only the ballots for the <br/>
<a id="pl.7.23"></a><var>7.23</var>next election occurring after receipt of the application. Only one set of ballots may be <br/>
<a id="pl.7.24"></a><var>7.24</var>mailed, shipped, or delivered to an applicant for any election, except as provided in section <br/>
<statute_ref><a id="pl.7.25"></a><var>7.25</var>203B.13 203B.121, subdivision 2
         </statute_ref>, or when a replacement ballot has been requested by the <br/>
<a id="pl.7.26"></a><var>7.26</var>voter for a ballot that has been spoiled or lost in transit. <br/>
<a id="pl.7.27"></a><var>7.27</var><b>EFFECTIVE DATE.</b>This section is not effective until the secretary of state has <br/>
<a id="pl.7.28"></a><var>7.28</var>certified that the statewide voter registration system has been tested, shown to properly <br/>
<a id="pl.7.29"></a><var>7.29</var>allow municipal clerks to update absentee voting records, and to be able to handle the <br/>
<a id="pl.7.30"></a><var>7.30</var>expected volume of use.<br/>
<br/>
<a id="bill.1.10.0"></a><a id="pl.7.31"></a><var>7.31</var>    Sec. 10. <b>[203B.065] RECORDING APPLICATIONS.</b><br/>
<a id="pl.7.32"></a><var>7.32</var>Upon accepting an application for a state primary or state general election, the <br/>
<a id="pl.7.33"></a><var>7.33</var>county auditor or municipal clerk shall record in the statewide registration system the <br/>
<a id="pl.7.34"></a><var>7.34</var>voter's name, address of residence in Minnesota, mailing address, Minnesota driver's <br/>
<a id="pl.7.35"></a><var>7.35</var>license or state identification number, or the last four digits of the voter's Social Security <br/>
<a id="pl.8.1"></a><var>8.1</var>number, if provided by the voter, that an absentee ballot has been transmitted to the voter, <br/>
<a id="pl.8.2"></a><var>8.2</var>the method of transmission, and the date of transmission.<br/>
<a id="pl.8.3"></a><var>8.3</var>Upon receipt of a returned absentee ballot for a state primary or state general <br/>
<a id="pl.8.4"></a><var>8.4</var>election, the county auditor or municipal clerk shall record in the statewide voter <br/>
<a id="pl.8.5"></a><var>8.5</var>registration system that the voter has returned the ballot.<br/>
<a id="pl.8.6"></a><var>8.6</var>Upon receipt of notice that the ballot board has accepted or rejected the absentee <br/>
<a id="pl.8.7"></a><var>8.7</var>ballot for a state primary or state general election, the county auditor or municipal clerk <br/>
<a id="pl.8.8"></a><var>8.8</var>shall record in the statewide voter registration system whether the ballot was accepted or <br/>
<a id="pl.8.9"></a><var>8.9</var>rejected, and if rejected, the reason for rejection. If a replacement ballot is transmitted to <br/>
<a id="pl.8.10"></a><var>8.10</var>the voter, the county auditor or municipal clerk shall record this in the statewide voter <br/>
<a id="pl.8.11"></a><var>8.11</var>registration system.<br/>
<a id="pl.8.12"></a><var>8.12</var><b>EFFECTIVE DATE.</b>This section is not effective until the secretary of state has <br/>
<a id="pl.8.13"></a><var>8.13</var>certified that the statewide voter registration system has been tested, shown to properly <br/>
<a id="pl.8.14"></a><var>8.14</var>allow municipal clerks to update absentee voting records, and to be able to handle the <br/>
<a id="pl.8.15"></a><var>8.15</var>expected volume of use. <br/>
<br/>
<a id="bill.1.11.0"></a><a id="pl.8.16"></a><var>8.16</var>    Sec. 11. Minnesota Statutes 2008, section 203B.07, subdivision 2, is amended to read:<br/>
<a id="pl.8.17"></a><var>8.17</var>    Subd. 2.  <b>Design of envelopes.</b> The return envelope shall be of sufficient size to <br/>
<a id="pl.8.18"></a><var>8.18</var>conveniently enclose and contain the ballot envelope and a folded voter registration <br/>
<a id="pl.8.19"></a><var>8.19</var>application. The return envelope shall be designed to open on the left-hand end. If the <br/>
<a id="pl.8.20"></a><var>8.20</var>voter was not previously registered, The return envelope must be designed in one of <br/>
<a id="pl.8.21"></a><var>8.21</var>the following ways: <br/>
<a id="pl.8.22"></a><var>8.22</var>    (1) it must be of sufficient size to contain an additional envelope that when sealed, <br/>
<a id="pl.8.23"></a><var>8.23</var>conceals the signature, identification, and other information; or <br/>
<a id="pl.8.24"></a><var>8.24</var>    (2) it must provide an additional flap that when sealed, conceals the signature, <br/>
<a id="pl.8.25"></a><var>8.25</var>identification, and other information.<br/>
<a id="pl.8.26"></a><var>8.26</var>     Election officials may open the flap or the additional envelope at any time after <br/>
<a id="pl.8.27"></a><var>8.27</var>receiving the returned ballot to inspect the returned certificate for completeness or to <br/>
<a id="pl.8.28"></a><var>8.28</var>ascertain other information.<br/>
<br/>
<a id="bill.1.12.0"></a><a id="pl.8.29"></a><var>8.29</var>    Sec. 12. Minnesota Statutes 2008, section 203B.07, subdivision 3, is amended to read:<br/>
<a id="pl.8.30"></a><var>8.30</var>    Subd. 3.  <b>Eligibility certificate.</b> A certificate of eligibility to vote by absentee ballot <br/>
<a id="pl.8.31"></a><var>8.31</var>shall be printed on the back of the return envelope. The certificate shall contain space for <br/>
<a id="pl.8.32"></a><var>8.32</var>the voter's Minnesota driver's license, state identification number, or the last four digits of <br/>
<a id="pl.8.33"></a><var>8.33</var>the voter's Social Security number or to indicate that they do not have one, and a statement <br/>
<a id="pl.8.34"></a><var>8.34</var>to be signed and sworn by the voter indicating that the voter meets all of the requirements <br/>
<a id="pl.9.1"></a><var>9.1</var>established by law for voting by absentee ballot, that the ballots were unmarked when <br/>
<a id="pl.9.2"></a><var>9.2</var>received by the voter, and that the voter personally marked the ballots without showing <br/>
<a id="pl.9.3"></a><var>9.3</var>how they were marked, or, if the voter was physically unable to mark them, that the voter <br/>
<a id="pl.9.4"></a><var>9.4</var>directed another individual to mark them. If the voter was not previously registered at that <br/>
<a id="pl.9.5"></a><var>9.5</var>address, the certificate shall also contain space for a statement signed by a person who <br/>
<a id="pl.9.6"></a><var>9.6</var>is registered to vote in Minnesota or by a notary public or other individual authorized to <br/>
<a id="pl.9.7"></a><var>9.7</var>administer oaths a United States citizen stating that: <br/>
<a id="pl.9.8"></a><var>9.8</var>    (1) the ballots were displayed to that individual unmarked; <br/>
<a id="pl.9.9"></a><var>9.9</var>    (2) the voter marked the ballots in that individual's presence without showing how <br/>
<a id="pl.9.10"></a><var>9.10</var>they were marked, or, if the voter was physically unable to mark them, that the voter <br/>
<a id="pl.9.11"></a><var>9.11</var>directed another individual to mark them; and <br/>
<a id="pl.9.12"></a><var>9.12</var>    (3) if the voter was not previously registered, the voter has provided proof of <br/>
<a id="pl.9.13"></a><var>9.13</var>residence as required by section 
         <statute_ref>201.061, subdivision 3</statute_ref>. <br/>
<br/>
<a id="bill.1.13.0"></a><a id="pl.9.14"></a><var>9.14</var>    Sec. 13. Minnesota Statutes 2008, section 203B.08, subdivision 2, is amended to read:<br/>
<a id="pl.9.15"></a><var>9.15</var>    Subd. 2. <b>Address on return envelopes.</b> The county auditor or municipal clerk shall <br/>
<a id="pl.9.16"></a><var>9.16</var>address return envelopes to allow direct mailing of the absentee ballots to: <br/>
<a id="pl.9.17"></a><var>9.17</var>(a) the county auditor or municipal clerk who sent the ballots to the voter;  has the <br/>
<a id="pl.9.18"></a><var>9.18</var>responsibility to accept and reject the absentee ballots.<br/>
<a id="pl.9.19"></a><var>9.19</var>(b) the clerk of the town or city in which the absent voter is eligible to vote; or<br/>
<a id="pl.9.20"></a><var>9.20</var>(c) the appropriate election judges.<br/>
<a id="pl.9.21"></a><var>9.21</var><b>EFFECTIVE DATE.</b>This section is not effective until the secretary of state has <br/>
<a id="pl.9.22"></a><var>9.22</var>certified that the statewide voter registration system has been tested, shown to properly <br/>
<a id="pl.9.23"></a><var>9.23</var>allow municipal clerks to update absentee voting records, and to be able to handle the <br/>
<a id="pl.9.24"></a><var>9.24</var>expected volume of use.<br/>
<br/>
<a id="bill.1.14.0"></a><a id="pl.9.25"></a><var>9.25</var>    Sec. 14. Minnesota Statutes 2008, section 203B.08, subdivision 3, is amended to read:<br/>
<a id="pl.9.26"></a><var>9.26</var>    Subd. 3.  <b>Procedures on receipt of ballots.</b> When absentee ballots are returned to a <br/>
<a id="pl.9.27"></a><var>9.27</var>county auditor or municipal clerk, that official shall stamp or initial and date the return <br/>
<a id="pl.9.28"></a><var>9.28</var>envelope and place it in a secure location with other return envelopes received by that <br/>
<a id="pl.9.29"></a><var>9.29</var>office. Within five days of receipt, the county auditor or municipal clerk shall deliver to the <br/>
<a id="pl.9.30"></a><var>9.30</var>appropriate election judges on election day all ballots received before or with the last mail <br/>
<a id="pl.9.31"></a><var>9.31</var>delivery by the United States Postal Service on election day. A town clerk may request the <br/>
<a id="pl.9.32"></a><var>9.32</var>United States Postal Service to deliver absentee ballots to the polling place on election <br/>
<a id="pl.9.33"></a><var>9.33</var>day instead of to the official address of the town clerk. ballot board all ballots received, <br/>
<a id="pl.10.1"></a><var>10.1</var>except that during the 14 days immediately preceding an election, the county auditor or <br/>
<a id="pl.10.2"></a><var>10.2</var>municipal clerk shall deliver all ballots received to the ballot board within three days. <br/>
<a id="pl.10.3"></a><var>10.3</var><b>EFFECTIVE DATE.</b>This section is not effective until the secretary of state has <br/>
<a id="pl.10.4"></a><var>10.4</var>certified that the statewide voter registration system has been tested, shown to properly <br/>
<a id="pl.10.5"></a><var>10.5</var>allow municipal clerks to update absentee voting records, and to be able to handle the <br/>
<a id="pl.10.6"></a><var>10.6</var>expected volume of use. <br/>
<br/>
<a id="bill.1.15.0"></a><a id="pl.10.7"></a><var>10.7</var>    Sec. 15. Minnesota Statutes 2008, section 203B.081, is amended to read:<br/>
<a id="pl.10.8"></a><var>10.8</var><b>203B.081 LOCATIONS FOR ABSENTEE VOTING IN PERSON. </b><br/>
<a id="pl.10.9"></a><var>10.9</var>    An eligible voter may vote by absentee ballot during the 30 days before the election <br/>
<a id="pl.10.10"></a><var>10.10</var>up until the third day before the election in the office of the county auditor and at any <br/>
<a id="pl.10.11"></a><var>10.11</var>other polling place designated by the county auditor, except that an eligible voter may <br/>
<a id="pl.10.12"></a><var>10.12</var>not vote by absentee ballot in person during the period for early voting, as provided in <br/>
<a id="pl.10.13"></a><var>10.13</var>section 203B.31. On the day before the election, voters who had planned on voting in <br/>
<a id="pl.10.14"></a><var>10.14</var>person in the polling place and only learned of circumstances in the last four days that will <br/>
<a id="pl.10.15"></a><var>10.15</var>prevent them from doing so may vote by absentee ballot. The county auditor shall make <br/>
<a id="pl.10.16"></a><var>10.16</var>such polling place designations under this section at least 90 days before the election. At <br/>
<a id="pl.10.17"></a><var>10.17</var>least one voting booth in each polling place must be made available by the county auditor <br/>
<a id="pl.10.18"></a><var>10.18</var>for this purpose. The county auditor must also make available at least one electronic ballot <br/>
<a id="pl.10.19"></a><var>10.19</var>marker in each polling place that has implemented a voting system that is accessible for <br/>
<a id="pl.10.20"></a><var>10.20</var>individuals with disabilities pursuant to section 
         <statute_ref>206.57, subdivision 5</statute_ref>.<br/>
<br/>
<a id="bill.1.16.0"></a><a id="pl.10.21"></a><var>10.21</var>    Sec. 16. Minnesota Statutes 2008, section 203B.085, is amended to read:<br/>
<a id="pl.10.22"></a><var>10.22</var><b>203B.085 COUNTY AUDITOR'S AND MUNICIPAL CLERK'S OFFICES TO </b><br/>
<a id="pl.10.23"></a><var>10.23</var><b>REMAIN OPEN DURING CERTAIN HOURS PRECEDING ELECTION.</b><br/>
<a id="pl.10.24"></a><var>10.24</var>    The county auditor's office in each county and the clerk's office in each city or <br/>
<a id="pl.10.25"></a><var>10.25</var>town authorized under section 
         <statute_ref>203B.05</statute_ref> to administer absentee balloting must be open for <br/>
<a id="pl.10.26"></a><var>10.26</var>acceptance of absentee ballot applications and casting of absentee ballots from 10:00 a.m. <br/>
<a id="pl.10.27"></a><var>10.27</var>to 3:00 p.m. on Saturday and until 5:00 p.m. noon on the day immediately Saturday <br/>
<a id="pl.10.28"></a><var>10.28</var>preceding a primary, special, or general election unless that day falls on a Saturday <br/>
<a id="pl.10.29"></a><var>10.29</var>or Sunday. On the day before the election, the office must be open for acceptance of <br/>
<a id="pl.10.30"></a><var>10.30</var>absentee ballot applications and casting of absentee ballots for voters who additionally <br/>
<a id="pl.10.31"></a><var>10.31</var>certify that they had planned on voting in person in the polling place and only learned of <br/>
<a id="pl.10.32"></a><var>10.32</var>circumstances in the last four days that will prevent them from doing so. Town clerks' <br/>
<a id="pl.10.33"></a><var>10.33</var>offices must be open for absentee voting from 10:00 a.m. to 12:00 noon on the Saturday <br/>
<a id="pl.11.1"></a><var>11.1</var>before a town general election held in March. The school district clerk, when performing <br/>
<a id="pl.11.2"></a><var>11.2</var>the county auditor's election duties, need not comply with this section.<br/>
<br/>
<a id="bill.1.17.0"></a><a id="pl.11.3"></a><var>11.3</var>    Sec. 17. Minnesota Statutes 2008, section 203B.11, subdivision 1, is amended to read:<br/>
<a id="pl.11.4"></a><var>11.4</var>    Subdivision 1. <b>Generally.</b> Each full-time municipal clerk or school district <br/>
<a id="pl.11.5"></a><var>11.5</var>clerk who has authority under section 
         <statute_ref>203B.05</statute_ref> to administer absentee and early voting <br/>
<a id="pl.11.6"></a><var>11.6</var>laws shall designate election judges to deliver absentee ballots in accordance with this <br/>
<a id="pl.11.7"></a><var>11.7</var>section. The county auditor must also designate election judges to perform the duties in <br/>
<a id="pl.11.8"></a><var>11.8</var>this section. A ballot may be delivered only to an eligible voter who is a temporary or <br/>
<a id="pl.11.9"></a><var>11.9</var>permanent resident or patient in a health care facility or hospital located in the municipality <br/>
<a id="pl.11.10"></a><var>11.10</var>in which the voter maintains residence. The ballots shall be delivered by two election <br/>
<a id="pl.11.11"></a><var>11.11</var>judges, each of whom is affiliated with a different major political party. When the election <br/>
<a id="pl.11.12"></a><var>11.12</var>judges deliver or return ballots as provided in this section, they shall travel together in the <br/>
<a id="pl.11.13"></a><var>11.13</var>same vehicle. The election judges must bring a ballot box. Both election judges shall be <br/>
<a id="pl.11.14"></a><var>11.14</var>present when an applicant completes the certificate of eligibility signs the certification <br/>
<a id="pl.11.15"></a><var>11.15</var>required by section 204C.10, paragraph (b), and marks the absentee ballots, and may assist <br/>
<a id="pl.11.16"></a><var>11.16</var>an applicant as provided in section 
         <statute_ref>204C.15</statute_ref>. Voters must insert their ballots into the <br/>
<a id="pl.11.17"></a><var>11.17</var>ballot box. The election judges shall deposit the return envelopes containing the marked <br/>
<a id="pl.11.18"></a><var>11.18</var>absentee ballots remove the ballots from the ballot box, place them in a sealed container <br/>
<a id="pl.11.19"></a><var>11.19</var>and return them to the clerk on the same day that they are delivered and marked.<br/>
<a id="pl.11.20"></a><var>11.20</var>Election judges may bring an electronic ballot counter to serve as the ballot box. <br/>
<a id="pl.11.21"></a><var>11.21</var>Election judges may bring an electronic ballot marker.<br/>
<br/>
<a id="bill.1.18.0"></a><a id="pl.11.22"></a><var>11.22</var>    Sec. 18. <b>[203B.121] BALLOT BOARDS.</b><br/>
<a id="pl.11.23"></a><var>11.23</var>    Subdivision 1. <b>Establishment; applicable laws.</b> (a) The governing body of each <br/>
<a id="pl.11.24"></a><var>11.24</var>county, municipality, and school district with responsibility to accept and reject absentee <br/>
<a id="pl.11.25"></a><var>11.25</var>ballots or administer early voting must, by ordinance or resolution, establish a ballot <br/>
<a id="pl.11.26"></a><var>11.26</var>board. The board must consist of a sufficient number of election judges appointed as <br/>
<a id="pl.11.27"></a><var>11.27</var>provided in sections 204B.19 to 204B.22. The board may consist of staff trained as <br/>
<a id="pl.11.28"></a><var>11.28</var>election judges, in which case the board is exempt from sections 204B.19, subdivision 5, <br/>
<a id="pl.11.29"></a><var>11.29</var>and 204C.15, relating to party balance in the appointment of judges, and is also exempt <br/>
<a id="pl.11.30"></a><var>11.30</var>from the duties otherwise required to be performed by ballot board members or election <br/>
<a id="pl.11.31"></a><var>11.31</var>judges of two different major political parties.<br/>
<a id="pl.11.32"></a><var>11.32</var>(b) Each jurisdiction must pay a reasonable compensation to each member of that <br/>
<a id="pl.11.33"></a><var>11.33</var>jurisdiction's ballot board for services rendered during an election.<br/>
<a id="pl.12.1"></a><var>12.1</var>(c) Except as otherwise provided by this section, all provisions of the Minnesota <br/>
<a id="pl.12.2"></a><var>12.2</var>Election Law apply to a ballot board.<br/>
<a id="pl.12.3"></a><var>12.3</var>    Subd. 2. <b>Duties of ballot board; absentee ballots.</b> (a) The members of the ballot <br/>
<a id="pl.12.4"></a><var>12.4</var>board shall take possession of all return envelopes delivered to them in accordance <br/>
<a id="pl.12.5"></a><var>12.5</var>with section 203B.08. Upon receipt from the county auditor, municipal clerk, or school <br/>
<a id="pl.12.6"></a><var>12.6</var>district clerk, two or more members of the ballot board of different major political parties <br/>
<a id="pl.12.7"></a><var>12.7</var>shall examine each return envelope and shall mark it accepted or rejected in the manner <br/>
<a id="pl.12.8"></a><var>12.8</var>provided in this subdivision.<br/>
<a id="pl.12.9"></a><var>12.9</var>(b) The members of the ballot board shall mark the return envelope "accepted" and <br/>
<a id="pl.12.10"></a><var>12.10</var>initial or sign the return envelope below the word "accepted" if a majority of the members <br/>
<a id="pl.12.11"></a><var>12.11</var>of the ballot board are satisfied that:<br/>
<a id="pl.12.12"></a><var>12.12</var>(1) the voter's name and address on the return envelope are the same as the <br/>
<a id="pl.12.13"></a><var>12.13</var>information provided on the absentee ballot application;<br/>
<a id="pl.12.14"></a><var>12.14</var>(2) the voter signed the certification on the envelope;<br/>
<a id="pl.12.15"></a><var>12.15</var>(3) the voter's Minnesota driver's license, state identification number, or the last four <br/>
<a id="pl.12.16"></a><var>12.16</var>digits of the voter's Social Security number are the same as the number provided on the <br/>
<a id="pl.12.17"></a><var>12.17</var>voter's application for ballots. If the number does not match the number as submitted on <br/>
<a id="pl.12.18"></a><var>12.18</var>the application, or if a number was not submitted on the application, the election judges <br/>
<a id="pl.12.19"></a><var>12.19</var>must make a reasonable effort to determine through other information provided by the <br/>
<a id="pl.12.20"></a><var>12.20</var>applicant that the ballots were returned by the same person to whom the ballots were <br/>
<a id="pl.12.21"></a><var>12.21</var>transmitted;<br/>
<a id="pl.12.22"></a><var>12.22</var>(4) the voter is registered and eligible to vote in the precinct or has included a <br/>
<a id="pl.12.23"></a><var>12.23</var>properly completed voter registration application in the return envelope; and<br/>
<a id="pl.12.24"></a><var>12.24</var>(5) the voter has not already voted at that election, either in person or by absentee <br/>
<a id="pl.12.25"></a><var>12.25</var>ballot.<br/>
<a id="pl.12.26"></a><var>12.26</var>The return envelope from accepted ballots must be preserved and returned to the <br/>
<a id="pl.12.27"></a><var>12.27</var>county auditor.<br/>
<a id="pl.12.28"></a><var>12.28</var>The ballots from return envelopes marked "accepted" shall be opened, duplicated as <br/>
<a id="pl.12.29"></a><var>12.29</var>needed in the manner provided in section 206.86, subdivision 5, initialed by the members <br/>
<a id="pl.12.30"></a><var>12.30</var>of the ballot board, and deposited in the appropriate ballot box. These duties must be <br/>
<a id="pl.12.31"></a><var>12.31</var>performed by ballot board members of two different major political parties. If more than <br/>
<a id="pl.12.32"></a><var>12.32</var>one ballot is enclosed in the ballot envelope, none of the ballots shall be counted but <br/>
<a id="pl.12.33"></a><var>12.33</var>all ballots of that kind shall be returned in the manner provided by section 204C.25 for <br/>
<a id="pl.12.34"></a><var>12.34</var>return of spoiled ballots.<br/>
<a id="pl.12.35"></a><var>12.35</var>(c) (1) If a majority of the members of the ballot board examining a return envelope <br/>
<a id="pl.12.36"></a><var>12.36</var>find that an absentee voter has failed to meet one of the requirements provided in <br/>
<a id="pl.13.1"></a><var>13.1</var>paragraph (b), they shall mark the return envelope "rejected," initial or sign it below the <br/>
<a id="pl.13.2"></a><var>13.2</var>word "rejected," list the reason for the rejection on the envelope, and return it to the county <br/>
<a id="pl.13.3"></a><var>13.3</var>auditor. There is no other reason for rejecting an absentee ballot beyond those permitted <br/>
<a id="pl.13.4"></a><var>13.4</var>by this section. Failure to place the ballot within the security envelope before placing it in <br/>
<a id="pl.13.5"></a><var>13.5</var>the outer white envelope is not a reason to reject an absentee ballot. <br/>
<a id="pl.13.6"></a><var>13.6</var>(2) If an envelope has been rejected at least five days before the election, the <br/>
<a id="pl.13.7"></a><var>13.7</var>envelope must remain sealed and the official in charge of the ballot board shall provide <br/>
<a id="pl.13.8"></a><var>13.8</var>the voter with a replacement absentee ballot and return envelope in place of the rejected <br/>
<a id="pl.13.9"></a><var>13.9</var>ballot. Notwithstanding any rule to the contrary, the official in charge of the election is not <br/>
<a id="pl.13.10"></a><var>13.10</var>required to write "replacement" on the replacement ballot.<br/>
<a id="pl.13.11"></a><var>13.11</var>(3) If an envelope is rejected within five days of the election, the envelope must <br/>
<a id="pl.13.12"></a><var>13.12</var>remain sealed and the official in charge of the ballot board must attempt to contact the <br/>
<a id="pl.13.13"></a><var>13.13</var>voter by telephone or electronic mail to notify the voter that the voter's ballot has been <br/>
<a id="pl.13.14"></a><var>13.14</var>rejected. The official must document the attempts made to contact the voter.<br/>
<a id="pl.13.15"></a><var>13.15</var>(d) The names of voters who have submitted an absentee ballot return envelope to <br/>
<a id="pl.13.16"></a><var>13.16</var>the county auditor or municipal clerk that has not been accepted by a ballot board may not <br/>
<a id="pl.13.17"></a><var>13.17</var>be made available for public inspection until the close of voting on election day.<br/>
<a id="pl.13.18"></a><var>13.18</var>    Subd. 3. <b>Duties of ballot board; early voting.</b> The members of the ballot board <br/>
<a id="pl.13.19"></a><var>13.19</var>shall administer the process of early voting as prescribed in section 203B.35, and shall <br/>
<a id="pl.13.20"></a><var>13.20</var>make a record of voters who cast ballots early and count those ballots as provided in <br/>
<a id="pl.13.21"></a><var>13.21</var>subdivisions 4 and 5.<br/>
<a id="pl.13.22"></a><var>13.22</var>    Subd. 4. <b>Record of voting.</b> (a) The county auditor or municipal clerk must <br/>
<a id="pl.13.23"></a><var>13.23</var>immediately record that a voter's absentee ballot has been accepted or that the voter has <br/>
<a id="pl.13.24"></a><var>13.24</var>cast a ballot pursuant to the early voting procedures provided in this chapter, in order to <br/>
<a id="pl.13.25"></a><var>13.25</var>prevent the voter from casting more than one ballot at an election. After a voter's record <br/>
<a id="pl.13.26"></a><var>13.26</var>has been marked, the individual must not be allowed to vote again at that election. In a <br/>
<a id="pl.13.27"></a><var>13.27</var>state primary, state general, or state special election, the auditor or clerk must also record <br/>
<a id="pl.13.28"></a><var>13.28</var>in the statewide voter registration system that the voter has cast a ballot.<br/>
<a id="pl.13.29"></a><var>13.29</var>(b) The roster must be marked, or a supplemental report created, no later than the <br/>
<a id="pl.13.30"></a><var>13.30</var>start of voting on election day to indicate the voters that have already cast a ballot at the <br/>
<a id="pl.13.31"></a><var>13.31</var>election. The roster may be marked either:<br/>
<a id="pl.13.32"></a><var>13.32</var>(1) by the municipal clerk before election day;<br/>
<a id="pl.13.33"></a><var>13.33</var>(2) by the ballot board before election day; or<br/>
<a id="pl.13.34"></a><var>13.34</var>(3) by the election judges at the polling place on election day.<br/>
<a id="pl.13.35"></a><var>13.35</var>The record of a voter who cast an absentee ballot in person on the day prior to the <br/>
<a id="pl.13.36"></a><var>13.36</var>election, or whose absentee ballot arrived by mail on the day of, or the day prior to the <br/>
<a id="pl.14.1"></a><var>14.1</var>election, is not required to be marked on the roster or contained in a supplemental report <br/>
<a id="pl.14.2"></a><var>14.2</var>as required by this paragraph.<br/>
<a id="pl.14.3"></a><var>14.3</var>    Subd. 5. <b>Storage and counting of absentee and early voting ballots.</b> (a) On a day <br/>
<a id="pl.14.4"></a><var>14.4</var>on which early voting or absentee ballots are inserted into a ballot box, two members of <br/>
<a id="pl.14.5"></a><var>14.5</var>the ballot board of different major political parties must:<br/>
<a id="pl.14.6"></a><var>14.6</var>(1) remove the ballots from the ballot box at the end of the day;<br/>
<a id="pl.14.7"></a><var>14.7</var>(2) without inspecting the ballots, ensure that the number of ballots removed from <br/>
<a id="pl.14.8"></a><var>14.8</var>the ballot box is equal to the combined number of voters who voted in person and voters <br/>
<a id="pl.14.9"></a><var>14.9</var>whose absentee ballots were accepted that day; and<br/>
<a id="pl.14.10"></a><var>14.10</var>(3) seal and secure all voted and unvoted ballots present in that location at the end <br/>
<a id="pl.14.11"></a><var>14.11</var>of the day.<br/>
<a id="pl.14.12"></a><var>14.12</var>(b) After the polls have closed on election day, two members of the ballot board of <br/>
<a id="pl.14.13"></a><var>14.13</var>different major political parties must count the ballots, tabulating the vote in a manner that <br/>
<a id="pl.14.14"></a><var>14.14</var>indicates each vote of the voter and the total votes cast for each candidate or question. In <br/>
<a id="pl.14.15"></a><var>14.15</var>state primary and state general elections, the results must indicate the total votes cast for <br/>
<a id="pl.14.16"></a><var>14.16</var>each candidate or question in each precinct and report the vote totals tabulated for each <br/>
<a id="pl.14.17"></a><var>14.17</var>precinct. The count shall be public. No vote totals from ballots may be made public <br/>
<a id="pl.14.18"></a><var>14.18</var>before the close of voting on election day.<br/>
<a id="pl.14.19"></a><var>14.19</var>In state primary and state general elections, these vote totals shall be added to the <br/>
<a id="pl.14.20"></a><var>14.20</var>vote totals on the summary statements of the returns for the appropriate precinct. In other <br/>
<a id="pl.14.21"></a><var>14.21</var>elections, these vote totals may be added to the vote totals on the summary statement of <br/>
<a id="pl.14.22"></a><var>14.22</var>returns for the appropriate precinct or may be reported as a separate total.<br/>
<a id="pl.14.23"></a><var>14.23</var>(c) In addition to the requirements of paragraphs (a) and (b), if the task has not been <br/>
<a id="pl.14.24"></a><var>14.24</var>completed previously, the members of the ballot board must verify within 48 hours after <br/>
<a id="pl.14.25"></a><var>14.25</var>election day that voters whose absentee ballots arrived after the rosters were marked or <br/>
<a id="pl.14.26"></a><var>14.26</var>supplemental reports were generated and whose ballots were accepted did not vote in <br/>
<a id="pl.14.27"></a><var>14.27</var>person on election day. This task must be completed before the members of the ballot <br/>
<a id="pl.14.28"></a><var>14.28</var>board take any additional steps to process and count these ballots.<br/>
<a id="pl.14.29"></a><var>14.29</var><b>EFFECTIVE DATE.</b>The provisions of this section related to absentee voting are <br/>
<a id="pl.14.30"></a><var>14.30</var>effective when the secretary of state has certified that the statewide voter registration <br/>
<a id="pl.14.31"></a><var>14.31</var>system has been tested, shown to properly allow municipal clerks to update absentee <br/>
<a id="pl.14.32"></a><var>14.32</var>voting records, and to be able to handle the expected volume of use.<br/>
<br/>
<a id="bill.1.19.0"></a><a id="pl.14.33"></a><var>14.33</var>    Sec. 19. Minnesota Statutes 2008, section 203B.125, is amended to read:<br/>
<a id="pl.14.34"></a><var>14.34</var><b>203B.125 SECRETARY OF STATE TO MAKE RULES.</b><br/>
<a id="pl.15.1"></a><var>15.1</var>The secretary of state shall adopt rules establishing methods and procedures for <br/>
<a id="pl.15.2"></a><var>15.2</var>issuing ballot cards and related absentee forms to be used as provided in section 
         <statute_ref>203B.08, <br/>
<a id="pl.15.3"></a><var>15.3</var>subdivision 1a
         </statute_ref>, and for the reconciliation of voters and ballot cards before tabulation under <br/>
<a id="pl.15.4"></a><var>15.4</var>section 
