<a id="pl.1.3"></a><var>1.3</var>various provisions related to election law, including provisions related to <br/>
<a id="pl.1.4"></a><var>1.4</var>redistricting, voting, vacancies in nomination, and other election administration <br/>
<a id="pl.1.5"></a><var>1.5</var>provisions; appropriating money;amending Minnesota Statutes 2012, sections <br/>
<a id="pl.1.6"></a><var>1.6</var>103C.225, subdivision 3; 103C.305, subdivision 3; 103C.311, subdivision <br/>
<a id="pl.1.7"></a><var>1.7</var>2; 204B.18, subdivision 2; 204B.32, subdivision 1; 204B.36, subdivision 1; <br/>
<a id="pl.1.8"></a><var>1.8</var>204C.19, subdivision 2; 204C.25; 204C.27; 204D.08, subdivision 6; 204D.11, <br/>
<a id="pl.1.9"></a><var>1.9</var>subdivisions 1, 4, 5, 6; 204D.13, subdivision 3; 204D.14, subdivisions 1, 3; <br/>
<a id="pl.1.10"></a><var>1.10</var>204D.15, subdivision 3; 204D.16; 204D.165; 205.17, subdivisions 1, 3; 205A.08, <br/>
<a id="pl.1.11"></a><var>1.11</var>subdivision 1; 206.61, subdivision 4; 208.04, subdivisions 1, 2; proposing coding <br/>
<a id="pl.1.12"></a><var>1.12</var>for new law in Minnesota Statutes, chapters 2; 204B; repealing Minnesota <br/>
<a id="pl.1.13"></a><var>1.13</var>Statutes 2012, sections 2.444; 2.484; 204B.12, subdivision 2a; 204B.13, <br/>
<a id="pl.1.14"></a><var>1.14</var>subdivision 6; 204B.42; 204D.11, subdivisions 2, 3; 205.17, subdivisions 2, 4; <br/>
<a id="pl.1.15"></a><var>1.15</var>205A.08, subdivision 4.<br/>
<a id="pl.1.16"></a><var>1.16</var>BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF MINNESOTA:<br/>
<br/>
<a id="bill.1.0.0"></a>

<a id="bill.1.1.0"></a><a id="pl.1.19"></a><var>1.19</var>    Section 1. <b>[2.395] THIRTY-NINTH DISTRICT.</b><br/>
<a id="pl.1.20"></a><var>1.20</var>    Subdivision 1. <b>Senate district.</b> Senate District 39 consists of that district as <br/>
<a id="pl.1.21"></a><var>1.21</var>described in the order of the Minnesota Special Redistricting Panel in Hippert v. Ritchie, <br/>
<a id="pl.1.22"></a><var>1.22</var>No. A11-152 (February 21, 2012).<br/>
<a id="pl.1.23"></a><var>1.23</var>    Subd. 2. <b>House of representatives districts.</b> Notwithstanding the order of the <br/>
<a id="pl.1.24"></a><var>1.24</var>Minnesota Special Redistricting Panel in Hippert v. Ritchie, No. A11-152 (February <br/>
<a id="pl.1.25"></a><var>1.25</var>21, 2012), Senate District 39, as described in that order, is divided into two house of <br/>
<a id="pl.1.26"></a><var>1.26</var>representatives districts as follows:<br/>
<a id="pl.2.1"></a><var>2.1</var>(a) House of Representatives District 39A consists of that district as described in <br/>
<a id="pl.2.2"></a><var>2.2</var>file L39A-1, on file with the Geographic Information Systems Office of the Legislative <br/>
<a id="pl.2.3"></a><var>2.3</var>Coordinating Commission and published on its Web site on March 9, 2012.<br/>
<a id="pl.2.4"></a><var>2.4</var>(b) House of Representatives District 39B consists of that district as described in <br/>
<a id="pl.2.5"></a><var>2.5</var>file L39B-1, on file with the Geographic Information Systems Office of the Legislative <br/>
<a id="pl.2.6"></a><var>2.6</var>Coordinating Commission and published on its Web site on March 9, 2012.<br/>
<br/>
<a id="bill.1.2.0"></a><a id="pl.2.7"></a><var>2.7</var>    Sec. 2. <b>[2.495] FORTY-NINTH DISTRICT.</b><br/>
<a id="pl.2.8"></a><var>2.8</var>    Subdivision 1. <b>Senate district.</b> Senate District 49 consists of that district as <br/>
<a id="pl.2.9"></a><var>2.9</var>described in the order of the Minnesota Special Redistricting Panel in Hippert v. Ritchie, <br/>
<a id="pl.2.10"></a><var>2.10</var>No. A11-152 (February 21, 2012).<br/>
<a id="pl.2.11"></a><var>2.11</var>    Subd. 2. <b>House of representatives districts.</b> Notwithstanding the order of the <br/>
<a id="pl.2.12"></a><var>2.12</var>Minnesota Special Redistricting Panel in Hippert v. Ritchie, No. A11-152 (February 21, <br/>
<a id="pl.2.13"></a><var>2.13</var>2012), Senate District 49 is divided into two house of representatives districts as follows:<br/>
<a id="pl.2.14"></a><var>2.14</var>(a) House of Representatives District 49A consists of the district as described in <br/>
<a id="pl.2.15"></a><var>2.15</var>that order, with the modification contained in file L49A-2, on file with the Geographic <br/>
<a id="pl.2.16"></a><var>2.16</var>Information Systems Office of the Legislative Coordinating Commission and published on <br/>
<a id="pl.2.17"></a><var>2.17</var>its Web site on March 28, 2012.<br/>
<a id="pl.2.18"></a><var>2.18</var>(b) House of Representatives District 49B consists of the district as described in <br/>
<a id="pl.2.19"></a><var>2.19</var>that order, with the modification contained in file L49B-2, on file with the Geographic <br/>
<a id="pl.2.20"></a><var>2.20</var>Information Systems Office of the Legislative Coordinating Commission and published on <br/>
<a id="pl.2.21"></a><var>2.21</var>its Web site on March 28, 2012.<br/>
<br/>
<a id="bill.1.3.0"></a><a id="pl.2.22"></a><var>2.22</var>    Sec. 3. <b> REPEALER.</b><br/>
<a id="pl.2.23"></a><var>2.23</var>Minnesota Statutes 2012, sections 2.444; and 2.484, are repealed.<br/>
<br/>
<a id="bill.1.4.0"></a><a id="pl.2.24"></a><var>2.24</var>    Sec. 4. <b>EFFECTIVE DATE.</b><br/>
<a id="pl.2.25"></a><var>2.25</var>This article is effective for the state primary and state general elections conducted <br/>
<a id="pl.2.26"></a><var>2.26</var>in 2014 for terms of office beginning on the first Monday in January of 2015, and for all <br/>
