1.1 	A bill for an act
1.2 	relating to elections; expanding the use of mail balloting; increasing the time 
1.3 	allowed for mailing ballots submitting questions in special elections conducted 
1.4 	by mail;amending Minnesota Statutes 2008, sections 204B.45, subdivision 1; 
1.5 	204B.46.
1.6 	BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF MINNESOTA:

1.7 	Section 1. Minnesota Statutes 2008, section 204B.45, subdivision 1, is amended to read:
1.8 		Subdivision 1.Authorization. A municipality having fewer than 400 1,000
1.9 	registered voters on June 1 of an election year and not located in a metropolitan county as 
1.10 	defined by section 473.121 may provide balloting by mail at any municipal, county, or 
1.11 	state election with no polling place other than the office of the auditor or clerk or other 
1.12 	locations designated by the auditor or clerk. The governing body may apply to the county 
1.13 	auditor for permission to conduct balloting by mail. The county board may provide for 
1.14 	balloting by mail in unorganized territory. The governing body of any municipality may 
1.15 	designate for mail balloting any precinct having fewer than 50 registered voters, subject to 
1.16 	the approval of the county auditor.  
1.17 	Voted ballots may be returned in person to any location designated by the county 
1.18 	auditor or municipal clerk.

1.19 	Sec. 2. Minnesota Statutes 2008, section 204B.46, is amended to read:
1.20 	204B.46 MAIL ELECTIONS; QUESTIONS. 
1.21 	A county, municipality, or school district submitting questions to the voters at a 
1.22 	special election may conduct an election by mail with no polling place other than the 
1.23 	office of the auditor or clerk. No more than two questions may be submitted at a mail 
2.1 	election and no offices may be voted on. Notice of the election must be given to the county 
2.2 	auditor at least 53 days prior to the election. This notice shall also fulfill the requirements 
2.3 	of Minnesota Rules, part 8210.3000. The special mail ballot procedures must be posted at 
2.4 	least six weeks prior to the election. No earlier Not more than 20 or 30 nor later than 14 
2.5 	days prior to the election, the auditor or clerk shall mail ballots by nonforwardable mail to 
2.6 	all voters registered in the county, municipality, or school district.  No later than 14 days 
2.7 	before the election, the auditor or clerk must make a subsequent mailing of ballots to those 
2.8 	voters who register to vote after the initial mailing but before the 20th day before the 
2.9 	election. Eligible voters not registered at the time the ballots are mailed may apply for 
2.10 	ballots pursuant to chapter 203B.