         <statute_ref>203B.12</statute_ref> 204C.20, subdivision 1.  <br/>
<br/>
<a id="bill.1.20.0"></a><a id="pl.15.5"></a><var>15.5</var>    Sec. 20. Minnesota Statutes 2008, section 203B.23, subdivision 1, is amended to read:<br/>
<a id="pl.15.6"></a><var>15.6</var>    Subdivision 1.  <b>Establishment.</b> The county auditor must establish an absentee ballot <br/>
<a id="pl.15.7"></a><var>15.7</var>board for ballots issued under sections 
         <statute_ref>203B.16</statute_ref> to 
         <statute_ref>203B.27</statute_ref>. The board may consist of <br/>
<a id="pl.15.8"></a><var>15.8</var>staff trained and certified as election judges, in which case, the board is exempt from <br/>
<a id="pl.15.9"></a><var>15.9</var>sections 
         <statute_ref>204B.19, subdivision 5</statute_ref>, and 
         <statute_ref>204C.15</statute_ref>, relating to party balance in appointment <br/>
<a id="pl.15.10"></a><var>15.10</var>of judges and to duties to be performed by judges or members of the ballot board of <br/>
<a id="pl.15.11"></a><var>15.11</var>different major political parties. <br/>
<br/>
<a id="bill.1.21.0"></a><a id="pl.15.12"></a><var>15.12</var>    Sec. 21. Minnesota Statutes 2008, section 203B.23, subdivision 2, is amended to read:<br/>
<a id="pl.15.13"></a><var>15.13</var>    Subd. 2.  <b>Duties.</b> The absentee ballot board must examine all returned absentee <br/>
<a id="pl.15.14"></a><var>15.14</var>ballot envelopes for ballots issued under sections 
         <statute_ref>203B.16</statute_ref> to 
         <statute_ref>203B.27</statute_ref> and accept or reject <br/>
<a id="pl.15.15"></a><var>15.15</var>the absentee ballots in the manner provided in section 
         <statute_ref>203B.24</statute_ref>. If the certificate of voter <br/>
<a id="pl.15.16"></a><var>15.16</var>eligibility is not printed on the return or administrative envelope, the certificate must <br/>
<a id="pl.15.17"></a><var>15.17</var>be attached to the ballot secrecy envelope. <br/>
<a id="pl.15.18"></a><var>15.18</var>    The absentee ballot board must immediately examine the return envelopes and mark <br/>
<a id="pl.15.19"></a><var>15.19</var>them "accepted" or "rejected" during the 30 days before the election. If an envelope has <br/>
<a id="pl.15.20"></a><var>15.20</var>been rejected at least five days before the election, the ballots in the envelope must be <br/>
<a id="pl.15.21"></a><var>15.21</var>considered spoiled ballots and the official in charge of the absentee ballot board must <br/>
<a id="pl.15.22"></a><var>15.22</var>provide the voter with a replacement absentee ballot and return envelope in place of <br/>
<a id="pl.15.23"></a><var>15.23</var>the spoiled ballot. <br/>
<a id="pl.15.24"></a><var>15.24</var>Except for federal write-in absentee ballots, the ballots from return envelopes <br/>
<a id="pl.15.25"></a><var>15.25</var>marked "Accepted" must be opened, duplicated as needed in the manner provided by <br/>
<a id="pl.15.26"></a><var>15.26</var>section 206.86, subdivision 5, initialed by the members of the ballot board, and deposited <br/>
<a id="pl.15.27"></a><var>15.27</var>in the appropriate ballot box. These duties must be performed by two members of the <br/>
<a id="pl.15.28"></a><var>15.28</var>ballot board of different major political parties.<br/>
<a id="pl.15.29"></a><var>15.29</var>Federal write-in absentee ballots marked "Accepted" must be opened, duplicated as <br/>
<a id="pl.15.30"></a><var>15.30</var>needed in the manner provided by section 206.86, subdivision 5, initialed by the members <br/>
<a id="pl.15.31"></a><var>15.31</var>of the ballot board, and deposited in the appropriate ballot box after 5:00 p.m. on the <br/>
<a id="pl.15.32"></a><var>15.32</var>fourth day before the election, unless the voter has submitted another absentee ballot with <br/>
<a id="pl.15.33"></a><var>15.33</var>a later postmark which has been accepted by the board.<br/>
<a id="pl.16.1"></a><var>16.1</var>In all other respects, the provisions of the Minnesota Election Law governing <br/>
<a id="pl.16.2"></a><var>16.2</var>deposit and counting of ballots apply.<br/>
<a id="pl.16.3"></a><var>16.3</var>No vote totals from absentee ballots may be made public before the close of voting <br/>
<a id="pl.16.4"></a><var>16.4</var>on election day.<br/>
<a id="pl.16.5"></a><var>16.5</var><b>EFFECTIVE DATE.</b>This section is not effective until the secretary of state has <br/>
<a id="pl.16.6"></a><var>16.6</var>certified that the statewide voter registration system has been tested, shown to properly <br/>
<a id="pl.16.7"></a><var>16.7</var>allow municipal clerks to update absentee voting records, and to be able to handle the <br/>
<a id="pl.16.8"></a><var>16.8</var>expected volume of use.<br/>
<br/>
<a id="bill.1.22.0"></a><a id="pl.16.9"></a><var>16.9</var>    Sec. 22. Minnesota Statutes 2008, section 203B.24, subdivision 1, is amended to read:<br/>
<a id="pl.16.10"></a><var>16.10</var>    Subdivision 1.  <b>Check of voter eligibility; proper execution of certificate.</b> Upon <br/>
<a id="pl.16.11"></a><var>16.11</var>receipt of an absentee ballot returned as provided in sections 
         <statute_ref>203B.16</statute_ref> to 
         <statute_ref>203B.27</statute_ref>, the <br/>
<a id="pl.16.12"></a><var>16.12</var>election judges members of the ballot board shall compare the voter's name with the <br/>
<a id="pl.16.13"></a><var>16.13</var>names recorded under section 
         <statute_ref>203B.19</statute_ref> in the statewide registration system to insure <br/>
<a id="pl.16.14"></a><var>16.14</var>that the ballot is from a voter eligible to cast an absentee ballot under sections 
         <statute_ref>203B.16</statute_ref> <br/>
<a id="pl.16.15"></a><var>16.15</var>to 
         <statute_ref>203B.27</statute_ref>. The election judges Two members of the ballot board of different major <br/>
<a id="pl.16.16"></a><var>16.16</var>political parties shall mark the return envelope "Accepted" and initial or sign the return <br/>
<a id="pl.16.17"></a><var>16.17</var>envelope below the word "Accepted" if the election judges a majority of the members of <br/>
<a id="pl.16.18"></a><var>16.18</var>the ballot board are satisfied that: <br/>
<a id="pl.16.19"></a><var>16.19</var>    (1) the voter's name on the return envelope appears in substantially the same form as <br/>
<a id="pl.16.20"></a><var>16.20</var>on the application records provided to the election judges by the county auditor; <br/>
<a id="pl.16.21"></a><var>16.21</var>    (2) the voter has signed the federal oath prescribed pursuant to section 705(b)(2) of <br/>
<a id="pl.16.22"></a><var>16.22</var>the Help America Vote Act, Public Law 107-252; <br/>
<a id="pl.16.23"></a><var>16.23</var>    (3) the voter has set forth the same voter's passport number, or Minnesota driver's <br/>
<a id="pl.16.24"></a><var>16.24</var>license or state identification card number, or the last four digits of the voter's Social <br/>
<a id="pl.16.25"></a><var>16.25</var>Security number as submitted on the application, if the voter has one of these documents; <br/>
<a id="pl.16.26"></a><var>16.26</var>and <br/>
<a id="pl.16.27"></a><var>16.27</var>    (4) the voter is not known to have died; and<br/>
<a id="pl.16.28"></a><var>16.28</var>(5) the voter has not already voted at that election, either in person or by absentee <br/>
<a id="pl.16.29"></a><var>16.29</var>ballot. <br/>
<a id="pl.16.30"></a><var>16.30</var>    If the identification number described in clause (3) does not match the number <br/>
<a id="pl.16.31"></a><var>16.31</var>as submitted on the application, the election judges members of the ballot board must <br/>
<a id="pl.16.32"></a><var>16.32</var>make a reasonable effort to satisfy themselves through other information provided by the <br/>
<a id="pl.16.33"></a><var>16.33</var>applicant, or by an individual authorized to apply on behalf of the voter, that the ballots <br/>
<a id="pl.16.34"></a><var>16.34</var>were returned by the same person to whom the ballots were transmitted. <br/>
<a id="pl.17.1"></a><var>17.1</var>    An absentee ballot cast pursuant to sections 
         <statute_ref>203B.16</statute_ref> to 
         <statute_ref>203B.27</statute_ref> may only be <br/>
<a id="pl.17.2"></a><var>17.2</var>rejected for the lack of one of clauses (1) to (4) (5). In particular, failure to place the <br/>
<a id="pl.17.3"></a><var>17.3</var>ballot within the security envelope before placing it in the outer white envelope is not a <br/>
<a id="pl.17.4"></a><var>17.4</var>reason to reject an absentee ballot. <br/>
<a id="pl.17.5"></a><var>17.5</var>    Election judges Members of the ballot board must note the reason for rejection on <br/>
<a id="pl.17.6"></a><var>17.6</var>the back of the envelope in the space provided for that purpose. <br/>
<a id="pl.17.7"></a><var>17.7</var>    Failure to return unused ballots shall not invalidate a marked ballot, but a ballot <br/>
<a id="pl.17.8"></a><var>17.8</var>shall not be counted if the certificate on the return envelope is not properly executed. In <br/>
<a id="pl.17.9"></a><var>17.9</var>all other respects the provisions of the Minnesota Election Law governing deposit and <br/>
<a id="pl.17.10"></a><var>17.10</var>counting of ballots shall apply. Notwithstanding other provisions of this section, the <br/>
<a id="pl.17.11"></a><var>17.11</var>counting of the absentee ballot of a deceased voter does not invalidate the election. <br/>
<a id="pl.17.12"></a><var>17.12</var><b>EFFECTIVE DATE.</b>This section is not effective until the secretary of state has <br/>
<a id="pl.17.13"></a><var>17.13</var>certified that the statewide voter registration system has been tested, shown to properly <br/>
<a id="pl.17.14"></a><var>17.14</var>allow municipal clerks to update absentee voting records, and to be able to handle the <br/>
<a id="pl.17.15"></a><var>17.15</var>expected volume of use.<br/>
<br/>
<a id="bill.1.23.0"></a><a id="pl.17.16"></a><var>17.16</var>    Sec. 23. Minnesota Statutes 2008, section 203B.26, is amended to read:<br/>
<a id="pl.17.17"></a><var>17.17</var><b>203B.26 SEPARATE RECORD. </b><br/>
<a id="pl.17.18"></a><var>17.18</var>    A separate record of the ballots of absent voters cast under sections 
         <statute_ref>203B.16</statute_ref> to <br/>
<statute_ref><a id="pl.17.19"></a><var>17.19</var>203B.27
         </statute_ref> must be generated from the statewide registration system for each precinct <br/>
<a id="pl.17.20"></a><var>17.20</var>and provided to the election judges in the polling place on election day, along with the <br/>
<a id="pl.17.21"></a><var>17.21</var>returned envelopes marked "accepted" by the absentee ballot board. The content of the <br/>
<a id="pl.17.22"></a><var>17.22</var>record must be in a form prescribed by the secretary of state. The election judges in the <br/>
<a id="pl.17.23"></a><var>17.23</var>polling place must note on the record any envelopes that had been marked "accepted" by <br/>
<a id="pl.17.24"></a><var>17.24</var>the absentee ballot board but were not counted. The election judges must preserve the <br/>
<a id="pl.17.25"></a><var>17.25</var>record and return it to the county auditor or municipal clerk with the election day retained <br/>
<a id="pl.17.26"></a><var>17.26</var>with the other election materials. <br/>
<a id="pl.17.27"></a><var>17.27</var><b>EFFECTIVE DATE.</b>This section is not effective until the secretary of state has <br/>
<a id="pl.17.28"></a><var>17.28</var>certified that the statewide voter registration system has been tested, shown to properly <br/>
<a id="pl.17.29"></a><var>17.29</var>allow municipal clerks to update absentee voting records, and to be able to handle the <br/>
<a id="pl.17.30"></a><var>17.30</var>expected volume of use.<br/>
<br/>
<a id="bill.1.24.0"></a><a id="pl.17.31"></a><var>17.31</var>    Sec. 24. <b>[203B.30] EARLY VOTING.</b><br/>
<a id="pl.17.32"></a><var>17.32</var>Any eligible voter may vote in person before election day in the manner provided <br/>
<a id="pl.17.33"></a><var>17.33</var>in sections 203B.31 to 203B.35.<br/>
<br/>
<a id="bill.1.25.0"></a><a id="pl.18.1"></a><var>18.1</var>    Sec. 25. <b>[203B.31] TIME PERIOD FOR EARLY VOTING.</b><br/>
<a id="pl.18.2"></a><var>18.2</var>Early voting must be available to any eligible voter as provided in section 203B.32 <br/>
<a id="pl.18.3"></a><var>18.3</var>for every primary, general, and special election from 15 days before the election through <br/>
<a id="pl.18.4"></a><var>18.4</var>5:00 p.m. on the fourth day before the election. All voters in line at 5:00 p.m. on the <br/>
<a id="pl.18.5"></a><var>18.5</var>fourth day before the election must be allowed to vote.<br/>
<br/>
<a id="bill.1.26.0"></a><a id="pl.18.6"></a><var>18.6</var>    Sec. 26. <b>[203B.32] HOURS FOR EARLY VOTING.</b><br/>
<a id="pl.18.7"></a><var>18.7</var>Early voting must be available between the hours of 8:00 a.m. and 4:30 p.m. on <br/>
<a id="pl.18.8"></a><var>18.8</var>each weekday during the time period provided in section 203B.31; from 8:00 a.m. to <br/>
<a id="pl.18.9"></a><var>18.9</var>8:00 p.m. on at least one of those days; and from 10:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. on the second <br/>
<a id="pl.18.10"></a><var>18.10</var>Saturday before the election.<br/>
<br/>
<a id="bill.1.27.0"></a><a id="pl.18.11"></a><var>18.11</var>    Sec. 27. <b>[203B.33] LOCATIONS FOR EARLY VOTING.</b><br/>
<a id="pl.18.12"></a><var>18.12</var>(a) Early voting must be made available at a polling place designated in the county <br/>
<a id="pl.18.13"></a><var>18.13</var>auditor's office, at the municipal clerk's office in every municipality that has been <br/>
<a id="pl.18.14"></a><var>18.14</var>delegated the responsibility to administer absentee voting as provided in section 203B.05, <br/>
<a id="pl.18.15"></a><var>18.15</var>and at any other location designated by the county auditor or municipal clerk at least 90 <br/>
<a id="pl.18.16"></a><var>18.16</var>days before the election. At least one voting station and one ballot marking device for <br/>
<a id="pl.18.17"></a><var>18.17</var>disabled voters must be made available in each polling place.<br/>
<a id="pl.18.18"></a><var>18.18</var>(b) The county auditor must make at least one ballot box available in each polling <br/>
<a id="pl.18.19"></a><var>18.19</var>place. As soon as practicable following the public accuracy test, the county auditor must <br/>
<a id="pl.18.20"></a><var>18.20</var>make an electronic ballot counter available.<br/>
<br/>
<a id="bill.1.28.0"></a><a id="pl.18.21"></a><var>18.21</var>    Sec. 28. <b>[203B.34] NOTICE TO VOTERS.</b><br/>
<a id="pl.18.22"></a><var>18.22</var>The county auditor must prepare a notice to the voters of the days, times, and <br/>
<a id="pl.18.23"></a><var>18.23</var>locations for early voting. This notice must be posted on the county's Web site and the <br/>
<a id="pl.18.24"></a><var>18.24</var>Web site for each municipality in the county where an early voting location is designated <br/>
<a id="pl.18.25"></a><var>18.25</var>for the election at least 14 days before the first day for early voting.<br/>
<br/>
<a id="bill.1.29.0"></a><a id="pl.18.26"></a><var>18.26</var>    Sec. 29. <b>[203B.35] PROCEDURES FOR EARLY VOTING.</b><br/>
<a id="pl.18.27"></a><var>18.27</var>    Subdivision 1. <b>Voting procedure.</b> Each voter shall sign an early voting roster <br/>
<a id="pl.18.28"></a><var>18.28</var>that includes the certification provided in section 204C.10. An individual who is not <br/>
<a id="pl.18.29"></a><var>18.29</var>registered to vote must register in the manner provided in section 201.061, subdivision 3. <br/>
<a id="pl.18.30"></a><var>18.30</var>After the voter has signed a roster, a member of the ballot board must provide a ballot <br/>
<a id="pl.18.31"></a><var>18.31</var>to the voter. Ballots must be prepared and distributed by members of the ballot board in <br/>
<a id="pl.18.32"></a><var>18.32</var>the manner provided in section 204C.09. The voter must mark the ballot and deposit it in <br/>
<a id="pl.19.1"></a><var>19.1</var>either a precinct voting system or a sealed ballot box. A voter may not leave the polling <br/>
<a id="pl.19.2"></a><var>19.2</var>place with the ballot.<br/>
<a id="pl.19.3"></a><var>19.3</var>    Subd. 2. <b>Processing of ballots.</b> Ballots cast pursuant to sections 203B.30 to 203B.35 <br/>
<a id="pl.19.4"></a><var>19.4</var>must be processed and counted by a ballot board, and a record that voters who cast a ballot <br/>
<a id="pl.19.5"></a><var>19.5</var>early have voted at the election must be created, as required in section 203B.121.<br/>
<br/>
<a id="bill.1.30.0"></a><a id="pl.19.6"></a><var>19.6</var>    Sec. 30. Minnesota Statutes 2008, section 204B.45, subdivision 2, is amended to read:<br/>
<a id="pl.19.7"></a><var>19.7</var>    Subd. 2.  <b>Procedure.</b> Notice of the election and the special mail procedure must be <br/>
<a id="pl.19.8"></a><var>19.8</var>given at least six weeks prior to the election. Not more than 30 days nor later than 14 days <br/>
<a id="pl.19.9"></a><var>19.9</var>prior to the election, the auditor shall mail ballots by nonforwardable mail to all voters <br/>
<a id="pl.19.10"></a><var>19.10</var>registered in the town or unorganized territory. No later than 14 days before the election, <br/>
<a id="pl.19.11"></a><var>19.11</var>the auditor must make a subsequent mailing of ballots to those voters who register to vote <br/>
<a id="pl.19.12"></a><var>19.12</var>after the initial mailing but before the 20th day before the election. Eligible voters not <br/>
<a id="pl.19.13"></a><var>19.13</var>registered at the time the ballots are mailed may apply for ballots as provided in chapter <br/>
<a id="pl.19.14"></a><var>19.14</var>203B. Ballot return envelopes, with return postage provided, must be preaddressed to the <br/>
<a id="pl.19.15"></a><var>19.15</var>auditor or clerk and the voter may return the ballot by mail or in person to the office of <br/>
<a id="pl.19.16"></a><var>19.16</var>the auditor or clerk. The auditor or clerk may must appoint election judges a ballot board <br/>
<a id="pl.19.17"></a><var>19.17</var>to examine the return envelopes and mark them "accepted" or "rejected" during the 30 <br/>
<a id="pl.19.18"></a><var>19.18</var>days before the election. within three days of receipt if there are 14 or fewer days before <br/>
<a id="pl.19.19"></a><var>19.19</var>election day, or within five days of receipt if there are more than 14 days before election <br/>
<a id="pl.19.20"></a><var>19.20</var>day. The board may consist of staff trained as election judges, in which case, the board is <br/>
<a id="pl.19.21"></a><var>19.21</var>exempt from sections 204B.19, subdivision 5, and 204C.15, relating to party balance in <br/>
<a id="pl.19.22"></a><var>19.22</var>appointment of judges and to duties to be performed by judges or members of a ballot <br/>
<a id="pl.19.23"></a><var>19.23</var>board of different major political parties. If an envelope has been rejected at least five days <br/>
<a id="pl.19.24"></a><var>19.24</var>before the election, the ballots in the envelope must be considered spoiled ballots remain <br/>
<a id="pl.19.25"></a><var>19.25</var>sealed and the auditor or clerk shall provide the voter with a replacement ballot and return <br/>
<a id="pl.19.26"></a><var>19.26</var>envelope in place of the spoiled ballot. If the ballot is rejected within five days of the <br/>
<a id="pl.19.27"></a><var>19.27</var>election, the envelope must remain sealed and the official in charge of the ballot board must <br/>
<a id="pl.19.28"></a><var>19.28</var>attempt to contact the voter by telephone or e-mail to notify the voter that the voter's ballot <br/>
<a id="pl.19.29"></a><var>19.29</var>has been rejected. The official must document the attempts made to contact the voter.<br/>
<a id="pl.19.30"></a><var>19.30</var>Notwithstanding any rule to the contrary, the ballots from return envelopes marked <br/>
<a id="pl.19.31"></a><var>19.31</var>"Accepted" must be promptly opened, duplicated as needed in the manner provided by <br/>
<a id="pl.19.32"></a><var>19.32</var>section 206.86, subdivision 5, initialed by the members of the ballot board, and deposited <br/>
<a id="pl.19.33"></a><var>19.33</var>in the ballot box. These duties must be performed by two members of the ballot board of <br/>
<a id="pl.19.34"></a><var>19.34</var>different major political parties.<br/>
<a id="pl.20.1"></a><var>20.1</var>In all other respects, the provisions of the Minnesota Election Law governing <br/>
<a id="pl.20.2"></a><var>20.2</var>deposit and counting of ballots apply.<br/>
<a id="pl.20.3"></a><var>20.3</var>No vote totals from mail or absentee ballots may be made public before the close <br/>
<a id="pl.20.4"></a><var>20.4</var>of voting on election day.<br/>
<a id="pl.20.5"></a><var>20.5</var>The costs of the mailing shall be paid by the election jurisdiction in which the voter <br/>
<a id="pl.20.6"></a><var>20.6</var>resides. Any ballot received by 8:00 p.m. on the day of the election must be counted. <br/>
<a id="pl.20.7"></a><var>20.7</var><b>EFFECTIVE DATE.</b>This section is not effective until the secretary of state has <br/>
<a id="pl.20.8"></a><var>20.8</var>certified that the statewide voter registration system has been tested, shown to properly <br/>
<a id="pl.20.9"></a><var>20.9</var>allow municipal clerks to update absentee voting records, and to be able to handle the <br/>
<a id="pl.20.10"></a><var>20.10</var>expected volume of use.<br/>
<br/>
<a id="bill.1.31.0"></a><a id="pl.20.11"></a><var>20.11</var>    Sec. 31. Minnesota Statutes 2008, section 204B.46, is amended to read:<br/>
<a id="pl.20.12"></a><var>20.12</var><b>204B.46 MAIL ELECTIONS; QUESTIONS. </b><br/>
<a id="pl.20.13"></a><var>20.13</var>    A county, municipality, or school district submitting questions to the voters at a <br/>
<a id="pl.20.14"></a><var>20.14</var>special election may conduct an election by mail with no polling place other than the <br/>
<a id="pl.20.15"></a><var>20.15</var>office of the auditor or clerk. No more than two questions may be submitted at a mail <br/>
<a id="pl.20.16"></a><var>20.16</var>election and no offices may be voted on. Notice of the election must be given to the county <br/>
<a id="pl.20.17"></a><var>20.17</var>auditor at least 53 days prior to the election. This notice shall also fulfill the requirements <br/>
<a id="pl.20.18"></a><var>20.18</var>of Minnesota Rules, part 8210.3000. The special mail ballot procedures must be posted at <br/>
<a id="pl.20.19"></a><var>20.19</var>least six weeks prior to the election. No earlier than 20 or 30 nor later than 14 days prior <br/>
<a id="pl.20.20"></a><var>20.20</var>to the election, the auditor or clerk shall mail ballots by nonforwardable mail to all voters <br/>
<a id="pl.20.21"></a><var>20.21</var>registered in the county, municipality, or school district. No later than 14 days before the <br/>
<a id="pl.20.22"></a><var>20.22</var>election, the auditor or clerk must make a subsequent mailing of ballots to those voters <br/>
<a id="pl.20.23"></a><var>20.23</var>who register to vote after the initial mailing but before the 20th day before the election. <br/>
<a id="pl.20.24"></a><var>20.24</var>Eligible voters not registered at the time the ballots are mailed may apply for ballots <br/>
<a id="pl.20.25"></a><var>20.25</var>pursuant to chapter 203B. The auditor or clerk must appoint a ballot board to examine the <br/>
<a id="pl.20.26"></a><var>20.26</var>return envelopes and mark them "Accepted" or "Rejected" within three days of receipt <br/>
<a id="pl.20.27"></a><var>20.27</var>if there are 14 or fewer days before election day, or within five days of receipt if there <br/>
<a id="pl.20.28"></a><var>20.28</var>are more than 14 days before election day. The board may consist of staff trained as <br/>
<a id="pl.20.29"></a><var>20.29</var>election judges, in which case, the board is exempt from sections 204B.19, subdivision <br/>
<a id="pl.20.30"></a><var>20.30</var>5, and 204C.15, relating to party balance in appointment of judges and to duties to be <br/>
<a id="pl.20.31"></a><var>20.31</var>performed by judges or members of a ballot board of different major political parties. If an <br/>
<a id="pl.20.32"></a><var>20.32</var>envelope has been rejected at least five days before the election, the ballots in the envelope <br/>
<a id="pl.20.33"></a><var>20.33</var>must remain sealed and the auditor or clerk must provide the voter with a replacement <br/>
<a id="pl.20.34"></a><var>20.34</var>ballot and return envelope in place of the spoiled ballot. If the ballot is rejected within <br/>
<a id="pl.21.1"></a><var>21.1</var>five days of the election, the envelope must remain sealed and the official in charge of <br/>
<a id="pl.21.2"></a><var>21.2</var>the ballot board must attempt to contact the voter by telephone or e-mail to notify the <br/>
<a id="pl.21.3"></a><var>21.3</var>voter that the voter's ballot has been rejected. The official must document the attempts <br/>
<a id="pl.21.4"></a><var>21.4</var>made to contact the voter.<br/>
<a id="pl.21.5"></a><var>21.5</var>Notwithstanding any rule to the contrary, the ballots from return envelopes marked <br/>
<a id="pl.21.6"></a><var>21.6</var>"Accepted" must be promptly opened, duplicated as needed in the manner provided <br/>
<a id="pl.21.7"></a><var>21.7</var>by section 206.86, subdivision 5, initialed by the ballot board, and deposited in the <br/>
<a id="pl.21.8"></a><var>21.8</var>appropriate ballot box. These duties must be performed by two members of the ballot <br/>
<a id="pl.21.9"></a><var>21.9</var>board of different major political parties.<br/>
<a id="pl.21.10"></a><var>21.10</var>In all other respects, the provisions of the Minnesota Election Law governing <br/>
<a id="pl.21.11"></a><var>21.11</var>deposit and counting of ballots apply.<br/>
<a id="pl.21.12"></a><var>21.12</var>No vote totals from mail ballots may be made public before the close of voting <br/>
<a id="pl.21.13"></a><var>21.13</var>on election day.<br/>
<a id="pl.21.14"></a><var>21.14</var><b>EFFECTIVE DATE.</b>This section is not effective until the secretary of state has <br/>
<a id="pl.21.15"></a><var>21.15</var>certified that the statewide voter registration system has been tested, shown to properly <br/>
<a id="pl.21.16"></a><var>21.16</var>allow municipal clerks to update absentee voting records, and to be able to handle the <br/>
<a id="pl.21.17"></a><var>21.17</var>expected volume of use.<br/>
<br/>
<a id="bill.1.32.0"></a><a id="pl.21.18"></a><var>21.18</var>    Sec. 32. Minnesota Statutes 2008, section 204C.10, is amended to read:<br/>
<a id="pl.21.19"></a><var>21.19</var><b>204C.10 PERMANENT REGISTRATION; VERIFICATION OF </b><br/>
<a id="pl.21.20"></a><var>21.20</var><b>REGISTRATION.</b><br/>
<a id="pl.21.21"></a><var>21.21</var>(a) An individual seeking to vote shall sign a polling place roster which states <br/>
<a id="pl.21.22"></a><var>21.22</var>that the individual is at least 18 years of age, a citizen of the United States, has resided <br/>
<a id="pl.21.23"></a><var>21.23</var>in Minnesota for 20 days immediately preceding the election, maintains residence at <br/>
<a id="pl.21.24"></a><var>21.24</var>the address shown, is not under a guardianship in which the court order revokes the <br/>
<a id="pl.21.25"></a><var>21.25</var>individual's right to vote, has not been found by a court of law to be legally incompetent <br/>
<a id="pl.21.26"></a><var>21.26</var>to vote or has the right to vote because, if the individual was convicted of a felony, the <br/>
<a id="pl.21.27"></a><var>21.27</var>felony sentence has expired or been completed or the individual has been discharged from <br/>
<a id="pl.21.28"></a><var>21.28</var>the sentence, is registered and has not already voted in the election. The roster must also <br/>
<a id="pl.21.29"></a><var>21.29</var>state: ". The polling place roster must state: "I certify that I have not already voted in <br/>
<a id="pl.21.30"></a><var>21.30</var>this election. I certify that I am at least 18 years of age and a citizen of the United States; <br/>
<a id="pl.21.31"></a><var>21.31</var>that I reside at the address shown and have resided in Minnesota for 20 days immediately <br/>
<a id="pl.21.32"></a><var>21.32</var>preceding this election; that I am not under guardianship of the person in which the court <br/>
<a id="pl.21.33"></a><var>21.33</var>order revokes my right to vote, have not been found by a court to be legally incompetent <br/>
<a id="pl.21.34"></a><var>21.34</var>to vote, and that if convicted of a felony, my felony sentence has expired (been completed) <br/>
<a id="pl.22.1"></a><var>22.1</var>or I have been discharged from my sentence; and that I am registered and will be voting <br/>
<a id="pl.22.2"></a><var>22.2</var>only in this precinct. I understand that deliberately providing false information is a felony <br/>
<a id="pl.22.3"></a><var>22.3</var>punishable by not more than five years imprisonment and a fine of not more than $10,000, <br/>
<a id="pl.22.4"></a><var>22.4</var>or both." The words "I have not already voted in this election" and "I understand that <br/>
<a id="pl.22.5"></a><var>22.5</var>deliberately providing false information is a felony" must be in bold type.<br/>
<a id="pl.22.6"></a><var>22.6</var>(b) An individual voting early under sections 203B.30 to 203B.35 must sign a <br/>
<a id="pl.22.7"></a><var>22.7</var>roster that meets the additional requirements of this paragraph. In addition to the content <br/>
<a id="pl.22.8"></a><var>22.8</var>required under paragraph (a), the roster must also state in bold type: "I understand that <br/>
<a id="pl.22.9"></a><var>22.9</var>after I have cast my ballot today, I cannot vote again in this election."<br/>
<a id="pl.22.10"></a><var>22.10</var>(c) A judge may, before the applicant signs the roster, confirm the applicant's name, <br/>
<a id="pl.22.11"></a><var>22.11</var>address, and date of birth. If the ballot board has not marked the roster in accordance with <br/>
<a id="pl.22.12"></a><var>22.12</var>section 203B.121, the election judge must review the supplemental list of those who have <br/>
<a id="pl.22.13"></a><var>22.13</var>already voted to ensure that the voter's name is not on the list. If a voter's name is on the <br/>
<a id="pl.22.14"></a><var>22.14</var>list, the voter must not be allowed to sign the roster or to vote on election day.<br/>
<a id="pl.22.15"></a><var>22.15</var>(c) (d) After the applicant signs the roster, the judge shall give the applicant a voter's <br/>
<a id="pl.22.16"></a><var>22.16</var>receipt. The voter shall deliver the voter's receipt to the judge in charge of ballots as proof <br/>
<a id="pl.22.17"></a><var>22.17</var>of the voter's right to vote, and thereupon the judge shall hand to the voter the ballot. The <br/>
<a id="pl.22.18"></a><var>22.18</var>voters' receipts must be maintained during the time for notice of filing an election contest.<br/>
<a id="pl.22.19"></a><var>22.19</var><b>EFFECTIVE DATE.</b>This section is not effective until the secretary of state has <br/>
<a id="pl.22.20"></a><var>22.20</var>certified that the statewide voter registration system has been tested, shown to properly <br/>