<a id="pl.2.27"></a><var>2.27</var>elections held thereafter.<br/>
<br/>
<a id="bill.2.0.0"></a>

<a id="bill.2.1.0"></a><a id="pl.2.30"></a><var>2.30</var>    Section 1. <b>[204B.131] VACANCY IN NOMINATION; NONPARTISAN OFFICE.</b><br/>
<a id="pl.3.1"></a><var>3.1</var>    Subdivision 1. <b>Applicability.</b> A vacancy in nomination for a nonpartisan office <br/>
<a id="pl.3.2"></a><var>3.2</var>must be filled in the manner provided by this section. A vacancy in nomination for a <br/>
<a id="pl.3.3"></a><var>3.3</var>nonpartisan office exists when:<br/>
<a id="pl.3.4"></a><var>3.4</var>(1) a candidate for any nonpartisan office, for which one or two candidates filed, <br/>
<a id="pl.3.5"></a><var>3.5</var>withdraws as provided in section 204B.12, subdivision 1; or<br/>
<a id="pl.3.6"></a><var>3.6</var>(2) a candidate for any nonjudicial nonpartisan office, for which only one or two <br/>
<a id="pl.3.7"></a><var>3.7</var>candidates filed or who was nominated at a primary, dies more than 79 days before the <br/>
<a id="pl.3.8"></a><var>3.8</var>date of the general election.<br/>
<a id="pl.3.9"></a><var>3.9</var>    Subd. 2. <b>Procedure for filling vacancy.</b> A vacancy in nomination for a nonpartisan <br/>
<a id="pl.3.10"></a><var>3.10</var>office may be filled by filing an affidavit of candidacy and paying a filing fee, or by filing <br/>
<a id="pl.3.11"></a><var>3.11</var>an affidavit of candidacy and filing a petition in place of a filing fee, in the manner <br/>
<a id="pl.3.12"></a><var>3.12</var>provided in sections 204B.06, 204B.09, and 204B.11. All documents and fees required by <br/>
<a id="pl.3.13"></a><var>3.13</var>this subdivision must be filed within five days after the vacancy in nomination occurs. <br/>
<a id="pl.3.14"></a><var>3.14</var>There must be a two-day period for withdrawal of candidates after the last day for filing.   <br/>
<a id="pl.3.15"></a><var>3.15</var>If the vacancy in nomination resulted from a withdrawal during the withdrawal <br/>
<a id="pl.3.16"></a><var>3.16</var>period held on the 68th to 69th day before the primary, and if, at the end of the withdrawal <br/>
<a id="pl.3.17"></a><var>3.17</var>period to fill the vacancy in nomination, there are more than two candidates, the <br/>
<a id="pl.3.18"></a><var>3.18</var>candidates' names must appear on the primary ballot.  In all other cases, the candidates' <br/>
<a id="pl.3.19"></a><var>3.19</var>names must appear on the general election ballot.<br/>
<br/>
<a id="bill.2.2.0"></a><a id="pl.3.20"></a><var>3.20</var>    Sec. 2. <b> REPEALER.</b><br/>
<a id="pl.3.21"></a><var>3.21</var>Minnesota Statutes 2012, sections 204B.12, subdivision 2a; and 204B.13, <br/>
<a id="pl.3.22"></a><var>3.22</var>subdivision 6, are repealed.<br/>
<br/>
<a id="bill.2.3.0"></a><a id="pl.3.23"></a><var>3.23</var>    Sec. 3. <b>EFFECTIVE DATE.</b><br/>
<a id="pl.3.24"></a><var>3.24</var>This article is effective the day following final enactment and applies to vacancies in <br/>
<a id="pl.3.25"></a><var>3.25</var>nomination occurring on or after that date.<br/>
<br/>
<a id="bill.3.0.0"></a>

<a id="bill.3.1.0"></a><a id="pl.3.28"></a><var>3.28</var>    Section 1. Minnesota Statutes 2012, section 103C.225, subdivision 3, is amended to <br/>
<a id="pl.3.29"></a><var>3.29</var>read:<br/>
<a id="pl.3.30"></a><var>3.30</var>    Subd. 3. <b>Referendum.</b> (a) Within 60 days after the petition is received by the state <br/>
<a id="pl.3.31"></a><var>3.31</var>board, it shall give due notice of the holding of a referendum, schedule the referendum at <br/>
<a id="pl.3.32"></a><var>3.32</var>the next general election, and cooperate with county election officials to accomplish the <br/>
<a id="pl.3.33"></a><var>3.33</var>election in the most expedient manner. Upon receipt of a petition, the state board shall <br/>
<a id="pl.4.1"></a><var>4.1</var>provide written notice to the secretary of state and the county auditor of each county in <br/>
<a id="pl.4.2"></a><var>4.2</var>which the district is located no later than 74 days before the state general election. The <br/>
<a id="pl.4.3"></a><var>4.3</var>notice must include the date of the election and the title and text of the question to be <br/>
<a id="pl.4.4"></a><var>4.4</var>placed on the ballot. Prior to the referendum, the state board shall facilitate the preparation <br/>
<a id="pl.4.5"></a><var>4.5</var>of a plan to continue the administration of the powers, duties, and responsibilities of the <br/>
<a id="pl.4.6"></a><var>4.6</var>district, including the functions of the district board.<br/>
<a id="pl.4.7"></a><var>4.7</var>(b) The question shall be submitted by ballots, upon which the words "For terminating <br/>
<a id="pl.4.8"></a><var>4.8</var>the existence of appear on the ballot in the following form: "Shall the .................. (name <br/>
<a id="pl.4.9"></a><var>4.9</var>of the soil and water conservation district to be here inserted)" and "Against terminating <br/>
<a id="pl.4.10"></a><var>4.10</var>the existence of the .................. (name of the soil and water conservation district to be here <br/>
<a id="pl.4.11"></a><var>4.11</var>inserted)" shall be printed, with a square before each proposition and a direction to insert <br/>
<a id="pl.4.12"></a><var>4.12</var>an X mark in the square before one or the other be terminated?".<br/>
<a id="pl.4.13"></a><var>4.13</var>(c) Only eligible voters in the district may vote in the referendum.<br/>
<a id="pl.4.14"></a><var>4.14</var>(d) Informalities in the conduct of the referendum or matters relating to the <br/>
