<a id="pl.1.3"></a><var>1.3</var>making technical changes to provisions related to voting, voter registration, <br/>
<a id="pl.1.4"></a><var>1.4</var>ballots, and other election-related provisions;amending Minnesota Statutes <br/>
<a id="pl.1.5"></a><var>1.5</var>2012, sections 201.081; 201.091, subdivision 2; 201.13, subdivision 4; 203B.22; <br/>
<a id="pl.1.6"></a><var>1.6</var>204B.09, subdivision 3; 204B.19, subdivision 2; 204C.08, subdivision 1d; <br/>
<a id="pl.1.7"></a><var>1.7</var>204C.26, subdivision 1; 204D.13, subdivisions 1, 2; 204D.15, subdivision 1; <br/>
<a id="pl.1.8"></a><var>1.8</var>205.07, subdivision 1a; 205.13, subdivision 1; 375A.12, subdivision 5; 412.091; <br/>
<a id="pl.1.9"></a><var>1.9</var>Minnesota Statutes 2013 Supplement, sections 5B.06; 103C.311, subdivision 2; <br/>
<a id="pl.1.10"></a><var>1.10</var>201.061, subdivision 3; 204B.45, subdivision 2; 204B.46; 205A.05, subdivision <br/>
<a id="pl.1.11"></a><var>1.11</var>1; 368.47; proposing coding for new law in Minnesota Statutes, chapter 211C; <br/>
<a id="pl.1.12"></a><var>1.12</var>repealing Minnesota Statutes 2012, section 201.016, subdivision 2.<br/>
<a id="pl.1.13"></a><var>1.13</var>BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF MINNESOTA:<br/>
<br/>
<a id="bill.0.1.0"></a><a id="pl.1.14"></a><var>1.14</var>    Section 1. Minnesota Statutes 2013 Supplement, section 5B.06, is amended to read:<br/>
<a id="pl.1.15"></a><var>1.15</var><b>5B.06 VOTING BY PROGRAM PARTICIPANT; ABSENTEE BALLOT.</b><br/>
<a id="pl.1.16"></a><var>1.16</var>A program participant who is otherwise eligible to vote may register with the <br/>
<a id="pl.1.17"></a><var>1.17</var>secretary of state as a permanent absentee voter. Notwithstanding section 
         <statute_ref>203B.04</statute_ref>, <br/>
<a id="pl.1.18"></a><var>1.18</var>subdivision 5, the secretary of state is not required to send an absentee ballot application <br/>
<a id="pl.1.19"></a><var>1.19</var>prior to each election to a program participant registered as a permanent absentee voter <br/>
<a id="pl.1.20"></a><var>1.20</var>under this section. As soon as practicable before each election, the secretary of state <br/>
<a id="pl.1.21"></a><var>1.21</var>shall determine the precinct in which the residential address of the program participant <br/>
<a id="pl.1.22"></a><var>1.22</var>is located and shall request from and receive from the county auditor or other election <br/>
<a id="pl.1.23"></a><var>1.23</var>official the ballot for that precinct and shall forward the absentee ballot to the program <br/>
<a id="pl.1.24"></a><var>1.24</var>participant with the other materials for absentee balloting as required by Minnesota <br/>
<a id="pl.1.25"></a><var>1.25</var>law. The program participant shall complete the ballot and return it to the secretary of <br/>
<a id="pl.1.26"></a><var>1.26</var>state, who shall review the ballot in the manner provided by section 203B.24 203B.121, <br/>
<a id="pl.1.27"></a><var>1.27</var>subdivision 2. If the ballot and ballot materials comply with the requirements of that <br/>
<a id="pl.2.1"></a><var>2.1</var>section, the ballot must be certified by the secretary of state as the ballot of a program <br/>
<a id="pl.2.2"></a><var>2.2</var>participant, and must be forwarded to the appropriate electoral jurisdiction for tabulation <br/>
<a id="pl.2.3"></a><var>2.3</var>along with all other ballots. The name and address of a program participant must not be <br/>
<a id="pl.2.4"></a><var>2.4</var>listed in the statewide voter registration system.<br/>
<br/>
<a id="bill.0.2.0"></a><a id="pl.2.5"></a><var>2.5</var>    Sec. 2. Minnesota Statutes 2013 Supplement, section 103C.311, subdivision 2, is <br/>
<a id="pl.2.6"></a><var>2.6</var>amended to read:<br/>
<a id="pl.2.7"></a><var>2.7</var>    Subd. 2. <b>Supervisors elected by districts.</b> (a) A district board in the seven-county <br/>
<a id="pl.2.8"></a><var>2.8</var>metropolitan area shall by resolution provide that supervisors will be elected by supervisor <br/>
<a id="pl.2.9"></a><var>2.9</var>districts as provided in this subdivision.<br/>
<a id="pl.2.10"></a><var>2.10</var>(a) The (b) A district board outside of the seven-county metropolitan area, with the <br/>
<a id="pl.2.11"></a><var>2.11</var>approval of the state board, may by resolution provide that supervisors will be elected by <br/>
<a id="pl.2.12"></a><var>2.12</var>supervisor districts as provided in this subdivision.<br/>
<a id="pl.2.13"></a><var>2.13</var>(b) (c) The supervisor districts must be composed of precincts established by <br/>
<a id="pl.2.14"></a><var>2.14</var>county and municipal governing bodies under section 
         <statute_ref>204B.14</statute_ref>. The districts must be <br/>
<a id="pl.2.15"></a><var>2.15</var>compact, include only contiguous territory, and be substantially equal in population. <br/>
<a id="pl.2.16"></a><var>2.16</var>The districts must be numbered in a regular series. The districts must be drawn by the <br/>
<a id="pl.2.17"></a><var>2.17</var>county board of the county containing the largest area of the soil and water conservation <br/>
<a id="pl.2.18"></a><var>2.18</var>district, in consultation with the district board and with the approval of the state board. <br/>
<a id="pl.2.19"></a><var>2.19</var>The boundaries of the districts must be redrawn after each decennial federal census as <br/>
<a id="pl.2.20"></a><var>2.20</var>provided in section 
         <statute_ref>204B.135</statute_ref>. A certified copy of the resolution establishing supervisor <br/>
<a id="pl.2.21"></a><var>2.21</var>districts must be filed by the chair of the district board with the county auditor of the <br/>
<a id="pl.2.22"></a><var>2.22</var>counties where the soil and water conservation district is located, with the state board, and <br/>
<a id="pl.2.23"></a><var>2.23</var>with the secretary of state, and the filings must occur within 80 days of the time when the <br/>
<a id="pl.2.24"></a><var>2.24</var>legislature has been redistricted or at least 15 weeks before the state primary election in a <br/>
<a id="pl.2.25"></a><var>2.25</var>year ending in two, whichever comes first.<br/>
<a id="pl.2.26"></a><var>2.26</var>(c) (d) Each supervisor district is entitled to elect one supervisor. A supervisor must <br/>
<a id="pl.2.27"></a><var>2.27</var>be a resident of the district from which elected.<br/>