<a id="pl.22.21"></a><var>22.21</var>allow municipal clerks to update absentee voting records, and to be able to handle the <br/>
<a id="pl.22.22"></a><var>22.22</var>expected volume of use.<br/>
<br/>
<a id="bill.1.33.0"></a><a id="pl.22.23"></a><var>22.23</var>    Sec. 33. Minnesota Statutes 2008, section 204C.13, subdivision 6, is amended to read:<br/>
<a id="pl.22.24"></a><var>22.24</var>    Subd. 6. <b>Challenge of voter; time limits; disposition of ballots.</b> At any time <br/>
<a id="pl.22.25"></a><var>22.25</var>before the ballots of any voter are deposited in the ballot boxes, the election judges or any <br/>
<a id="pl.22.26"></a><var>22.26</var>individual who was not present at the time the voter procured the ballots, but not otherwise, <br/>
<a id="pl.22.27"></a><var>22.27</var>may challenge the eligibility of that voter and the deposit of any received absentee ballots <br/>
<a id="pl.22.28"></a><var>22.28</var>in the ballot boxes. The election judges shall determine the eligibility of any voter who is <br/>
<a id="pl.22.29"></a><var>22.29</var>present in the polling place in the manner provided in section 
         <statute_ref>204C.12</statute_ref>, and if the voter is <br/>
<a id="pl.22.30"></a><var>22.30</var>found to be not eligible to vote, shall place the ballots of that voter unopened among the <br/>
<a id="pl.22.31"></a><var>22.31</var>spoiled ballots. The election judges shall determine whether to receive or reject the ballots <br/>
<a id="pl.22.32"></a><var>22.32</var>of an absent voter and whether to deposit received absentee ballots in the ballot boxes in <br/>
<a id="pl.22.33"></a><var>22.33</var>the manner provided in sections 
<statute_ref>203B.12</statute_ref>, 
<statute_ref>203B.24</statute_ref>, and 
<statute_ref>203B.25</statute_ref>, and shall dispose of any <br/>
<a id="pl.22.34"></a><var>22.34</var>absentee ballots not received or deposited in the manner provided in section 
<statute_ref>203B.12</statute_ref>. A <br/>
<a id="pl.22.35"></a><var>22.35</var>violation of this subdivision by an election judge is a gross misdemeanor. <br/>
<a id="pl.23.1"></a><var>23.1</var><b>EFFECTIVE DATE.</b>This section is not effective until the secretary of state has <br/>
<a id="pl.23.2"></a><var>23.2</var>certified that the statewide voter registration system has been tested, shown to properly <br/>
<a id="pl.23.3"></a><var>23.3</var>allow municipal clerks to update absentee voting records, and to be able to handle the <br/>
<a id="pl.23.4"></a><var>23.4</var>expected volume of use.<br/>
<br/>
<a id="bill.1.34.0"></a><a id="pl.23.5"></a><var>23.5</var>    Sec. 34. Minnesota Statutes 2008, section 204C.27, is amended to read:<br/>
<a id="pl.23.6"></a><var>23.6</var><b>204C.27 DELIVERY OF RETURNS TO COUNTY AUDITORS.</b><br/>
<a id="pl.23.7"></a><var>23.7</var>    Subdivision 1. <b>Election supplies.</b> One or more of the election judges in each <br/>
<a id="pl.23.8"></a><var>23.8</var>precinct shall deliver two sets of summary statements; all spoiled white, pink, canary, and <br/>
<a id="pl.23.9"></a><var>23.9</var>gray ballots; and the envelopes containing the white, pink, canary, and gray ballots either <br/>
<a id="pl.23.10"></a><var>23.10</var>directly to the municipal clerk for transmittal to the county auditor's office or directly to <br/>
<a id="pl.23.11"></a><var>23.11</var>the county auditor's office as soon as possible after the vote counting is completed but <br/>
<a id="pl.23.12"></a><var>23.12</var>no later than 24 hours after the end of the hours for voting. One or more election judges <br/>
<a id="pl.23.13"></a><var>23.13</var>shall deliver the remaining set of summary statements and returns, all unused and spoiled <br/>
<a id="pl.23.14"></a><var>23.14</var>municipal and school district ballots, the envelopes containing municipal and school <br/>
<a id="pl.23.15"></a><var>23.15</var>district ballots, and all other things furnished by the municipal or school district clerk, to <br/>
<a id="pl.23.16"></a><var>23.16</var>the municipal or school district clerk's office within 24 hours after the end of the hours <br/>
<a id="pl.23.17"></a><var>23.17</var>for voting. The municipal or school district clerk shall return all polling place rosters and <br/>
<a id="pl.23.18"></a><var>23.18</var>completed voter registration cards to the county auditor within 48 hours after the end <br/>
<a id="pl.23.19"></a><var>23.19</var>of the hours for voting.<br/>
<a id="pl.23.20"></a><var>23.20</var>    Subd. 2. <b>Rejected absentee ballots.</b> All absentee ballots that were rejected and <br/>
<a id="pl.23.21"></a><var>23.21</var>their accompanying absentee ballot applications must be delivered to the county auditor <br/>
<a id="pl.23.22"></a><var>23.22</var>within 48 hours after the end of the hours for voting.<br/>
<br/>
<a id="bill.1.35.0"></a><a id="pl.23.23"></a><var>23.23</var>    Sec. 35. Minnesota Statutes 2008, section 204C.30, is amended by adding a <br/>
<a id="pl.23.24"></a><var>23.24</var>subdivision to read:<br/>
<a id="pl.23.25"></a><var>23.25</var>    Subd. 3. <b>Review of rejected absentee ballots.</b> Prior to the meeting of the county <br/>
<a id="pl.23.26"></a><var>23.26</var>canvassing board to canvass the results of the state general election, the county auditor <br/>
<a id="pl.23.27"></a><var>23.27</var>must review any absentee ballots that were marked rejected to determine whether any <br/>
<a id="pl.23.28"></a><var>23.28</var>were rejected in error. If the county canvassing board agrees that any ballots were rejected <br/>
<a id="pl.23.29"></a><var>23.29</var>in error, the board must publicly open the return and ballot envelopes and initial and <br/>
<a id="pl.23.30"></a><var>23.30</var>count the ballots to include the votes in all races in the results canvassed by the board. <br/>
<a id="pl.23.31"></a><var>23.31</var>The county canvassing board must protect the privacy of voters' choices to the extent <br/>
<a id="pl.23.32"></a><var>23.32</var>practicable. Except as provided in this subdivision, a rejected absentee ballot may not be <br/>
<a id="pl.23.33"></a><var>23.33</var>reviewed outside of an election contest under chapter 209.<br/>
<br/>
<a id="bill.1.36.0"></a><a id="pl.24.1"></a><var>24.1</var>    Sec. 36. Minnesota Statutes 2008, section 204C.33, subdivision 1, is amended to read:<br/>
<a id="pl.24.2"></a><var>24.2</var>    Subdivision 1. <b>County canvass.</b> The county canvassing board shall meet at the <br/>
<a id="pl.24.3"></a><var>24.3</var>county auditor's office on or before the seventh day between the third and tenth days <br/>
<a id="pl.24.4"></a><var>24.4</var>following the state general election. After taking the oath of office, the board shall <br/>
<a id="pl.24.5"></a><var>24.5</var>promptly and publicly canvass the general election returns delivered to the county auditor. <br/>
<a id="pl.24.6"></a><var>24.6</var>Upon completion of the canvass, the board shall promptly prepare and file with the county <br/>
<a id="pl.24.7"></a><var>24.7</var>auditor a report which states:<br/>
<a id="pl.24.8"></a><var>24.8</var>(a) the number of individuals voting at the election in the county and in each precinct;<br/>
<a id="pl.24.9"></a><var>24.9</var>(b) the number of individuals registering to vote on election day and the number of <br/>
<a id="pl.24.10"></a><var>24.10</var>individuals registered before election day in each precinct;<br/>
<a id="pl.24.11"></a><var>24.11</var>(c) the names of the candidates for each office and the number of votes received <br/>
<a id="pl.24.12"></a><var>24.12</var>by each candidate in the county and in each precinct, including write-in candidates for <br/>
<a id="pl.24.13"></a><var>24.13</var>state and federal office who have requested under section 
         <statute_ref>204B.09</statute_ref> that votes for those <br/>
<a id="pl.24.14"></a><var>24.14</var>candidates be tallied; <br/>
<a id="pl.24.15"></a><var>24.15</var>(d) the number of votes counted for and against a proposed change of county lines <br/>
<a id="pl.24.16"></a><var>24.16</var>or county seat; and<br/>
<a id="pl.24.17"></a><var>24.17</var>(e) the number of votes counted for and against a constitutional amendment or other <br/>
<a id="pl.24.18"></a><var>24.18</var>question in the county and in each precinct.<br/>
<a id="pl.24.19"></a><var>24.19</var>The result of write-in votes cast on the general election ballots must be compiled by <br/>
<a id="pl.24.20"></a><var>24.20</var>the county auditor before the county canvass, except that write-in votes for a candidate <br/>
<a id="pl.24.21"></a><var>24.21</var>for state or federal office must not be counted unless the candidate has timely filed a <br/>
<a id="pl.24.22"></a><var>24.22</var>request under section 
         <statute_ref>204B.09, subdivision 3</statute_ref>. The county auditor shall arrange for each <br/>
<a id="pl.24.23"></a><var>24.23</var>municipality to provide an adequate number of election judges to perform this duty or <br/>
<a id="pl.24.24"></a><var>24.24</var>the county auditor may appoint additional election judges for this purpose. The county <br/>
<a id="pl.24.25"></a><var>24.25</var>auditor may open the envelopes or containers in which the voted ballots have been <br/>
<a id="pl.24.26"></a><var>24.26</var>sealed in order to count and record the write-in votes and must reseal the voted ballots <br/>
<a id="pl.24.27"></a><var>24.27</var>at the conclusion of this process. <br/>
<a id="pl.24.28"></a><var>24.28</var>Upon completion of the canvass, the county canvassing board shall declare the <br/>
<a id="pl.24.29"></a><var>24.29</var>candidate duly elected who received the highest number of votes for each county and state <br/>
<a id="pl.24.30"></a><var>24.30</var>office voted for only within the county. The county auditor shall transmit one of the <br/>
<a id="pl.24.31"></a><var>24.31</var>certified copies of the county canvassing board report for state and federal offices to the <br/>
<a id="pl.24.32"></a><var>24.32</var>secretary of state by express mail or similar service immediately upon conclusion of <br/>
<a id="pl.24.33"></a><var>24.33</var>the county canvass.<br/>
<br/>
<a id="bill.1.37.0"></a><a id="pl.24.34"></a><var>24.34</var>    Sec. 37. Minnesota Statutes 2008, section 204C.33, subdivision 3, is amended to read:<br/>
<a id="pl.25.1"></a><var>25.1</var>    Subd. 3. <b>State canvass.</b> The State Canvassing Board shall meet at the secretary of <br/>
<a id="pl.25.2"></a><var>25.2</var>state's office on the second third Tuesday following the state general election to canvass <br/>
<a id="pl.25.3"></a><var>25.3</var>the certified copies of the county canvassing board reports received from the county <br/>
<a id="pl.25.4"></a><var>25.4</var>auditors and shall prepare a report that states:<br/>
<a id="pl.25.5"></a><var>25.5</var>(a) the number of individuals voting in the state and in each county;<br/>
<a id="pl.25.6"></a><var>25.6</var>(b) the number of votes received by each of the candidates, specifying the counties <br/>
<a id="pl.25.7"></a><var>25.7</var>in which they were cast; and<br/>
<a id="pl.25.8"></a><var>25.8</var>(c) the number of votes counted for and against each constitutional amendment, <br/>
<a id="pl.25.9"></a><var>25.9</var>specifying the counties in which they were cast.<br/>
<a id="pl.25.10"></a><var>25.10</var>All members of the State Canvassing Board shall sign the report and certify its <br/>
<a id="pl.25.11"></a><var>25.11</var>correctness. The State Canvassing Board shall declare the result within three days after <br/>
<a id="pl.25.12"></a><var>25.12</var>completing the canvass.<br/>
<br/>
<a id="bill.1.38.0"></a><a id="pl.25.13"></a><var>25.13</var>    Sec. 38. Minnesota Statutes 2008, section 205.185, subdivision 3, is amended to read:<br/>
<a id="pl.25.14"></a><var>25.14</var>    Subd. 3. <b>Canvass of returns, certificate of election, ballots, disposition.</b> (a) <br/>
<a id="pl.25.15"></a><var>25.15</var>Within seven Between 11 and 17 days after an election, a state general election, and within <br/>
<a id="pl.25.16"></a><var>25.16</var>17 days after any other election, the governing body of a city conducting any election <br/>
<a id="pl.25.17"></a><var>25.17</var>including a special municipal election, or the governing body of a town conducting the <br/>
<a id="pl.25.18"></a><var>25.18</var>general election in November shall act as the canvassing board, canvass the returns, and <br/>
<a id="pl.25.19"></a><var>25.19</var>declare the results of the election. The governing body of a town conducting the general <br/>
<a id="pl.25.20"></a><var>25.20</var>election in March shall act as the canvassing board, canvass the returns, and declare the <br/>
<a id="pl.25.21"></a><var>25.21</var>results of the election within two days after an election.<br/>
<a id="pl.25.22"></a><var>25.22</var>(b) After the time for contesting elections has passed, the municipal clerk shall issue a <br/>
<a id="pl.25.23"></a><var>25.23</var>certificate of election to each successful candidate. In case of a contest, the certificate shall <br/>
<a id="pl.25.24"></a><var>25.24</var>not be issued until the outcome of the contest has been determined by the proper court.<br/>
<a id="pl.25.25"></a><var>25.25</var>(c) In case of a tie vote, the canvassing board having jurisdiction over the <br/>
<a id="pl.25.26"></a><var>25.26</var>municipality shall determine the result by lot. The clerk of the canvassing board shall <br/>
<a id="pl.25.27"></a><var>25.27</var>certify the results of the election to the county auditor, and the clerk shall be the final <br/>
<a id="pl.25.28"></a><var>25.28</var>custodian of the ballots and the returns of the election.<br/>
<br/>
<a id="bill.1.39.0"></a><a id="pl.25.29"></a><var>25.29</var>    Sec. 39. Minnesota Statutes 2008, section 205.185, is amended by adding a subdivision <br/>
<a id="pl.25.30"></a><var>25.30</var>to read:<br/>
<a id="pl.25.31"></a><var>25.31</var>    Subd. 5. <b>Review of rejected absentee ballots.</b> Prior to an election not held <br/>
<a id="pl.25.32"></a><var>25.32</var>in conjunction with a state election, a clerk may arrange to have a certified election <br/>
<a id="pl.25.33"></a><var>25.33</var>administrator from a county or another city review all ballots that were marked rejected to <br/>
<a id="pl.25.34"></a><var>25.34</var>determine whether any were rejected in error.  These arrangements must be made at least <br/>
<a id="pl.26.1"></a><var>26.1</var>seven days before the date of the election.  If no arrangements are made, rejected absentee <br/>
<a id="pl.26.2"></a><var>26.2</var>ballots must not be reviewed outside of an election contest under chapter 209.  If the <br/>
<a id="pl.26.3"></a><var>26.3</var>certified election administrator determines that any were rejected in error, the canvassing <br/>
<a id="pl.26.4"></a><var>26.4</var>board must publicly open the return and ballot envelopes and initial and count the ballots <br/>
<a id="pl.26.5"></a><var>26.5</var>to include the votes in all races in the results canvassed by the board.  The canvassing board <br/>
<a id="pl.26.6"></a><var>26.6</var>must protect the privacy of the voters' choices to the extent practicable.  If the number of <br/>
<a id="pl.26.7"></a><var>26.7</var>rejected absentee ballots could not possibly change the outcome in any of the elections or <br/>
<a id="pl.26.8"></a><var>26.8</var>questions on the ballot, the clerk may cancel the review of the rejected absentee ballots.<br/>
<br/>
<a id="bill.1.40.0"></a><a id="pl.26.9"></a><var>26.9</var>    Sec. 40. Minnesota Statutes 2008, section 205A.10, subdivision 2, is amended to read:<br/>
<a id="pl.26.10"></a><var>26.10</var>    Subd. 2.  <b>Election, conduct.</b> A school district election must be by secret ballot and <br/>
<a id="pl.26.11"></a><var>26.11</var>must be held and the returns made in the manner provided for the state general election, as <br/>
<a id="pl.26.12"></a><var>26.12</var>far as practicable. The vote totals from an absentee a ballot board established pursuant <br/>
<a id="pl.26.13"></a><var>26.13</var>to section 
         <statute_ref>203B.13</statute_ref> 203B.121
<statute_ref></statute_ref>may be tabulated and reported by the school district as a <br/>
<a id="pl.26.14"></a><var>26.14</var>whole rather than by precinct. For school district elections not held in conjunction with a <br/>
<a id="pl.26.15"></a><var>26.15</var>statewide election, the school board shall appoint election judges as provided in section <br/>
<statute_ref><a id="pl.26.16"></a><var>26.16</var>204B.21, subdivision 2
         </statute_ref>. The provisions of sections 
         <statute_ref>204B.19, subdivision 5</statute_ref>; 
         <statute_ref>204B.21, <br/>
<a id="pl.26.17"></a><var>26.17</var>subdivision 2
         </statute_ref>; 
         <statute_ref>204C.15</statute_ref>; 
         <statute_ref>204C.19</statute_ref>; 
         <statute_ref>206.83</statute_ref>; and 
         <statute_ref>206.86, subdivision 2</statute_ref>, relating to party <br/>
<a id="pl.26.18"></a><var>26.18</var>balance in appointment of judges and to duties to be performed by judges of different <br/>
<a id="pl.26.19"></a><var>26.19</var>major political parties do not apply to school district elections not held in conjunction <br/>
<a id="pl.26.20"></a><var>26.20</var>with a statewide election. <br/>
<a id="pl.26.21"></a><var>26.21</var><b>EFFECTIVE DATE.</b>This section is not effective until the secretary of state has <br/>
<a id="pl.26.22"></a><var>26.22</var>certified that the statewide voter registration system has been tested, shown to properly <br/>
<a id="pl.26.23"></a><var>26.23</var>allow municipal clerks to update absentee voting records, and to be able to handle the <br/>
<a id="pl.26.24"></a><var>26.24</var>expected volume of use.<br/>
<br/>
<a id="bill.1.41.0"></a><a id="pl.26.25"></a><var>26.25</var>    Sec. 41. Minnesota Statutes 2008, section 205A.10, subdivision 3, is amended to read:<br/>
<a id="pl.26.26"></a><var>26.26</var>    Subd. 3. <b>Canvass of returns, certificate of election, ballots, disposition.</b> Within <br/>
<a id="pl.26.27"></a><var>26.27</var>seven Between 11 and 17 days after a school district election held concurrently with a <br/>
<a id="pl.26.28"></a><var>26.28</var>state general election, and within seven days after a school district election held on any <br/>
<a id="pl.26.29"></a><var>26.29</var>other date, other than a recount of a special election conducted under section 
         <statute_ref>126C.17, <br/>
<a id="pl.26.30"></a><var>26.30</var>subdivision 9
         </statute_ref>, or 
         <statute_ref>475.59</statute_ref>, the school board shall canvass the returns and declare the <br/>
<a id="pl.26.31"></a><var>26.31</var>results of the election. After the time for contesting elections has passed, the school <br/>
<a id="pl.26.32"></a><var>26.32</var>district clerk shall issue a certificate of election to each successful candidate. If there is a <br/>
<a id="pl.26.33"></a><var>26.33</var>contest, the certificate of election to that office must not be issued until the outcome of the <br/>
<a id="pl.26.34"></a><var>26.34</var>contest has been determined by the proper court. If there is a tie vote, the school board <br/>
<a id="pl.27.1"></a><var>27.1</var>shall determine the result by lot. The clerk shall deliver the certificate of election to the <br/>
<a id="pl.27.2"></a><var>27.2</var>successful candidate by personal service or certified mail. The successful candidate shall <br/>
<a id="pl.27.3"></a><var>27.3</var>file an acceptance and oath of office in writing with the clerk within 30 days of the date <br/>
<a id="pl.27.4"></a><var>27.4</var>of mailing or personal service. A person who fails to qualify prior to the time specified <br/>
<a id="pl.27.5"></a><var>27.5</var>shall be deemed to have refused to serve, but that filing may be made at any time before <br/>
<a id="pl.27.6"></a><var>27.6</var>action to fill the vacancy has been taken. The school district clerk shall certify the results <br/>
<a id="pl.27.7"></a><var>27.7</var>of the election to the county auditor, and the clerk shall be the final custodian of the ballots <br/>
<a id="pl.27.8"></a><var>27.8</var>and the returns of the election.  <br/>
<a id="pl.27.9"></a><var>27.9</var>A school district canvassing board shall perform the duties of the school board <br/>
<a id="pl.27.10"></a><var>27.10</var>according to the requirements of this subdivision for a recount of a special election <br/>
<a id="pl.27.11"></a><var>27.11</var>conducted under section 
         <statute_ref>126C.17, subdivision 9</statute_ref>, or 
         <statute_ref>475.59</statute_ref>.  <br/>
<br/>
<a id="bill.1.42.0"></a><a id="pl.27.12"></a><var>27.12</var>    Sec. 42. Minnesota Statutes 2008, section 205A.10, is amended by adding a <br/>
<a id="pl.27.13"></a><var>27.13</var>subdivision to read:<br/>
<a id="pl.27.14"></a><var>27.14</var>    Subd. 6. <b>Review of rejected absentee ballots.</b> Prior to an election not held <br/>
<a id="pl.27.15"></a><var>27.15</var>in conjunction with a state election, a clerk may arrange to have a certified election <br/>
<a id="pl.27.16"></a><var>27.16</var>administrator from a county or another city review all ballots that were marked rejected to <br/>
<a id="pl.27.17"></a><var>27.17</var>determine whether any were rejected in error.  These arrangements must be made at least <br/>
<a id="pl.27.18"></a><var>27.18</var>seven days before the date of the election.  If no arrangements are made, rejected absentee <br/>
<a id="pl.27.19"></a><var>27.19</var>ballots must not be reviewed outside of an election contest under chapter 209.  If the <br/>
<a id="pl.27.20"></a><var>27.20</var>certified election administrator determines that any were rejected in error, the canvassing <br/>
<a id="pl.27.21"></a><var>27.21</var>board must publicly open the return and ballot envelopes and initial and count the ballots <br/>
<a id="pl.27.22"></a><var>27.22</var>to include the votes in all races in the results canvassed by the board.  The canvassing board <br/>
<a id="pl.27.23"></a><var>27.23</var>must protect the privacy of the voters' choices to the extent practicable.  If the number of <br/>
<a id="pl.27.24"></a><var>27.24</var>rejected absentee ballots could not possibly change the outcome in any of the elections or <br/>
<a id="pl.27.25"></a><var>27.25</var>questions on the ballot, the clerk may cancel the review of the rejected absentee ballots.<br/>
<br/>
<a id="bill.1.43.0"></a><a id="pl.27.26"></a><var>27.26</var>    Sec. 43. Minnesota Statutes 2008, section 206.83, is amended to read:<br/>
<a id="pl.27.27"></a><var>27.27</var><b>206.83 TESTING OF VOTING SYSTEMS.</b><br/>
<a id="pl.27.28"></a><var>27.28</var>Within 14 days before election day, The official in charge of elections shall have <br/>
<a id="pl.27.29"></a><var>27.29</var>the voting system tested to ascertain that the system will correctly mark ballots using all <br/>
<a id="pl.27.30"></a><var>27.30</var>methods supported by the system, including through assistive technology, and count the <br/>
<a id="pl.27.31"></a><var>27.31</var>votes cast for all candidates and on all questions. Public notice of the time and place of the <br/>
<a id="pl.27.32"></a><var>27.32</var>test must be given at least two days in advance by publication once in official newspapers. <br/>
<a id="pl.27.33"></a><var>27.33</var>The test must be observed by at least two election judges, who are not of the same major <br/>
<a id="pl.27.34"></a><var>27.34</var>political party, and must be open to representatives of the political parties, candidates, the <br/>
<a id="pl.28.1"></a><var>28.1</var>press, and the public. The test must be conducted by (1) processing a preaudited group <br/>
<a id="pl.28.2"></a><var>28.2</var>of ballots punched or marked to record a predetermined number of valid votes for each <br/>
<a id="pl.28.3"></a><var>28.3</var>candidate and on each question, and must include for each office one or more ballot cards <br/>
<a id="pl.28.4"></a><var>28.4</var>which have votes in excess of the number allowed by law in order to test the ability of <br/>
<a id="pl.28.5"></a><var>28.5</var>the voting system tabulator and electronic ballot marker to reject those votes; and (2) <br/>
<a id="pl.28.6"></a><var>28.6</var>processing an additional test deck of ballots marked using the electronic ballot marker <br/>
<a id="pl.28.7"></a><var>28.7</var>for the precinct, including ballots marked using the electronic ballot display, audio ballot <br/>
<a id="pl.28.8"></a><var>28.8</var>reader, and any assistive voting technology used with the electronic ballot marker. If any <br/>
<a id="pl.28.9"></a><var>28.9</var>error is detected, the cause must be ascertained and corrected and an errorless count must <br/>
<a id="pl.28.10"></a><var>28.10</var>be made before the voting system may be used in the election. After the completion of <br/>
<a id="pl.28.11"></a><var>28.11</var>the test, the programs used and ballot cards must be sealed, retained, and disposed of as <br/>
<a id="pl.28.12"></a><var>28.12</var>provided for paper ballots.<br/>
<a id="pl.28.13"></a><var>28.13</var>Testing of equipment used for early voting must be conducted as soon as practicable <br/>
<a id="pl.28.14"></a><var>28.14</var>after the equipment has been programmed. Testing of equipment used on the day of the <br/>
<a id="pl.28.15"></a><var>28.15</var>election must be conducted within the 14 days before election day.<br/>
<br/>
<a id="bill.1.44.0"></a><a id="pl.28.16"></a><var>28.16</var>    Sec. 44. Minnesota Statutes 2008, section 206.89, subdivision 2, is amended to read:<br/>
<a id="pl.28.17"></a><var>28.17</var>    Subd. 2.  <b>Selection for review; notice. </b> At the canvass of the state primary, the <br/>
<a id="pl.28.18"></a><var>28.18</var>county canvassing board in each county must set the date, time, and place for the <br/>
<a id="pl.28.19"></a><var>28.19</var>postelection review of the state general election to be held under this section. <br/>
<a id="pl.28.20"></a><var>28.20</var>    At the canvass of the state general election, the county canvassing boards must select <br/>
<a id="pl.28.21"></a><var>28.21</var>the precincts to be reviewed by lot. Ballots counted centrally by a ballot board shall be <br/>
<a id="pl.28.22"></a><var>28.22</var>considered one precinct eligible to be selected for purposes of this subdivision. The county <br/>
<a id="pl.28.23"></a><var>28.23</var>canvassing board of a county with fewer than 50,000 registered voters must conduct a <br/>
<a id="pl.28.24"></a><var>28.24</var>postelection review of a total of at least two precincts.  The county canvassing board of a <br/>
<a id="pl.28.25"></a><var>28.25</var>county with between 50,000 and 100,000 registered voters must conduct a review of a total <br/>
<a id="pl.28.26"></a><var>28.26</var>of at least three precincts.  The county canvassing board of a county with over 100,000 <br/>
<a id="pl.28.27"></a><var>28.27</var>registered voters must conduct a review of a total of at least four precincts, or three percent <br/>
<a id="pl.28.28"></a><var>28.28</var>of the total number of precincts in the county, whichever is greater.   At least one precinct <br/>
<a id="pl.28.29"></a><var>28.29</var>selected in each county must have had more than 150 votes cast at the general election. <br/>
<a id="pl.28.30"></a><var>28.30</var>    The county auditor must notify the secretary of state of the precincts that have been <br/>
<a id="pl.28.31"></a><var>28.31</var>chosen for review and the time and place the postelection review for that county will be <br/>
<a id="pl.28.32"></a><var>28.32</var>conducted, as soon as the decisions are made. If the selection of precincts has  not resulted <br/>
<a id="pl.28.33"></a><var>28.33</var>in the selection of at least four precincts in each congressional district, the  secretary of state <br/>
<a id="pl.28.34"></a><var>28.34</var>may require counties to select by lot additional precincts to meet the  congressional district <br/>
<a id="pl.28.35"></a><var>28.35</var>requirement. The secretary of state must post this information on the office Web site. <br/>
<br/>
<a id="bill.1.45.0"></a><a id="pl.29.1"></a><var>29.1</var>    Sec. 45. Minnesota Statutes 2008, section 208.05, is amended to read:<br/>
<a id="pl.29.2"></a><var>29.2</var><b>208.05 STATE CANVASSING BOARD.</b><br/>
<a id="pl.29.3"></a><var>29.3</var>The State Canvassing Board at its meeting on the second Tuesday after each state <br/>
<a id="pl.29.4"></a><var>29.4</var>general election date provided in section 204C.33 shall open and canvass the returns <br/>
<a id="pl.29.5"></a><var>29.5</var>made to the secretary of state for presidential electors and alternates, prepare a statement <br/>
<a id="pl.29.6"></a><var>29.6</var>of the number of votes cast for the persons receiving votes for these offices, and declare <br/>
<a id="pl.29.7"></a><var>29.7</var>the person or persons receiving the highest number of votes for each office duly elected. <br/>
<a id="pl.29.8"></a><var>29.8</var>When it appears that more than the number of persons to be elected as presidential electors <br/>
<a id="pl.29.9"></a><var>29.9</var>or alternates have the highest and an equal number of votes, the secretary of state, in the <br/>
<a id="pl.29.10"></a><var>29.10</var>presence of the board shall decide by lot which of the persons shall be declared elected. <br/>
<a id="pl.29.11"></a><var>29.11</var>The governor shall transmit to each person declared elected a certificate of election, signed <br/>
<a id="pl.29.12"></a><var>29.12</var>by the governor, sealed with the state seal, and countersigned by the secretary of state.<br/>
<br/>
<a id="bill.1.46.0"></a><a id="pl.29.13"></a><var>29.13</var>    Sec. 46. <b> REPEALER.</b><br/>
<a id="pl.29.14"></a><var>29.14</var>Minnesota Statutes 2008, sections 203B.04, subdivision 5; 203B.10; 203B.11, <br/>
<a id="pl.29.15"></a><var>29.15</var>subdivision 2; 203B.12; 203B.13; and 203B.25, are repealed.<br/>
<a id="pl.29.16"></a><var>29.16</var><b>EFFECTIVE DATE.</b>This section is not effective until the secretary of state has <br/>
<a id="pl.29.17"></a><var>29.17</var>certified that the statewide voter registration system has been tested, shown to properly <br/>
<a id="pl.29.18"></a><var>29.18</var>allow municipal clerks to update absentee voting records, and to be able to handle the <br/>
<a id="pl.29.19"></a><var>29.19</var>expected volume of use.<br/>
<br/>
<a id="bill.1.47.0"></a><a id="pl.29.20"></a><var>29.20</var>    Sec. 47. <b>EFFECTIVE DATE; APPLICABILITY.</b><br/>
<a id="pl.29.21"></a><var>29.21</var>The provisions of this article related to early voting are effective when the secretary <br/>
<a id="pl.29.22"></a><var>29.22</var>of state has certified that:<br/>
<a id="pl.29.23"></a><var>29.23</var>(1) the statewide voter registration system has been tested, shown to properly allow <br/>
<a id="pl.29.24"></a><var>29.24</var>for the tracking of the information required to conduct early voting, and can handle the <br/>
<a id="pl.29.25"></a><var>29.25</var>expected volume of use; and<br/>
<a id="pl.29.26"></a><var>29.26</var>(2) voting equipment that can tabulate at least 30 different ballot styles has been <br/>
<a id="pl.29.27"></a><var>29.27</var>certified for use in this state. Upon certification pursuant to this paragraph, the provisions <br/>