<a id="pl.4.15"></a><var>4.15</var>referendum do not invalidate the referendum, or result of the referendum, if due notice has <br/>
<a id="pl.4.16"></a><var>4.16</var>been given and the referendum has been fairly conducted.<br/>
<a id="pl.4.17"></a><var>4.17</var>(e) The state board shall publish the result of the referendum.<br/>
<br/>
<a id="bill.3.2.0"></a><a id="pl.4.18"></a><var>4.18</var>    Sec. 2. Minnesota Statutes 2012, section 103C.305, subdivision 3, is amended to read:<br/>
<a id="pl.4.19"></a><var>4.19</var>    Subd. 3. <b>Ballots.</b> Ballots shall be prepared by the county auditor. The names of <br/>
<a id="pl.4.20"></a><var>4.20</var>candidates shall be placed on the "canary ballot" described in section 
<statute_ref>204D.11, subdivision <br/>
<a id="pl.4.21"></a><var>4.21</var>3
</statute_ref> state general election ballot. The office title printed on the ballot must be either "Soil <br/>
<a id="pl.4.22"></a><var>4.22</var>and Water Conservation District Supervisor" or "Conservation District Supervisor," based <br/>
<a id="pl.4.23"></a><var>4.23</var>upon the district from which the supervisor is to be elected.<br/>
<br/>
<a id="bill.3.3.0"></a><a id="pl.4.24"></a><var>4.24</var>    Sec. 3. Minnesota Statutes 2012, section 103C.311, subdivision 2, is amended to read:<br/>
<a id="pl.4.25"></a><var>4.25</var>    Subd. 2. <b>Supervisors elected by districts.</b> (a) The district board, with the approval <br/>
<a id="pl.4.26"></a><var>4.26</var>of the state board, may by resolution provide that supervisors will be elected by supervisor <br/>
<a id="pl.4.27"></a><var>4.27</var>districts as provided in this subdivision.<br/>
<a id="pl.4.28"></a><var>4.28</var>(b) The supervisor districts must be composed of precincts established by county and <br/>
<a id="pl.4.29"></a><var>4.29</var>municipal governing bodies under section 
         <statute_ref>204B.14</statute_ref>. The districts must be compact, include <br/>
<a id="pl.4.30"></a><var>4.30</var>only contiguous territory, and be substantially equal in population. The districts must be <br/>
<a id="pl.4.31"></a><var>4.31</var>numbered in a regular series. The districts must be drawn by the county board of the county <br/>
<a id="pl.4.32"></a><var>4.32</var>containing the largest area of the soil and water conservation district, in consultation with <br/>
<a id="pl.4.33"></a><var>4.33</var>the district board and with the approval of the state board. The boundaries of the districts <br/>
<a id="pl.4.34"></a><var>4.34</var>must be redrawn after each decennial federal census as provided in section 
         <statute_ref>204B.135</statute_ref>. A <br/>
<a id="pl.5.1"></a><var>5.1</var>certified copy of the resolution establishing supervisor districts must be filed by the chair <br/>
<a id="pl.5.2"></a><var>5.2</var>of the district board with the county auditor of the counties where the soil and water <br/>
<a id="pl.5.3"></a><var>5.3</var>conservation district is located, with the state board, and with the secretary of state at least <br/>
<a id="pl.5.4"></a><var>5.4</var>30 days before the first date candidates may file for the office of supervisor., and the filings <br/>
<a id="pl.5.5"></a><var>5.5</var>must occur within 80 days of the time when the legislature has been redistricted or at least <br/>
<a id="pl.5.6"></a><var>5.6</var>15 weeks before the state primary election in a year ending in two, whichever comes first.<br/>
<a id="pl.5.7"></a><var>5.7</var>(c) Each supervisor district is entitled to elect one supervisor. A supervisor must be a <br/>
<a id="pl.5.8"></a><var>5.8</var>resident of the district from which elected.<br/>
<a id="pl.5.9"></a><var>5.9</var>(d) The district board shall provide staggered terms for supervisors elected by <br/>
<a id="pl.5.10"></a><var>5.10</var>district. After each redistricting, there shall be a new election of supervisors in all the <br/>
<a id="pl.5.11"></a><var>5.11</var>districts at the next general election, except that if the change made in the boundaries of a <br/>
<a id="pl.5.12"></a><var>5.12</var>district is less than five percent of the average population of all the districts, the supervisor <br/>
<a id="pl.5.13"></a><var>5.13</var>in office at the time of the redistricting shall serve for the full term for which elected. The <br/>
<a id="pl.5.14"></a><var>5.14</var>district board shall determine by lot the seats to be filled for a two-year term, a four-year <br/>
<a id="pl.5.15"></a><var>5.15</var>term, and a six-year term.<br/>
<br/>
<a id="bill.3.4.0"></a><a id="pl.5.16"></a><var>5.16</var>    Sec. 4. Minnesota Statutes 2012, section 204B.18, subdivision 2, is amended to read:<br/>
<a id="pl.5.17"></a><var>5.17</var>    Subd. 2. <b>Ballot boxes.</b> Each polling place shall be provided with one ballot box for <br/>
<a id="pl.5.18"></a><var>5.18</var>each kind of ballot to be cast at the election. The boxes shall be substantially the same color <br/>
<a id="pl.5.19"></a><var>5.19</var>as the ballots to be deposited in them. Each box shall be of sufficient size and shall have a <br/>
<a id="pl.5.20"></a><var>5.20</var>sufficient opening to receive and contain all the ballots likely to be deposited in it. When <br/>
<a id="pl.5.21"></a><var>5.21</var>buff or goldenrod ballot boxes are required, a separate box must be provided for each school <br/>
<a id="pl.5.22"></a><var>5.22</var>district for which ballots are to be cast at that polling place. The number and name of the <br/>