<a id="pl.2.28"></a><var>2.28</var>(d) (e) The district board shall provide staggered terms for supervisors elected by <br/>
<a id="pl.2.29"></a><var>2.29</var>district. After each redistricting, there shall be a new election of supervisors in all the <br/>
<a id="pl.2.30"></a><var>2.30</var>districts at the next general election, except that if the change made in the boundaries of a <br/>
<a id="pl.2.31"></a><var>2.31</var>district is less than five percent of the average population of all the districts, the supervisor <br/>
<a id="pl.2.32"></a><var>2.32</var>in office at the time of the redistricting shall serve for the full term for which elected. The <br/>
<a id="pl.2.33"></a><var>2.33</var>district board shall determine by lot the seats to be filled for a two-year term, a four-year <br/>
<a id="pl.2.34"></a><var>2.34</var>term, and a six-year term.<br/>
<a id="pl.3.1"></a><var>3.1</var><b>EFFECTIVE DATE.</b>This section is effective January 1, 2015, and applies to <br/>
<a id="pl.3.2"></a><var>3.2</var>elections conducted on or after that date.<br/>
<br/>
<a id="bill.0.3.0"></a><a id="pl.3.3"></a><var>3.3</var>    Sec. 3. Minnesota Statutes 2013 Supplement, section 201.061, subdivision 3, is <br/>
<a id="pl.3.4"></a><var>3.4</var>amended to read:<br/>
<a id="pl.3.5"></a><var>3.5</var>    Subd. 3. <b>Election day registration.</b> (a) An individual who is eligible to vote may <br/>
<a id="pl.3.6"></a><var>3.6</var>register on election day by appearing in person at the polling place for the precinct in <br/>
<a id="pl.3.7"></a><var>3.7</var>which the individual maintains residence, by completing a registration application, making <br/>
<a id="pl.3.8"></a><var>3.8</var>an oath in the form prescribed by the secretary of state and providing proof of residence. <br/>
<a id="pl.3.9"></a><var>3.9</var>An individual may prove residence for purposes of registering by:<br/>
<a id="pl.3.10"></a><var>3.10</var>    (1) presenting a driver's license or Minnesota identification card issued pursuant <br/>
<a id="pl.3.11"></a><var>3.11</var>to section 
         <statute_ref>171.07</statute_ref>;<br/>
<a id="pl.3.12"></a><var>3.12</var>    (2) presenting any document approved by the secretary of state as proper <br/>
<a id="pl.3.13"></a><var>3.13</var>identification;<br/>
<a id="pl.3.14"></a><var>3.14</var>    (3) presenting one of the following:<br/>
<a id="pl.3.15"></a><var>3.15</var>    (i) a current valid student identification card from a postsecondary educational <br/>
<a id="pl.3.16"></a><var>3.16</var>institution in Minnesota, if a list of students from that institution has been prepared under <br/>
<a id="pl.3.17"></a><var>3.17</var>section 
         <statute_ref>135A.17</statute_ref> and certified to the county auditor in the manner provided in rules of <br/>
<a id="pl.3.18"></a><var>3.18</var>the secretary of state; or<br/>
<a id="pl.3.19"></a><var>3.19</var>    (ii) a current student fee statement that contains the student's valid address in the <br/>
<a id="pl.3.20"></a><var>3.20</var>precinct together with a picture identification card; or<br/>
<a id="pl.3.21"></a><var>3.21</var>    (4) having a voter who is registered to vote in the precinct, or who is an employee <br/>
<a id="pl.3.22"></a><var>3.22</var>employed by and working in a residential facility in the precinct and vouching for a <br/>
<a id="pl.3.23"></a><var>3.23</var>resident in the facility, sign an oath in the presence of the election judge vouching that <br/>
<a id="pl.3.24"></a><var>3.24</var>the voter or employee personally knows that the individual is a resident of the precinct. <br/>
<a id="pl.3.25"></a><var>3.25</var>A voter who has been vouched for on election day may not sign a proof of residence <br/>
<a id="pl.3.26"></a><var>3.26</var>oath vouching for any other individual on that election day. A voter who is registered to <br/>
<a id="pl.3.27"></a><var>3.27</var>vote in the precinct may sign up to eight proof-of-residence oaths on any election day. <br/>
<a id="pl.3.28"></a><var>3.28</var>This limitation does not apply to an employee of a residential facility described in this <br/>
<a id="pl.3.29"></a><var>3.29</var>clause. The secretary of state shall provide a form for election judges to use in recording <br/>
<a id="pl.3.30"></a><var>3.30</var>the number of individuals for whom a voter signs proof-of-residence oaths on election <br/>
<a id="pl.3.31"></a><var>3.31</var>day. The form must include space for the maximum number of individuals for whom a <br/>
<a id="pl.3.32"></a><var>3.32</var>voter may sign proof-of-residence oaths. For each proof-of-residence oath, the form must <br/>
<a id="pl.3.33"></a><var>3.33</var>include a statement that the voter individual: (i) is registered to vote in the precinct or is an <br/>
<a id="pl.3.34"></a><var>3.34</var>employee of a residential facility in the precinct, (ii) personally knows that the individual<br/>
<a id="pl.4.1"></a><var>4.1</var> voter is a resident of the precinct, and (iii) is making the statement on oath. The form must <br/>
<a id="pl.4.2"></a><var>4.2</var>include a space for the voter's printed name, signature, telephone number, and address.<br/>
<a id="pl.4.3"></a><var>4.3</var>    The oath required by this subdivision and Minnesota Rules, part 8200.9939, must be <br/>
<a id="pl.4.4"></a><var>4.4</var>attached to the voter registration application.<br/>
<a id="pl.4.5"></a><var>4.5</var>    (b) The operator of a residential facility shall prepare a list of the names of its <br/>
<a id="pl.4.6"></a><var>4.6</var>employees currently working in the residential facility and the address of the residential <br/>
<a id="pl.4.7"></a><var>4.7</var>facility. The operator shall certify the list and provide it to the appropriate county auditor <br/>
<a id="pl.4.8"></a><var>4.8</var>no less than 20 days before each election for use in election day registration.<br/>
<a id="pl.4.9"></a><var>4.9</var>    (c) "Residential facility" means transitional housing as defined in section 
         <statute_ref>256E.33, <br/>
<a id="pl.4.10"></a><var>4.10</var>subdivision 1
         </statute_ref>; a supervised living facility licensed by the commissioner of health under <br/>
<a id="pl.4.11"></a><var>4.11</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.4.12"></a><var>4.12</var>5
         </statute_ref>; a residence registered with the commissioner of health as a housing with services <br/>
<a id="pl.4.13"></a><var>4.13</var>establishment as defined in section 