<a id="pl.29.28"></a><var>29.28</var>of this article related to early voting apply to all federal, state, county, and city elections <br/>
<a id="pl.29.29"></a><var>29.29</var>held on September 1, 2010, and thereafter, and to all other elections held on January 1, <br/>
<a id="pl.29.30"></a><var>29.30</var>2014, and thereafter. A jurisdiction may implement the requirements of this chapter prior <br/>
<a id="pl.29.31"></a><var>29.31</var>to the date provided in this paragraph, if the secretary of state has made the required <br/>
<a id="pl.29.32"></a><var>29.32</var>certifications at least 90 days prior to the date of the election at which early voting will <br/>
<a id="pl.29.33"></a><var>29.33</var>be used.<br/>
<br/>
<a id="bill.2.0.0"></a>

<a id="bill.2.1.0"></a><a id="pl.30.3"></a><var>30.3</var>    Section 1. Minnesota Statutes 2008, section 201.016, subdivision 1a, is amended to <br/>
<a id="pl.30.4"></a><var>30.4</var>read:<br/>
<a id="pl.30.5"></a><var>30.5</var>    Subd. 1a. <b>Violations; penalty.</b> (a) The county auditor shall mail a violation notice <br/>
<a id="pl.30.6"></a><var>30.6</var>to any voter who the county auditor can determine has voted: (1) provided the address at <br/>
<a id="pl.30.7"></a><var>30.7</var>which the voter maintains residence, but was allowed to vote  in a precinct other than the <br/>
<a id="pl.30.8"></a><var>30.8</var>precinct in which the voter maintains residence; and (2) not voted in the wrong precinct <br/>
<a id="pl.30.9"></a><var>30.9</var>previously. The notice must be in the form provided by the secretary of state. <br/>
<a id="pl.30.10"></a><var>30.10</var>(b) The county auditor shall mail a violation notice to any voter who otherwise voted <br/>
<a id="pl.30.11"></a><var>30.11</var>in a precinct in which the voter did not maintain residence on election day. The county <br/>
<a id="pl.30.12"></a><var>30.12</var>auditor shall also change the status of the voter in the statewide registration system to <br/>
<a id="pl.30.13"></a><var>30.13</var>"challenged" and the voter shall be required to provide proof of residence to either the <br/>
<a id="pl.30.14"></a><var>30.14</var>county auditor or to the election judges in the voter's precinct before voting in the next <br/>
<a id="pl.30.15"></a><var>30.15</var>election. Any of the forms authorized by section 
         <statute_ref>201.061</statute_ref> for registration at the polling <br/>
<a id="pl.30.16"></a><var>30.16</var>place may be used for this purpose.  <br/>
<a id="pl.30.17"></a><var>30.17</var>(b) (c) A voter who votes in a precinct other than the precinct in which the <br/>
<a id="pl.30.18"></a><var>30.18</var>voter maintains residence after receiving an initial violation notice as provided in this <br/>
<a id="pl.30.19"></a><var>30.19</var>subdivision is guilty of a petty misdemeanor.<br/>
<a id="pl.30.20"></a><var>30.20</var>(c) (d) A voter who votes in a precinct other than the precinct in which the voter <br/>
<a id="pl.30.21"></a><var>30.21</var>maintains residence after having been found to have committed a petty misdemeanor <br/>
<a id="pl.30.22"></a><var>30.22</var>under paragraph (b) is guilty of a misdemeanor.<br/>
<a id="pl.30.23"></a><var>30.23</var>(d) (e) Reliance by the voter on inaccurate information regarding the location of <br/>
<a id="pl.30.24"></a><var>30.24</var>the voter's polling place provided by the state, county, or municipality is an affirmative <br/>
<a id="pl.30.25"></a><var>30.25</var>defense to a prosecution under this subdivision.<br/>
<br/>
<a id="bill.2.2.0"></a><a id="pl.30.26"></a><var>30.26</var>    Sec. 2. Minnesota Statutes 2008, section 201.016, subdivision 2, is amended to read:<br/>
<a id="pl.30.27"></a><var>30.27</var>    Subd. 2. <b>Duration of residence.</b> The governing body of any city by resolution may <br/>
<a id="pl.30.28"></a><var>30.28</var>require an eligible voter to maintain residence in a precinct for a period of 30 days prior <br/>
<a id="pl.30.29"></a><var>30.29</var>to voting on any question affecting only that precinct or voting to elect public officials <br/>
<a id="pl.30.30"></a><var>30.30</var>representing only that precinct. The governing body of any town by resolution may <br/>
<a id="pl.30.31"></a><var>30.31</var>require an eligible voter to maintain residence in that town for a period of 30 days prior <br/>
<a id="pl.30.32"></a><var>30.32</var>to voting in a town election. The school board of any school district by resolution may <br/>
<a id="pl.30.33"></a><var>30.33</var>require an eligible voter to maintain residence in that school district for a period of 30 days <br/>
<a id="pl.30.34"></a><var>30.34</var>prior to voting in a school district election. If a political boundary, including a precinct, <br/>
<a id="pl.31.1"></a><var>31.1</var>municipal, or school district boundary, is redrawn within the 30 days prior to an election <br/>
<a id="pl.31.2"></a><var>31.2</var>in a manner that places an eligible voter in a new jurisdiction and the eligible voter has <br/>
<a id="pl.31.3"></a><var>31.3</var>not changed residence during the 30 days prior to the election, the eligible voter meets <br/>
<a id="pl.31.4"></a><var>31.4</var>any residency requirement imposed under this subdivision.<br/>
<br/>
<a id="bill.2.3.0"></a><a id="pl.31.5"></a><var>31.5</var>    Sec. 3. Minnesota Statutes 2008, section 201.056, is amended to read:<br/>
<a id="pl.31.6"></a><var>31.6</var><b>201.056 SIGNATURE OF REGISTERED VOTER; MARKS ALLOWED. </b><br/>
<a id="pl.31.7"></a><var>31.7</var>    An individual who is unable to write the individual's name shall be required to sign <br/>
<a id="pl.31.8"></a><var>31.8</var>a registration application in the manner provided by section 
         <statute_ref>645.44, subdivision 14</statute_ref>. If <br/>
<a id="pl.31.9"></a><var>31.9</var>the individual registers in person and signs by making a mark, the clerk or election judge <br/>
<a id="pl.31.10"></a><var>31.10</var>accepting the registration shall certify the mark by signing the individual's name. If the <br/>
<a id="pl.31.11"></a><var>31.11</var>individual registers by mail and signs by making a mark, the mark shall be certified by <br/>
<a id="pl.31.12"></a><var>31.12</var>having a voter registered in the individual's precinct sign the individual's name and the <br/>
<a id="pl.31.13"></a><var>31.13</var>voter's own name and give the voter's own address. An individual who has power of <br/>
<a id="pl.31.14"></a><var>31.14</var>attorney for another person may not sign election-related documents for that person, <br/>
<a id="pl.31.15"></a><var>31.15</var>except as provided by this section.<br/>
<br/>
<a id="bill.2.4.0"></a><a id="pl.31.16"></a><var>31.16</var>    Sec. 4. Minnesota Statutes 2008, section 201.061, subdivision 1, is amended to read:<br/>
<a id="pl.31.17"></a><var>31.17</var>    Subdivision 1. <b>Prior to election day.</b> At any time except during the 20 days <br/>
<a id="pl.31.18"></a><var>31.18</var>immediately preceding any regularly scheduled election, an eligible voter or any <br/>
<a id="pl.31.19"></a><var>31.19</var>individual who will be an eligible voter at the time of the next election may register to vote <br/>
<a id="pl.31.20"></a><var>31.20</var>in the precinct in which the voter maintains residence by completing a voter registration <br/>
<a id="pl.31.21"></a><var>31.21</var>application as described in section 
         <statute_ref>201.071, subdivision 1</statute_ref>, and submitting it in person <br/>
<a id="pl.31.22"></a><var>31.22</var>or by mail to the county auditor of that county or to the Secretary of State's Office. <br/>
<a id="pl.31.23"></a><var>31.23</var>A registration that is received no later than 5:00 p.m. on the 21st day preceding any <br/>
<a id="pl.31.24"></a><var>31.24</var>election shall be accepted. An improperly addressed or delivered registration application <br/>
<a id="pl.31.25"></a><var>31.25</var>shall be forwarded within two working days after receipt to the county auditor of the <br/>
<a id="pl.31.26"></a><var>31.26</var>county where the voter maintains residence. A state or local agency or an individual that <br/>
<a id="pl.31.27"></a><var>31.27</var>accepts completed voter registration applications from a voter must submit the completed <br/>
<a id="pl.31.28"></a><var>31.28</var>applications to the secretary of state or the appropriate county auditor within ten business <br/>
<a id="pl.31.29"></a><var>31.29</var>days after the applications are dated by the voter. <br/>
<a id="pl.31.30"></a><var>31.30</var>For purposes of this section, mail registration is defined as a voter registration <br/>
<a id="pl.31.31"></a><var>31.31</var>application delivered to the secretary of state, county auditor, or municipal clerk by the <br/>
<a id="pl.31.32"></a><var>31.32</var>United States Postal Service or a commercial carrier.<br/>
<br/>
<a id="bill.2.5.0"></a><a id="pl.32.1"></a><var>32.1</var>    Sec. 5. Minnesota Statutes 2008, section 201.11, is amended to read:<br/>
<a id="pl.32.2"></a><var>32.2</var><b>201.11 PRECINCT BOUNDARIES</b><b>; HOUSE NUMBER; STREET ADDRESS</b><b> </b><br/>
<a id="pl.32.3"></a><var>32.3</var><b>CHANGED, CHANGE OF FILES.</b><br/>
<a id="pl.32.4"></a><var>32.4</var>    Subdivision 1. <b>Precinct boundaries changed.</b> When the boundaries of a precinct <br/>
<a id="pl.32.5"></a><var>32.5</var>are changed, the county auditor shall immediately update the voter records for that <br/>
<a id="pl.32.6"></a><var>32.6</var>precinct in the statewide voter registration system to accurately reflect those changes.<br/>
<a id="pl.32.7"></a><var>32.7</var>    Subd. 2. <b>House number or street address changed.</b> If a municipality <br/>
<a id="pl.32.8"></a><var>32.8</var>administratively changes the number or name of a street address of an existing residence, <br/>
<a id="pl.32.9"></a><var>32.9</var>the municipal clerk shall promptly notify the county auditor and the county auditor <br/>
<a id="pl.32.10"></a><var>32.10</var>shall immediately update the voter records of registered voters in the statewide voter <br/>
<a id="pl.32.11"></a><var>32.11</var>registration system to accurately reflect that change. A municipality must not make a <br/>
<a id="pl.32.12"></a><var>32.12</var>change to the number or name of a street address of an existing residence effective during <br/>
<a id="pl.32.13"></a><var>32.13</var>the 45 days prior to any election in a jurisdiction which includes the affected residence.<br/>
<br/>
<a id="bill.2.6.0"></a><a id="pl.32.14"></a><var>32.14</var>    Sec. 6. Minnesota Statutes 2008, section 201.12, is amended to read:<br/>
<a id="pl.32.15"></a><var>32.15</var><b>201.12 PROPER REGISTRATION; VERIFICATION BY MAIL; </b><br/>
<a id="pl.32.16"></a><var>32.16</var><b>CHALLENGES. </b><br/>
<a id="pl.32.17"></a><var>32.17</var>    Subdivision 1.  <b>Notice of registration.</b> To prevent fraudulent voting and to eliminate <br/>
<a id="pl.32.18"></a><var>32.18</var>excess names, the county auditor may mail to any registered voter a notice stating the <br/>
<a id="pl.32.19"></a><var>32.19</var>voter's name and address as they appear in the registration files. The notice shall request <br/>
<a id="pl.32.20"></a><var>32.20</var>the voter to notify the county auditor if there is any mistake in the information. <br/>
<a id="pl.32.21"></a><var>32.21</var>    Subd. 2.  <b>Moved within state.</b> If any nonforwardable mailing from an election <br/>
<a id="pl.32.22"></a><var>32.22</var>official is returned as undeliverable but with a permanent forwarding address in this state, <br/>
<a id="pl.32.23"></a><var>32.23</var>the county auditor may change the voter's status to "inactive" in the statewide registration <br/>
<a id="pl.32.24"></a><var>32.24</var>system and shall notify transmit a copy of the mailing to the auditor of the county in which <br/>
<a id="pl.32.25"></a><var>32.25</var>the new address is located. Upon receipt of the notice, If an election is scheduled to occur <br/>
<a id="pl.32.26"></a><var>32.26</var>in the precinct in which the voter resides in the next 47 days, the county auditor shall <br/>
<a id="pl.32.27"></a><var>32.27</var>promptly update the voter's address in the statewide voter registration system and. If there <br/>
<a id="pl.32.28"></a><var>32.28</var>is not an election scheduled, the auditor may wait to update the voter's address until after <br/>
<a id="pl.32.29"></a><var>32.29</var>the next list of address changes is received from the secretary of state. Once updated, the <br/>
<a id="pl.32.30"></a><var>32.30</var>county auditor shall mail to the voter a notice stating the voter's name, address, precinct, <br/>
<a id="pl.32.31"></a><var>32.31</var>and polling place. The notice must advise the voter that the voter's voting address has <br/>
<a id="pl.32.32"></a><var>32.32</var>been changed and that the voter must notify the county auditor within 21 days if the <br/>
<a id="pl.32.33"></a><var>32.33</var>new address is not the voter's address of residence. The notice must state that it must be <br/>
<a id="pl.32.34"></a><var>32.34</var>returned if it is not deliverable to the voter at the named address. <br/>
<a id="pl.33.1"></a><var>33.1</var>    Subd. 3.  <b>Moved out of state.</b> If any nonforwardable mailing from an election <br/>
<a id="pl.33.2"></a><var>33.2</var>official is returned as undeliverable but with a permanent forwarding address outside this <br/>
<a id="pl.33.3"></a><var>33.3</var>state, the county auditor shall promptly mail to the voter at the voter's new address a notice <br/>
<a id="pl.33.4"></a><var>33.4</var>advising the voter that the voter's status in the statewide voter registration system will be <br/>
<a id="pl.33.5"></a><var>33.5</var>changed to "inactive" unless the voter notifies the county auditor within 21 days that the <br/>
<a id="pl.33.6"></a><var>33.6</var>voter is retaining the former address as the voter's address of residence. If the notice is <br/>
<a id="pl.33.7"></a><var>33.7</var>not received by the deadline, the county auditor shall change the voter's status shall be <br/>
<a id="pl.33.8"></a><var>33.8</var>changed to "inactive" in the statewide voter registration system. <br/>
<a id="pl.33.9"></a><var>33.9</var>    Subd. 4.  <b>Challenges.</b> If any nonforwardable mailing from an election official <br/>
<a id="pl.33.10"></a><var>33.10</var>is returned as undeliverable but with no forwarding address, the county auditor shall <br/>
<a id="pl.33.11"></a><var>33.11</var>change the registrant's status to "challenged" in the statewide voter registration system. <br/>
<a id="pl.33.12"></a><var>33.12</var>An individual challenged in accordance with this subdivision shall comply with the <br/>
<a id="pl.33.13"></a><var>33.13</var>provisions of section 
         <statute_ref>204C.12</statute_ref>, before being allowed to vote. If a notice mailed at least <br/>
<a id="pl.33.14"></a><var>33.14</var>60 days after the return of the first nonforwardable mailing is also returned by the postal <br/>
<a id="pl.33.15"></a><var>33.15</var>service, the county auditor shall change the registrant's status to "inactive" in the statewide <br/>
<a id="pl.33.16"></a><var>33.16</var>voter registration system. <br/>
<a id="pl.33.17"></a><var>33.17</var><b>EFFECTIVE DATE.</b>This section is effective the day following final enactment.<br/>
<br/>
<a id="bill.2.7.0"></a><a id="pl.33.18"></a><var>33.18</var>    Sec. 7. Minnesota Statutes 2008, section 201.13, is amended to read:<br/>
<a id="pl.33.19"></a><var>33.19</var><b>201.13 REPORT OF DECEASED VOTERS; CHANGES TO VOTER </b><br/>
<a id="pl.33.20"></a><var>33.20</var><b>RECORDS.</b><br/>
<a id="pl.33.21"></a><var>33.21</var>    Subdivision 1. <b>Commissioner of health; reports of deceased residents.</b> Pursuant <br/>
<a id="pl.33.22"></a><var>33.22</var>to the Help America Vote Act of 2002, Public Law 107-252, the commissioner of health <br/>
<a id="pl.33.23"></a><var>33.23</var>shall report monthly by electronic means to the secretary of state the name, address, date <br/>
<a id="pl.33.24"></a><var>33.24</var>of birth, and county of residence of each individual 18 years of age or older who has died <br/>
<a id="pl.33.25"></a><var>33.25</var>while maintaining residence in Minnesota since the last previous report. The secretary of <br/>
<a id="pl.33.26"></a><var>33.26</var>state shall determine if any of the persons listed in the report are registered to vote and <br/>
<a id="pl.33.27"></a><var>33.27</var>shall prepare a list of those registrants for each county auditor. Within 60 days after <br/>
<a id="pl.33.28"></a><var>33.28</var>receiving the list from the secretary of state, the county auditor shall change the status of <br/>
<a id="pl.33.29"></a><var>33.29</var>those registrants to "deceased" in the statewide voter registration system.<br/>
<a id="pl.33.30"></a><var>33.30</var>    Subd. 2. <b>Deceased nonresidents.</b> After receiving notice of death of a voter who has <br/>
<a id="pl.33.31"></a><var>33.31</var>died outside the county, the county auditor shall change the voter's status to "deceased." <br/>
<a id="pl.33.32"></a><var>33.32</var>Notice must be in the form of a printed obituary or a written statement signed by a <br/>
<a id="pl.33.33"></a><var>33.33</var>registered voter of the county.<br/>
<a id="pl.34.1"></a><var>34.1</var>    Subd. 3.  <b>Use of change of address system.</b> (a) At least once each month the <br/>
<a id="pl.34.2"></a><var>34.2</var>secretary of state shall obtain a list of individuals registered to vote in this state who have <br/>
<a id="pl.34.3"></a><var>34.3</var>filed with the United States Postal Service a change of their permanent address. However, <br/>
<a id="pl.34.4"></a><var>34.4</var>the secretary of state shall not obtain this list within the 47 days before the state primary or <br/>
<a id="pl.34.5"></a><var>34.5</var>47 days before a November general election.<br/>
<a id="pl.34.6"></a><var>34.6</var>(b) If the address is changed to another address in this state, the secretary of state <br/>
<a id="pl.34.7"></a><var>34.7</var>shall locate the precinct in which the voter resides, if possible. If the secretary of state <br/>
<a id="pl.34.8"></a><var>34.8</var>is able to locate the precinct in which the voter resides, the secretary must transmit the <br/>
<a id="pl.34.9"></a><var>34.9</var>information about the changed address by electronic means to the county auditor of the <br/>
<a id="pl.34.10"></a><var>34.10</var>county in which the new address is located. As long as the voter has not voted or submitted <br/>
<a id="pl.34.11"></a><var>34.11</var>a voter registration application since the address change, upon receipt of the information, <br/>
<a id="pl.34.12"></a><var>34.12</var>the county auditor shall update the voter's address in the statewide voter registration <br/>
<a id="pl.34.13"></a><var>34.13</var>system and. The county auditor shall mail to the voter a notice stating the voter's name, <br/>
<a id="pl.34.14"></a><var>34.14</var>address, precinct, and polling place, unless the voter's record is challenged due to a felony <br/>
<a id="pl.34.15"></a><var>34.15</var>conviction, noncitizenship, name change, incompetence, or a court's revocation of voting <br/>
<a id="pl.34.16"></a><var>34.16</var>rights of individuals under guardianship, in which case a notice shall not be mailed. The <br/>
<a id="pl.34.17"></a><var>34.17</var>notice must advise the voter that the voter's voting address has been changed and that the <br/>
<a id="pl.34.18"></a><var>34.18</var>voter must notify the county auditor within 21 days if the new address is not the voter's <br/>
<a id="pl.34.19"></a><var>34.19</var>address of residence. The notice must state that it must be returned if it is not deliverable <br/>
<a id="pl.34.20"></a><var>34.20</var>to the voter at the named address. <br/>
<a id="pl.34.21"></a><var>34.21</var>    (b) (c) If the change of permanent address is to an address outside this state, the <br/>
<a id="pl.34.22"></a><var>34.22</var>secretary of state shall notify by electronic means the auditor of the county where the voter <br/>
<a id="pl.34.23"></a><var>34.23</var>formerly resided that the voter has moved to another state. As long as the voter has not <br/>
<a id="pl.34.24"></a><var>34.24</var>voted or submitted a voter registration application since the address change, the county <br/>
<a id="pl.34.25"></a><var>34.25</var>auditor shall promptly mail to the voter at the voter's new address a notice advising the <br/>
<a id="pl.34.26"></a><var>34.26</var>voter that the voter's status in the statewide voter registration system will be changed <br/>
<a id="pl.34.27"></a><var>34.27</var>to "inactive" unless the voter notifies the county auditor within 21 days that the voter <br/>
<a id="pl.34.28"></a><var>34.28</var>is retaining the former address as the voter's address of residence, except that if the <br/>
<a id="pl.34.29"></a><var>34.29</var>voter's record is challenged due to a felony conviction, noncitizenship, name change, <br/>
<a id="pl.34.30"></a><var>34.30</var>incompetence, or a court's revocation of voting rights of individuals under guardianship, a <br/>
<a id="pl.34.31"></a><var>34.31</var>notice must not be mailed. If the notice is not received by the deadline, the county auditor <br/>
<a id="pl.34.32"></a><var>34.32</var>shall change the voter's status to "inactive" in the statewide voter registration system. <br/>
<a id="pl.34.33"></a><var>34.33</var>    Subd. 4. <b>Request for removal of voter record.</b> If a voter makes a written request <br/>
<a id="pl.34.34"></a><var>34.34</var>for removal of the voter's record, the county auditor shall remove the record of the voter <br/>
<a id="pl.34.35"></a><var>34.35</var>from the statewide voter registration system.<br/>
<a id="pl.34.36"></a><var>34.36</var><b>EFFECTIVE DATE.</b>This section is effective the day following final enactment.<br/>
<br/>
<a id="bill.2.8.0"></a><a id="pl.35.1"></a><var>35.1</var>    Sec. 8. Minnesota Statutes 2008, section 202A.14, subdivision 3, is amended to read:<br/>
<a id="pl.35.2"></a><var>35.2</var>    Subd. 3. <b>Notice.</b> The county or legislative district chair shall give at least six days' <br/>
<a id="pl.35.3"></a><var>35.3</var>published notice of the holding of the precinct caucus, stating the place, date, and time for <br/>
<a id="pl.35.4"></a><var>35.4</var>holding the caucus, and. The state party chair shall deliver the same information to the <br/>
<a id="pl.35.5"></a><var>35.5</var>municipal clerk and county auditor secretary of state in an electronic format designated <br/>
<a id="pl.35.6"></a><var>35.6</var>by the secretary of state at least 20 30 days before the precinct caucus. The county <br/>
<a id="pl.35.7"></a><var>35.7</var>auditor secretary of state shall make this information available in electronic format via <br/>
<a id="pl.35.8"></a><var>35.8</var>the secretary of state Web site at least ten days before the date of the caucuses to persons <br/>
<a id="pl.35.9"></a><var>35.9</var>who request it.<br/>
<br/>
<a id="bill.2.9.0"></a><a id="pl.35.10"></a><var>35.10</var>    Sec. 9. Minnesota Statutes 2008, section 204B.09, subdivision 3, is amended to read:<br/>
<a id="pl.35.11"></a><var>35.11</var>    Subd. 3.  <b>Write-in candidates.</b> (a) A candidate for county, state, or federal office <br/>
<a id="pl.35.12"></a><var>35.12</var>who wants write-in votes for the candidate to be counted must file a written request with <br/>
<a id="pl.35.13"></a><var>35.13</var>the filing office for the office sought no later than the seventh day before the general <br/>
<a id="pl.35.14"></a><var>35.14</var>election. The filing officer shall provide copies of the form to make the request. <br/>
<a id="pl.35.15"></a><var>35.15</var>    (b) A candidate for president of the United States who files a request under this <br/>
<a id="pl.35.16"></a><var>35.16</var>subdivision must include the name of a candidate for vice-president of the United States. <br/>
<a id="pl.35.17"></a><var>35.17</var>The request must also include the name of at least one candidate for presidential elector. <br/>
<a id="pl.35.18"></a><var>35.18</var>The total number of names of candidates for presidential elector on the request may not <br/>
<a id="pl.35.19"></a><var>35.19</var>exceed the total number of electoral votes to be cast by Minnesota in the presidential <br/>
<a id="pl.35.20"></a><var>35.20</var>election. <br/>
<a id="pl.35.21"></a><var>35.21</var>    (c) A candidate for governor who files a request under this subdivision must include <br/>
<a id="pl.35.22"></a><var>35.22</var>the name of a candidate for lieutenant governor. <br/>
<a id="pl.35.23"></a><var>35.23</var>(d) A candidate who files a request under this subdivision must also pay the filing <br/>
<a id="pl.35.24"></a><var>35.24</var>fee for that office or submit a petition in place of a filing fee, as provided in section <br/>
<a id="pl.35.25"></a><var>35.25</var>204B.11. The fee for a candidate for president of the United States is equal to that of <br/>
<a id="pl.35.26"></a><var>35.26</var>the office of senator in Congress.<br/>
<br/>
<a id="bill.2.10.0"></a><a id="pl.35.27"></a><var>35.27</var>    Sec. 10. Minnesota Statutes 2008, section 204B.14, subdivision 4, is amended to read:<br/>
<a id="pl.35.28"></a><var>35.28</var>    Subd. 4. <b>Administrative </b><b>boundary change procedure.</b> Any change in the <br/>
<a id="pl.35.29"></a><var>35.29</var>boundary of an election precinct shall must be adopted at least 90 days before the date <br/>
<a id="pl.35.30"></a><var>35.30</var>of the next election and, for the state primary and general election, no later than June 1 <br/>
<a id="pl.35.31"></a><var>35.31</var>in the year of the state general election. The precinct boundary change shall not take <br/>
<a id="pl.35.32"></a><var>35.32</var>effect until notice of the change has been posted in the office of the municipal clerk or <br/>
<a id="pl.35.33"></a><var>35.33</var>county auditor for at least 60 days.<br/>
<a id="pl.36.1"></a><var>36.1</var>The county auditor must publish a notice illustrating or describing the congressional, <br/>
<a id="pl.36.2"></a><var>36.2</var>legislative, and county commissioner district boundaries in the county in one or more <br/>
<a id="pl.36.3"></a><var>36.3</var>qualified newspapers in the county at least 14 days prior to the first day to file affidavits of <br/>
<a id="pl.36.4"></a><var>36.4</var>candidacy for the state general election in the year ending in two.<br/>
<a id="pl.36.5"></a><var>36.5</var>Alternate dates for adopting changes in precinct boundaries, posting notices <br/>
<a id="pl.36.6"></a><var>36.6</var>of boundary changes, and notifying voters affected by boundary changes pursuant <br/>
<a id="pl.36.7"></a><var>36.7</var>to this subdivision, and procedures for coordinating precinct boundary changes with <br/>
<a id="pl.36.8"></a><var>36.8</var>reestablishing local government election district boundaries may be established in the <br/>
<a id="pl.36.9"></a><var>36.9</var>manner provided in the rules of the secretary of state.<br/>
<br/>
<a id="bill.2.11.0"></a><a id="pl.36.10"></a><var>36.10</var>    Sec. 11. Minnesota Statutes 2008, section 204B.14, is amended by adding a subdivision <br/>
<a id="pl.36.11"></a><var>36.11</var>to read:<br/>
<a id="pl.36.12"></a><var>36.12</var>    Subd. 4a. <b>Municipal boundary adjustment procedure.</b> Any change in the <br/>
<a id="pl.36.13"></a><var>36.13</var>boundary of an election precinct that has occurred as a result of a municipal boundary <br/>
<a id="pl.36.14"></a><var>36.14</var>adjustment made pursuant to chapter 414 which is effective more than 21 days preceding <br/>
<a id="pl.36.15"></a><var>36.15</var>any regularly scheduled election shall take effect at the scheduled election.<br/>
<a id="pl.36.16"></a><var>36.16</var>Any change in the boundary of an election precinct that has occurred as a result of <br/>
<a id="pl.36.17"></a><var>36.17</var>a municipal boundary adjustment made pursuant to chapter 414 which is effective less <br/>
<a id="pl.36.18"></a><var>36.18</var>than 21 days preceding any regularly scheduled election shall not take effect until the <br/>
<a id="pl.36.19"></a><var>36.19</var>day after the scheduled election.<br/>
<br/>
<a id="bill.2.12.0"></a><a id="pl.36.20"></a><var>36.20</var>    Sec. 12. Minnesota Statutes 2008, section 204B.16, subdivision 1, is amended to read:<br/>
<a id="pl.36.21"></a><var>36.21</var>    Subdivision 1.  <b>Authority; location.</b> The governing body of each municipality and <br/>
<a id="pl.36.22"></a><var>36.22</var>of each county with precincts in unorganized territory shall designate by ordinance or <br/>
<a id="pl.36.23"></a><var>36.23</var>resolution a polling place for each election precinct. Polling places must be designated and <br/>
<a id="pl.36.24"></a><var>36.24</var>ballots must be distributed so that no one is required to go to more than one polling place <br/>
<a id="pl.36.25"></a><var>36.25</var>to vote in a school district and municipal election held on the same day. The polling place <br/>
<a id="pl.36.26"></a><var>36.26</var>for a precinct in a city or in a school district located in whole or in part in the metropolitan <br/>
<a id="pl.36.27"></a><var>36.27</var>area defined by section 
<statute_ref>200.02, subdivision 24</statute_ref>, shall be located within the boundaries of <br/>
<a id="pl.36.28"></a><var>36.28</var>the precinct or within one mile of one of those boundaries unless a single polling place <br/>
<a id="pl.36.29"></a><var>36.29</var>is designated for a city pursuant to section 
         <statute_ref>204B.14, subdivision 2</statute_ref>, or a school district <br/>
<a id="pl.36.30"></a><var>36.30</var>pursuant to section 
         <statute_ref>205A.11</statute_ref>. The polling place for a precinct in unorganized territory may <br/>
<a id="pl.36.31"></a><var>36.31</var>be located outside the precinct at a place which is convenient to the voters of the precinct. <br/>
<a id="pl.36.32"></a><var>36.32</var>If no suitable place is available within a town or within a school district located outside <br/>
<a id="pl.36.33"></a><var>36.33</var>the metropolitan area defined by section 
         <statute_ref>200.02, subdivision 24</statute_ref>, then the polling place for <br/>
<a id="pl.37.1"></a><var>37.1</var>a town or school district may be located outside the town or school district within five <br/>
<a id="pl.37.2"></a><var>37.2</var>miles of one of the boundaries of the town or school district. <br/>
<a id="pl.37.3"></a><var>37.3</var><b>EFFECTIVE DATE.</b>This section is effective June 1, 2010.<br/>
<br/>
<a id="bill.2.13.0"></a><a id="pl.37.4"></a><var>37.4</var>    Sec. 13. Minnesota Statutes 2008, section 204B.18, subdivision 1, is amended to read:<br/>
<a id="pl.37.5"></a><var>37.5</var>    Subdivision 1. <b>Booths; voting stations.</b> Each polling place must contain a number <br/>
<a id="pl.37.6"></a><var>37.6</var>of voting booths or voting stations in proportion to the number of individuals eligible <br/>
<a id="pl.37.7"></a><var>37.7</var>to vote in the precinct. Each booth or station must be at least six feet high, three feet <br/>
<a id="pl.37.8"></a><var>37.8</var>deep and two feet wide with a shelf at least two feet long and one foot wide placed at a <br/>