<a id="pl.5.23"></a><var>5.23</var>school district must appear conspicuously on the top of each buff or goldenrod ballot box.<br/>
<br/>
<a id="bill.3.5.0"></a><a id="pl.5.24"></a><var>5.24</var>    Sec. 5. Minnesota Statutes 2012, section 204B.32, subdivision 1, is amended to read:<br/>
<a id="pl.5.25"></a><var>5.25</var>    Subdivision 1. <b>Payment.</b> (a) The secretary of state shall pay the compensation for <br/>
<a id="pl.5.26"></a><var>5.26</var>presidential electors, the cost of printing the pink paper ballots, and all necessary expenses <br/>
<a id="pl.5.27"></a><var>5.27</var>incurred by the secretary of state in connection with elections.<br/>
<a id="pl.5.28"></a><var>5.28</var>(b) The counties shall pay the compensation prescribed in section 
         <statute_ref>204B.31</statute_ref>, clauses <br/>
<a id="pl.5.29"></a><var>5.29</var>(b) and (c), the cost of printing the canary ballots, the white ballots, the pink state general <br/>
<a id="pl.5.30"></a><var>5.30</var>election ballots when machines are used, the state partisan primary ballots, and the <br/>
<a id="pl.5.31"></a><var>5.31</var>state and county nonpartisan primary ballots, all necessary expenses incurred by county <br/>
<a id="pl.5.32"></a><var>5.32</var>auditors in connection with elections, and the expenses of special county elections.<br/>
<a id="pl.5.33"></a><var>5.33</var>(c) Subject to subdivision 2, the municipalities shall pay the compensation prescribed <br/>
<a id="pl.5.34"></a><var>5.34</var>for election judges and sergeants at arms, the cost of printing the municipal ballots, <br/>
<a id="pl.6.1"></a><var>6.1</var>providing ballot boxes, providing and equipping polling places and all necessary expenses <br/>
<a id="pl.6.2"></a><var>6.2</var>of the municipal clerks in connection with elections, except special county elections.<br/>
<a id="pl.6.3"></a><var>6.3</var>(d) The school districts shall pay the compensation prescribed for election judges <br/>
<a id="pl.6.4"></a><var>6.4</var>and sergeants-at-arms, the cost of printing the school district ballots, providing ballot <br/>
<a id="pl.6.5"></a><var>6.5</var>boxes, providing and equipping polling places and all necessary expenses of the school <br/>
<a id="pl.6.6"></a><var>6.6</var>district clerks in connection with school district elections not held in conjunction with <br/>
<a id="pl.6.7"></a><var>6.7</var>state elections. When school district elections are held in conjunction with state elections, <br/>
<a id="pl.6.8"></a><var>6.8</var>the school district shall pay the costs of printing the school district ballots, providing ballot <br/>
<a id="pl.6.9"></a><var>6.9</var>boxes and all necessary expenses of the school district clerk.<br/>
<a id="pl.6.10"></a><var>6.10</var>All disbursements under this section shall be presented, audited, and paid as in <br/>
<a id="pl.6.11"></a><var>6.11</var>the case of other public expenses.<br/>
<br/>
<a id="bill.3.6.0"></a><a id="pl.6.12"></a><var>6.12</var>    Sec. 6. Minnesota Statutes 2012, section 204B.36, subdivision 1, is amended to read:<br/>
<a id="pl.6.13"></a><var>6.13</var>    Subdivision 1. <b>Type.</b> All ballots shall be printed with black ink on paper of sufficient <br/>
<a id="pl.6.14"></a><var>6.14</var>thickness to prevent the printing from being discernible from the back. All ballots of the <br/>
<a id="pl.6.15"></a><var>6.15</var>same color shall be substantially uniform in style of printing, size, thickness and shade of <br/>
<a id="pl.6.16"></a><var>6.16</var>color. When the ballots of a particular color vary in shade, those used in any one precinct <br/>
<a id="pl.6.17"></a><var>6.17</var>shall be of the same shade. All ballots shall be printed in easily readable type with suitable <br/>
<a id="pl.6.18"></a><var>6.18</var>lines dividing candidates, offices, instructions and other matter printed on ballots. The <br/>
<a id="pl.6.19"></a><var>6.19</var>name of each candidate shall be printed in capital letters. The same type shall be used for <br/>
<a id="pl.6.20"></a><var>6.20</var>the names of all candidates on the same ballot.<br/>
<br/>
<a id="bill.3.7.0"></a><a id="pl.6.21"></a><var>6.21</var>    Sec. 7. Minnesota Statutes 2012, section 204C.19, subdivision 2, is amended to read:<br/>
<a id="pl.6.22"></a><var>6.22</var>    Subd. 2. <b>Ballots; order of counting.</b> Except as otherwise provided in this <br/>
<a id="pl.6.23"></a><var>6.23</var>subdivision, the ballot boxes shall be opened, the votes counted, and the total declared one <br/>
<a id="pl.6.24"></a><var>6.24</var>box at a time in the following order: the white box, the pink box, the canary box, the light <br/>
<a id="pl.6.25"></a><var>6.25</var>green box, the blue box, the buff box, the goldenrod box, the gray box, and then the other <br/>
<a id="pl.6.26"></a><var>6.26</var>kinds of ballots voted at the election. If enough election judges are available to provide <br/>
<a id="pl.6.27"></a><var>6.27</var>counting teams of four or more election judges for each box, more than one box may be <br/>
<a id="pl.6.28"></a><var>6.28</var>opened and counted at the same time. The election judges on each counting team shall be <br/>
<a id="pl.6.29"></a><var>6.29</var>evenly divided between the major political parties. The numbers entered on the summary <br/>
<a id="pl.6.30"></a><var>6.30</var>sheet shall not be considered final until the ballots in all the boxes have been counted and <br/>
<a id="pl.6.31"></a><var>6.31</var>corrections have been made if ballots have been deposited in the wrong boxes.<br/>
<br/>