         <statute_ref>144D.01, subdivision 4</statute_ref>; a veterans home operated by <br/>
<a id="pl.4.14"></a><var>4.14</var>the board of directors of the Minnesota Veterans Homes under chapter 198; a residence <br/>
<a id="pl.4.15"></a><var>4.15</var>licensed by the commissioner of human services to provide a residential program as <br/>
<a id="pl.4.16"></a><var>4.16</var>defined in section 
         <statute_ref>245A.02, subdivision 14</statute_ref>; a residential facility for persons with a <br/>
<a id="pl.4.17"></a><var>4.17</var>developmental disability licensed by the commissioner of human services under section <br/>
<statute_ref><a id="pl.4.18"></a><var>4.18</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.4.19"></a><var>4.19</var>for battered women as defined in section 
         <statute_ref>611A.37, subdivision 4</statute_ref>; or a supervised <br/>
<a id="pl.4.20"></a><var>4.20</var>publicly or privately operated shelter or dwelling designed to provide temporary living <br/>
<a id="pl.4.21"></a><var>4.21</var>accommodations for the homeless.<br/>
<a id="pl.4.22"></a><var>4.22</var>    (d) For tribal band members, an individual may prove residence for purposes of <br/>
<a id="pl.4.23"></a><var>4.23</var>registering by:<br/>
<a id="pl.4.24"></a><var>4.24</var>    (1) presenting an identification card issued by the tribal government of a tribe <br/>
<a id="pl.4.25"></a><var>4.25</var>recognized by the Bureau of Indian Affairs, United States Department of the Interior, that <br/>
<a id="pl.4.26"></a><var>4.26</var>contains the name, address, signature, and picture of the individual; or<br/>
<a id="pl.4.27"></a><var>4.27</var>    (2) presenting an identification card issued by the tribal government of a tribe <br/>
<a id="pl.4.28"></a><var>4.28</var>recognized by the Bureau of Indian Affairs, United States Department of the Interior, that <br/>
<a id="pl.4.29"></a><var>4.29</var>contains the name, signature, and picture of the individual and also presenting one of the <br/>
<a id="pl.4.30"></a><var>4.30</var>documents listed in Minnesota Rules, part 8200.5100, subpart 2, item B.<br/>
<a id="pl.4.31"></a><var>4.31</var>    (e) A county, school district, or municipality may require that an election judge <br/>
<a id="pl.4.32"></a><var>4.32</var>responsible for election day registration initial each completed registration application.<br/>
<br/>
<a id="bill.0.4.0"></a><a id="pl.4.33"></a><var>4.33</var>    Sec. 4. Minnesota Statutes 2012, section 201.081, is amended to read:<br/>
<a id="pl.4.34"></a><var>4.34</var><b>201.081 REGISTRATION FILES.</b><br/>
<a id="pl.5.1"></a><var>5.1</var>    Subdivision 1. <b>Statewide registration system.</b> The statewide registration system <br/>
<a id="pl.5.2"></a><var>5.2</var>is the official record of registered voters. The voter registration applications and the <br/>
<a id="pl.5.3"></a><var>5.3</var>terminal providing access to the statewide registration system must be under the control <br/>
<a id="pl.5.4"></a><var>5.4</var>of the county auditor or the public official to whom the county auditor has delegated <br/>
<a id="pl.5.5"></a><var>5.5</var>the responsibility for maintaining voter registration records. The voter registration <br/>
<a id="pl.5.6"></a><var>5.6</var>applications and terminals providing access to the statewide registration system must not <br/>
<a id="pl.5.7"></a><var>5.7</var>be removed from the control of the county auditor except as provided in this section. <br/>
<a id="pl.5.8"></a><var>5.8</var>The county auditor may make photographic copies of voter registration applications in <br/>
<a id="pl.5.9"></a><var>5.9</var>the manner provided by section 
         <statute_ref>138.17</statute_ref>.<br/>
<a id="pl.5.10"></a><var>5.10</var>    A properly completed voter registration application that has been submitted to the <br/>
<a id="pl.5.11"></a><var>5.11</var>secretary of state or a county auditor must be maintained by the secretary of state or the <br/>
<a id="pl.5.12"></a><var>5.12</var>county auditor for at least 22 months after the date that the information on the application <br/>
<a id="pl.5.13"></a><var>5.13</var>is entered into the database of the statewide registration system. The secretary of state <br/>
<a id="pl.5.14"></a><var>5.14</var>or the county auditor may dispose of the applications after retention for 22 months in <br/>
<a id="pl.5.15"></a><var>5.15</var>the manner provided by section 
         <statute_ref>138.17</statute_ref>.<br/>
<a id="pl.5.16"></a><var>5.16</var>    Subd. 2. <b>Exception.</b> The secretary of state may maintain voter records of <br/>
<a id="pl.5.17"></a><var>5.17</var>participants of the Safe at Home program for the purposes of chapter 5B.<br/>
<br/>
<a id="bill.0.5.0"></a><a id="pl.5.18"></a><var>5.18</var>    Sec. 5. Minnesota Statutes 2012, section 201.091, subdivision 2, is amended to read:<br/>
<a id="pl.5.19"></a><var>5.19</var>    Subd. 2. <b>Corrected list.</b> By February 15 of each year, the secretary of state shall <br/>
<a id="pl.5.20"></a><var>5.20</var>prepare the master list for each county auditor. The records in the statewide registration <br/>
<a id="pl.5.21"></a><var>5.21</var>system must be periodically corrected and updated by the county auditor. An updated <br/>
<a id="pl.5.22"></a><var>5.22</var>master list for each precinct must be available for absentee voting at least 32 46 days <br/>
<a id="pl.5.23"></a><var>5.23</var>before each election. A final corrected master list must be available seven days before <br/>
<a id="pl.5.24"></a><var>5.24</var>each election.<br/>
<br/>
<a id="bill.0.6.0"></a><a id="pl.5.25"></a><var>5.25</var>    Sec. 6. Minnesota Statutes 2012, section 201.13, subdivision 4, is amended to read:<br/>
<a id="pl.5.26"></a><var>5.26</var>    Subd. 4. <b>Request for removal of voter record.</b> If a voter makes a written request <br/>
<a id="pl.5.27"></a><var>5.27</var>for removal of the voter's record, the county auditor shall remove inactivate the record of <br/>
<a id="pl.5.28"></a><var>5.28</var>the voter from in the statewide voter registration system.<br/>
<br/>
<a id="bill.0.7.0"></a><a id="pl.5.29"></a><var>5.29</var>    Sec. 7. Minnesota Statutes 2012, section 203B.22, is amended to read:<br/>
<a id="pl.5.30"></a><var>5.30</var><b>203B.22 TRANSMITTING BALLOTS.</b><br/>
<a id="pl.5.31"></a><var>5.31</var>    (a) The county auditor shall transmit the appropriate ballots, as promptly as possible, <br/>