<a id="pl.37.9"></a><var>37.9</var>convenient height for writing. The booth or station shall permit the voter to vote privately <br/>
<a id="pl.37.10"></a><var>37.10</var>and independently. Each polling place must have at least one accessible voting booth <br/>
<a id="pl.37.11"></a><var>37.11</var>or other accessible voting station and beginning with federal and state elections held <br/>
<a id="pl.37.12"></a><var>37.12</var>after December 31, 2005, and county, municipal, and school district elections held after <br/>
<a id="pl.37.13"></a><var>37.13</var>December 31, 2007, one voting system that conforms to section 301(a)(3)(B) of the Help <br/>
<a id="pl.37.14"></a><var>37.14</var>America Vote Act, Public Law 107-252. Local officials must make accessible voting <br/>
<a id="pl.37.15"></a><var>37.15</var>stations purchased with funds provided from the Help America Vote Act account available <br/>
<a id="pl.37.16"></a><var>37.16</var>to other local jurisdictions holding stand-alone elections. Local officials who purchased <br/>
<a id="pl.37.17"></a><var>37.17</var>the equipment may charge the other local jurisdictions for the costs of programming <br/>
<a id="pl.37.18"></a><var>37.18</var>the equipment, as well as a prorated cost of maintenance on the equipment. Any funds <br/>
<a id="pl.37.19"></a><var>37.19</var>received for use of the accessible voting equipment must be treated as program income <br/>
<a id="pl.37.20"></a><var>37.20</var>and deposited into the jurisdiction's Help America Vote Act account. All booths or <br/>
<a id="pl.37.21"></a><var>37.21</var>stations must be constructed so that a voter is free from observation while marking ballots. <br/>
<a id="pl.37.22"></a><var>37.22</var>During the hours of voting, the booths or stations must have instructions, a pencil, and <br/>
<a id="pl.37.23"></a><var>37.23</var>other supplies needed to mark the ballots. A chair must be provided for elderly voters <br/>
<a id="pl.37.24"></a><var>37.24</var>and voters with disabilities to use while voting or waiting to vote. Stable flat writing <br/>
<a id="pl.37.25"></a><var>37.25</var>surfaces must also be made available to voters who are completing election-related forms. <br/>
<a id="pl.37.26"></a><var>37.26</var>All ballot boxes, voting booths, voting stations, and election judges must be in open <br/>
<a id="pl.37.27"></a><var>37.27</var>public view in the polling place.<br/>
<br/>
<a id="bill.2.14.0"></a><a id="pl.37.28"></a><var>37.28</var>    Sec. 14. Minnesota Statutes 2008, section 204B.27, subdivision 2, is amended to read:<br/>
<a id="pl.37.29"></a><var>37.29</var>    Subd. 2. <b>Election law and instructions.</b> The secretary of state shall prepare and <br/>
<a id="pl.37.30"></a><var>37.30</var>publish a volume containing all state general laws relating to elections. The attorney <br/>
<a id="pl.37.31"></a><var>37.31</var>general shall provide annotations to the secretary of state for this volume. On or before <br/>
<a id="pl.37.32"></a><var>37.32</var>July August 1 of every even-numbered odd-numbered year the secretary of state shall <br/>
<a id="pl.37.33"></a><var>37.33</var>furnish to the county auditors and municipal clerks enough copies of this volume so that <br/>
<a id="pl.37.34"></a><var>37.34</var>each county auditor and municipal clerk will have at least one copy. On or before July 1 <br/>
<a id="pl.38.1"></a><var>38.1</var>of every even-numbered year, the secretary of state shall prepare and make an electronic <br/>
<a id="pl.38.2"></a><var>38.2</var>copy available on the office's Web site. The secretary of state may prepare and transmit <br/>
<a id="pl.38.3"></a><var>38.3</var>to the county auditors and municipal clerks detailed written instructions for complying <br/>
<a id="pl.38.4"></a><var>38.4</var>with election laws relating to the conduct of elections, conduct of voter registration and <br/>
<a id="pl.38.5"></a><var>38.5</var>voting procedures.<br/>
<br/>
<a id="bill.2.15.0"></a><a id="pl.38.6"></a><var>38.6</var>    Sec. 15. Minnesota Statutes 2008, section 204B.33, is amended to read:<br/>
<a id="pl.38.7"></a><var>38.7</var><b>204B.33 NOTICE OF FILING.</b><br/>
<a id="pl.38.8"></a><var>38.8</var>(a) Between June 1 and July 1 in each even-numbered year, the secretary of state <br/>
<a id="pl.38.9"></a><var>38.9</var>shall notify each county auditor of the offices to be voted for in that county at the next <br/>
<a id="pl.38.10"></a><var>38.10</var>state general election for which candidates file with the secretary of state. The notice shall <br/>
<a id="pl.38.11"></a><var>38.11</var>include the time and place of filing for those offices. Within ten days after notification by <br/>
<a id="pl.38.12"></a><var>38.12</var>the secretary of state, each county auditor shall notify each municipal clerk in the county <br/>
<a id="pl.38.13"></a><var>38.13</var>of all the offices to be voted for in the county at that election and the time and place for <br/>
<a id="pl.38.14"></a><var>38.14</var>filing for those offices. The county auditors and municipal clerks shall promptly post a <br/>
<a id="pl.38.15"></a><var>38.15</var>copy of that notice in their offices and post a notice of the offices that will be on the <br/>
<a id="pl.38.16"></a><var>38.16</var>ballot on their Web site, if one is available.<br/>
<a id="pl.38.17"></a><var>38.17</var>(b) At least two weeks before the first day to file an affidavit of candidacy, the <br/>
<a id="pl.38.18"></a><var>38.18</var>county auditor shall publish a notice stating the first and last dates on which affidavits of <br/>
<a id="pl.38.19"></a><var>38.19</var>candidacy may be filed in the county auditor's office and the closing time for filing on the <br/>
<a id="pl.38.20"></a><var>38.20</var>last day for filing. The county auditor shall post a similar notice at least ten days before <br/>
<a id="pl.38.21"></a><var>38.21</var>the first day to file affidavits of candidacy.<br/>
<br/>
<a id="bill.2.16.0"></a><a id="pl.38.22"></a><var>38.22</var>    Sec. 16. <b>[204B.335] ELECTION RESULTS REPORTING SYSTEM; </b><br/>
<a id="pl.38.23"></a><var>38.23</var><b>CANDIDATE FILING.</b><br/>
<a id="pl.38.24"></a><var>38.24</var>For state primary and general elections, the county auditor must enter the offices <br/>
<a id="pl.38.25"></a><var>38.25</var>and questions to be voted on in the county and the list of candidates for each office into <br/>
<a id="pl.38.26"></a><var>38.26</var>the election results reporting system provided by the secretary of state no later than 46 <br/>
<a id="pl.38.27"></a><var>38.27</var>days prior to the election.<br/>
<a id="pl.38.28"></a><var>38.28</var><b>EFFECTIVE DATE.</b>This section is not effective until the secretary of state has <br/>
<a id="pl.38.29"></a><var>38.29</var>certified that the election reporting system has been tested and shown to properly allow <br/>
<a id="pl.38.30"></a><var>38.30</var>for the entry of candidate names and for election results to be uploaded, and to be able to <br/>
<a id="pl.38.31"></a><var>38.31</var>handle the expected volume of use.<br/>
<br/>
<a id="bill.2.17.0"></a><a id="pl.39.1"></a><var>39.1</var>    Sec. 17. Minnesota Statutes 2008, section 204B.38, is amended to read:<br/>
<a id="pl.39.2"></a><var>39.2</var><b>204B.38 NAMES ON BALLOTS; IDENTICAL DESCRIPTIVE WORDS.</b><br/>
<a id="pl.39.3"></a><var>39.3</var>When the similarity of surnames of two or more candidates for the same office <br/>
<a id="pl.39.4"></a><var>39.4</var>at the same election may cause confusion to voters because the candidates also have <br/>
<a id="pl.39.5"></a><var>39.5</var>similar first names, up to three additional words may be printed on the ballot after each <br/>
<a id="pl.39.6"></a><var>39.6</var>surname to indicate the candidate's occupation, office, residence or any combination <br/>
<a id="pl.39.7"></a><var>39.7</var>of them if the candidate furnishes the identifying words to the filing officer by the last <br/>
<a id="pl.39.8"></a><var>39.8</var>day for withdrawal of candidacy.<br/>
<br/>
<a id="bill.2.18.0"></a><a id="pl.39.9"></a><var>39.9</var>    Sec. 18. Minnesota Statutes 2008, section 204C.02, is amended to read:<br/>
<a id="pl.39.10"></a><var>39.10</var><b>204C.02 APPLICATION.</b><br/>
<a id="pl.39.11"></a><var>39.11</var>This chapter applies to all elections held in this state except as otherwise provided <br/>
<a id="pl.39.12"></a><var>39.12</var>by law.<br/>
<a id="pl.39.13"></a><var>39.13</var>An individual who is unable to write the individual's name shall be required to sign <br/>
<a id="pl.39.14"></a><var>39.14</var>election-related documents in the manner provided by section 645.44, subdivision 14. An <br/>
<a id="pl.39.15"></a><var>39.15</var>individual who has power of attorney for another person may not sign election-related <br/>
<a id="pl.39.16"></a><var>39.16</var>documents for that person, except as provided by this section.<br/>
<br/>
<a id="bill.2.19.0"></a><a id="pl.39.17"></a><var>39.17</var>    Sec. 19. Minnesota Statutes 2008, section 204C.04, subdivision 1, is amended to read:<br/>
<a id="pl.39.18"></a><var>39.18</var>    Subdivision 1. <b>Right to be absent.</b> Every employee who is eligible to vote in an <br/>
<a id="pl.39.19"></a><var>39.19</var>election has the right to be absent from work for the purpose of voting during the morning <br/>
<a id="pl.39.20"></a><var>39.20</var>of for the time necessary to appear at the employee's polling place, cast a ballot, and return <br/>
<a id="pl.39.21"></a><var>39.21</var>to work on the day of that election, without penalty or deduction from salary or wages <br/>
<a id="pl.39.22"></a><var>39.22</var>because of the absence. An employer or other person may not directly or indirectly refuse, <br/>
<a id="pl.39.23"></a><var>39.23</var>abridge, or interfere with this right or any other election right of an employee.<br/>
<br/>
<a id="bill.2.20.0"></a><a id="pl.39.24"></a><var>39.24</var>    Sec. 20. Minnesota Statutes 2008, section 204C.06, subdivision 1, is amended to read:<br/>
<a id="pl.39.25"></a><var>39.25</var>    Subdivision 1.  <b>Lingering near polling place.</b> An individual shall be allowed to go <br/>
<a id="pl.39.26"></a><var>39.26</var>to and from the polling place for the purpose of voting without unlawful interference. No <br/>
<a id="pl.39.27"></a><var>39.27</var>one except an election official or an individual who is waiting to register or to vote or a <br/>
<a id="pl.39.28"></a><var>39.28</var>representative of the press or an academic institution who is conducting exit polling shall <br/>
<a id="pl.39.29"></a><var>39.29</var>stand within 100 feet of the building in which a polling place is located. "Exit polling" is <br/>
<a id="pl.39.30"></a><var>39.30</var>defined as approaching voters in a predetermined pattern as they leave the polling place <br/>
<a id="pl.39.31"></a><var>39.31</var>after they have voted and asking voters to fill out an anonymous questionnaire.<br/>
<br/>
<a id="bill.2.21.0"></a><a id="pl.39.32"></a><var>39.32</var>    Sec. 21. Minnesota Statutes 2008, section 204C.08, subdivision 1a, is amended to read:<br/>
<a id="pl.40.1"></a><var>40.1</var>    Subd. 1a. <b>Voter's Bill of Rights.</b> The county auditor shall prepare and provide to <br/>
<a id="pl.40.2"></a><var>40.2</var>each polling place sufficient copies of a poster setting forth the Voter's Bill of Rights as set <br/>
<a id="pl.40.3"></a><var>40.3</var>forth in this section. Before the hours of voting are scheduled to begin, the election judges <br/>
<a id="pl.40.4"></a><var>40.4</var>shall post it in a conspicuous location or locations in the polling place. The Voter's Bill <br/>
<a id="pl.40.5"></a><var>40.5</var>of Rights is as follows:<br/>

<a id="pl.40.8"></a><var>40.8</var>(1) You have the right to be absent from work for the purpose of voting during the <br/>
<a id="pl.40.9"></a><var>40.9</var>morning of without reduction to your pay, personal leave, or vacation time on  election day.<br/>
<a id="pl.40.10"></a><var>40.10</var>(2) If you are in line at your polling place any time between 7:00 a.m. and before <br/>
<a id="pl.40.11"></a><var>40.11</var>8:00 p.m., you have the right to vote.<br/>
<a id="pl.40.12"></a><var>40.12</var>(3) If you can provide the required proof of residence, you have the right to register <br/>
<a id="pl.40.13"></a><var>40.13</var>to vote and to vote on election day.<br/>
<a id="pl.40.14"></a><var>40.14</var>(4) If you are unable to sign your name, you have the right to orally confirm your <br/>
<a id="pl.40.15"></a><var>40.15</var>identity with an election judge and to direct another person to sign your name for you.<br/>
<a id="pl.40.16"></a><var>40.16</var>(5) You have the right to request special assistance when voting.<br/>
<a id="pl.40.17"></a><var>40.17</var>(6) If you need assistance, you may be accompanied into the voting booth by a <br/>
<a id="pl.40.18"></a><var>40.18</var>person of your choice, except by an agent of your employer or union or a candidate.<br/>
<a id="pl.40.19"></a><var>40.19</var>(7) You have the right to bring your minor children into the polling place and into <br/>
<a id="pl.40.20"></a><var>40.20</var>the voting booth with you.<br/>
<a id="pl.40.21"></a><var>40.21</var>(8) If you have been convicted of a felony but your felony sentence has expired (been <br/>
<a id="pl.40.22"></a><var>40.22</var>completed) or you have been discharged from your sentence, you have the right to vote.<br/>
<a id="pl.40.23"></a><var>40.23</var>(9) If you are under a guardianship, you have the right to vote, unless the court <br/>
<a id="pl.40.24"></a><var>40.24</var>order revokes your right to vote.<br/>
<a id="pl.40.25"></a><var>40.25</var>(10) You have the right to vote without anyone in the polling place trying to <br/>
<a id="pl.40.26"></a><var>40.26</var>influence your vote.<br/>
<a id="pl.40.27"></a><var>40.27</var>(11) If you make a mistake or spoil your ballot before it is submitted, you have the <br/>
<a id="pl.40.28"></a><var>40.28</var>right to receive a replacement ballot and vote.<br/>
<a id="pl.40.29"></a><var>40.29</var>(12) You have the right to file a written complaint at your polling place if you are <br/>
<a id="pl.40.30"></a><var>40.30</var>dissatisfied with the way an election is being run.<br/>
<a id="pl.40.31"></a><var>40.31</var>(13) You have the right to take a sample ballot into the voting booth with you.<br/>
<a id="pl.40.32"></a><var>40.32</var>(14) You have the right to take a copy of this Voter's Bill of Rights into the voting <br/>
<a id="pl.40.33"></a><var>40.33</var>booth with you."<br/>
<a id="pl.40.34"></a><var>40.34</var><b>EFFECTIVE DATE.</b>This section is effective for the state primary in 2010 and <br/>
<a id="pl.40.35"></a><var>40.35</var>thereafter.<br/>
<br/>
<a id="bill.2.22.0"></a><a id="pl.41.1"></a><var>41.1</var>    Sec. 22. Minnesota Statutes 2008, section 204C.08, subdivision 3, is amended to read:<br/>
<a id="pl.41.2"></a><var>41.2</var>    Subd. 3. <b>Locking of ballot boxes.</b> Immediately before the time when voting is <br/>
<a id="pl.41.3"></a><var>41.3</var>scheduled to begin, one of the election judges shall open the ballot boxes in the presence <br/>
<a id="pl.41.4"></a><var>41.4</var>of the individuals assembled at the polling place, turn the boxes upside down to empty <br/>
<a id="pl.41.5"></a><var>41.5</var>them, lock them, and deliver the key to another election judge. Except as provided by <br/>
<a id="pl.41.6"></a><var>41.6</var>this subdivision, the boxes shall not be reopened except to count the ballots until after <br/>
<a id="pl.41.7"></a><var>41.7</var>the hours for voting have ended and all voting has been concluded. The boxes shall be <br/>
<a id="pl.41.8"></a><var>41.8</var>kept in public view at all times during voting hours. After locking the ballot boxes, the <br/>
<a id="pl.41.9"></a><var>41.9</var>election judges shall proclaim that voting may begin, and shall post outside the polling <br/>
<a id="pl.41.10"></a><var>41.10</var>place conspicuous written or printed notices of the time when voting is scheduled to end.<br/>
<a id="pl.41.11"></a><var>41.11</var>Notwithstanding Minnesota Rules, part 8230.4365, subpart 5, two election judges <br/>
<a id="pl.41.12"></a><var>41.12</var>of different major political parties may open the ballot boxes as needed to straighten the <br/>
<a id="pl.41.13"></a><var>41.13</var>ballots or remove voted ballots to prevent the boxes from becoming overfull. The election <br/>
<a id="pl.41.14"></a><var>41.14</var>judges shall not count or inspect the ballots.<br/>
<a id="pl.41.15"></a><var>41.15</var>If removing the ballots from the box, the election judges shall put the ballots into <br/>
<a id="pl.41.16"></a><var>41.16</var>containers and seal them. The judges shall put any ballots taken from the ballot box's <br/>
<a id="pl.41.17"></a><var>41.17</var>write-in compartment into containers separate from the other ballots and seal them. The <br/>
<a id="pl.41.18"></a><var>41.18</var>judges shall label the ballot containers and secure them.<br/>
<a id="pl.41.19"></a><var>41.19</var>The judges shall note on the incident report that the ballot box was opened, the <br/>
<a id="pl.41.20"></a><var>41.20</var>time the box was opened, and, if ballots were removed, the number of any seals used to <br/>
<a id="pl.41.21"></a><var>41.21</var>seal the ballot containers.<br/>
<br/>
<a id="bill.2.23.0"></a><a id="pl.41.22"></a><var>41.22</var>    Sec. 23. Minnesota Statutes 2008, section 204C.13, subdivision 2, is amended to read:<br/>
<a id="pl.41.23"></a><var>41.23</var>    Subd. 2. <b>Voting booths.</b> One of the election judges shall explain to the voter the <br/>
<a id="pl.41.24"></a><var>41.24</var>proper method of marking and folding the ballots and, during a primary election, the effect <br/>
<a id="pl.41.25"></a><var>41.25</var>of attempting to vote in more than one party's primary. Except as otherwise provided in <br/>
<a id="pl.41.26"></a><var>41.26</var>section 
         <statute_ref>204C.15</statute_ref>, the voter shall retire alone to an unoccupied voting booth and or, at the <br/>
<a id="pl.41.27"></a><var>41.27</var>voter's discretion, the voter may choose to use another writing surface. The voter shall <br/>
<a id="pl.41.28"></a><var>41.28</var>mark the ballots without undue delay. The voter may take sample ballots into the booth to <br/>
<a id="pl.41.29"></a><var>41.29</var>assist in voting. The election judges may adopt and enforce reasonable rules governing the <br/>
<a id="pl.41.30"></a><var>41.30</var>amount of time a voter may spend in the voting booth marking ballots. <br/>
<br/>
<a id="bill.2.24.0"></a><a id="pl.41.31"></a><var>41.31</var>    Sec. 24. Minnesota Statutes 2008, section 204C.15, subdivision 3, is amended to read:<br/>
<a id="pl.41.32"></a><var>41.32</var>    Subd. 3. <b>Voting lines.</b> In all polling places two election judges shall assist a <br/>
<a id="pl.41.33"></a><var>41.33</var>disabled voter to enter the polling place and go through the registration and voting lines. <br/>
<a id="pl.41.34"></a><var>41.34</var>The election judges must inform voters that a chair is available for use by an elderly or <br/>
<a id="pl.42.1"></a><var>42.1</var>disabled voter while voting or waiting in a voting line, and that an elderly or disabled <br/>
<a id="pl.42.2"></a><var>42.2</var>voter may request to be moved to the front of the line, or be provided other assistance as <br/>
<a id="pl.42.3"></a><var>42.3</var>appropriate, in the event waiting in the voting line would cause unreasonable physical <br/>
<a id="pl.42.4"></a><var>42.4</var>strain on the voter. The voter may also request the assistance of election judges or any <br/>
<a id="pl.42.5"></a><var>42.5</var>other individual in marking ballots, as provided in subdivision 1.<br/>
<br/>
<a id="bill.2.25.0"></a><a id="pl.42.6"></a><var>42.6</var>    Sec. 25. Minnesota Statutes 2008, section 204C.17, is amended to read:<br/>
<a id="pl.42.7"></a><var>42.7</var><b>204C.17 VOTING; SECRECY.</b><br/>
<a id="pl.42.8"></a><var>42.8</var>Except as authorized by section 
         <statute_ref>204C.15</statute_ref>, a voter shall not reveal to anyone in the <br/>
<a id="pl.42.9"></a><var>42.9</var>polling place the name of any candidate for whom the voter intends to vote or has voted. A <br/>
<a id="pl.42.10"></a><var>42.10</var>voter shall not ask for or receive assistance in the marking of a ballot from anyone within <br/>
<a id="pl.42.11"></a><var>42.11</var>the polling place except as authorized by section 
         <statute_ref>204C.15</statute_ref>. If a voter, after marking a ballot, <br/>
<a id="pl.42.12"></a><var>42.12</var>shows it to anyone except as authorized by law or takes a picture of the voter's ballot, the <br/>
<a id="pl.42.13"></a><var>42.13</var>election judges shall refuse to deposit the ballot in any ballot box and shall place it among <br/>
<a id="pl.42.14"></a><var>42.14</var>the spoiled ballots. Unless the showing of the ballot was clearly intentional, the voter shall <br/>
<a id="pl.42.15"></a><var>42.15</var>receive another ballot as provided in section 
         <statute_ref>204C.13, subdivision 3</statute_ref>, clause paragraph (d).<br/>
<br/>
<a id="bill.2.26.0"></a><a id="pl.42.16"></a><var>42.16</var>    Sec. 26. Minnesota Statutes 2008, section 204C.30, is amended by adding a <br/>
<a id="pl.42.17"></a><var>42.17</var>subdivision to read:<br/>
<a id="pl.42.18"></a><var>42.18</var>    Subd. 3. <b>Election results reporting; state primary and general elections.</b> For <br/>
<a id="pl.42.19"></a><var>42.19</var>state primary and general elections, the county auditor shall enter the votes in each <br/>
<a id="pl.42.20"></a><var>42.20</var>precinct for the questions and offices voted on into the election results reporting system <br/>
<a id="pl.42.21"></a><var>42.21</var>provided by the secretary of state.<br/>
<a id="pl.42.22"></a><var>42.22</var><b>EFFECTIVE DATE.</b>This section is not effective until the secretary of state has <br/>
<a id="pl.42.23"></a><var>42.23</var>certified that the election reporting system has been tested and shown to properly allow <br/>
<a id="pl.42.24"></a><var>42.24</var>for the entry of candidate names and for election results to be uploaded, and to be able to <br/>
<a id="pl.42.25"></a><var>42.25</var>handle the expected volume of use.<br/>
<br/>
<a id="bill.2.27.0"></a><a id="pl.42.26"></a><var>42.26</var>    Sec. 27. Minnesota Statutes 2008, section 204C.33, subdivision 1, is amended to read:<br/>
<a id="pl.42.27"></a><var>42.27</var>    Subdivision 1. <b>County canvass.</b> The county canvassing board shall meet at the <br/>
<a id="pl.42.28"></a><var>42.28</var>county auditor's office on or before the seventh day following the state general election. <br/>
<a id="pl.42.29"></a><var>42.29</var>After taking the oath of office, the board shall promptly and publicly canvass the general <br/>
<a id="pl.42.30"></a><var>42.30</var>election returns delivered to the county auditor. Upon completion of the canvass, the board <br/>
<a id="pl.42.31"></a><var>42.31</var>shall promptly prepare and file with the county auditor a report which states:<br/>
<a id="pl.42.32"></a><var>42.32</var>(a) the number of individuals voting at the election in the county and in each precinct;<br/>
<a id="pl.43.1"></a><var>43.1</var>(b) the number of individuals registering to vote on election day and the number of <br/>
<a id="pl.43.2"></a><var>43.2</var>individuals registered before election day in each precinct;<br/>
<a id="pl.43.3"></a><var>43.3</var>(c) the names of the candidates for each office and the number of votes received <br/>
<a id="pl.43.4"></a><var>43.4</var>by each candidate in the county and in each precinct, including write-in candidates for <br/>
<a id="pl.43.5"></a><var>43.5</var>state and federal office who have requested under section 
<statute_ref>204B.09</statute_ref> that votes for those <br/>
<a id="pl.43.6"></a><var>43.6</var>candidates be tallied; <br/>
<a id="pl.43.7"></a><var>43.7</var>(d) the number of votes counted for and against a proposed change of county lines <br/>
<a id="pl.43.8"></a><var>43.8</var>or county seat; and<br/>
<a id="pl.43.9"></a><var>43.9</var>(e) the number of votes counted for and against a constitutional amendment or other <br/>
<a id="pl.43.10"></a><var>43.10</var>question in the county and in each precinct.<br/>
<a id="pl.43.11"></a><var>43.11</var>The result of write-in votes cast on the general election ballots must be compiled by <br/>
<a id="pl.43.12"></a><var>43.12</var>the county auditor before the county canvass, except that write-in votes for a candidate for <br/>
<a id="pl.43.13"></a><var>43.13</var>federal, state, or federal county office must not be counted unless the candidate has timely <br/>
<a id="pl.43.14"></a><var>43.14</var>filed a request under section 
         <statute_ref>204B.09, subdivision 3</statute_ref>. The county auditor shall arrange <br/>
<a id="pl.43.15"></a><var>43.15</var>for each municipality to provide an adequate number of election judges to perform this <br/>
<a id="pl.43.16"></a><var>43.16</var>duty or the county auditor may appoint additional election judges for this purpose. The <br/>
<a id="pl.43.17"></a><var>43.17</var>county auditor may open the envelopes or containers in which the voted ballots have been <br/>
<a id="pl.43.18"></a><var>43.18</var>sealed in order to count and record the write-in votes and must reseal the voted ballots at <br/>
<a id="pl.43.19"></a><var>43.19</var>the conclusion of this process. The county auditor must prepare a separate report of votes <br/>
<a id="pl.43.20"></a><var>43.20</var>received by precinct for write-in candidates for federal, state, and county offices who have <br/>
<a id="pl.43.21"></a><var>43.21</var>requested under section 204B.09 that votes for those candidates be tallied.<br/>
<a id="pl.43.22"></a><var>43.22</var>Upon completion of the canvass, the county canvassing board shall declare the <br/>
<a id="pl.43.23"></a><var>43.23</var>candidate duly elected who received the highest number of votes for each county and state <br/>
<a id="pl.43.24"></a><var>43.24</var>office voted for only within the county. The county auditor shall transmit one of the a <br/>
<a id="pl.43.25"></a><var>43.25</var>certified copies copy of the county canvassing board report for state and federal offices to <br/>
<a id="pl.43.26"></a><var>43.26</var>the secretary of state by messenger, express mail, or similar service immediately upon <br/>
<a id="pl.43.27"></a><var>43.27</var>conclusion of the county canvass.<br/>
<br/>
<a id="bill.2.28.0"></a><a id="pl.43.28"></a><var>43.28</var>    Sec. 28. Minnesota Statutes 2008, section 204C.37, is amended to read:<br/>
<a id="pl.43.29"></a><var>43.29</var><b>204C.37 COUNTY CANVASS; RETURN OF REPORTS TO SECRETARY OF </b><br/>
<a id="pl.43.30"></a><var>43.30</var><b>STATE.</b><br/>
<a id="pl.43.31"></a><var>43.31</var>Two copies A copy of the reports report required by sections 
         <statute_ref>204C.32, subdivision <br/>
<a id="pl.43.32"></a><var>43.32</var>1
         </statute_ref>, and 
         <statute_ref>204C.33, subdivision 1</statute_ref>, shall be certified under the official seal of the county <br/>
<a id="pl.43.33"></a><var>43.33</var>auditor. Each The copy shall be enclosed in an envelope addressed to the secretary <br/>
<a id="pl.43.34"></a><var>43.34</var>of state, with the county auditor's name and official address and the words "Election <br/>
<a id="pl.43.35"></a><var>43.35</var>Returns" endorsed on the envelope. The copy of the canvassing board report not sent by <br/>
<a id="pl.44.1"></a><var>44.1</var>express mail and the precinct summary statements must be mailed sent by express mail <br/>
<a id="pl.44.2"></a><var>44.2</var>or delivered to the secretary of state. If neither the copy is not received by the secretary <br/>
<a id="pl.44.3"></a><var>44.3</var>of state within ten days following the applicable election, the secretary of state shall <br/>
<a id="pl.44.4"></a><var>44.4</var>immediately notify the county auditor, who shall deliver another copy to the secretary of <br/>
<a id="pl.44.5"></a><var>44.5</var>state by special messenger. <br/>
<br/>
<a id="bill.2.29.0"></a><a id="pl.44.6"></a><var>44.6</var>    Sec. 29. Minnesota Statutes 2008, section 204D.04, subdivision 2, is amended to read:<br/>
<a id="pl.44.7"></a><var>44.7</var>    Subd. 2. <b>Instructions to printer; printer's bond.</b> (a) The official charged with <br/>
<a id="pl.44.8"></a><var>44.8</var>the preparation and distribution of the ballots shall prepare instructions to the printer for <br/>
<a id="pl.44.9"></a><var>44.9</var>rotation of the names of candidates and for layout of the ballot.<br/>
<a id="pl.44.10"></a><var>44.10</var>(b) Except as provided in paragraph (c), the instructions shall be approved by the <br/>
<a id="pl.44.11"></a><var>44.11</var>legal advisor of the official before delivery to the printer.<br/>
<a id="pl.44.12"></a><var>44.12</var>(c) The legal advisor of a town official is not required to approve instructions <br/>
<a id="pl.44.13"></a><var>44.13</var>regarding the rotation of the names of candidates on the ballot or the layout of the ballot.<br/>
<a id="pl.44.14"></a><var>44.14</var>(d) Before a contract exceeding $1,000 is awarded for printing ballots, the printer <br/>
<a id="pl.44.15"></a><var>44.15</var>shall furnish, if requested by the official, a sufficient bond, letter of credit, or certified <br/>
<a id="pl.44.16"></a><var>44.16</var>check, acceptable to the official responsible for printing the ballots, conditioned on <br/>
<a id="pl.44.17"></a><var>44.17</var>printing the ballots in conformity with the Minnesota Election Law and the instructions <br/>
<a id="pl.44.18"></a><var>44.18</var>delivered. The official responsible for printing the ballots shall set the amount of the bond, <br/>
<a id="pl.44.19"></a><var>44.19</var>letter of credit, or certified check in an amount equal to the value of the purchase.<br/>
<br/>
<a id="bill.2.30.0"></a><a id="pl.44.20"></a><var>44.20</var>    Sec. 30. Minnesota Statutes 2008, section 204D.09, subdivision 2, is amended to read:<br/>
<a id="pl.44.21"></a><var>44.21</var>    Subd. 2. <b>Sample ballot.</b> At least two weeks before the state primary the county <br/>
<a id="pl.44.22"></a><var>44.22</var>auditor shall prepare a sample state partisan primary ballot and a sample state and county <br/>
<a id="pl.44.23"></a><var>44.23</var>nonpartisan primary ballot for public inspection. The names of all of the candidates to <br/>
<a id="pl.44.24"></a><var>44.24</var>be voted for in the county shall be placed on the sample ballots, with the names of the <br/>
<a id="pl.44.25"></a><var>44.25</var>candidates for each office arranged alphabetically according to the surname in the base <br/>
<a id="pl.44.26"></a><var>44.26</var>rotation as determined by section 206.61, subdivision 5. Only one sample state partisan <br/>
<a id="pl.44.27"></a><var>44.27</var>primary ballot and one sample state and county nonpartisan ballot shall be prepared for <br/>
<a id="pl.44.28"></a><var>44.28</var>any county. The county auditor shall post the sample ballots in a conspicuous place in the <br/>
<a id="pl.44.29"></a><var>44.29</var>auditor's office and shall cause them to be published at least one week before the state <br/>