<a id="bill.3.8.0"></a><a id="pl.6.32"></a><var>6.32</var>    Sec. 8. Minnesota Statutes 2012, section 204C.25, is amended to read:<br/>
<a id="pl.6.33"></a><var>6.33</var><b>204C.25 DISPOSITION OF BALLOTS.</b><br/>
<a id="pl.7.1"></a><var>7.1</var>After the count and the summary statements have been completed, in the presence <br/>
<a id="pl.7.2"></a><var>7.2</var>of all the election judges, the counted, defective, and blank ballots shall be placed in <br/>
<a id="pl.7.3"></a><var>7.3</var>envelopes marked or printed to distinguish the color of the ballots contained, and the <br/>
<a id="pl.7.4"></a><var>7.4</var>envelopes shall be sealed. The election judges shall sign each envelope over the sealed part <br/>
<a id="pl.7.5"></a><var>7.5</var>so that the envelope cannot be opened without disturbing the continuity of the signatures. <br/>
<a id="pl.7.6"></a><var>7.6</var>The number and kind of ballots in each envelope, the name of the town or city, and the <br/>
<a id="pl.7.7"></a><var>7.7</var>name of the precinct shall be plainly written upon the envelopes. The number and name of <br/>
<a id="pl.7.8"></a><var>7.8</var>the district must be plainly written on envelopes containing school district ballots. The <br/>
<a id="pl.7.9"></a><var>7.9</var>spoiled ballots shall be placed in separate envelopes and returned with the unused ballots <br/>
<a id="pl.7.10"></a><var>7.10</var>to the county auditor or municipal or school district clerk from whom they were received.<br/>
<br/>
<a id="bill.3.9.0"></a><a id="pl.7.11"></a><var>7.11</var>    Sec. 9. Minnesota Statutes 2012, section 204C.27, is amended to read:<br/>
<a id="pl.7.12"></a><var>7.12</var><b>204C.27 DELIVERY OF RETURNS TO COUNTY AUDITORS.</b><br/>
<a id="pl.7.13"></a><var>7.13</var>One or more of the election judges in each precinct shall deliver two sets of <br/>
<a id="pl.7.14"></a><var>7.14</var>summary statements; all spoiled white, pink, canary, and gray ballots; and the envelopes <br/>
<a id="pl.7.15"></a><var>7.15</var>containing the white, pink, canary, and gray ballots either directly to the municipal clerk <br/>
<a id="pl.7.16"></a><var>7.16</var>for transmittal to the county auditor's office or directly to the county auditor's office as <br/>
<a id="pl.7.17"></a><var>7.17</var>soon as possible after the vote counting is completed but no later than 24 hours after the <br/>
<a id="pl.7.18"></a><var>7.18</var>end of the hours for voting. One or more election judges shall deliver the remaining set <br/>
<a id="pl.7.19"></a><var>7.19</var>of summary statements and returns, all unused and spoiled municipal and school district <br/>
<a id="pl.7.20"></a><var>7.20</var>ballots, the envelopes containing municipal and school district ballots, and all other things <br/>
<a id="pl.7.21"></a><var>7.21</var>furnished by the municipal or school district clerk, to the municipal or school district <br/>
<a id="pl.7.22"></a><var>7.22</var>clerk's office within 24 hours after the end of the hours for voting. The municipal or school <br/>
<a id="pl.7.23"></a><var>7.23</var>district clerk shall return all polling place rosters and completed voter registration cards to <br/>
<a id="pl.7.24"></a><var>7.24</var>the county auditor within 48 hours after the end of the hours for voting.<br/>
<br/>
<a id="bill.3.10.0"></a><a id="pl.7.25"></a><var>7.25</var>    Sec. 10. Minnesota Statutes 2012, section 204D.08, subdivision 6, is amended to read:<br/>
<a id="pl.7.26"></a><var>7.26</var>    Subd. 6. <b>State and county nonpartisan primary ballot.</b> The state and county <br/>
<a id="pl.7.27"></a><var>7.27</var>nonpartisan primary ballot shall be headed "State and County Nonpartisan Primary <br/>
<a id="pl.7.28"></a><var>7.28</var>Ballot." It shall be printed on canary paper in the manner provided in the rules of the <br/>
<a id="pl.7.29"></a><var>7.29</var>secretary of state. The names of candidates for nomination to the Supreme Court, Court of <br/>
<a id="pl.7.30"></a><var>7.30</var>Appeals, district court, and all county offices shall be placed on this ballot.<br/>
<a id="pl.7.31"></a><var>7.31</var>No candidate whose name is placed on the state and county nonpartisan primary <br/>
<a id="pl.7.32"></a><var>7.32</var>ballot shall be designated or identified as the candidate of any political party or in any <br/>
<a id="pl.7.33"></a><var>7.33</var>other manner except as expressly provided by law.<br/>
<br/>
<a id="bill.3.11.0"></a><a id="pl.8.1"></a><var>8.1</var>    Sec. 11. Minnesota Statutes 2012, section 204D.11, subdivision 1, is amended to read:<br/>
<a id="pl.8.2"></a><var>8.2</var>    Subdivision 1. <b>White</b><b> </b><b>State general election </b><b>ballot; rules.</b> The names of <br/>
<a id="pl.8.3"></a><var>8.3</var>the candidates for all partisan state and federal offices, all proposed constitutional <br/>
<a id="pl.8.4"></a><var>8.4</var>amendments, all county offices and questions, and all judicial offices voted on at the state <br/>
<a id="pl.8.5"></a><var>8.5</var>general election shall be placed on a single ballot printed on white paper which that  shall <br/>
<a id="pl.8.6"></a><var>8.6</var>be known as the "white state general election ballot." This ballot shall be prepared by the <br/>
<a id="pl.8.7"></a><var>8.7</var>county auditor subject to the rules of the secretary of state. The secretary of state shall <br/>
<a id="pl.8.8"></a><var>8.8</var>adopt rules for preparation and time of delivery of the white state general election ballot.<br/>
<br/>
<a id="bill.3.12.0"></a><a id="pl.8.9"></a><var>8.9</var>    Sec. 12. Minnesota Statutes 2012, section 204D.11, subdivision 4, is amended to read:<br/>