<a id="pl.5.32"></a><var>5.32</var>to an absent voter whose application has been recorded under section 
         <statute_ref>203B.19</statute_ref>. If the <br/>
<a id="pl.5.33"></a><var>5.33</var>county auditor determines that a voter is not eligible to vote at the primary but will be <br/>
<a id="pl.6.1"></a><var>6.1</var>eligible to vote at the general election, only general election ballots shall be transmitted. <br/>
<a id="pl.6.2"></a><var>6.2</var>Only one set of ballots shall be transmitted to any applicant for any election, except that <br/>
<a id="pl.6.3"></a><var>6.3</var>the county auditor may transmit a replacement ballot to a voter whose ballot has been <br/>
<a id="pl.6.4"></a><var>6.4</var>spoiled or lost in transit or whose mailing address has changed after the date on which <br/>
<a id="pl.6.5"></a><var>6.5</var>the original application was submitted as confirmed by the county auditor. Ballots to be <br/>
<a id="pl.6.6"></a><var>6.6</var>sent outside the United States shall be given priority in transmission. A county auditor <br/>
<a id="pl.6.7"></a><var>6.7</var>may make use of any special service provided by the United States government for the <br/>
<a id="pl.6.8"></a><var>6.8</var>transmission of voting materials under sections 
         <statute_ref>203B.16</statute_ref> to 
         <statute_ref>203B.27</statute_ref>.<br/>
<a id="pl.6.9"></a><var>6.9</var>    (b) The county auditor must transmit the appropriate ballots by express mail <br/>
<a id="pl.6.10"></a><var>6.10</var>immediately upon discovery that the ballots were not properly transmitted to the voter as <br/>
<a id="pl.6.11"></a><var>6.11</var>a result of the following circumstances: (1) an application was received by the county <br/>
<a id="pl.6.12"></a><var>6.12</var>auditor by the close of business at least 46 days before the election; (2) the county auditor <br/>
<a id="pl.6.13"></a><var>6.13</var>failed to transmit the appropriate ballots by the 46th day before the election; and (3) <br/>
<a id="pl.6.14"></a><var>6.14</var>the voter did not request that the ballots be electronically transmitted to the voter under <br/>
<a id="pl.6.15"></a><var>6.15</var>section 203B.225, subdivision 1.<br/>
<br/>
<a id="bill.0.8.0"></a><a id="pl.6.16"></a><var>6.16</var>    Sec. 8. Minnesota Statutes 2012, section 204B.09, subdivision 3, is amended to read:<br/>
<a id="pl.6.17"></a><var>6.17</var>    Subd. 3. <b>Write-in candidates.</b> (a) A candidate for county, state, or federal office <br/>
<a id="pl.6.18"></a><var>6.18</var>who wants write-in votes for the candidate to be counted must file a written request with <br/>
<a id="pl.6.19"></a><var>6.19</var>the filing office for the office sought not more than 84 days before the primary and no later <br/>
<a id="pl.6.20"></a><var>6.20</var>than the seventh day before the general election. The filing officer shall provide copies <br/>
<a id="pl.6.21"></a><var>6.21</var>of the form to make the request.<br/>
<a id="pl.6.22"></a><var>6.22</var>    (b) A candidate for president of the United States who files a request under this <br/>
<a id="pl.6.23"></a><var>6.23</var>subdivision must include the name of a candidate for vice-president of the United States. <br/>
<a id="pl.6.24"></a><var>6.24</var>The request must also include the name of at least one candidate for presidential elector. The <br/>
<a id="pl.6.25"></a><var>6.25</var>total number of names of candidates for presidential elector on the request may not exceed <br/>
<a id="pl.6.26"></a><var>6.26</var>the total number of electoral votes to be cast by Minnesota in the presidential election.<br/>
<a id="pl.6.27"></a><var>6.27</var>    (c) A candidate for governor who files a request under this subdivision must include <br/>
<a id="pl.6.28"></a><var>6.28</var>the name of a candidate for lieutenant governor.<br/>
<br/>
<a id="bill.0.9.0"></a><a id="pl.6.29"></a><var>6.29</var>    Sec. 9. Minnesota Statutes 2012, section 204B.19, subdivision 2, is amended to read:<br/>
<a id="pl.6.30"></a><var>6.30</var>    Subd. 2. <b>Individuals not qualified to be election judges.</b> (a) Except as provided in <br/>
<a id="pl.6.31"></a><var>6.31</var>paragraph (b), no individual shall be appointed as an election judge for any precinct if <br/>
<a id="pl.6.32"></a><var>6.32</var>that individual:<br/>
<a id="pl.6.33"></a><var>6.33</var>(1) is unable to read, write, or speak the English language;<br/>
<a id="pl.7.1"></a><var>7.1</var>(2) is the spouse,; parent, including a stepparent; child, including a stepchild,; or <br/>
<a id="pl.7.2"></a><var>7.2</var>sibling, including a stepsibling,; of any election judge serving in the same precinct or of <br/>
<a id="pl.7.3"></a><var>7.3</var>any candidate at that election; or<br/>
<a id="pl.7.4"></a><var>7.4</var>(3) is a candidate at that election.<br/>
<a id="pl.7.5"></a><var>7.5</var>(b) Individuals who are related to each other as provided in paragraph (a), clause (2), <br/>
<a id="pl.7.6"></a><var>7.6</var>may serve as election judges in the same precinct, provided that they serve on separate <br/>
<a id="pl.7.7"></a><var>7.7</var>shifts that do not run concurrently.<br/>
<br/>
<a id="bill.0.10.0"></a><a id="pl.7.8"></a><var>7.8</var>    Sec. 10. Minnesota Statutes 2013 Supplement, section 204B.45, subdivision 2, is <br/>
<a id="pl.7.9"></a><var>7.9</var>amended to read:<br/>
<a id="pl.7.10"></a><var>7.10</var>    Subd. 2. <b>Procedure.</b> Notice of the election and the special mail procedure must <br/>
<a id="pl.7.11"></a><var>7.11</var>be given at least ten weeks prior to the election. Not more than 46 days nor later than 14 <br/>
<a id="pl.7.12"></a><var>7.12</var>days before a regularly scheduled election and not more than 30 days nor later than 14 <br/>
<a id="pl.7.13"></a><var>7.13</var>days before any other election, the auditor shall mail ballots by nonforwardable mail to <br/>
<a id="pl.7.14"></a><var>7.14</var>all voters registered in the town or unorganized territory. No later than 14 days before <br/>
<a id="pl.7.15"></a><var>7.15</var>the election, the auditor must make a subsequent mailing of ballots to those voters who <br/>
<a id="pl.7.16"></a><var>7.16</var>register to vote after the initial mailing but before the 20th day before the election. <br/>
<a id="pl.7.17"></a><var>7.17</var>Eligible voters not registered at the time the ballots are mailed may apply for ballots as <br/>