<a id="pl.44.30"></a><var>44.30</var>primary in at least one newspaper of general circulation in the county.<br/>
<br/>
<a id="bill.2.31.0"></a><a id="pl.44.31"></a><var>44.31</var>    Sec. 31. Minnesota Statutes 2008, section 204D.28, subdivision 5, is amended to read:<br/>
<a id="pl.44.32"></a><var>44.32</var>    Subd. 5. <b>Regular state primary.</b> "Regular state primary" means:<br/>
<a id="pl.45.1"></a><var>45.1</var>(a) the state primary at which candidates are nominated for offices elected at the <br/>
<a id="pl.45.2"></a><var>45.2</var>state general election; or<br/>
<a id="pl.45.3"></a><var>45.3</var>(b) a primary held four weeks before on the first Tuesday after the first second <br/>
<a id="pl.45.4"></a><var>45.4</var>Monday in November September of odd-numbered years.<br/>
<br/>
<a id="bill.2.32.0"></a><a id="pl.45.5"></a><var>45.5</var>    Sec. 32. Minnesota Statutes 2008, section 204D.28, subdivision 6, is amended to read:<br/>
<a id="pl.45.6"></a><var>45.6</var>    Subd. 6. <b>Special election required; exception; when held.</b> Every vacancy shall be <br/>
<a id="pl.45.7"></a><var>45.7</var>filled for the remainder of the term by a special election held pursuant to this subdivision; <br/>
<a id="pl.45.8"></a><var>45.8</var>except that no special election shall be held in the year before the term expires.<br/>
<a id="pl.45.9"></a><var>45.9</var>    The special election shall be held at the next November election if the vacancy <br/>
<a id="pl.45.10"></a><var>45.10</var>occurs at least six nine weeks before the regular state primary preceding that election. If <br/>
<a id="pl.45.11"></a><var>45.11</var>the vacancy occurs less than six nine weeks before the regular state primary preceding <br/>
<a id="pl.45.12"></a><var>45.12</var>the next November election, the special election shall be held at the second November <br/>
<a id="pl.45.13"></a><var>45.13</var>election after the vacancy occurs.<br/>
<br/>
<a id="bill.2.33.0"></a><a id="pl.45.14"></a><var>45.14</var>    Sec. 33. Minnesota Statutes 2008, section 204D.28, subdivision 8, is amended to read:<br/>
<a id="pl.45.15"></a><var>45.15</var>    Subd. 8. <b>Notice of special election.</b> The secretary of state shall issue an official <br/>
<a id="pl.45.16"></a><var>45.16</var>notice of any special election required to be held pursuant to this section not later than <br/>
<a id="pl.45.17"></a><var>45.17</var>ten 12 weeks before the special primary, except that if the vacancy occurs ten 12 weeks or <br/>
<a id="pl.45.18"></a><var>45.18</var>less before the special primary, the secretary of state shall issue the notice no later than <br/>
<a id="pl.45.19"></a><var>45.19</var>two days after the vacancy occurs. The notice shall state the office to be filled, the opening <br/>
<a id="pl.45.20"></a><var>45.20</var>and closing dates for filing of candidacy and the dates of the special primary and special <br/>
<a id="pl.45.21"></a><var>45.21</var>election. For the purposes of those provisions of sections 
         <statute_ref>204D.17</statute_ref> to 
         <statute_ref>204D.27</statute_ref> that apply <br/>
<a id="pl.45.22"></a><var>45.22</var>generally to special elections, this notice shall be used in place of the writ of the governor. <br/>
<br/>
<a id="bill.2.34.0"></a><a id="pl.45.23"></a><var>45.23</var>    Sec. 34. Minnesota Statutes 2008, section 204D.28, subdivision 9, is amended to read:<br/>
<a id="pl.45.24"></a><var>45.24</var>    Subd. 9. <b>Filing by candidates.</b> The time for filing of affidavits and nominating <br/>
<a id="pl.45.25"></a><var>45.25</var>petitions for candidates to fill a vacancy at a special election shall open six ten weeks <br/>
<a id="pl.45.26"></a><var>45.26</var>before the special primary or on the day the secretary of state issues notice of the special <br/>
<a id="pl.45.27"></a><var>45.27</var>election, whichever occurs later. Filings shall close four eight weeks before the special <br/>
<a id="pl.45.28"></a><var>45.28</var>primary.<br/>
<br/>
<a id="bill.2.35.0"></a><a id="pl.45.29"></a><var>45.29</var>    Sec. 35. <b>[204D.29] CONTINUITY OF CONGRESS.</b><br/>
<a id="pl.45.30"></a><var>45.30</var>    Subdivision 1. <b>In general.</b> (a) If the speaker of the United States House of <br/>
<a id="pl.45.31"></a><var>45.31</var>Representatives announces that vacancies in the representation from the states in the <br/>
<a id="pl.46.1"></a><var>46.1</var>House of Representatives exceed 100 and one of those vacancies is in this state, the <br/>
<a id="pl.46.2"></a><var>46.2</var>governor shall issue a writ of election to fill such vacancy by special election.<br/>
<a id="pl.46.3"></a><var>46.3</var>(b) As used in this section, "speaker" means the speaker of the United States House <br/>
<a id="pl.46.4"></a><var>46.4</var>of Representatives.<br/>
<a id="pl.46.5"></a><var>46.5</var>    Subd. 2. <b>Timing of special election.</b> A special election held under this section <br/>
<a id="pl.46.6"></a><var>46.6</var>to fill a vacancy shall take place not later than 49 days after the speaker announces <br/>
<a id="pl.46.7"></a><var>46.7</var>that the vacancy exists, unless, during the 75-day period which begins on the date of <br/>
<a id="pl.46.8"></a><var>46.8</var>the announcement of the vacancy:<br/>
<a id="pl.46.9"></a><var>46.9</var>(1) a regularly scheduled general election for the office involved is to be held; or<br/>
<a id="pl.46.10"></a><var>46.10</var>(2) another special election for the office involved is to be held, pursuant to a writ <br/>
<a id="pl.46.11"></a><var>46.11</var>for a special election issued by the governor prior to the date of the announcement of the <br/>
<a id="pl.46.12"></a><var>46.12</var>vacancy by the speaker.<br/>
<a id="pl.46.13"></a><var>46.13</var>    Subd. 3. <b>Nominations by parties.</b> If a special election is to be held under this <br/>
<a id="pl.46.14"></a><var>46.14</var>section, the chairs of the political parties of the state shall, not later than ten days after the <br/>
<a id="pl.46.15"></a><var>46.15</var>speaker announces that the vacancy exists, certify to the secretary of state the name of <br/>
<a id="pl.46.16"></a><var>46.16</var>the person nominated to fill this vacancy.<br/>
<a id="pl.46.17"></a><var>46.17</var>    Subd. 4. <b>Nominating petitions.</b> Other candidates must file an affidavit of candidacy <br/>
<a id="pl.46.18"></a><var>46.18</var>and a nominating petition under section 204B.07 not later than ten days after the speaker <br/>
<a id="pl.46.19"></a><var>46.19</var>announces that the vacancy exists.<br/>
<a id="pl.46.20"></a><var>46.20</var>    Subd. 5. <b>Protecting ability of absent military and overseas voters to participate </b><br/>
<a id="pl.46.21"></a><var>46.21</var><b>in special elections.</b> (a) <b>Deadline for transmittal of absentee ballots.</b> In conducting <br/>
<a id="pl.46.22"></a><var>46.22</var>a special election held under this section to fill a vacancy in its representation, the state <br/>
<a id="pl.46.23"></a><var>46.23</var>shall ensure to the greatest extent practicable that absentee ballots for the election are <br/>
<a id="pl.46.24"></a><var>46.24</var>transmitted to voters who vote under the procedure outlined in sections 203B.16 to <br/>
<a id="pl.46.25"></a><var>46.25</var>203B.27 not later than 15 days after the speaker announces that the vacancy exists.<br/>
<a id="pl.46.26"></a><var>46.26</var>(b) <b>Period for ballot transit time.</b> Notwithstanding the other deadlines in this <br/>
<a id="pl.46.27"></a><var>46.27</var>section, in the case of voters who vote under the procedure outlined in sections 203B.16 <br/>
<a id="pl.46.28"></a><var>46.28</var>to 203B.27, any otherwise valid ballot or other election material must be processed and <br/>
<a id="pl.46.29"></a><var>46.29</var>accepted so long as the ballot or other material is received by the county auditor not later <br/>
<a id="pl.46.30"></a><var>46.30</var>than 45 days after the ballot or other material was transmitted to the voter.<br/>
<br/>
<a id="bill.2.36.0"></a><a id="pl.46.31"></a><var>46.31</var>    Sec. 36. Minnesota Statutes 2008, section 205.065, subdivision 2, is amended to read:<br/>
<a id="pl.46.32"></a><var>46.32</var>    Subd. 2. <b>Resolution or ordinance.</b> The governing body of a city may, by ordinance <br/>
<a id="pl.46.33"></a><var>46.33</var>or resolution adopted at least three months before the next municipal general election by <br/>
<a id="pl.46.34"></a><var>46.34</var>June 1 of a municipal general election year, elect to choose nominees for municipal offices <br/>
<a id="pl.46.35"></a><var>46.35</var>by a primary as provided in this section. The resolution or ordinance, when adopted, is <br/>
<a id="pl.47.1"></a><var>47.1</var>effective for all ensuing municipal elections until it is revoked. The municipal clerk shall <br/>
<a id="pl.47.2"></a><var>47.2</var>notify the secretary of state and the county auditor within 30 days after the adoption of the <br/>
<a id="pl.47.3"></a><var>47.3</var>resolution or ordinance.<br/>
<br/>
<a id="bill.2.37.0"></a><a id="pl.47.4"></a><var>47.4</var>    Sec. 37. Minnesota Statutes 2008, section 205.13, subdivision 1, is amended to read:<br/>
<a id="pl.47.5"></a><var>47.5</var>    Subdivision 1. <b>Affidavit of candidacy.</b> An individual who is eligible and desires to <br/>
<a id="pl.47.6"></a><var>47.6</var>become a candidate for an office to be voted for at the municipal general election shall file <br/>
<a id="pl.47.7"></a><var>47.7</var>an affidavit of candidacy with the municipal clerk. Candidates for a special election to <br/>
<a id="pl.47.8"></a><var>47.8</var>fill a vacancy held as provided in section 412.02, subdivision 2a, must file an affidavit <br/>
<a id="pl.47.9"></a><var>47.9</var>of candidacy for the specific office to fill the unexpired portion of the term. Subject to <br/>
<a id="pl.47.10"></a><var>47.10</var>the approval of the county auditor, the town clerk may authorize candidates for township <br/>
<a id="pl.47.11"></a><var>47.11</var>offices to file affidavits of candidacy with the county auditor. The affidavit shall be in <br/>
<a id="pl.47.12"></a><var>47.12</var>substantially the same form as that in section 
         <statute_ref>204B.06, subdivision 1</statute_ref>. The municipal clerk <br/>
<a id="pl.47.13"></a><var>47.13</var>shall also accept an application signed by not less than five voters and filed on behalf of an <br/>
<a id="pl.47.14"></a><var>47.14</var>eligible voter in the municipality whom they desire to be a candidate, if service of a copy <br/>
<a id="pl.47.15"></a><var>47.15</var>of the application has been made on the candidate and proof of service is endorsed on the <br/>
<a id="pl.47.16"></a><var>47.16</var>application being filed. Upon receipt of the proper filing fee, the clerk shall place the name <br/>
<a id="pl.47.17"></a><var>47.17</var>of the candidate on the official ballot without partisan designation. <br/>
<a id="pl.47.18"></a><var>47.18</var><b>EFFECTIVE DATE.</b>This section is effective the day following final enactment.<br/>
<br/>
<a id="bill.2.38.0"></a><a id="pl.47.19"></a><var>47.19</var>    Sec. 38. Minnesota Statutes 2008, section 205.13, subdivision 2, is amended to read:<br/>
<a id="pl.47.20"></a><var>47.20</var>    Subd. 2. <b>Notice of filing dates.</b> At least two weeks before the first day to file <br/>
<a id="pl.47.21"></a><var>47.21</var>affidavits of candidacy, the municipal clerk shall publish a notice stating the first and last <br/>
<a id="pl.47.22"></a><var>47.22</var>dates on which affidavits of candidacy may be filed in the clerk's office and the closing <br/>
<a id="pl.47.23"></a><var>47.23</var>time for filing on the last day for filing. The clerk shall post a similar notice at least ten <br/>
<a id="pl.47.24"></a><var>47.24</var>days before the first day to file affidavits of candidacy. The notice must separately list <br/>
<a id="pl.47.25"></a><var>47.25</var>any office for which affidavits of candidacy may be filed to fill the unexpired portion <br/>
<a id="pl.47.26"></a><var>47.26</var>of a term when a special election is being held to fill a vacancy as provided in section <br/>
<a id="pl.47.27"></a><var>47.27</var>412.02, subdivision 2a.<br/>
<a id="pl.47.28"></a><var>47.28</var><b>EFFECTIVE DATE.</b>This section is effective the day following final enactment.<br/>
<br/>
<a id="bill.2.39.0"></a><a id="pl.47.29"></a><var>47.29</var>    Sec. 39. <b>[205.135] ELECTION RESULTS REPORTING SYSTEM; CANDIDATE </b><br/>
<a id="pl.47.30"></a><var>47.30</var><b>FILING.</b><br/>
<a id="pl.47.31"></a><var>47.31</var>    Subdivision 1. <b>Even-numbered year.</b> For regularly scheduled municipal elections <br/>
<a id="pl.47.32"></a><var>47.32</var>held in an even-numbered year, the municipal clerk must provide the offices and questions <br/>
<a id="pl.48.1"></a><var>48.1</var>to be voted on in the municipality and the list of candidates for each office to the county <br/>
<a id="pl.48.2"></a><var>48.2</var>auditor for entry into the election results reporting system provided by the secretary of <br/>
<a id="pl.48.3"></a><var>48.3</var>state no later than 46 days prior to the election. Upon mutual agreement, the county auditor <br/>
<a id="pl.48.4"></a><var>48.4</var>may delegate the duty to enter the information into the system to the municipal clerk.<br/>
<a id="pl.48.5"></a><var>48.5</var>    Subd. 2. <b>Odd-numbered year.</b> For regularly scheduled municipal elections held in <br/>
<a id="pl.48.6"></a><var>48.6</var>an odd-numbered year, the county auditor and municipal clerk may mutually decide to use <br/>
<a id="pl.48.7"></a><var>48.7</var>the election reporting system for the election. If so, the county auditor must notify the <br/>
<a id="pl.48.8"></a><var>48.8</var>secretary of state of the intent to use the election reporting system at least 90 days before <br/>
<a id="pl.48.9"></a><var>48.9</var>the election, of who will be entering the data, and, if the municipal clerk will be entering <br/>
<a id="pl.48.10"></a><var>48.10</var>the data, that the office of the municipal clerk has the technological capacity to enter the <br/>
<a id="pl.48.11"></a><var>48.11</var>data. The county auditor, or, by mutual agreement, the municipal clerk, must enter the <br/>
<a id="pl.48.12"></a><var>48.12</var>offices and questions to be voted on in the municipality and the list of candidates for each <br/>
<a id="pl.48.13"></a><var>48.13</var>office into the election results reporting system no later than 46 days prior to the election.<br/>
<a id="pl.48.14"></a><var>48.14</var><b>EFFECTIVE DATE.</b>This section is not effective until the secretary of state has <br/>
<a id="pl.48.15"></a><var>48.15</var>certified that the election reporting system has been tested and shown to properly allow <br/>
<a id="pl.48.16"></a><var>48.16</var>for the entry of candidate names and for election results to be uploaded, and to be able to <br/>
<a id="pl.48.17"></a><var>48.17</var>handle the expected volume of use.<br/>
<br/>
<a id="bill.2.40.0"></a><a id="pl.48.18"></a><var>48.18</var>    Sec. 40. Minnesota Statutes 2008, section 205.16, subdivision 2, is amended to read:<br/>
<a id="pl.48.19"></a><var>48.19</var>    Subd. 2. <b>Sample ballot, publication.</b> For every municipal election, the municipal <br/>
<a id="pl.48.20"></a><var>48.20</var>clerk shall, at least one week two weeks before the election, publish a sample ballot in the <br/>
<a id="pl.48.21"></a><var>48.21</var>official newspaper of the municipality, except that the governing body of a fourth class <br/>
<a id="pl.48.22"></a><var>48.22</var>city or a town not located within a metropolitan county as defined in section 
         <statute_ref>473.121</statute_ref> <br/>
<a id="pl.48.23"></a><var>48.23</var>may dispense with publication. <br/>
<br/>
<a id="bill.2.41.0"></a><a id="pl.48.24"></a><var>48.24</var>    Sec. 41. Minnesota Statutes 2008, section 205.16, subdivision 3, is amended to read:<br/>
<a id="pl.48.25"></a><var>48.25</var>    Subd. 3. <b>Sample ballot, posting.</b> For every municipal election, the municipal <br/>
<a id="pl.48.26"></a><var>48.26</var>clerk shall at least four days two weeks before the election post prepare a sample ballot <br/>
<a id="pl.48.27"></a><var>48.27</var>for the municipality, make them available for public inspection in the clerk's office for <br/>
<a id="pl.48.28"></a><var>48.28</var>public inspection, and post a sample ballot in each polling place on election day.<br/>
<br/>
<a id="bill.2.42.0"></a><a id="pl.48.29"></a><var>48.29</var>    Sec. 42. <b>[205.187] ELECTION RESULTS REPORTING SYSTEM; PRECINCT </b><br/>
<a id="pl.48.30"></a><var>48.30</var><b>VOTES.</b><br/>
<a id="pl.48.31"></a><var>48.31</var>For regularly scheduled municipal elections held in November of an even-numbered <br/>
<a id="pl.48.32"></a><var>48.32</var>year, the county auditor shall enter the votes in each precinct for the questions and offices <br/>
<a id="pl.49.1"></a><var>49.1</var>voted on in the municipal election into the election results reporting system provided <br/>
<a id="pl.49.2"></a><var>49.2</var>by the secretary of state.<br/>
<a id="pl.49.3"></a><var>49.3</var>If a county auditor has notified the secretary of state of intent to use the election <br/>
<a id="pl.49.4"></a><var>49.4</var>results reporting system for a municipal election pursuant to section 205.135, subdivision <br/>
<a id="pl.49.5"></a><var>49.5</var>2, the county auditor, or by mutual agreement, the municipal clerk, must enter the votes in <br/>
<a id="pl.49.6"></a><var>49.6</var>each precinct for the offices and questions voted on in the municipality into the election <br/>
<a id="pl.49.7"></a><var>49.7</var>results reporting system.<br/>
<a id="pl.49.8"></a><var>49.8</var><b>EFFECTIVE DATE.</b>This section is not effective until the secretary of state has <br/>
<a id="pl.49.9"></a><var>49.9</var>certified that the election reporting system has been tested and shown to properly allow <br/>
<a id="pl.49.10"></a><var>49.10</var>for the entry of candidate names and for election results to be uploaded, and to be able to <br/>
<a id="pl.49.11"></a><var>49.11</var>handle the expected volume of use.<br/>
<br/>
<a id="bill.2.43.0"></a><a id="pl.49.12"></a><var>49.12</var>    Sec. 43. Minnesota Statutes 2008, section 205A.03, subdivision 1, is amended to read:<br/>
<a id="pl.49.13"></a><var>49.13</var>    Subdivision 1.  <b>Resolution requiring primary in certain circumstances.</b> The <br/>
<a id="pl.49.14"></a><var>49.14</var>school board of a school district may, by resolution adopted by June 1 of any year, decide <br/>
<a id="pl.49.15"></a><var>49.15</var>to choose nominees for school board by a primary as provided in this section. The <br/>
<a id="pl.49.16"></a><var>49.16</var>resolution, when adopted, is effective for all ensuing elections of board members in that <br/>
<a id="pl.49.17"></a><var>49.17</var>school district until it is revoked. If the board decides to choose nominees by primary <br/>
<a id="pl.49.18"></a><var>49.18</var>and if there are more than two candidates for a specified school board position or more <br/>
<a id="pl.49.19"></a><var>49.19</var>than twice as many school board candidates as there are at-large school board positions <br/>
<a id="pl.49.20"></a><var>49.20</var>available, the school district must hold a primary. When a number equal to or less than <br/>
<a id="pl.49.21"></a><var>49.21</var>twice the number of individuals to be elected to a school board office file for nomination <br/>
<a id="pl.49.22"></a><var>49.22</var>for the office, the names of the candidates shall be placed upon the general election ballot.<br/>
<br/>
<a id="bill.2.44.0"></a><a id="pl.49.23"></a><var>49.23</var>    Sec. 44. <b>[205A.045] SCHOOL DISTRICT TRANSITIONS.</b><br/>
<a id="pl.49.24"></a><var>49.24</var>    Subdivision 1. <b>Odd year to even.</b> (a) The governing body of a school district <br/>
<a id="pl.49.25"></a><var>49.25</var>may change from an odd-numbered year election to an even-numbered year election by <br/>
<a id="pl.49.26"></a><var>49.26</var>adopting a resolution that contains an orderly plan for the transition.  The resolution may <br/>
<a id="pl.49.27"></a><var>49.27</var>include a onetime, one-year extension of the term of each board member.<br/>
<a id="pl.49.28"></a><var>49.28</var>(b) The governing body of the school district must adopt the resolution permitted by <br/>
<a id="pl.49.29"></a><var>49.29</var>paragraph (a) no later than 30 days before the first day to file an affidavit of candidacy for <br/>
<a id="pl.49.30"></a><var>49.30</var>the election at which the change will take effect.<br/>
<a id="pl.49.31"></a><var>49.31</var>    Subd. 2. <b>Even year to odd.</b> (a) The governing body of a school district may change <br/>
<a id="pl.49.32"></a><var>49.32</var>from an even-numbered year election to an odd-numbered year election by adopting a <br/>
<a id="pl.49.33"></a><var>49.33</var>resolution that contains an orderly plan for the transition.  The resolution may include a <br/>
<a id="pl.49.34"></a><var>49.34</var>onetime, one-year extension of the term of each board member.<br/>
<a id="pl.50.1"></a><var>50.1</var>(b) The governing body of the school district must adopt the resolution permitted by <br/>
<a id="pl.50.2"></a><var>50.2</var>paragraph (a) no later than 30 days before the first day to file an affidavit of candidacy for <br/>
<a id="pl.50.3"></a><var>50.3</var>the election at which the change will take effect.<br/>
<br/>
<a id="bill.2.45.0"></a><a id="pl.50.4"></a><var>50.4</var>    Sec. 45. Minnesota Statutes 2008, section 205A.05, subdivision 1, is amended to read:<br/>
<a id="pl.50.5"></a><var>50.5</var>    Subdivision 1. <b>Questions.</b> Special elections must be held for a school district on a <br/>
<a id="pl.50.6"></a><var>50.6</var>question on which the voters are authorized by law to pass judgment. The school board <br/>
<a id="pl.50.7"></a><var>50.7</var>may on its own motion call a special election to vote on any matter requiring approval of <br/>
<a id="pl.50.8"></a><var>50.8</var>the voters of a district. Upon petition of 50 or more voters of the school district or five <br/>
<a id="pl.50.9"></a><var>50.9</var>percent of the number of voters voting at the preceding school district general election, <br/>
<a id="pl.50.10"></a><var>50.10</var>whichever is greater, the school board shall by resolution call a special election to vote on <br/>
<a id="pl.50.11"></a><var>50.11</var>any matter requiring approval of the voters of a district. A question is carried only with <br/>
<a id="pl.50.12"></a><var>50.12</var>the majority in its favor required by law. The election officials for a special election are <br/>
<a id="pl.50.13"></a><var>50.13</var>the same as for the most recent school district general election unless changed according <br/>
<a id="pl.50.14"></a><var>50.14</var>to law. Otherwise, special elections must be conducted and the returns made in the <br/>
<a id="pl.50.15"></a><var>50.15</var>manner provided for the school district general election. A special election may not be <br/>
<a id="pl.50.16"></a><var>50.16</var>held during the 30 45 days before and the 30 45 days after the state primary, during the <br/>
<a id="pl.50.17"></a><var>50.17</var>30 45 days before and the 40 days after the state general election. In addition, a special <br/>
<a id="pl.50.18"></a><var>50.18</var>election may not be held during the 20 days before and the 20 days after any regularly <br/>
<a id="pl.50.19"></a><var>50.19</var>scheduled March election or within 45 days before and the 30 days after any regularly <br/>
<a id="pl.50.20"></a><var>50.20</var>scheduled November election of a municipality wholly or partially within the school <br/>
<a id="pl.50.21"></a><var>50.21</var>district. Notwithstanding any other law to the contrary, the time period in which a special <br/>
<a id="pl.50.22"></a><var>50.22</var>election must be conducted under any other law may be extended by the school board to <br/>
<a id="pl.50.23"></a><var>50.23</var>conform with the requirements of this subdivision.<br/>
<br/>
<a id="bill.2.46.0"></a><a id="pl.50.24"></a><var>50.24</var>    Sec. 46. Minnesota Statutes 2008, section 205A.05, subdivision 2, is amended to read:<br/>
<a id="pl.50.25"></a><var>50.25</var>    Subd. 2. <b>Vacancies in school district offices.</b> Special elections shall be held in <br/>
<a id="pl.50.26"></a><var>50.26</var>school districts in conjunction with school district primary and general elections to fill <br/>
<a id="pl.50.27"></a><var>50.27</var>vacancies in elective school district offices. When filling multiple at-large vacancies at the <br/>
<a id="pl.50.28"></a><var>50.28</var>same election, the candidates shall file for the multiple seats of the same office, voters will <br/>
<a id="pl.50.29"></a><var>50.29</var>be instructed to "Vote for up to..." and the candidates receiving the most votes up to the <br/>
<a id="pl.50.30"></a><var>50.30</var>number to be elected will be elected to fill the vacancies.<br/>
<br/>
<a id="bill.2.47.0"></a><a id="pl.50.31"></a><var>50.31</var>    Sec. 47. Minnesota Statutes 2008, section 205A.07, subdivision 2, is amended to read:<br/>
<a id="pl.50.32"></a><var>50.32</var>    Subd. 2. <b>Sample ballot, posting.</b> For every school district primary, general, or <br/>
<a id="pl.50.33"></a><var>50.33</var>special election, the school district clerk shall at least four days two weeks before the <br/>
<a id="pl.51.1"></a><var>51.1</var>primary, general, or special election, post a sample ballot in the administrative offices of <br/>
<a id="pl.51.2"></a><var>51.2</var>the school district for public inspection, and shall post a sample ballot in each polling <br/>
<a id="pl.51.3"></a><var>51.3</var>place on election day.<br/>
<br/>
<a id="bill.2.48.0"></a><a id="pl.51.4"></a><var>51.4</var>    Sec. 48. <b>[205A.075] ELECTION RESULTS REPORTING SYSTEM; </b><br/>
<a id="pl.51.5"></a><var>51.5</var><b>CANDIDATE FILING.</b><br/>
<a id="pl.51.6"></a><var>51.6</var>    Subdivision 1. <b>Even-numbered year.</b> For regularly scheduled school district <br/>
<a id="pl.51.7"></a><var>51.7</var>elections held in an even-numbered year, the school district clerk must provide the offices <br/>
<a id="pl.51.8"></a><var>51.8</var>and questions to be voted on in the school district and the list of candidates for each office <br/>
<a id="pl.51.9"></a><var>51.9</var>to the county auditor for entry into the election results reporting system provided by the <br/>
<a id="pl.51.10"></a><var>51.10</var>secretary of state no later than 46 days prior to the election.<br/>
<a id="pl.51.11"></a><var>51.11</var>    Subd. 2. <b>Odd-numbered year.</b> For regularly scheduled school district elections <br/>
<a id="pl.51.12"></a><var>51.12</var>held in an odd-numbered year, the county auditor and school district clerk may mutually <br/>
<a id="pl.51.13"></a><var>51.13</var>decide to use the election reporting system for the election. If so, the county auditor must <br/>
<a id="pl.51.14"></a><var>51.14</var>notify the secretary of state of intent to use the election reporting system at least 90 days <br/>
<a id="pl.51.15"></a><var>51.15</var>before the election. The county auditor must enter the offices and questions to be voted <br/>
<a id="pl.51.16"></a><var>51.16</var>on in the school district and the list of candidates for each office into the election results <br/>
<a id="pl.51.17"></a><var>51.17</var>reporting system no later than 46 days prior to the election.<br/>
<a id="pl.51.18"></a><var>51.18</var><b>EFFECTIVE DATE.</b>This section is not effective until the secretary of state has <br/>
<a id="pl.51.19"></a><var>51.19</var>certified that the election reporting system has been tested and shown to properly allow <br/>
<a id="pl.51.20"></a><var>51.20</var>for the entry of candidate names and for election results to be uploaded, and to be able to <br/>
<a id="pl.51.21"></a><var>51.21</var>handle the expected volume of use.<br/>
<br/>
<a id="bill.2.49.0"></a><a id="pl.51.22"></a><var>51.22</var>    Sec. 49. <b>[205A.076] ELECTION RESULTS REPORTING SYSTEM; PRECINCT </b><br/>
<a id="pl.51.23"></a><var>51.23</var><b>VOTES.</b><br/>
<a id="pl.51.24"></a><var>51.24</var>For regularly scheduled school district elections held in an even-numbered year, the <br/>
<a id="pl.51.25"></a><var>51.25</var>county auditor shall enter the votes in each precinct for the questions and offices voted <br/>
<a id="pl.51.26"></a><var>51.26</var>on in the school district election into the election results reporting system provided by <br/>
<a id="pl.51.27"></a><var>51.27</var>the secretary of state.<br/>
<a id="pl.51.28"></a><var>51.28</var>If a county auditor has notified the secretary of state of intent to use the election <br/>
<a id="pl.51.29"></a><var>51.29</var>results reporting system for a school district election pursuant to section 205A.075, <br/>
<a id="pl.51.30"></a><var>51.30</var>subdivision 2, the county auditor must enter the votes in each precinct for the offices and <br/>
<a id="pl.51.31"></a><var>51.31</var>questions voted on in the school district into the election results reporting system.<br/>
<a id="pl.51.32"></a><var>51.32</var><b>EFFECTIVE DATE.</b>This section is not effective until the secretary of state has <br/>
<a id="pl.51.33"></a><var>51.33</var>certified that the election reporting system has been tested and shown to properly allow <br/>
<a id="pl.52.1"></a><var>52.1</var>for the entry of candidate names and for election results to be uploaded, and to be able to <br/>
<a id="pl.52.2"></a><var>52.2</var>handle the expected volume of use.<br/>
<br/>
<a id="bill.2.50.0"></a><a id="pl.52.3"></a><var>52.3</var>    Sec. 50. Minnesota Statutes 2008, section 206.57, subdivision 6, is amended to read:<br/>
<a id="pl.52.4"></a><var>52.4</var>    Subd. 6. <b>Required certification.</b> In addition to the requirements in subdivision <br/>
<a id="pl.52.5"></a><var>52.5</var>1, a voting system must be certified by an independent testing authority approved <br/>
<a id="pl.52.6"></a><var>52.6</var>accredited by the secretary of state and conform to current standards for voting equipment <br/>
<a id="pl.52.7"></a><var>52.7</var>Election Assistance Commission at the time of submission of the application required by <br/>
<a id="pl.52.8"></a><var>52.8</var>subdivision 1 to be in conformity with voluntary voting system guidelines issued by the <br/>
<a id="pl.52.9"></a><var>52.9</var>Federal Election Commission or its successor, the Election Assistance Commission. <br/>
<a id="pl.52.10"></a><var>52.10</var>The application must be accompanied by the certification report of the voting systems <br/>
<a id="pl.52.11"></a><var>52.11</var>test laboratory. A certification under this section from an independent testing authority <br/>
<a id="pl.52.12"></a><var>52.12</var>accredited by the Election Assistance Commission meets the requirement of Minnesota <br/>
<a id="pl.52.13"></a><var>52.13</var>Rules, part 8220.0350, item L. A vendor must provide a copy of the source code for the <br/>
<a id="pl.52.14"></a><var>52.14</var>voting system to the secretary of state. A chair of a major political party or the secretary of <br/>
<a id="pl.52.15"></a><var>52.15</var>state may select, in consultation with the vendor, an independent third-party evaluator to <br/>