<a id="pl.8.10"></a><var>8.10</var>    Subd. 4. <b>Special federal </b><b>white</b><b> ballot.</b> (a) The names of all candidates for the <br/>
<a id="pl.8.11"></a><var>8.11</var>offices of president and vice-president of the United States and senator and representative <br/>
<a id="pl.8.12"></a><var>8.12</var>in Congress shall be placed on a ballot printed on white paper which that shall be known <br/>
<a id="pl.8.13"></a><var>8.13</var>as the "special federal white ballot."<br/>
<a id="pl.8.14"></a><var>8.14</var>(b) This ballot shall be prepared by the county auditor in the same manner as <br/>
<a id="pl.8.15"></a><var>8.15</var>the white state general election ballot and shall be subject to the rules adopted by the <br/>
<a id="pl.8.16"></a><var>8.16</var>secretary of state pursuant to subdivision 1. This ballot must be prepared and furnished <br/>
<a id="pl.8.17"></a><var>8.17</var>in accordance with the federal Uniformed and Overseas Citizens Absentee Voting Act, <br/>
<a id="pl.8.18"></a><var>8.18</var>United States Code, title 42, section 1973ff.<br/>
<a id="pl.8.19"></a><var>8.19</var>(c) The special federal white ballot shall be the only ballot sent to citizens of <br/>
<a id="pl.8.20"></a><var>8.20</var>the United States who are eligible to vote by absentee ballot for federal candidates in <br/>
<a id="pl.8.21"></a><var>8.21</var>Minnesota.<br/>
<br/>
<a id="bill.3.13.0"></a><a id="pl.8.22"></a><var>8.22</var>    Sec. 13. Minnesota Statutes 2012, section 204D.11, subdivision 5, is amended to read:<br/>
<a id="pl.8.23"></a><var>8.23</var>    Subd. 5. <b>Ballot headings.</b> The white, pink, and special federal white ballot <br/>
<a id="pl.8.24"></a><var>8.24</var>containing the offices and questions in subdivisions 1 and 4, shall be headed with the <br/>
<a id="pl.8.25"></a><var>8.25</var>words "State General Election Ballot." The canary ballot shall be headed with the words <br/>
<a id="pl.8.26"></a><var>8.26</var>"County and Judicial Nonpartisan General Election Ballot."<br/>
<br/>
<a id="bill.3.14.0"></a><a id="pl.8.27"></a><var>8.27</var>    Sec. 14. Minnesota Statutes 2012, section 204D.11, subdivision 6, is amended to read:<br/>
<a id="pl.8.28"></a><var>8.28</var>    Subd. 6. <b>Gray</b><b> </b><b>Judicial </b><b>ballot.</b> When the canary ballot would be longer than 30 <br/>
<a id="pl.8.29"></a><var>8.29</var>inches or when it would not be possible to place all offices on a single ballot card for the <br/>
<a id="pl.8.30"></a><var>8.30</var>state general election, the judicial offices that should be placed on the canary ballot may be <br/>
<a id="pl.8.31"></a><var>8.31</var>placed instead on a separate gray judicial ballot. The gray judicial ballot shall be prepared <br/>
<a id="pl.8.32"></a><var>8.32</var>by the county auditor in the manner provided in the rules of the secretary of state.<br/>
<a id="pl.9.1"></a><var>9.1</var>The gray judicial ballot must be headed with the words: "Judicial Nonpartisan <br/>
<a id="pl.9.2"></a><var>9.2</var>General Election Ballot." Separate ballot boxes must be provided for these gray judicial <br/>
<a id="pl.9.3"></a><var>9.3</var>ballots.<br/>
<br/>
<a id="bill.3.15.0"></a><a id="pl.9.4"></a><var>9.4</var>    Sec. 15. Minnesota Statutes 2012, section 204D.13, subdivision 3, is amended to read:<br/>
<a id="pl.9.5"></a><var>9.5</var>    Subd. 3. <b>Nominees by petition; placement on ballot.</b> The names of candidates <br/>
<a id="pl.9.6"></a><var>9.6</var>nominated by petition for a partisan office voted on at the state general election shall be <br/>
<a id="pl.9.7"></a><var>9.7</var>placed on the white state general election ballot after the names of the candidates for that <br/>
<a id="pl.9.8"></a><var>9.8</var>office who were nominated at the state primary. Prior to the state primary No later than <br/>
<a id="pl.9.9"></a><var>9.9</var>11 weeks before the state general election, the secretary of state shall determine by lot <br/>
<a id="pl.9.10"></a><var>9.10</var>the order of candidates nominated by petition. The drawing of lots must be by political <br/>
<a id="pl.9.11"></a><var>9.11</var>party or principle. The political party or political principle of the candidate as stated on <br/>
<a id="pl.9.12"></a><var>9.12</var>the petition shall be placed after the name of a candidate nominated by petition. The word <br/>
<a id="pl.9.13"></a><var>9.13</var>"nonpartisan" shall not be used to designate any partisan candidate whose name is placed <br/>
<a id="pl.9.14"></a><var>9.14</var>on the white state general election ballot by nominating petition.<br/>
<br/>
<a id="bill.3.16.0"></a><a id="pl.9.15"></a><var>9.15</var>    Sec. 16. Minnesota Statutes 2012, section 204D.14, subdivision 1, is amended to read:<br/>
<a id="pl.9.16"></a><var>9.16</var>    Subdivision 1. <b>Rotation of names.</b> The names of candidates for nonpartisan offices <br/>
<a id="pl.9.17"></a><var>9.17</var>on the canary state general election ballot and the judicial nonpartisan general election <br/>
<a id="pl.9.18"></a><var>9.18</var>ballot shall be rotated in the manner provided for rotation of names on state partisan <br/>
<a id="pl.9.19"></a><var>9.19</var>primary ballots by section 
         <statute_ref>204D.08, subdivision 3</statute_ref>.<br/>
<br/>
<a id="bill.3.17.0"></a><a id="pl.9.20"></a><var>9.20</var>    Sec. 17. Minnesota Statutes 2012, section 204D.14, subdivision 3, is amended to read:<br/>
<a id="pl.9.21"></a><var>9.21</var>    Subd. 3. <b>Uncontested judicial offices.</b> Judicial offices for a specific court for <br/>