<a id="pl.7.18"></a><var>7.18</var>provided in chapter 203B. Ballot return envelopes, with return postage provided, must <br/>
<a id="pl.7.19"></a><var>7.19</var>be preaddressed to the auditor or clerk and the voter may return the ballot by mail or in <br/>
<a id="pl.7.20"></a><var>7.20</var>person to the office of the auditor or clerk. The auditor or clerk must appoint a ballot board <br/>
<a id="pl.7.21"></a><var>7.21</var>to examine the mail and absentee ballot return envelopes and mark them "accepted" or <br/>
<a id="pl.7.22"></a><var>7.22</var>"rejected" within three days of receipt if there are 14 or fewer days before election day, or <br/>
<a id="pl.7.23"></a><var>7.23</var>within five days of receipt if there are more than 14 days before election day. The board <br/>
<a id="pl.7.24"></a><var>7.24</var>may consist of deputy county auditors or deputy municipal clerks who have received <br/>
<a id="pl.7.25"></a><var>7.25</var>training in the processing and counting of mail ballots, who need not be affiliated with <br/>
<a id="pl.7.26"></a><var>7.26</var>a major political party. Election judges performing the duties in this section must be of <br/>
<a id="pl.7.27"></a><var>7.27</var>different major political parties, unless they are exempt from that requirement under <br/>
<a id="pl.7.28"></a><var>7.28</var>section 
         <statute_ref>205.075, subdivision 4</statute_ref>, or section 
         <statute_ref>205A.10</statute_ref>. If an envelope has been rejected at <br/>
<a id="pl.7.29"></a><var>7.29</var>least five days before the election, the ballots in the envelope must remain sealed and the <br/>
<a id="pl.7.30"></a><var>7.30</var>auditor or clerk shall provide the voter with a replacement ballot and return envelope in <br/>
<a id="pl.7.31"></a><var>7.31</var>place of the spoiled ballot. If the ballot is rejected within five days of the election, the <br/>
<a id="pl.7.32"></a><var>7.32</var>envelope must remain sealed and the official in charge of the ballot board must attempt to <br/>
<a id="pl.7.33"></a><var>7.33</var>contact the voter by telephone or e-mail to notify the voter that the voter's ballot has been <br/>
<a id="pl.7.34"></a><var>7.34</var>rejected. The official must document the attempts made to contact the voter.<br/>
<a id="pl.8.1"></a><var>8.1</var>If the ballot is accepted, the county auditor or municipal clerk must mark the roster to <br/>
<a id="pl.8.2"></a><var>8.2</var>indicate that the voter has already cast a ballot in that election. After the close of business <br/>
<a id="pl.8.3"></a><var>8.3</var>on the fourth seventh day before the election, the ballots from return envelopes marked <br/>
<a id="pl.8.4"></a><var>8.4</var>"Accepted" may be opened, duplicated as needed in the manner provided by section 
         <statute_ref>206.86</statute_ref>, <br/>
<a id="pl.8.5"></a><var>8.5</var>subdivision 5, initialed by the members of the ballot board, and deposited in the ballot box.<br/>
<a id="pl.8.6"></a><var>8.6</var>In all other respects, the provisions of the Minnesota Election Law governing <br/>
<a id="pl.8.7"></a><var>8.7</var>deposit and counting of ballots apply.<br/>
<a id="pl.8.8"></a><var>8.8</var>The mail and absentee ballots for a precinct must be counted together and reported <br/>
<a id="pl.8.9"></a><var>8.9</var>as one vote total. No vote totals from mail or absentee ballots may be made public before <br/>
<a id="pl.8.10"></a><var>8.10</var>the close of voting on election day.<br/>
<a id="pl.8.11"></a><var>8.11</var>The costs of the mailing shall be paid by the election jurisdiction in which the voter <br/>
<a id="pl.8.12"></a><var>8.12</var>resides. Any ballot received by 8:00 p.m. on the day of the election must be counted.<br/>
<br/>
<a id="bill.0.11.0"></a><a id="pl.8.13"></a><var>8.13</var>    Sec. 11. Minnesota Statutes 2013 Supplement, section 204B.46, is amended to read:<br/>
<a id="pl.8.14"></a><var>8.14</var><b>204B.46 MAIL ELECTIONS; QUESTIONS.</b><br/>
<a id="pl.8.15"></a><var>8.15</var>    A county, municipality, or school district submitting questions to the voters at a <br/>
<a id="pl.8.16"></a><var>8.16</var>special election may conduct an election by mail with no polling place other than the <br/>
<a id="pl.8.17"></a><var>8.17</var>office of the auditor or clerk. No offices may be voted on at a mail election. Notice of the <br/>
<a id="pl.8.18"></a><var>8.18</var>election must be given to the county auditor at least 74 days prior to the election. This <br/>
<a id="pl.8.19"></a><var>8.19</var>notice shall also fulfill the requirements of Minnesota Rules, part 8210.3000. The special <br/>
<a id="pl.8.20"></a><var>8.20</var>mail ballot procedures must be posted at least six weeks prior to the election. Not more <br/>
<a id="pl.8.21"></a><var>8.21</var>than 46 nor later than 14 days prior to the election, the auditor or clerk shall mail ballots by <br/>
<a id="pl.8.22"></a><var>8.22</var>nonforwardable mail to all voters registered in the county, municipality, or school district. <br/>
<a id="pl.8.23"></a><var>8.23</var>No later than 14 days before the election, the auditor or clerk must make a subsequent <br/>
<a id="pl.8.24"></a><var>8.24</var>mailing of ballots to those voters who register to vote after the initial mailing but before the <br/>
<a id="pl.8.25"></a><var>8.25</var>20th day before the election. Eligible voters not registered at the time the ballots are mailed <br/>
<a id="pl.8.26"></a><var>8.26</var>may apply for ballots pursuant to chapter 203B. The auditor or clerk must appoint a ballot <br/>
<a id="pl.8.27"></a><var>8.27</var>board to examine the mail and absentee ballot return envelopes and mark them "Accepted" <br/>
<a id="pl.8.28"></a><var>8.28</var>or "Rejected" within three days of receipt if there are 14 or fewer days before election day, <br/>
<a id="pl.8.29"></a><var>8.29</var>or within five days of receipt if there are more than 14 days before election day. The board <br/>
<a id="pl.8.30"></a><var>8.30</var>may consist of deputy county auditors, deputy municipal clerks, or deputy school district <br/>
<a id="pl.8.31"></a><var>8.31</var>clerks who have received training in the processing and counting of mail ballots, who <br/>
<a id="pl.8.32"></a><var>8.32</var>need not be affiliated with a major political party. Election judges performing the duties in <br/>
<a id="pl.8.33"></a><var>8.33</var>this section must be of different major political parties, unless they are exempt from that <br/>