<a id="pl.52.16"></a><var>52.16</var>examine the source code to ensure that it functions as represented by the vendor and that <br/>
<a id="pl.52.17"></a><var>52.17</var>the code is free from defects. A major political party that elects to have the source code <br/>
<a id="pl.52.18"></a><var>52.18</var>examined must pay for the examination. Except as provided by this subdivision, a source <br/>
<a id="pl.52.19"></a><var>52.19</var>code that is trade secret information must be treated as nonpublic information, according <br/>
<a id="pl.52.20"></a><var>52.20</var>to section 13.37. A third-party evaluator must not disclose the source code to anyone else. <br/>
<a id="pl.52.21"></a><var>52.21</var><b>EFFECTIVE DATE.</b>This section is effective the day following final enactment.<br/>
<br/>
<a id="bill.2.51.0"></a><a id="pl.52.22"></a><var>52.22</var>    Sec. 51. Minnesota Statutes 2008, section 206.61, subdivision 5, is amended to read:<br/>
<a id="pl.52.23"></a><var>52.23</var>    Subd. 5. <b>Alternation.</b> The provisions of the election laws requiring the alternation <br/>
<a id="pl.52.24"></a><var>52.24</var>of names of candidates must be observed as far as practicable by changing the order of the <br/>
<a id="pl.52.25"></a><var>52.25</var>names on an electronic voting system in the various precincts so that each name appears <br/>
<a id="pl.52.26"></a><var>52.26</var>on the machines or marking devices used in a municipality substantially an equal number <br/>
<a id="pl.52.27"></a><var>52.27</var>of times in the first, last, and in each intermediate place in the list or group in which they <br/>
<a id="pl.52.28"></a><var>52.28</var>belong. However, the arrangement of candidates' names must be the same on all voting <br/>
<a id="pl.52.29"></a><var>52.29</var>systems used in the same precinct. If the number of names to be alternated exceeds the <br/>
<a id="pl.52.30"></a><var>52.30</var>number of precincts For state primary and state general elections, the election official <br/>
<a id="pl.52.31"></a><var>52.31</var>responsible for providing the ballots, in accordance with subdivision 1, shall determine <br/>
<a id="pl.52.32"></a><var>52.32</var>by lot the alternation of names the base rotation of candidate names by assigning the <br/>
<a id="pl.52.33"></a><var>52.33</var>initial order of the candidates' names by random generation using the statewide election <br/>
<a id="pl.52.34"></a><var>52.34</var>reporting system.<br/>
<a id="pl.53.1"></a><var>53.1</var>If an electronic ballot marker is used with a paper ballot that is not an optical scan <br/>
<a id="pl.53.2"></a><var>53.2</var>ballot card, the manner of alternation of candidate names on the paper ballot must be as <br/>
<a id="pl.53.3"></a><var>53.3</var>prescribed for optical scan ballots in this subdivision. <br/>
<br/>
<a id="bill.2.52.0"></a><a id="pl.53.4"></a><var>53.4</var>    Sec. 52. Minnesota Statutes 2008, section 211A.02, subdivision 2, is amended to read:<br/>
<a id="pl.53.5"></a><var>53.5</var>    Subd. 2.  <b>Information required.</b> The report to be filed by a candidate or committee <br/>
<a id="pl.53.6"></a><var>53.6</var>must include: <br/>
<a id="pl.53.7"></a><var>53.7</var>    (1) the name of the candidate or ballot question; <br/>
<a id="pl.53.8"></a><var>53.8</var>    (2) the printed name, address, telephone number, signature, and e-mail address, if <br/>
<a id="pl.53.9"></a><var>53.9</var>available, of the person responsible for filing the report; <br/>
<a id="pl.53.10"></a><var>53.10</var>    (3) the total cash on hand;<br/>
<a id="pl.53.11"></a><var>53.11</var>(4) the total amount of receipts and expenditures for the period from the last previous <br/>
<a id="pl.53.12"></a><var>53.12</var>report to five days before the current report is due; <br/>
<a id="pl.53.13"></a><var>53.13</var>    (4) (5) the amount, date, and purpose for each expenditure; and <br/>
<a id="pl.53.14"></a><var>53.14</var>    (5) (6) the name, address, and employer, or occupation if self-employed,  of any <br/>
<a id="pl.53.15"></a><var>53.15</var>individual or committee that during the year has made one or more contributions that in <br/>
<a id="pl.53.16"></a><var>53.16</var>the aggregate exceed $100, and the amount and date of each contribution. The filing <br/>
<a id="pl.53.17"></a><var>53.17</var>officer must restrict public access to the address of any individual who has made a <br/>
<a id="pl.53.18"></a><var>53.18</var>contribution that exceeds $100 and who has filed with the filing officer a written statement <br/>
<a id="pl.53.19"></a><var>53.19</var>signed by the individual that withholding the individual's address from the financial report <br/>
<a id="pl.53.20"></a><var>53.20</var>is required for the safety of the individual or the individual's family. <br/>
<a id="pl.53.21"></a><var>53.21</var><b>EFFECTIVE DATE.</b>This section is effective June 1, 2010.<br/>
<br/>
<a id="bill.2.53.0"></a><a id="pl.53.22"></a><var>53.22</var>    Sec. 53. Minnesota Statutes 2008, section 412.02, subdivision 2a, is amended to read:<br/>
<a id="pl.53.23"></a><var>53.23</var>    Subd. 2a. <b>Vacancy.</b> Except as otherwise provided in subdivision 2b, a vacancy in an <br/>
<a id="pl.53.24"></a><var>53.24</var>office shall be filled by council appointment until an election is held as provided in this <br/>
<a id="pl.53.25"></a><var>53.25</var>subdivision. In case of a tie vote in the council, the mayor shall make the appointment.<br/>
<a id="pl.53.26"></a><var>53.26</var>(1) If the vacancy occurs before the first day to file affidavits of candidacy for <br/>
<a id="pl.53.27"></a><var>53.27</var>the next regular city election and more than two years remain in the unexpired term, a <br/>
<a id="pl.53.28"></a><var>53.28</var>special election shall be held at or before the next regular city election and the appointed <br/>
<a id="pl.53.29"></a><var>53.29</var>person shall serve until the qualification of a successor elected at a special election to fill <br/>
<a id="pl.53.30"></a><var>53.30</var>the unexpired portion of the term. The council must specify by ordinance under what <br/>
<a id="pl.53.31"></a><var>53.31</var>circumstances it will hold a special election to fill a vacancy other than a special election <br/>
<a id="pl.53.32"></a><var>53.32</var>held at the same time as the regular city election. If, because of a vacancy, more than one <br/>
<a id="pl.53.33"></a><var>53.33</var>council member is to be chosen at the same election, candidates for council member shall <br/>
<a id="pl.53.34"></a><var>53.34</var>file for either a two-year or a four-year term. If more than one candidate is to be elected <br/>
<a id="pl.54.1"></a><var>54.1</var>for the same length term, the ballot must instruct voters to "Vote for up to ..." up to the <br/>
<a id="pl.54.2"></a><var>54.2</var>number of candidates to be elected for the two-year or four-year term.<br/>
<a id="pl.54.3"></a><var>54.3</var>(2) If the vacancy occurs on or after the first day to file affidavits of candidacy for <br/>
<a id="pl.54.4"></a><var>54.4</var>the regular city election or when less than two years remain in the unexpired term, there <br/>
<a id="pl.54.5"></a><var>54.5</var>need not be a special election to fill the vacancy and the appointed person shall serve <br/>
<a id="pl.54.6"></a><var>54.6</var>until the qualification of a successor. The council must specify by ordinance under what <br/>
<a id="pl.54.7"></a><var>54.7</var>circumstances it will hold a special election to fill a vacancy other than a special election <br/>
<a id="pl.54.8"></a><var>54.8</var>held at the same time as the regular city election.<br/>
<br/>
<a id="bill.2.54.0"></a><a id="pl.54.9"></a><var>54.9</var>    Sec. 54. Minnesota Statutes 2008, section 414.02, subdivision 4, is amended to read:<br/>
<a id="pl.54.10"></a><var>54.10</var>    Subd. 4. <b>Effective date of incorporation.</b> The incorporation shall be effective upon <br/>
<a id="pl.54.11"></a><var>54.11</var>the election and qualification of new municipal officers or on such later date as is fixed by <br/>
<a id="pl.54.12"></a><var>54.12</var>the director's order. The effective date must not fall within the 21 days before a regularly <br/>
<a id="pl.54.13"></a><var>54.13</var>scheduled election. Failure to comply with the provisions of this subdivision with respect <br/>
<a id="pl.54.14"></a><var>54.14</var>to regularly scheduled elections, or to set the right effective date in relation to regularly <br/>
<a id="pl.54.15"></a><var>54.15</var>scheduled elections, does not invalidate the annexation.<br/>
<br/>
<a id="bill.2.55.0"></a><a id="pl.54.16"></a><var>54.16</var>    Sec. 55. Minnesota Statutes 2008, section 414.031, subdivision 6, is amended to read:<br/>
<a id="pl.54.17"></a><var>54.17</var>    Subd. 6. <b>Effective date of annexation.</b> The annexation shall be effective as of the <br/>
<a id="pl.54.18"></a><var>54.18</var>date fixed in the annexation order or on a later date fixed in the annexation order. The <br/>
<a id="pl.54.19"></a><var>54.19</var>effective date must not fall within the 21 days before a regularly scheduled election. <br/>
<a id="pl.54.20"></a><var>54.20</var>Failure to comply with the provisions of this subdivision with respect to regularly <br/>
<a id="pl.54.21"></a><var>54.21</var>scheduled elections, or to set the right effective date in relation to regularly scheduled <br/>
<a id="pl.54.22"></a><var>54.22</var>elections, does not invalidate the annexation.<br/>
<br/>
<a id="bill.2.56.0"></a><a id="pl.54.23"></a><var>54.23</var>    Sec. 56. Minnesota Statutes 2008, section 414.0325, subdivision 1, is amended to read:<br/>
<a id="pl.54.24"></a><var>54.24</var>    Subdivision 1.  <b>Initiating the proceeding.</b> (a) One or more townships and one or <br/>
<a id="pl.54.25"></a><var>54.25</var>more municipalities, by joint resolution, may designate an unincorporated area as in <br/>
<a id="pl.54.26"></a><var>54.26</var>need of orderly annexation. One or more municipalities, by joint resolution with the <br/>
<a id="pl.54.27"></a><var>54.27</var>county, may designate an unincorporated area in which there is no organized township <br/>
<a id="pl.54.28"></a><var>54.28</var>government as in need of orderly annexation. <br/>
<a id="pl.54.29"></a><var>54.29</var>    (b) A designated area is any area which the signatories to a joint resolution for <br/>
<a id="pl.54.30"></a><var>54.30</var>orderly annexation have identified as being appropriate for annexation, either currently <br/>
<a id="pl.54.31"></a><var>54.31</var>or at some point in the future, pursuant to the negotiated terms and conditions set forth <br/>
<a id="pl.54.32"></a><var>54.32</var>in the joint resolution. Land described as a designated area is not, by virtue of being so <br/>
<a id="pl.54.33"></a><var>54.33</var>described, considered also to be annexed for purposes of this chapter. <br/>
<a id="pl.55.1"></a><var>55.1</var>    (c) The joint resolution will confer jurisdiction on the chief administrative law judge <br/>
<a id="pl.55.2"></a><var>55.2</var>over annexations in the designated area and over the various provisions in said agreement <br/>
<a id="pl.55.3"></a><var>55.3</var>by submission of said joint resolution to the chief administrative law judge. <br/>
<a id="pl.55.4"></a><var>55.4</var>    (d) The resolution shall include a description of the designated area and the reasons <br/>
<a id="pl.55.5"></a><var>55.5</var>for designation. <br/>
<a id="pl.55.6"></a><var>55.6</var>    (e) Thereafter, an annexation of any part of the designated area may be initiated by: <br/>
<a id="pl.55.7"></a><var>55.7</var>    (1) submitting to the chief administrative law judge a resolution of any signatory <br/>
<a id="pl.55.8"></a><var>55.8</var>to the joint resolution; or <br/>
<a id="pl.55.9"></a><var>55.9</var>    (2) the chief administrative law judge. <br/>
<a id="pl.55.10"></a><var>55.10</var>    (f) Whenever a state agency, other than the pollution control agency, orders a <br/>
<a id="pl.55.11"></a><var>55.11</var>municipality to extend a municipal service to an area, the order confers jurisdiction on the <br/>
<a id="pl.55.12"></a><var>55.12</var>chief administrative law judge to consider designation of the area for orderly annexation. <br/>
<a id="pl.55.13"></a><var>55.13</var>    (g) If a joint resolution designates an area as in need of orderly annexation and states <br/>
<a id="pl.55.14"></a><var>55.14</var>that no alteration of its stated boundaries is appropriate, the chief administrative law judge <br/>
<a id="pl.55.15"></a><var>55.15</var>may review and comment, but may not alter the boundaries. <br/>
<a id="pl.55.16"></a><var>55.16</var>    (h) If a joint resolution designates an area as in need of orderly annexation, provides <br/>
<a id="pl.55.17"></a><var>55.17</var>for the conditions for its annexation, and states that no consideration by the chief <br/>
<a id="pl.55.18"></a><var>55.18</var>administrative law judge is necessary, the chief administrative law judge may review and <br/>
<a id="pl.55.19"></a><var>55.19</var>comment, but shall, within 30 days, order the annexation in accordance with the terms of <br/>
<a id="pl.55.20"></a><var>55.20</var>the resolution.  A joint resolution filed within the 51 days before a regularly scheduled <br/>
<a id="pl.55.21"></a><var>55.21</var>election must provide in the conditions for its annexation that the annexation will not be <br/>
<a id="pl.55.22"></a><var>55.22</var>effective until the day after the regularly scheduled election. Failure to comply with the <br/>
<a id="pl.55.23"></a><var>55.23</var>provisions of this subdivision with respect to regularly scheduled elections, or to set <br/>
<a id="pl.55.24"></a><var>55.24</var>the right effective date in relation to regularly scheduled elections, does not invalidate <br/>
<a id="pl.55.25"></a><var>55.25</var>the annexation.<br/>
<br/>
<a id="bill.2.57.0"></a><a id="pl.55.26"></a><var>55.26</var>    Sec. 57. Minnesota Statutes 2008, section 414.0325, subdivision 4, is amended to read:<br/>
<a id="pl.55.27"></a><var>55.27</var>    Subd. 4. <b>Effective date of annexation.</b> The chief administrative law judge's order <br/>
<a id="pl.55.28"></a><var>55.28</var>shall be effective upon the issuance of the order or at such later time as is provided in the <br/>
<a id="pl.55.29"></a><var>55.29</var>order. The effective date must not fall within the 21 days before a regularly scheduled <br/>
<a id="pl.55.30"></a><var>55.30</var>election. Failure to comply with the provisions of this subdivision with respect to regularly <br/>
<a id="pl.55.31"></a><var>55.31</var>scheduled elections, or to set the right effective date in relation to regularly scheduled <br/>
<a id="pl.55.32"></a><var>55.32</var>elections, does not invalidate the annexation.<br/>
<br/>
<a id="bill.2.58.0"></a><a id="pl.55.33"></a><var>55.33</var>    Sec. 58. Minnesota Statutes 2008, section 414.033, subdivision 7, is amended to read:<br/>
<a id="pl.56.1"></a><var>56.1</var>    Subd. 7. <b>Filing; effective date; copy to auditors.</b> Any annexation ordinance <br/>
<a id="pl.56.2"></a><var>56.2</var>provided for in this section must be filed with the chief administrative law judge, the <br/>
<a id="pl.56.3"></a><var>56.3</var>township, the county auditor and the secretary of state and is final on the date the <br/>
<a id="pl.56.4"></a><var>56.4</var>ordinance is approved by the chief administrative law judge, except that an ordinance <br/>
<a id="pl.56.5"></a><var>56.5</var>approved within the 21 days before a regularly scheduled election is not effective until <br/>
<a id="pl.56.6"></a><var>56.6</var>the day after the regularly scheduled election. A copy of the annexation ordinance must <br/>
<a id="pl.56.7"></a><var>56.7</var>be delivered immediately by the governing body of the municipality to the appropriate <br/>
<a id="pl.56.8"></a><var>56.8</var>county auditors. Failure to comply with the provisions of this subdivision with respect <br/>
<a id="pl.56.9"></a><var>56.9</var>to regularly scheduled elections, or to set the right effective date in relation to regularly <br/>
<a id="pl.56.10"></a><var>56.10</var>scheduled elections, does not invalidate the annexation.<br/>
<br/>
<a id="bill.2.59.0"></a><a id="pl.56.11"></a><var>56.11</var>    Sec. 59. <b> REPEALER.</b><br/>
<a id="pl.56.12"></a><var>56.12</var>Minnesota Statutes 2008, sections 201.096; and 206.805, subdivision 2, are repealed.<br/>
<br/>
<a id="bill.3.0.0"></a>

<a id="bill.3.1.0"></a><a id="pl.56.15"></a><var>56.15</var>    Section 1. Minnesota Statutes 2008, section 135A.17, subdivision 2, is amended to <br/>
<a id="pl.56.16"></a><var>56.16</var>read:<br/>
<a id="pl.56.17"></a><var>56.17</var>    Subd. 2.  <b>Residential housing list.</b> All postsecondary institutions that enroll students <br/>
<a id="pl.56.18"></a><var>56.18</var>accepting state or federal financial aid may (a) Institutions within the Minnesota State <br/>
<a id="pl.56.19"></a><var>56.19</var>Colleges and Universities system must prepare a current list of students enrolled in the <br/>
<a id="pl.56.20"></a><var>56.20</var>institution and residing in the institution's housing or within ten miles of the institution's <br/>
<a id="pl.56.21"></a><var>56.21</var>campus Minnesota. The list shall must include each student's name and current address <br/>
<a id="pl.56.22"></a><var>56.22</var>as permitted by applicable privacy laws. The list shall must be certified and sent to the <br/>
<a id="pl.56.23"></a><var>56.23</var>appropriate county auditor or auditors secretary of state no earlier than 30 and no later than <br/>
<a id="pl.56.24"></a><var>56.24</var>25 days prior to the November general election, in an electronic format specified by the <br/>
<a id="pl.56.25"></a><var>56.25</var>secretary of state,  for use in election day registration as provided under section 
         <statute_ref>201.061, <br/>
<a id="pl.56.26"></a><var>56.26</var>subdivision 3
         </statute_ref>.  The certification must be dated and signed by the chief officer or designee <br/>
<a id="pl.56.27"></a><var>56.27</var>of the postsecondary educational institution, or for institutions within the Minnesota <br/>
<a id="pl.56.28"></a><var>56.28</var>State Colleges and Universities system, by the chancellor, and must state that the list is <br/>
<a id="pl.56.29"></a><var>56.29</var>current and accurate and includes only the names of currently enrolled students residing in <br/>
<a id="pl.56.30"></a><var>56.30</var>Minnesota as of the date of certification. The secretary of state must combine the data <br/>
<a id="pl.56.31"></a><var>56.31</var>received from each postsecondary educational institution under this subdivision and must <br/>
<a id="pl.56.32"></a><var>56.32</var>process the data to locate the precinct in which the address provided for each student is <br/>
<a id="pl.56.33"></a><var>56.33</var>located. If the data submitted by the postsecondary educational institution is insufficient <br/>
<a id="pl.57.1"></a><var>57.1</var>for the secretary of state to locate the proper precinct, the associated student name must <br/>
<a id="pl.57.2"></a><var>57.2</var>not appear in any list forwarded to a county auditor under this subdivision.<br/>
<a id="pl.57.3"></a><var>57.3</var>At least 14 days prior to the November general election, the secretary of state <br/>
<a id="pl.57.4"></a><var>57.4</var>must forward to the appropriate county auditor lists of students containing the students' <br/>
<a id="pl.57.5"></a><var>57.5</var>names and addresses for which precinct determinations have been made along with their <br/>
<a id="pl.57.6"></a><var>57.6</var>postsecondary educational institutions. The list must be sorted by precinct and student <br/>
<a id="pl.57.7"></a><var>57.7</var>last name and must be forwarded in an electronic format specified by the secretary of <br/>
<a id="pl.57.8"></a><var>57.8</var>state or other mutually agreed upon medium, if a written agreement specifying the <br/>
<a id="pl.57.9"></a><var>57.9</var>medium is signed by the secretary of state and the county auditor at least 90 days before <br/>
<a id="pl.57.10"></a><var>57.10</var>the November general election. A written agreement is effective for all elections until <br/>
<a id="pl.57.11"></a><var>57.11</var>rescinded by either the secretary of state or the county auditor.<br/>
<a id="pl.57.12"></a><var>57.12</var>(b) Other postsecondary institutions may provide lists as provided by this subdivision <br/>
<a id="pl.57.13"></a><var>57.13</var>or as provided by the rules of the secretary of state. The University of Minnesota is <br/>
<a id="pl.57.14"></a><var>57.14</var>requested to comply with this subdivision.<br/>
<a id="pl.57.15"></a><var>57.15</var>(c)  A residential housing list provided under this subdivision may not be used or <br/>
<a id="pl.57.16"></a><var>57.16</var>disseminated by a county auditor or the secretary of state for any other purpose. <br/>
<br/>
<a id="bill.3.2.0"></a><a id="pl.57.17"></a><var>57.17</var>    Sec. 2. Minnesota Statutes 2008, section 201.061, subdivision 1, is amended to read:<br/>
<a id="pl.57.18"></a><var>57.18</var>    Subdivision 1. <b>Prior to election day.</b> At any time except during the 20 days <br/>
<a id="pl.57.19"></a><var>57.19</var>immediately preceding any regularly scheduled election, an eligible voter or any <br/>
<a id="pl.57.20"></a><var>57.20</var>individual who will be an eligible voter at the time of the next election may register to vote <br/>
<a id="pl.57.21"></a><var>57.21</var>in the precinct in which the voter maintains residence by completing a voter registration <br/>
<a id="pl.57.22"></a><var>57.22</var>application as described in section 
         <statute_ref>201.071, subdivision 1</statute_ref>, and submitting it in person or <br/>
<a id="pl.57.23"></a><var>57.23</var>by mail to the county auditor of that county or to the Secretary of State's Office.  If the Web <br/>
<a id="pl.57.24"></a><var>57.24</var>site maintained by the secretary of state provides a process for it, an individual who has <br/>
<a id="pl.57.25"></a><var>57.25</var>a Minnesota driver's license, identification card, or learner's permit may register online. <br/>
<a id="pl.57.26"></a><var>57.26</var>A registration that is received no later than 5:00 p.m. on the 21st day preceding any <br/>
<a id="pl.57.27"></a><var>57.27</var>election shall be accepted. An improperly addressed or delivered registration application <br/>
<a id="pl.57.28"></a><var>57.28</var>shall be forwarded within two working days after receipt to the county auditor of the <br/>
<a id="pl.57.29"></a><var>57.29</var>county where the voter maintains residence. A state or local agency or an individual that <br/>
<a id="pl.57.30"></a><var>57.30</var>accepts completed voter registration applications from a voter must submit the completed <br/>
<a id="pl.57.31"></a><var>57.31</var>applications to the secretary of state or the appropriate county auditor within ten days <br/>
<a id="pl.57.32"></a><var>57.32</var>after the applications are dated by the voter. <br/>
<a id="pl.57.33"></a><var>57.33</var>For purposes of this section, mail registration is defined as a voter registration <br/>
<a id="pl.57.34"></a><var>57.34</var>application delivered to the secretary of state, county auditor, or municipal clerk by the <br/>
<a id="pl.57.35"></a><var>57.35</var>United States Postal Service or a commercial carrier.<br/>
<br/>
<a id="bill.3.3.0"></a><a id="pl.58.1"></a><var>58.1</var>    Sec. 3. Minnesota Statutes 2008, section 201.061, subdivision 3, is amended to read:<br/>
<a id="pl.58.2"></a><var>58.2</var>    Subd. 3.  <b>Election day registration.</b> (a) An individual who is eligible to vote may <br/>
<a id="pl.58.3"></a><var>58.3</var>register on election day by appearing in person at the polling place for the precinct in <br/>
<a id="pl.58.4"></a><var>58.4</var>which the individual maintains residence, by completing a registration application, making <br/>
<a id="pl.58.5"></a><var>58.5</var>an oath in the form prescribed by the secretary of state and providing proof of residence. <br/>
<a id="pl.58.6"></a><var>58.6</var>An individual may prove residence for purposes of registering by: <br/>
<a id="pl.58.7"></a><var>58.7</var>    (1) presenting a current, valid driver's license or Minnesota identification card issued <br/>
<a id="pl.58.8"></a><var>58.8</var>pursuant to section 
         <statute_ref>171.07</statute_ref>; <br/>
<a id="pl.58.9"></a><var>58.9</var>    (2) presenting any document approved by the secretary of state as proper <br/>
<a id="pl.58.10"></a><var>58.10</var>identification; <br/>
<a id="pl.58.11"></a><var>58.11</var>    (3) presenting one of the following: <br/>
<a id="pl.58.12"></a><var>58.12</var>    (i) a current valid student identification card from a postsecondary educational <br/>
<a id="pl.58.13"></a><var>58.13</var>institution in Minnesota, if a list of students from that institution has been prepared under <br/>
<a id="pl.58.14"></a><var>58.14</var>section 
         <statute_ref>135A.17</statute_ref> and certified to the county auditor or  in the manner provided in rules of <br/>
<a id="pl.58.15"></a><var>58.15</var>the secretary of state; or <br/>
<a id="pl.58.16"></a><var>58.16</var>    (ii) a current student fee statement that contains the student's valid address in the <br/>
<a id="pl.58.17"></a><var>58.17</var>precinct together with a picture identification card; or <br/>
<a id="pl.58.18"></a><var>58.18</var>    (4) having a voter who is registered to vote in the precinct, or who is an employee <br/>
<a id="pl.58.19"></a><var>58.19</var>employed by and working in a residential facility in the precinct and vouching for a <br/>
<a id="pl.58.20"></a><var>58.20</var>resident in the facility, sign an oath in the presence of the election judge vouching that the <br/>
<a id="pl.58.21"></a><var>58.21</var>voter or employee personally knows that the individual is a resident of the precinct. A <br/>
<a id="pl.58.22"></a><var>58.22</var>voter who has been vouched for on election day may not sign a proof of residence oath <br/>
<a id="pl.58.23"></a><var>58.23</var>vouching for any other individual on that election day. A voter who is registered to vote in <br/>
<a id="pl.58.24"></a><var>58.24</var>the precinct may sign up to 15 proof-of-residence oaths on any election day. This limitation <br/>
<a id="pl.58.25"></a><var>58.25</var>does not apply to an employee of a residential facility described in this clause. The <br/>
<a id="pl.58.26"></a><var>58.26</var>secretary of state shall provide a form for election judges to use in recording the number <br/>
<a id="pl.58.27"></a><var>58.27</var>of individuals for whom a voter signs proof-of-residence oaths on election day. The <br/>
<a id="pl.58.28"></a><var>58.28</var>form must include space for the maximum number of individuals for whom a voter may <br/>
<a id="pl.58.29"></a><var>58.29</var>sign proof-of-residence oaths. For each proof-of-residence oath, the form must include <br/>
<a id="pl.58.30"></a><var>58.30</var>a statement that the voter is registered to vote in the precinct, personally knows that the <br/>
<a id="pl.58.31"></a><var>58.31</var>individual is a resident of the precinct, and is making the statement on oath. The form must <br/>
<a id="pl.58.32"></a><var>58.32</var>include a space for the voter's printed name, signature, telephone number, and address. <br/>
<a id="pl.58.33"></a><var>58.33</var>    The oath required by this subdivision and Minnesota Rules, part 
         <statute_ref>8200.9939</statute_ref>, must be <br/>
<a id="pl.58.34"></a><var>58.34</var>attached to the voter registration application. <br/>
<a id="pl.58.35"></a><var>58.35</var>    (b) The operator of a residential facility shall prepare a list of the names of its <br/>
<a id="pl.58.36"></a><var>58.36</var>employees currently working in the residential facility and the address of the residential <br/>
<a id="pl.59.1"></a><var>59.1</var>facility. The operator shall certify the list and provide it to the appropriate county auditor <br/>
<a id="pl.59.2"></a><var>59.2</var>no less than 20 days before each election for use in election day registration. <br/>
<a id="pl.59.3"></a><var>59.3</var>    (c) "Residential facility" means transitional housing as defined in section 
         <statute_ref>256E.33, <br/>
<a id="pl.59.4"></a><var>59.4</var>subdivision 1
         </statute_ref>; a supervised living facility licensed by the commissioner of health under <br/>
<a id="pl.59.5"></a><var>59.5</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.59.6"></a><var>59.6</var>5
         </statute_ref>; a residence registered with the commissioner of health as a housing with services <br/>
<a id="pl.59.7"></a><var>59.7</var>establishment as defined in section 
         <statute_ref>144D.01, subdivision 4</statute_ref>; a veterans home operated by <br/>
<a id="pl.59.8"></a><var>59.8</var>the board of directors of the Minnesota Veterans Homes under chapter 198; a residence <br/>
<a id="pl.59.9"></a><var>59.9</var>licensed by the commissioner of human services to provide a residential program as <br/>
<a id="pl.59.10"></a><var>59.10</var>defined in section 
         <statute_ref>245A.02, subdivision 14</statute_ref>; a residential facility for persons with a <br/>
<a id="pl.59.11"></a><var>59.11</var>developmental disability licensed by the commissioner of human services under section <br/>
<statute_ref><a id="pl.59.12"></a><var>59.12</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.59.13"></a><var>59.13</var>for battered women as defined in section 
         <statute_ref>611A.37, subdivision 4</statute_ref>; or a supervised <br/>
<a id="pl.59.14"></a><var>59.14</var>publicly or privately operated shelter or dwelling designed to provide temporary living <br/>
<a id="pl.59.15"></a><var>59.15</var>accommodations for the homeless. <br/>
<a id="pl.59.16"></a><var>59.16</var>    (d) For tribal band members, an individual may prove residence for purposes of <br/>
<a id="pl.59.17"></a><var>59.17</var>registering by: <br/>
<a id="pl.59.18"></a><var>59.18</var>    (1) presenting an identification card issued by the tribal government of a tribe <br/>
<a id="pl.59.19"></a><var>59.19</var>recognized by the Bureau of Indian Affairs, United States Department of the Interior, that <br/>
<a id="pl.59.20"></a><var>59.20</var>contains the name, address, signature, and picture of the individual; or <br/>
<a id="pl.59.21"></a><var>59.21</var>    (2) presenting an identification card issued by the tribal government of a tribe <br/>
<a id="pl.59.22"></a><var>59.22</var>recognized by the Bureau of Indian Affairs, United States Department of the Interior, that <br/>
<a id="pl.59.23"></a><var>59.23</var>contains the name, signature, and picture of the individual and also presenting one of the <br/>
<a id="pl.59.24"></a><var>59.24</var>documents listed in Minnesota Rules, part 
         <statute_ref>8200.5100</statute_ref>, subpart 2, item B. <br/>
<a id="pl.59.25"></a><var>59.25</var>    (e) A county, school district, or municipality may require that an election judge <br/>
<a id="pl.59.26"></a><var>59.26</var>responsible for election day registration initial each completed registration application. <br/>
<br/>