<a id="pl.9.22"></a><var>9.22</var>which there is only one candidate filed must appear after all other judicial offices for that <br/>
<a id="pl.9.23"></a><var>9.23</var>same court on the canary ballot.<br/>
<br/>
<a id="bill.3.18.0"></a><a id="pl.9.24"></a><var>9.24</var>    Sec. 18. Minnesota Statutes 2012, section 204D.15, subdivision 3, is amended to read:<br/>
<a id="pl.9.25"></a><var>9.25</var>    Subd. 3. <b>Sample </b><b>pink</b><b> ballot</b><b>; constitutional amendments</b><b>.</b> Four weeks before the <br/>
<a id="pl.9.26"></a><var>9.26</var>state general election the secretary of state shall file sample copies of the pink ballot<br/>
<a id="pl.9.27"></a><var>9.27</var> portion of the state general election ballot that contains the proposed constitutional <br/>
<a id="pl.9.28"></a><var>9.28</var>amendments in the Secretary of State's Office for public inspection. Three weeks before <br/>
<a id="pl.9.29"></a><var>9.29</var>the state general election the secretary of state shall mail transmit sample copies of the <br/>
<a id="pl.9.30"></a><var>9.30</var>pink sample ballot to each county auditor. Each auditor shall post the sample ballot in a <br/>
<a id="pl.9.31"></a><var>9.31</var>conspicuous place in the auditor's office.<br/>
<br/>
<a id="bill.3.19.0"></a><a id="pl.10.1"></a><var>10.1</var>    Sec. 19. Minnesota Statutes 2012, section 204D.16, is amended to read:<br/>
<a id="pl.10.2"></a><var>10.2</var><b>204D.16 SAMPLE GENERAL ELECTION BALLOTS; POSTING; </b><br/>
<a id="pl.10.3"></a><var>10.3</var><b>PUBLICATION.</b><br/>
<a id="pl.10.4"></a><var>10.4</var>Two weeks before the state general election the county auditor shall prepare sample <br/>
<a id="pl.10.5"></a><var>10.5</var>copies of the white and canary ballots and At least 46 days before the state general <br/>
<a id="pl.10.6"></a><var>10.6</var>election, the county auditor shall post copies of these sample ballots and a sample of the <br/>
<a id="pl.10.7"></a><var>10.7</var>pink ballot for each precinct in the auditor's office for public inspection and transmit an <br/>
<a id="pl.10.8"></a><var>10.8</var>electronic copy of these sample ballots to the secretary of state. No earlier than 15 days <br/>
<a id="pl.10.9"></a><var>10.9</var>and no later than two days before the state general election the county auditor shall cause <br/>
<a id="pl.10.10"></a><var>10.10</var>the sample white and canary ballots state general election ballots to be published in at <br/>
<a id="pl.10.11"></a><var>10.11</var>least one newspaper of general circulation in the county.<br/>
<br/>
<a id="bill.3.20.0"></a><a id="pl.10.12"></a><var>10.12</var>    Sec. 20. Minnesota Statutes 2012, section 204D.165, is amended to read:<br/>
<a id="pl.10.13"></a><var>10.13</var><b>204D.165 SAMPLE BALLOTS TO SCHOOLS.</b><br/>
<a id="pl.10.14"></a><var>10.14</var>Notwithstanding any contrary provisions in section 
<statute_ref>204D.09</statute_ref> or 
<statute_ref>204D.16</statute_ref>, The county <br/>
<a id="pl.10.15"></a><var>10.15</var>auditor, two weeks before the applicable primary or general election, shall provide one <br/>
<a id="pl.10.16"></a><var>10.16</var>copy of the an appropriate sample partisan primary, nonpartisan primary, canary, white, <br/>
<a id="pl.10.17"></a><var>10.17</var>or pink ballot to a school district upon request. The school district may have the sample <br/>
<a id="pl.10.18"></a><var>10.18</var>ballots reproduced at its expense for classroom educational purposes and for educational <br/>
<a id="pl.10.19"></a><var>10.19</var>activities authorized under section 
         <statute_ref>204B.27, subdivision 7</statute_ref>.<br/>
<br/>
<a id="bill.3.21.0"></a><a id="pl.10.20"></a><var>10.20</var>    Sec. 21. Minnesota Statutes 2012, section 205.17, subdivision 1, is amended to read:<br/>
<a id="pl.10.21"></a><var>10.21</var>    Subdivision 1. <b>Second, third, and fourth class cities; towns</b><b> Municipal offices; </b><br/>
<a id="pl.10.22"></a><var>10.22</var><b>questions; general election ballot</b><b>.</b> In all statutory and home rule charter cities of the <br/>
<a id="pl.10.23"></a><var>10.23</var>second, third, and fourth class, and in all towns, for the municipal general election, the <br/>
<a id="pl.10.24"></a><var>10.24</var>municipal clerk shall have printed on light green paper the official ballot containing the <br/>
<a id="pl.10.25"></a><var>10.25</var>names of all candidates for municipal offices and municipal ballot questions. The ballot <br/>
<a id="pl.10.26"></a><var>10.26</var>shall be printed in quantities of 25, 50, or 100, shall be headed "City or Town Election <br/>
<a id="pl.10.27"></a><var>10.27</var>Ballot," shall state the name of the city or town and the date of the election, and shall <br/>
<a id="pl.10.28"></a><var>10.28</var>conform in other respects to the white ballot used at the state general election ballot. The <br/>
<a id="pl.10.29"></a><var>10.29</var>names shall be arranged on city ballots in the manner provided for the state elections. On <br/>
<a id="pl.10.30"></a><var>10.30</var>town ballots names of the candidates for each office shall be arranged either:<br/>
<a id="pl.10.31"></a><var>10.31</var>(1) alphabetically according to the candidates' surnames; or<br/>
<a id="pl.10.32"></a><var>10.32</var>(2) in the manner provided for state elections if the town electors chose at the town's <br/>
<a id="pl.10.33"></a><var>10.33</var>annual meeting to arrange the names in that way for at least two consecutive years.<br/>