<a id="pl.8.34"></a><var>8.34</var>requirement under section 
         <statute_ref>205.075</statute_ref>, subdivision 4, or section 
         <statute_ref>205A.10</statute_ref>. If an envelope has <br/>
<a id="pl.8.35"></a><var>8.35</var>been rejected at least five days before the election, the ballots in the envelope must remain <br/>
<a id="pl.9.1"></a><var>9.1</var>sealed and the auditor or clerk must provide the voter with a replacement ballot and return <br/>
<a id="pl.9.2"></a><var>9.2</var>envelope in place of the spoiled ballot. If the ballot is rejected within five days of the <br/>
<a id="pl.9.3"></a><var>9.3</var>election, the envelope must remain sealed and the official in charge of the ballot board must <br/>
<a id="pl.9.4"></a><var>9.4</var>attempt to contact the voter by telephone or e-mail to notify the voter that the voter's ballot <br/>
<a id="pl.9.5"></a><var>9.5</var>has been rejected. The official must document the attempts made to contact the voter.<br/>
<a id="pl.9.6"></a><var>9.6</var>If the ballot is accepted, the county auditor or municipal clerk must mark the roster to <br/>
<a id="pl.9.7"></a><var>9.7</var>indicate that the voter has already cast a ballot in that election. After the close of business <br/>
<a id="pl.9.8"></a><var>9.8</var>on the fourth seventh day before the election, the ballots from return envelopes marked <br/>
<a id="pl.9.9"></a><var>9.9</var>"Accepted" may be opened, duplicated as needed in the manner provided by section 
         <statute_ref>206.86</statute_ref>, <br/>
<a id="pl.9.10"></a><var>9.10</var>subdivision 5, initialed by the ballot board, and deposited in the appropriate ballot box.<br/>
<a id="pl.9.11"></a><var>9.11</var>In all other respects, the provisions of the Minnesota Election Law governing <br/>
<a id="pl.9.12"></a><var>9.12</var>deposit and counting of ballots apply.<br/>
<a id="pl.9.13"></a><var>9.13</var>The mail and absentee ballots for a precinct must be counted together and reported <br/>
<a id="pl.9.14"></a><var>9.14</var>as one vote total. No vote totals from ballots may be made public before the close of <br/>
<a id="pl.9.15"></a><var>9.15</var>voting on election day.<br/>
<br/>
<a id="bill.0.12.0"></a><a id="pl.9.16"></a><var>9.16</var>    Sec. 12. Minnesota Statutes 2012, section 204C.08, subdivision 1d, is amended to read:<br/>
<a id="pl.9.17"></a><var>9.17</var>    Subd. 1d. <b>Voter's Bill of Rights.</b> The county auditor shall prepare and provide to <br/>
<a id="pl.9.18"></a><var>9.18</var>each polling place sufficient copies of a poster setting forth the Voter's Bill of Rights as set <br/>
<a id="pl.9.19"></a><var>9.19</var>forth in this section. Before the hours of voting are scheduled to begin, the election judges <br/>
<a id="pl.9.20"></a><var>9.20</var>shall post it in a conspicuous location or locations in the polling place. The Voter's Bill <br/>
<a id="pl.9.21"></a><var>9.21</var>of Rights is as follows:<br/>

<a id="pl.9.24"></a><var>9.24</var>(1) You have the right to be absent from work for the purpose of voting in a state or <br/>
<a id="pl.9.25"></a><var>9.25</var>federal election without reduction to your pay, personal leave, or vacation time on election <br/>
<a id="pl.9.26"></a><var>9.26</var>day for the time necessary to appear at your polling place, cast a ballot, and return to work.<br/>
<a id="pl.9.27"></a><var>9.27</var>(2) If you are in line at your polling place any time before 8:00 p.m., you have the <br/>
<a id="pl.9.28"></a><var>9.28</var>right to vote.<br/>
<a id="pl.9.29"></a><var>9.29</var>(3) If you can provide the required proof of residence, you have the right to register <br/>
<a id="pl.9.30"></a><var>9.30</var>to vote and to vote on election day.<br/>
<a id="pl.9.31"></a><var>9.31</var>(4) If you are unable to sign your name, you have the right to orally confirm your <br/>
<a id="pl.9.32"></a><var>9.32</var>identity with an election judge and to direct another person to sign your name for you.<br/>
<a id="pl.9.33"></a><var>9.33</var>(5) You have the right to request special assistance when voting.<br/>
<a id="pl.9.34"></a><var>9.34</var>(6) If you need assistance, you may be accompanied into the voting booth by a <br/>
<a id="pl.9.35"></a><var>9.35</var>person of your choice, except by an agent of your employer or union or a candidate.<br/>
<a id="pl.10.1"></a><var>10.1</var>(7) You have the right to bring your minor children into the polling place and into <br/>
<a id="pl.10.2"></a><var>10.2</var>the voting booth with you.<br/>
<a id="pl.10.3"></a><var>10.3</var>(8) If you have been convicted of a felony but your felony sentence has expired (been <br/>
<a id="pl.10.4"></a><var>10.4</var>completed) or you have been discharged from your sentence, you have the right to vote.<br/>
<a id="pl.10.5"></a><var>10.5</var>(9) If you are under a guardianship, you have the right to vote, unless the court <br/>
<a id="pl.10.6"></a><var>10.6</var>order revokes your right to vote.<br/>
<a id="pl.10.7"></a><var>10.7</var>(10) You have the right to vote without anyone in the polling place trying to <br/>
<a id="pl.10.8"></a><var>10.8</var>influence your vote.<br/>
<a id="pl.10.9"></a><var>10.9</var>(11) If you make a mistake or spoil your ballot before it is submitted, you have the <br/>
<a id="pl.10.10"></a><var>10.10</var>right to receive a replacement ballot and vote.<br/>
<a id="pl.10.11"></a><var>10.11</var>(12) You have the right to file a written complaint at your polling place if you are <br/>
<a id="pl.10.12"></a><var>10.12</var>dissatisfied with the way an election is being run.<br/>
<a id="pl.10.13"></a><var>10.13</var>(13) You have the right to take a sample ballot into the voting booth with you.<br/>
<a id="pl.10.14"></a><var>10.14</var>(14) You have the right to take a copy of this Voter's Bill of Rights into the voting <br/>
<a id="pl.10.15"></a><var>10.15</var>booth with you."<br/>
<br/>
<a id="bill.0.13.0"></a><a id="pl.10.16"></a><var>10.16</var>    Sec. 13. Minnesota Statutes 2012, section 204C.26, subdivision 1, is amended to read:<br/>
<a id="pl.10.17"></a><var>10.17</var>    Subdivision 1. <b>Summary statements.</b> For state elections, each official responsible <br/>
<a id="pl.10.18"></a><var>10.18</var>for printing ballots shall furnish three or more blank summary statement forms for the <br/>
<a id="pl.10.19"></a><var>10.19</var>returns of those ballots for each precinct. At least two copies of the summary statement <br/>