<a id="bill.3.4.0"></a><a id="pl.59.27"></a><var>59.27</var>    Sec. 4. Minnesota Statutes 2008, section 201.071, subdivision 1, is amended to read:<br/>
<a id="pl.59.28"></a><var>59.28</var>    Subdivision 1. <b>Form.</b> A voter registration application must be of suitable size and <br/>
<a id="pl.59.29"></a><var>59.29</var>weight for mailing and contain spaces for the following required information: voter's first <br/>
<a id="pl.59.30"></a><var>59.30</var>name, middle name, and last name; voter's previous name, if any; voter's current address; <br/>
<a id="pl.59.31"></a><var>59.31</var>voter's previous address, if any; voter's date of birth; voter's municipality and county of <br/>
<a id="pl.59.32"></a><var>59.32</var>residence; voter's telephone number, if provided by the voter; date of registration; current <br/>
<a id="pl.59.33"></a><var>59.33</var>and valid Minnesota driver's license number or Minnesota state identification number, <br/>
<a id="pl.59.34"></a><var>59.34</var>or if the voter has no current and valid Minnesota driver's license or Minnesota state <br/>
<a id="pl.59.35"></a><var>59.35</var>identification, and the last four digits of the voter's Social Security number; and voter's <br/>
<a id="pl.60.1"></a><var>60.1</var>signature. The registration application may include the voter's e-mail address, if provided <br/>
<a id="pl.60.2"></a><var>60.2</var>by the voter, and the voter's interest in serving as an election judge, if indicated by the <br/>
<a id="pl.60.3"></a><var>60.3</var>voter. The application must also contain the following certification of voter eligibility:<br/>
<a id="pl.60.4"></a><var>60.4</var>"I certify that I:<br/>
<a id="pl.60.5"></a><var>60.5</var>(1) will be at least 18 years old on election day;<br/>
<a id="pl.60.6"></a><var>60.6</var>(2) am a citizen of the United States;<br/>
<a id="pl.60.7"></a><var>60.7</var>(3) will have resided in Minnesota for 20 days immediately preceding election day;<br/>
<a id="pl.60.8"></a><var>60.8</var>(4) maintain residence at the address given on the registration form;<br/>
<a id="pl.60.9"></a><var>60.9</var>(5) am not under court-ordered guardianship in which the court order revokes my <br/>
<a id="pl.60.10"></a><var>60.10</var>right to vote;<br/>
<a id="pl.60.11"></a><var>60.11</var>(6) have not been found by a court to be legally incompetent to vote;<br/>
<a id="pl.60.12"></a><var>60.12</var>(7) have the right to vote because, if I have been convicted of a felony, my felony <br/>
<a id="pl.60.13"></a><var>60.13</var>sentence has expired (been completed) or I have been discharged from my sentence; and<br/>
<a id="pl.60.14"></a><var>60.14</var>(8) have read and understand the following statement: that giving false information <br/>
<a id="pl.60.15"></a><var>60.15</var>is a felony punishable by not more than five years imprisonment or a fine of not more <br/>
<a id="pl.60.16"></a><var>60.16</var>than $10,000, or both."<br/>
<a id="pl.60.17"></a><var>60.17</var>The certification must include boxes for the voter to respond to the following <br/>
<a id="pl.60.18"></a><var>60.18</var>questions:<br/>
<a id="pl.60.19"></a><var>60.19</var>"(1) Are you a citizen of the United States?" and<br/>
<a id="pl.60.20"></a><var>60.20</var>"(2) Will you be 18 years old on or before election day?"<br/>
<a id="pl.60.21"></a><var>60.21</var>And the instruction:<br/>
<a id="pl.60.22"></a><var>60.22</var>"If you checked 'no' to either of these questions, do not complete this form."<br/>
<a id="pl.60.23"></a><var>60.23</var>The form of the voter registration application and the certification of voter eligibility <br/>
<a id="pl.60.24"></a><var>60.24</var>must be as provided in this subdivision and approved by the secretary of state. Voter <br/>
<a id="pl.60.25"></a><var>60.25</var>registration forms authorized by the National Voter Registration Act must also be accepted <br/>
<a id="pl.60.26"></a><var>60.26</var>as valid. The federal postcard application form must also be accepted as valid if it is not <br/>
<a id="pl.60.27"></a><var>60.27</var>deficient and the voter is eligible to register in Minnesota.<br/>
<a id="pl.60.28"></a><var>60.28</var>An individual may use a voter registration application to apply to register to vote in <br/>
<a id="pl.60.29"></a><var>60.29</var>Minnesota or to change information on an existing registration.<br/>
<a id="pl.60.30"></a><var>60.30</var>A paper voter registration application must include space for the voter's signature. <br/>
<a id="pl.60.31"></a><var>60.31</var>Paper voter registration applications, other than those used for election day registration, <br/>
<a id="pl.60.32"></a><var>60.32</var>must be of suitable size and weight for mailing.<br/>
<br/>
<a id="bill.3.5.0"></a><a id="pl.60.33"></a><var>60.33</var>    Sec. 5. Minnesota Statutes 2008, section 201.091, is amended by adding a subdivision <br/>
<a id="pl.60.34"></a><var>60.34</var>to read:<br/>
<a id="pl.61.1"></a><var>61.1</var>    Subd. 5a. <b>Registration confirmation to registered voter.</b> The secretary of state <br/>
<a id="pl.61.2"></a><var>61.2</var>must ensure that the secretary of state's Web site is capable of providing voter registration <br/>
<a id="pl.61.3"></a><var>61.3</var>confirmation to a registered voter. An individual requesting registration confirmation must <br/>
<a id="pl.61.4"></a><var>61.4</var>provide the individual's name, address, and date of birth. If the information provided by <br/>
<a id="pl.61.5"></a><var>61.5</var>the individual completely matches an active voter record in the statewide voter registration <br/>
<a id="pl.61.6"></a><var>61.6</var>system, the Web site must inform the individual that the individual is a registered voter and <br/>
<a id="pl.61.7"></a><var>61.7</var>must provide the individual with the individual's polling place location. If the information <br/>
<a id="pl.61.8"></a><var>61.8</var>provided by the individual does not completely match an active voter record in the <br/>
<a id="pl.61.9"></a><var>61.9</var>statewide voter registration system, the Web site must inform the individual that a voter <br/>
<a id="pl.61.10"></a><var>61.10</var>record with that name and date of birth at the address provided cannot be confirmed and the <br/>
<a id="pl.61.11"></a><var>61.11</var>Web site must advise the individual to contact the county auditor for further information.<br/>
<a id="pl.61.12"></a><var>61.12</var><b>EFFECTIVE DATE.</b>This section is not effective until the secretary of state has <br/>
<a id="pl.61.13"></a><var>61.13</var>certified that the Web site has been tested, has been shown to properly retrieve information <br/>
<a id="pl.61.14"></a><var>61.14</var>from the correct voter's record, and can handle the expected volume of use.<br/>
<br/>
<a id="bill.3.6.0"></a><a id="pl.61.15"></a><var>61.15</var>    Sec. 6. <b>[201.35] REPORT TO LEGISLATURE; UNDELIVERABLE </b><br/>
<a id="pl.61.16"></a><var>61.16</var><b>REGISTRATION NOTICES.</b><br/>
<a id="pl.61.17"></a><var>61.17</var>By January 15 of each odd-numbered year, the secretary of state shall report to the <br/>
<a id="pl.61.18"></a><var>61.18</var>chair and ranking minority members of the house of representatives and senate committees <br/>
<a id="pl.61.19"></a><var>61.19</var>with jurisdiction over election issues on the number of registration notices returned as <br/>
<a id="pl.61.20"></a><var>61.20</var>undeliverable. The report must include the total number of notices returned statewide, <br/>
<a id="pl.61.21"></a><var>61.21</var>organized by county and by precinct, and indicate the reasons provided by the postal <br/>
<a id="pl.61.22"></a><var>61.22</var>service for return of the notices. Each county auditor must cooperate with the secretary of <br/>
<a id="pl.61.23"></a><var>61.23</var>state in providing the data required by this section in a timely manner.<br/>
<br/>
<a id="bill.3.7.0"></a><a id="pl.61.24"></a><var>61.24</var>    Sec. 7. Minnesota Statutes 2008, section 203B.12, subdivision 2, is amended to read:<br/>
<a id="pl.61.25"></a><var>61.25</var>    Subd. 2. <b>Examination of return envelopes.</b> Two or more election judges shall <br/>
<a id="pl.61.26"></a><var>61.26</var>examine each return envelope and shall mark it accepted or rejected in the manner <br/>
<a id="pl.61.27"></a><var>61.27</var>provided in this subdivision. If a ballot has been prepared under section 
<statute_ref>204B.12, <br/>
<a id="pl.61.28"></a><var>61.28</var>subdivision 2a
</statute_ref>, or 
<statute_ref>204B.41</statute_ref>, the election judges shall not begin removing ballot envelopes <br/>
<a id="pl.61.29"></a><var>61.29</var>from the return envelopes until 8:00 p.m. on election day, either in the polling place or at <br/>
<a id="pl.61.30"></a><var>61.30</var>an absentee ballot board established under section 
<statute_ref>203B.13</statute_ref>.<br/>
<a id="pl.61.31"></a><var>61.31</var>The election judges shall mark the return envelope "Accepted" and initial or sign <br/>
<a id="pl.61.32"></a><var>61.32</var>the return envelope below the word "Accepted" if the election judges or a majority <br/>
<a id="pl.61.33"></a><var>61.33</var>of them are satisfied that:<br/>
<a id="pl.62.1"></a><var>62.1</var>(1) the voter's name and address on the return envelope are the same as the <br/>
<a id="pl.62.2"></a><var>62.2</var>information provided on the absentee ballot application;<br/>
<a id="pl.62.3"></a><var>62.3</var>(2) the voter's signature on the return envelope is the genuine signature of the <br/>
<a id="pl.62.4"></a><var>62.4</var>individual who made the application for ballots and the certificate has been completed as <br/>
<a id="pl.62.5"></a><var>62.5</var>prescribed in the directions for casting an absentee ballot, except that if a person other <br/>
<a id="pl.62.6"></a><var>62.6</var>than the voter applied for the absentee ballot under applicable Minnesota Rules, the <br/>
<a id="pl.62.7"></a><var>62.7</var>signature is not required to match;<br/>
<a id="pl.62.8"></a><var>62.8</var>(3) the voter is registered and eligible to vote in the precinct or has included a <br/>
<a id="pl.62.9"></a><var>62.9</var>properly completed voter registration application in the return envelope; and<br/>
<a id="pl.62.10"></a><var>62.10</var>(4) the voter has not already voted at that election, either in person or by absentee <br/>
<a id="pl.62.11"></a><var>62.11</var>ballot.<br/>
<a id="pl.62.12"></a><var>62.12</var>There is no other reason for rejecting an absentee ballot. In particular, failure to <br/>
<a id="pl.62.13"></a><var>62.13</var>place the ballot within the security envelope before placing it in the outer white envelope <br/>
<a id="pl.62.14"></a><var>62.14</var>is not a reason to reject an absentee ballot.<br/>
<a id="pl.62.15"></a><var>62.15</var>The return envelope from accepted ballots must be preserved and returned to the <br/>
<a id="pl.62.16"></a><var>62.16</var>county auditor.<br/>
<a id="pl.62.17"></a><var>62.17</var>If all or a majority of the election judges examining return envelopes find that <br/>
<a id="pl.62.18"></a><var>62.18</var>an absent voter has failed to meet one of the requirements prescribed in clauses (1) to <br/>
<a id="pl.62.19"></a><var>62.19</var>(4), they shall mark the return envelope "Rejected," initial or sign it below the word <br/>
<a id="pl.62.20"></a><var>62.20</var>"Rejected," and return it to the county auditor.<br/>
<br/>
<a id="bill.3.8.0"></a><a id="pl.62.21"></a><var>62.21</var>    Sec. 8. Minnesota Statutes 2008, section 204B.04, subdivision 2, is amended to read:<br/>
<a id="pl.62.22"></a><var>62.22</var>    Subd. 2. <b>Candidates seeking nomination by primary.</b> No individual who <br/>
<a id="pl.62.23"></a><var>62.23</var>seeks nomination for any partisan or nonpartisan office at a primary shall be nominated <br/>
<a id="pl.62.24"></a><var>62.24</var>for the same office by nominating petition, except as otherwise provided for partisan <br/>
<a id="pl.62.25"></a><var>62.25</var>offices in section 
         <statute_ref>204D.10, subdivision 2</statute_ref>, and for nonpartisan offices in section 
<statute_ref>204B.13, <br/>
<a id="pl.62.26"></a><var>62.26</var>subdivision 4
</statute_ref>.  <br/>
<br/>
<a id="bill.3.9.0"></a><a id="pl.62.27"></a><var>62.27</var>    Sec. 9. Minnesota Statutes 2008, section 204B.04, subdivision 3, is amended to read:<br/>
<a id="pl.62.28"></a><var>62.28</var>    Subd. 3. <b>Nomination for nonpartisan office.</b> No individual shall be nominated <br/>
<a id="pl.62.29"></a><var>62.29</var>by nominating petition for any nonpartisan office except in the event of a vacancy in <br/>
<a id="pl.62.30"></a><var>62.30</var>nomination as provided in section 
<statute_ref>204B.13</statute_ref>.  <br/>
<br/>
<a id="bill.3.10.0"></a><a id="pl.62.31"></a><var>62.31</var>    Sec. 10. Minnesota Statutes 2008, section 204B.07, subdivision 1, is amended to read:<br/>
<a id="pl.62.32"></a><var>62.32</var>    Subdivision 1. <b>Form of petition.</b> A nominating petition may consist of one or more <br/>
<a id="pl.62.33"></a><var>62.33</var>separate pages each of which shall state:<br/>
<a id="pl.63.1"></a><var>63.1</var>(a) the office sought;<br/>
<a id="pl.63.2"></a><var>63.2</var>(b) the candidate's name and residence address, including street and number if <br/>
<a id="pl.63.3"></a><var>63.3</var>any; and<br/>
<a id="pl.63.4"></a><var>63.4</var>(c) the candidate's political party or political principle expressed in not more than <br/>
<a id="pl.63.5"></a><var>63.5</var>three words. No candidate who files for a partisan office by nominating petition shall use <br/>
<a id="pl.63.6"></a><var>63.6</var>the term "nonpartisan" as a statement of political principle or the name of the candidate's <br/>
<a id="pl.63.7"></a><var>63.7</var>political party. No part of the name of a major political party may be used to designate the <br/>
<a id="pl.63.8"></a><var>63.8</var>political party or principle of a candidate who files for a partisan office by nominating <br/>
<a id="pl.63.9"></a><var>63.9</var>petition, except that the word "independent" may be used to designate the party or <br/>
<a id="pl.63.10"></a><var>63.10</var>principle. A candidate who files by nominating petition to fill a vacancy in nomination for <br/>
<a id="pl.63.11"></a><var>63.11</var>a nonpartisan office pursuant to section 
<statute_ref>204B.13</statute_ref>, shall not state any political principle or <br/>
<a id="pl.63.12"></a><var>63.12</var>the name of any political party on the petition. <br/>
<br/>
<a id="bill.3.11.0"></a><a id="pl.63.13"></a><var>63.13</var>    Sec. 11. Minnesota Statutes 2008, section 204B.09, subdivision 1, is amended to read:<br/>
<a id="pl.63.14"></a><var>63.14</var>    Subdivision 1.  <b>Candidates in state and county general elections.</b> (a) Except as <br/>
<a id="pl.63.15"></a><var>63.15</var>otherwise provided by this subdivision, affidavits of candidacy and nominating petitions <br/>
<a id="pl.63.16"></a><var>63.16</var>for county, state, and federal offices filled at the state general election shall be filed not <br/>
<a id="pl.63.17"></a><var>63.17</var>more than 70 days nor less than 56 days before the state primary. The affidavit may <br/>
<a id="pl.63.18"></a><var>63.18</var>be prepared and signed at any time between 60 days before the filing period opens and <br/>
<a id="pl.63.19"></a><var>63.19</var>the last day of the filing period. <br/>
<a id="pl.63.20"></a><var>63.20</var>    (b) Notwithstanding other law to the contrary, the affidavit of candidacy must be <br/>
<a id="pl.63.21"></a><var>63.21</var>signed in the presence of a notarial officer or an individual authorized to administer oaths <br/>
<a id="pl.63.22"></a><var>63.22</var>under section 
         <statute_ref>358.10</statute_ref>. <br/>
<a id="pl.63.23"></a><var>63.23</var>    (c) This provision does not apply to candidates for presidential elector nominated by <br/>
<a id="pl.63.24"></a><var>63.24</var>major political parties. Major party candidates for presidential elector are certified under <br/>
<a id="pl.63.25"></a><var>63.25</var>section 
         <statute_ref>208.03</statute_ref>. Other candidates for presidential electors may file petitions on or before <br/>
<a id="pl.63.26"></a><var>63.26</var>the state primary day pursuant to section 
         <statute_ref>204B.07</statute_ref>. Nominating petitions to fill vacancies <br/>
<a id="pl.63.27"></a><var>63.27</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.63.28"></a><var>63.28</var>be accepted later than 5:00 p.m. on the last day for filing. <br/>
<a id="pl.63.29"></a><var>63.29</var>    (d) Affidavits and petitions for county offices must be filed with the county auditor <br/>
<a id="pl.63.30"></a><var>63.30</var>of that county. Affidavits and petitions for federal offices must be filed with the secretary <br/>
<a id="pl.63.31"></a><var>63.31</var>of state. Affidavits and petitions for state offices must be filed with the secretary of state or <br/>
<a id="pl.63.32"></a><var>63.32</var>with the county auditor of the county in which the candidate resides. <br/>
<a id="pl.63.33"></a><var>63.33</var>    (e) Affidavits other than those filed pursuant to subdivision 1a must be submitted <br/>
<a id="pl.63.34"></a><var>63.34</var>by mail or by hand, notwithstanding chapter 325L, or any other law to the contrary and <br/>
<a id="pl.63.35"></a><var>63.35</var>must be received by 5:00 p.m. on the last day for filing. <br/>
<br/>
<a id="bill.3.12.0"></a><a id="pl.64.1"></a><var>64.1</var>    Sec. 12. Minnesota Statutes 2008, section 204B.11, subdivision 2, is amended to read:<br/>
<a id="pl.64.2"></a><var>64.2</var>    Subd. 2. <b>Petition in place of filing fee.</b> At the time of filing an affidavit of <br/>
<a id="pl.64.3"></a><var>64.3</var>candidacy, a candidate may present a petition in place of the filing fee. The petition may <br/>
<a id="pl.64.4"></a><var>64.4</var>be signed by any individual eligible to vote for the candidate. A nominating petition filed <br/>
<a id="pl.64.5"></a><var>64.5</var>pursuant to section 
         <statute_ref>204B.07</statute_ref> or 
<statute_ref>204B.13, subdivision 4</statute_ref>, is effective as a petition in place of <br/>
<a id="pl.64.6"></a><var>64.6</var>a filing fee if the nominating petition includes a prominent statement informing the signers <br/>
<a id="pl.64.7"></a><var>64.7</var>of the petition that it will be used for that purpose.  <br/>
<a id="pl.64.8"></a><var>64.8</var>The number of signatures on a petition in place of a filing fee shall be as follows:<br/>
<a id="pl.64.9"></a><var>64.9</var>(a) for a state office voted on statewide, or for president of the United States, or <br/>
<a id="pl.64.10"></a><var>64.10</var>United States senator, 2,000;<br/>
<a id="pl.64.11"></a><var>64.11</var>(b) for a congressional office, 1,000;<br/>
<a id="pl.64.12"></a><var>64.12</var>(c) for a county or legislative office, or for the office of district judge, 500; and<br/>
<a id="pl.64.13"></a><var>64.13</var>(d) for any other office which requires a filing fee as prescribed by law, municipal <br/>
<a id="pl.64.14"></a><var>64.14</var>charter, or ordinance, the lesser of 500 signatures or five percent of the total number of <br/>
<a id="pl.64.15"></a><var>64.15</var>votes cast in the municipality, ward, or other election district at the preceding general <br/>
<a id="pl.64.16"></a><var>64.16</var>election at which that office was on the ballot.<br/>
<a id="pl.64.17"></a><var>64.17</var>An official with whom petitions are filed shall make sample forms for petitions in <br/>
<a id="pl.64.18"></a><var>64.18</var>place of filing fees available upon request.<br/>
<br/>
<a id="bill.3.13.0"></a><a id="pl.64.19"></a><var>64.19</var>    Sec. 13. Minnesota Statutes 2008, section 204B.13, subdivision 1, is amended to read:<br/>
<a id="pl.64.20"></a><var>64.20</var>    Subdivision 1. <b>Death or withdrawal.</b> A vacancy in nomination may be filled in the <br/>
<a id="pl.64.21"></a><var>64.21</var>manner provided by this section. A vacancy in nomination exists when:<br/>
<a id="pl.64.22"></a><var>64.22</var>(a) (1) a major political party candidate or nonpartisan candidate who was nominated <br/>
<a id="pl.64.23"></a><var>64.23</var>at a primary dies or files an affidavit of withdrawal as provided in section 
<statute_ref>204B.12, <br/>
<a id="pl.64.24"></a><var>64.24</var>subdivision 2a
</statute_ref>; or <br/>
<a id="pl.64.25"></a><var>64.25</var>(b) a candidate for a nonpartisan office, for which one or two candidates filed, dies or <br/>
<a id="pl.64.26"></a><var>64.26</var>files an affidavit of withdrawal as provided in section 
<statute_ref>204B.12, subdivision 1</statute_ref>. (2) a major <br/>
<a id="pl.64.27"></a><var>64.27</var>political party candidate for state constitutional office or the candidate's legal guardian <br/>
<a id="pl.64.28"></a><var>64.28</var>files an affidavit of vacancy at least one day prior to the general election with the same <br/>
<a id="pl.64.29"></a><var>64.29</var>official who received the affidavit of candidacy that states that:<br/>
<a id="pl.64.30"></a><var>64.30</var>(i) the candidate has a catastrophic illness that was diagnosed after the deadline <br/>
<a id="pl.64.31"></a><var>64.31</var>for withdrawal; and<br/>
<a id="pl.64.32"></a><var>64.32</var>(ii) the candidate's illness will permanently and continuously incapacitate the <br/>
<a id="pl.64.33"></a><var>64.33</var>candidate and prevent the candidate from performing the duties of the office sought.<br/>
<a id="pl.64.34"></a><var>64.34</var>The affidavit must be accompanied by a certificate verifying that the candidate's <br/>
<a id="pl.64.35"></a><var>64.35</var>illness meets the requirements of this clause, signed by at least two licensed physicians.<br/>
<br/>
<a id="bill.3.14.0"></a><a id="pl.65.1"></a><var>65.1</var>    Sec. 14. Minnesota Statutes 2008, section 204B.13, subdivision 2, is amended to read:<br/>
<a id="pl.65.2"></a><var>65.2</var>    Subd. 2. <b>Partisan office</b><b>; nomination by party</b><b>.</b> (a) A vacancy in nomination for <br/>
<a id="pl.65.3"></a><var>65.3</var>partisan office shall be filled as provided in this subdivision effectively remove that office <br/>
<a id="pl.65.4"></a><var>65.4</var>from the ballot. Votes cast at the general election for that office are invalid and the office <br/>
<a id="pl.65.5"></a><var>65.5</var>must be filled in a special election held in accordance with section 204D.17, except as <br/>
<a id="pl.65.6"></a><var>65.6</var>provided by this section. <br/>
<a id="pl.65.7"></a><var>65.7</var>Except for the vacancy in nomination, all other candidates whose names would have <br/>
<a id="pl.65.8"></a><var>65.8</var>appeared on the general election ballot for this race must appear on the special election <br/>
<a id="pl.65.9"></a><var>65.9</var>ballot for this race. There must not be a primary to fill the vacancy in nomination.<br/>
<a id="pl.65.10"></a><var>65.10</var>A major political party has the authority to fill a vacancy in nomination of that <br/>
<a id="pl.65.11"></a><var>65.11</var>party's candidate by filing a nomination certificate with the same official who received <br/>
<a id="pl.65.12"></a><var>65.12</var>the affidavits of candidacy for that office.<br/>
<a id="pl.65.13"></a><var>65.13</var>(b) A major political party may provide in its governing rules a procedure, including <br/>
<a id="pl.65.14"></a><var>65.14</var>designation of an appropriate committee, to fill vacancies in nomination for all federal <br/>
<a id="pl.65.15"></a><var>65.15</var>and state offices elected statewide. The nomination certificate shall be prepared under the <br/>
<a id="pl.65.16"></a><var>65.16</var>direction of and executed by the chair and secretary of the political party and filed within <br/>
<a id="pl.65.17"></a><var>65.17</var>seven days after the vacancy in nomination occurs or before the 14th day before the <br/>
<a id="pl.65.18"></a><var>65.18</var>general election, whichever is sooner. If the vacancy in nomination occurs through the <br/>
<a id="pl.65.19"></a><var>65.19</var>candidate's death or catastrophic illness, the nomination certificate must be filed within <br/>
<a id="pl.65.20"></a><var>65.20</var>seven days after the vacancy in nomination occurs but no later than four days before <br/>
<a id="pl.65.21"></a><var>65.21</var>the general election. The chair and secretary when filing the certificate shall attach an <br/>
<a id="pl.65.22"></a><var>65.22</var>affidavit stating that the newly nominated candidate has been selected under the rules of <br/>
<a id="pl.65.23"></a><var>65.23</var>the party and that the individuals signing the certificate and making the affidavit are the <br/>
<a id="pl.65.24"></a><var>65.24</var>chair and secretary of the party.<br/>
<br/>
<a id="bill.3.15.0"></a><a id="pl.65.25"></a><var>65.25</var>    Sec. 15. Minnesota Statutes 2008, section 204B.13, is amended by adding a <br/>
<a id="pl.65.26"></a><var>65.26</var>subdivision to read:<br/>
<a id="pl.65.27"></a><var>65.27</var>    Subd. 7. <b>Date of special election.</b> The special election must be held on the second <br/>
<a id="pl.65.28"></a><var>65.28</var>Tuesday in December.<br/>
<br/>
<a id="bill.3.16.0"></a><a id="pl.65.29"></a><var>65.29</var>    Sec. 16. Minnesota Statutes 2008, section 204B.13, is amended by adding a <br/>
<a id="pl.65.30"></a><var>65.30</var>subdivision to read:<br/>
<a id="pl.65.31"></a><var>65.31</var>    Subd. 8. <b>Absentee voters.</b> All applicants for absentee ballots for the general <br/>
<a id="pl.65.32"></a><var>65.32</var>election must be sent ballots for the special election, without submission of a new absentee <br/>
<a id="pl.65.33"></a><var>65.33</var>ballot application.<br/>
<br/>
<a id="bill.3.17.0"></a><a id="pl.66.1"></a><var>66.1</var>    Sec. 17. Minnesota Statutes 2008, section 204B.13, is amended by adding a <br/>
<a id="pl.66.2"></a><var>66.2</var>subdivision to read:<br/>
<a id="pl.66.3"></a><var>66.3</var>    Subd. 9. <b>Subsequent vacancy in nomination.</b> (a) A vacancy in nomination that <br/>
<a id="pl.66.4"></a><var>66.4</var>occurs prior to a special election scheduled as a result of an earlier vacancy in nomination <br/>
<a id="pl.66.5"></a><var>66.5</var>must be filled in the same manner as provided in this section, except that the previously <br/>
<a id="pl.66.6"></a><var>66.6</var>scheduled special election must be canceled and a new special election held.<br/>
<a id="pl.66.7"></a><var>66.7</var>(b) A special election required by this subdivision must be held on the second <br/>
<a id="pl.66.8"></a><var>66.8</var>Tuesday of the month following the month during which the prior special election was <br/>
<a id="pl.66.9"></a><var>66.9</var>scheduled to be held, provided that if the new special election date falls on a federal <br/>
<a id="pl.66.10"></a><var>66.10</var>holiday, the special election must be held on the next following Tuesday after the holiday.<br/>
<br/>
<a id="bill.3.18.0"></a><a id="pl.66.11"></a><var>66.11</var>    Sec. 18. Minnesota Statutes 2008, section 205.075, subdivision 1, is amended to read:<br/>
<a id="pl.66.12"></a><var>66.12</var>    Subdivision 1. <b>Date of election.</b> The general election in a town must be held on the <br/>
<a id="pl.66.13"></a><var>66.13</var>second Tuesday in March, except as provided in subdivision 2 or when moved for bad <br/>
<a id="pl.66.14"></a><var>66.14</var>weather as provided in section 365.51, subdivision 1.<br/>
<br/>
<a id="bill.3.19.0"></a><a id="pl.66.15"></a><var>66.15</var>    Sec. 19. Minnesota Statutes 2008, section 205.075, is amended by adding a subdivision <br/>
<a id="pl.66.16"></a><var>66.16</var>to read:<br/>
<a id="pl.66.17"></a><var>66.17</var>    Subd. 2a. <b>Return to March election.</b> The town board of a town that has adopted <br/>
<a id="pl.66.18"></a><var>66.18</var>the alternative November election date under subdivision 2 may, after having conducted <br/>
<a id="pl.66.19"></a><var>66.19</var>at least two elections on the alternative date, adopt a resolution designating the second <br/>
<a id="pl.66.20"></a><var>66.20</var>Tuesday in March as the date of the town general election. The resolution must be <br/>
<a id="pl.66.21"></a><var>66.21</var>adopted by a unanimous vote of the town supervisors and must include a plan to shorten <br/>
<a id="pl.66.22"></a><var>66.22</var>or lengthen the terms of office to provide an orderly transition to the March election <br/>
<a id="pl.66.23"></a><var>66.23</var>schedule. The resolution becomes effective upon an affirmative vote of the electors at <br/>
<a id="pl.66.24"></a><var>66.24</var>the next town general election.<br/>
<br/>
<a id="bill.3.20.0"></a><a id="pl.66.25"></a><var>66.25</var>    Sec. 20. Minnesota Statutes 2008, section 367.03, subdivision 4, is amended to read:<br/>
<a id="pl.66.26"></a><var>66.26</var>    Subd. 4. <b>Officers; November election.</b> Except as provided in subdivision 4a, <br/>
<a id="pl.66.27"></a><var>66.27</var>supervisors and other town officers in towns that hold the town general election in <br/>
<a id="pl.66.28"></a><var>66.28</var>November shall be elected for terms of four years commencing on the first Monday in <br/>
<a id="pl.66.29"></a><var>66.29</var>January and until their successors are elected and qualified. The clerk and treasurer shall <br/>
<a id="pl.66.30"></a><var>66.30</var>be elected in alternate years.<br/>
<br/>
<a id="bill.3.21.0"></a><a id="pl.66.31"></a><var>66.31</var>    Sec. 21. Minnesota Statutes 2008, section 367.03, is amended by adding a subdivision <br/>
<a id="pl.66.32"></a><var>66.32</var>to read:<br/>
<a id="pl.67.1"></a><var>67.1</var>    Subd. 4a. <b>Optional six-year terms.</b> The resolution required under section 205.075, <br/>
<a id="pl.67.2"></a><var>67.2</var>subdivision 2, to adopt the alternative November date for town general election may <br/>
<a id="pl.67.3"></a><var>67.3</var>include the proposal and corresponding transition plan to provide for a six-year term for <br/>
<a id="pl.67.4"></a><var>67.4</var>town supervisors. A town that has adopted the alternative November date for general town <br/>
<a id="pl.67.5"></a><var>67.5</var>elections using the four-year terms provided under subdivision 4 may adopt a resolution <br/>
<a id="pl.67.6"></a><var>67.6</var>establishing six-year terms for supervisors as provided under this subdivision. The <br/>
<a id="pl.67.7"></a><var>67.7</var>resolution must include a plan to provide an orderly transition to six-year terms. The <br/>
<a id="pl.67.8"></a><var>67.8</var>resolution adopting the six-year term for town supervisors may be proposed by the town <br/>
<a id="pl.67.9"></a><var>67.9</var>board or by a resolution of the electors adopted at the annual town meeting and is effective <br/>
<a id="pl.67.10"></a><var>67.10</var>upon an affirmative vote of the electors at the next town general election.<br/>
<br/>
<a id="bill.3.22.0"></a><a id="pl.67.11"></a><var>67.11</var>    Sec. 22. <b> REPEALER.</b><br/>
<a id="pl.67.12"></a><var>67.12</var>Minnesota Statutes 2008, sections 204B.12, subdivision 2a; 204B.13, subdivisions <br/>
<a id="pl.67.13"></a><var>67.13</var>4, 5, and 6; 204B.41; and 204D.169, are repealed.<br/>
<br/>
<a id="bill.3.23.0"></a><a id="pl.67.14"></a><var>67.14</var>    Sec. 23. <b>EXPIRATION.</b><br/>
<a id="pl.67.15"></a><var>67.15</var>Sections 7 to 17 and 22 expire on June 30, 2013.<br/>