<br/>
<a id="bill.3.22.0"></a><a id="pl.11.1"></a><var>11.1</var>    Sec. 22. Minnesota Statutes 2012, section 205.17, subdivision 3, is amended to read:<br/>
<a id="pl.11.2"></a><var>11.2</var>    Subd. 3. <b>Primary ballots.</b> The municipal primary ballot in cities of the second, <br/>
<a id="pl.11.3"></a><var>11.3</var>third, and fourth class and towns and the nonpartisan primary ballot in cities of the first <br/>
<a id="pl.11.4"></a><var>11.4</var>class shall conform as far as practicable with the municipal general election ballot except <br/>
<a id="pl.11.5"></a><var>11.5</var>that it shall be printed on light green paper. No blank spaces shall be provided for writing <br/>
<a id="pl.11.6"></a><var>11.6</var>in the names of candidates. The partisan primary ballot in cities of the first class shall <br/>
<a id="pl.11.7"></a><var>11.7</var>conform as far as practicable with the state partisan primary ballot.<br/>
<br/>
<a id="bill.3.23.0"></a><a id="pl.11.8"></a><var>11.8</var>    Sec. 23. Minnesota Statutes 2012, section 205A.08, subdivision 1, is amended to read:<br/>
<a id="pl.11.9"></a><var>11.9</var>    Subdivision 1. <b>Buff</b><b> </b><b>General election </b><b>ballot.</b> The names of all candidates for offices <br/>
<a id="pl.11.10"></a><var>11.10</var>and all ballot questions to be voted on at a school district general election must be placed <br/>
<a id="pl.11.11"></a><var>11.11</var>on a single ballot printed on buff paper and known as the "buff ballot.".<br/>
<br/>
<a id="bill.3.24.0"></a><a id="pl.11.12"></a><var>11.12</var>    Sec. 24. Minnesota Statutes 2012, section 206.61, subdivision 4, is amended to read:<br/>
<a id="pl.11.13"></a><var>11.13</var>    Subd. 4. <b>Order of candidates.</b> On the "State Partisan Primary Ballot" prepared for <br/>
<a id="pl.11.14"></a><var>11.14</var>primary elections, and on the white state general election ballot prepared for the general <br/>
<a id="pl.11.15"></a><var>11.15</var>election, the order of the names of nominees or names of candidates for election shall be <br/>
<a id="pl.11.16"></a><var>11.16</var>the same as required for paper ballots. More than one column or row may be used for the <br/>
<a id="pl.11.17"></a><var>11.17</var>same office or party. Electronic ballot display and audio ballot readers must conform to <br/>
<a id="pl.11.18"></a><var>11.18</var>the candidate order on the optical scan ballot used in the precinct.<br/>
<br/>
<a id="bill.3.25.0"></a><a id="pl.11.19"></a><var>11.19</var>    Sec. 25. Minnesota Statutes 2012, section 208.04, subdivision 1, is amended to read:<br/>
<a id="pl.11.20"></a><var>11.20</var>    Subdivision 1. <b>Form of presidential ballots.</b> When presidential electors and <br/>
<a id="pl.11.21"></a><var>11.21</var>alternates are to be voted for, a vote cast for the party candidates for president and vice <br/>
<a id="pl.11.22"></a><var>11.22</var>president shall be deemed a vote for that party's electors and alternates as filed with the <br/>
<a id="pl.11.23"></a><var>11.23</var>secretary of state. The secretary of state shall certify the names of all duly nominated <br/>
<a id="pl.11.24"></a><var>11.24</var>presidential and vice presidential candidates to the county auditors of the counties of <br/>
<a id="pl.11.25"></a><var>11.25</var>the state. Each county auditor, subject to the rules of the secretary of state, shall cause <br/>
<a id="pl.11.26"></a><var>11.26</var>the names of the candidates of each major political party and the candidates nominated <br/>
<a id="pl.11.27"></a><var>11.27</var>by petition to be printed in capital letters, set in type of the same size and style as for <br/>
<a id="pl.11.28"></a><var>11.28</var>candidates on the state white general election ballot, before the party designation. To the <br/>
<a id="pl.11.29"></a><var>11.29</var>left of, and on the same line with the names of the candidates for president and vice <br/>
<a id="pl.11.30"></a><var>11.30</var>president, near the margin, shall be placed a square or box, in which the voters may <br/>
<a id="pl.11.31"></a><var>11.31</var>indicate their choice by marking an "X."<br/>
<a id="pl.11.32"></a><var>11.32</var>The form for the presidential ballot and the relative position of the several candidates <br/>
<a id="pl.11.33"></a><var>11.33</var>shall be determined by the rules applicable to other state officers. The state ballot, with <br/>
<a id="pl.12.1"></a><var>12.1</var>the required heading, shall be printed on the same piece of paper and shall be below the <br/>
<a id="pl.12.2"></a><var>12.2</var>presidential ballot with a blank space between one inch in width.<br/>
<br/>
<a id="bill.3.26.0"></a><a id="pl.12.3"></a><var>12.3</var>    Sec. 26. Minnesota Statutes 2012, section 208.04, subdivision 2, is amended to read:<br/>
<a id="pl.12.4"></a><var>12.4</var>    Subd. 2. <b>Applicable rules.</b> The rules for preparation, state contribution to the cost <br/>
<a id="pl.12.5"></a><var>12.5</var>of printing, and delivery of presidential ballots are the same as the rules for white state <br/>
<a id="pl.12.6"></a><var>12.6</var>general election ballots under section 
         <statute_ref>204D.11, subdivision 1</statute_ref>.<br/>
<br/>
<a id="bill.3.27.0"></a><a id="pl.12.7"></a><var>12.7</var>    Sec. 27. <b> REPEALER.</b><br/>
<a id="pl.12.8"></a><var>12.8</var>Minnesota Statutes 2012, sections 204B.42; 204D.11, subdivisions 2 and 3; 205.17, <br/>
<a id="pl.12.9"></a><var>12.9</var>subdivisions 2 and 4; and 205A.08, subdivision 4, are repealed.<br/>