<a id="pl.10.20"></a><var>10.20</var>must be prepared for elections not held on the same day as the state elections. The blank <br/>
<a id="pl.10.21"></a><var>10.21</var>summary statement forms shall be furnished at the same time and in the same manner as <br/>
<a id="pl.10.22"></a><var>10.22</var>the ballots. The county auditor shall furnish blank summary statement forms containing <br/>
<a id="pl.10.23"></a><var>10.23</var>separate space for the summary statement of the returns of the white state general election<br/>
<a id="pl.10.24"></a><var>10.24</var> ballot and the summary statement of the returns for the state pink ballot.<br/>
<br/>
<a id="bill.0.14.0"></a><a id="pl.10.25"></a><var>10.25</var>    Sec. 14. Minnesota Statutes 2012, section 204D.13, subdivision 1, is amended to read:<br/>
<a id="pl.10.26"></a><var>10.26</var>    Subdivision 1. <b>Order of offices.</b> The candidates for partisan offices shall be placed <br/>
<a id="pl.10.27"></a><var>10.27</var>on the white state general election ballot in the following order: senator in Congress shall <br/>
<a id="pl.10.28"></a><var>10.28</var>be first; representative in Congress, second; state senator, third; and state representative, <br/>
<a id="pl.10.29"></a><var>10.29</var>fourth. The candidates for state offices shall follow in the order specified by the secretary <br/>
<a id="pl.10.30"></a><var>10.30</var>of state. Candidates for governor and lieutenant governor shall appear so that a single <br/>
<a id="pl.10.31"></a><var>10.31</var>vote may be cast for both offices.<br/>
<br/>
<a id="bill.0.15.0"></a><a id="pl.10.32"></a><var>10.32</var>    Sec. 15. Minnesota Statutes 2012, section 204D.13, subdivision 2, is amended to read:<br/>
<a id="pl.11.1"></a><var>11.1</var>    Subd. 2. <b>Order of political parties.</b> The first name printed for each partisan office <br/>
<a id="pl.11.2"></a><var>11.2</var>on the white state general election ballot shall be that of the candidate of the major political <br/>
<a id="pl.11.3"></a><var>11.3</var>party that received the smallest average number of votes at the last state general election. <br/>
<a id="pl.11.4"></a><var>11.4</var>The succeeding names shall be those of the candidates of the other major political parties <br/>
<a id="pl.11.5"></a><var>11.5</var>that received a succeedingly higher average number of votes respectively. For the purposes <br/>
<a id="pl.11.6"></a><var>11.6</var>of this subdivision, the average number of votes of a major political party shall be computed <br/>
<a id="pl.11.7"></a><var>11.7</var>by dividing the total number of votes counted for all of the party's candidates for statewide <br/>
<a id="pl.11.8"></a><var>11.8</var>office at the state general election by the number of those candidates at the election.<br/>
<br/>
<a id="bill.0.16.0"></a><a id="pl.11.9"></a><var>11.9</var>    Sec. 16. Minnesota Statutes 2012, section 204D.15, subdivision 1, is amended to read:<br/>
<a id="pl.11.10"></a><var>11.10</var>    Subdivision 1. <b>Titles for constitutional amendments.</b> The secretary of state shall <br/>
<a id="pl.11.11"></a><var>11.11</var>provide an appropriate title for each question printed on the pink state general election<br/>
<a id="pl.11.12"></a><var>11.12</var> ballot. The title shall be approved by the attorney general, and shall consist of not more <br/>
<a id="pl.11.13"></a><var>11.13</var>than one printed line above the question to which it refers. At the top of the ballot just <br/>
<a id="pl.11.14"></a><var>11.14</var>below the heading, a conspicuous notice shall be printed stating that a voter's failure to <br/>
<a id="pl.11.15"></a><var>11.15</var>vote on a constitutional amendment has the effect of a negative vote.<br/>
<br/>
<a id="bill.0.17.0"></a><a id="pl.11.16"></a><var>11.16</var>    Sec. 17. Minnesota Statutes 2012, section 205.07, subdivision 1a, is amended to read:<br/>
<a id="pl.11.17"></a><var>11.17</var>    Subd. 1a. <b>City council members; expiration of terms.</b> The terms of all city <br/>
<a id="pl.11.18"></a><var>11.18</var>council members of charter cities expire on the first Monday in January of the year in <br/>
<a id="pl.11.19"></a><var>11.19</var>which they expire. All officers of charter cities chosen and qualified shall hold office until <br/>
<a id="pl.11.20"></a><var>11.20</var>their successors qualify.<br/>
<br/>
<a id="bill.0.18.0"></a><a id="pl.11.21"></a><var>11.21</var>    Sec. 18. Minnesota Statutes 2012, section 205.13, subdivision 1, is amended to read:<br/>
<a id="pl.11.22"></a><var>11.22</var>    Subdivision 1. <b>Affidavit of candidacy.</b> An individual who is eligible and desires to <br/>
<a id="pl.11.23"></a><var>11.23</var>become a candidate for an office to be voted for at the municipal general election shall file <br/>
<a id="pl.11.24"></a><var>11.24</var>an affidavit of candidacy with the municipal clerk. Candidates for a special election to <br/>
<a id="pl.11.25"></a><var>11.25</var>fill a vacancy held as provided in section 
         <statute_ref>412.02, subdivision 2a</statute_ref>, must file an affidavit <br/>
<a id="pl.11.26"></a><var>11.26</var>of candidacy for the specific office to fill the unexpired portion of the term. Subject to <br/>
<a id="pl.11.27"></a><var>11.27</var>the approval of the county auditor, the town clerk may authorize candidates for township <br/>
<a id="pl.11.28"></a><var>11.28</var>offices to file affidavits of candidacy with the county auditor. The affidavit shall be in <br/>
<a id="pl.11.29"></a><var>11.29</var>substantially the same form as that in section 204B.06, subdivision 1. The municipal clerk <br/>
<a id="pl.11.30"></a><var>11.30</var>shall also accept an application signed by not less than five voters and filed on behalf of an <br/>
<a id="pl.11.31"></a><var>11.31</var>eligible voter in the municipality whom they desire to be a candidate, if service of a copy <br/>
<a id="pl.11.32"></a><var>11.32</var>of the application has been made on the candidate and proof of service is endorsed on the <br/>
<a id="pl.12.1"></a><var>12.1</var>application being filed. Upon receipt of the proper filing fee, the clerk shall place the name <br/>
<a id="pl.12.2"></a><var>12.2</var>of the candidate on the official ballot without partisan designation.<br/>
<br/>
<a id="bill.0.19.0"></a><a id="pl.12.3"></a><var>12.3</var>    Sec. 19. Minnesota Statutes 2013 Supplement, section 205A.05, subdivision 1, is <br/>
<a id="pl.12.4"></a><var>12.4</var>amended to read:<br/>
<a id="pl.12.5"></a><var>12.5</var>    Subdivision 1. <b>Questions.</b> (a) Special elections must be held for a school district on <br/>
<a id="pl.12.6"></a><var>12.6</var>a question on which the voters are authorized by law to pass judgment. The school board <br/>
<a id="pl.12.7"></a><var>12.7</var>may on its own motion call a special election to vote on any matter requiring approval of <br/>
<a id="pl.12.8"></a><var>12.8</var>the voters of a district. Upon petition filed with the school board of 50 or more voters of <br/>
<a id="pl.12.9"></a><var>12.9</var>the school district or five percent of the number of voters voting at the preceding school <br/>
<a id="pl.12.10"></a><var>12.10</var>district general election, whichever is greater, the school board shall by resolution call <br/>
<a id="pl.12.11"></a><var>12.11</var>a special election to vote on any matter requiring approval of the voters of a district. <br/>
<a id="pl.12.12"></a><var>12.12</var>A question is carried only with the majority in its favor required by law. The election <br/>
<a id="pl.12.13"></a><var>12.13</var>officials for a special election are the same as for the most recent school district general <br/>
<a id="pl.12.14"></a><var>12.14</var>election unless changed according to law. Otherwise, special elections must be conducted <br/>
<a id="pl.12.15"></a><var>12.15</var>and the returns made in the manner provided for the school district general election. <br/>
<a id="pl.12.16"></a><var>12.16</var>    (b) A special election may not be held:<br/>
<a id="pl.12.17"></a><var>12.17</var>    (1) during the 56 days before and the 56 days after a regularly scheduled primary or <br/>
<a id="pl.12.18"></a><var>12.18</var>general election conducted wholly or partially within the school district.;<br/>
<a id="pl.12.19"></a><var>12.19</var>    (2) on the date of a regularly scheduled town election in March conducted wholly <br/>
<a id="pl.12.20"></a><var>12.20</var>or partially within the school district; or<br/>
<a id="pl.12.21"></a><var>12.21</var>    (3) during the 30 days before or the 30 days after a regularly scheduled town election <br/>
<a id="pl.12.22"></a><var>12.22</var>in March conducted wholly or partially within the school district.<br/>
<a id="pl.12.23"></a><var>12.23</var>    (c) Notwithstanding any other law to the contrary, the time period in which a special <br/>
<a id="pl.12.24"></a><var>12.24</var>election must be conducted under any other law may be extended by the school board to <br/>
<a id="pl.12.25"></a><var>12.25</var>conform with the requirements of this subdivision.<br/>
<br/>
<a id="bill.0.20.0"></a><a id="pl.12.26"></a><var>12.26</var>    Sec. 20. <b>[211C.071] REMOVAL ELECTION FORM OF QUESTION.</b><br/>
<a id="pl.12.27"></a><var>12.27</var>The form of the question under this chapter must be:<br/>
<a id="pl.12.28"></a><var>12.28</var>"Shall ....... (Name) elected (appointed) to the office of ....... (title) be removed <br/>
<a id="pl.12.29"></a><var>12.29</var>from that office?"<br/>
<br/>
<a id="bill.0.21.0"></a><a id="pl.12.30"></a><var>12.30</var>    Sec. 21. Minnesota Statutes 2013 Supplement, section 368.47, is amended to read:<br/>
<a id="pl.12.31"></a><var>12.31</var><b>368.47 TOWNS MAY BE DISSOLVED.</b><br/>
<a id="pl.12.32"></a><var>12.32</var>    (1) When the voters residing within a town have failed to elect any town officials for <br/>
<a id="pl.12.33"></a><var>12.33</var>more than ten years continuously;<br/>
<a id="pl.13.1"></a><var>13.1</var>    (2) when a town has failed for a period of ten years to exercise any of the powers <br/>
<a id="pl.13.2"></a><var>13.2</var>and functions of a town;<br/>
<a id="pl.13.3"></a><var>13.3</var>    (3) when the estimated market value of a town drops to less than $165,000;<br/>
<a id="pl.13.4"></a><var>13.4</var>    (4) when the tax delinquency of a town, exclusive of taxes that are delinquent or <br/>
<a id="pl.13.5"></a><var>13.5</var>unpaid because they are contested in proceedings for the enforcement of taxes, amounts to <br/>
<a id="pl.13.6"></a><var>13.6</var>12 percent of its market value; or<br/>
<a id="pl.13.7"></a><var>13.7</var>    (5) when the state or federal government has acquired title to 50 percent of the <br/>
<a id="pl.13.8"></a><var>13.8</var>real estate of a town,<br/>
<a id="pl.13.9"></a><var>13.9</var>which facts, or any of them, may be found and determined by the resolution of the county <br/>
<a id="pl.13.10"></a><var>13.10</var>board of the county in which the town is located, according to the official records in the <br/>
<a id="pl.13.11"></a><var>13.11</var>office of the county auditor, the county board by resolution may declare the town, naming <br/>
<a id="pl.13.12"></a><var>13.12</var>it, dissolved and no longer entitled to exercise any of the powers or functions of a town.<br/>
<a id="pl.13.13"></a><var>13.13</var>    In Cass, Itasca, and St. Louis Counties, before the dissolution is effective the voters <br/>
<a id="pl.13.14"></a><var>13.14</var>of the town shall express their approval or disapproval. The town clerk shall, upon a <br/>
<a id="pl.13.15"></a><var>13.15</var>petition signed by a majority of the registered voters of the town, filed with the clerk at <br/>
<a id="pl.13.16"></a><var>13.16</var>least 60 days before a regular or special town election, give notice at the same time and <br/>
<a id="pl.13.17"></a><var>13.17</var>in the same manner of the election that the question of dissolution of the town will be <br/>
<a id="pl.13.18"></a><var>13.18</var>submitted for determination at the election. At the election the question shall be voted <br/>
<a id="pl.13.19"></a><var>13.19</var>upon by a separate ballot, the terms of which shall be either "for dissolution" or "against <br/>
<a id="pl.13.20"></a><var>13.20</var>dissolution.". The form of the question under this chapter shall be substantially in the <br/>
<a id="pl.13.21"></a><var>13.21</var>following form: "Shall the town of ... be dissolved?" The ballot shall be deposited in a <br/>
<a id="pl.13.22"></a><var>13.22</var>separate ballot box and the result of the voting canvassed, certified, and returned in the <br/>
<a id="pl.13.23"></a><var>13.23</var>same manner and at the same time as other facts and returns of the election. If a majority of <br/>
<a id="pl.13.24"></a><var>13.24</var>the votes cast at the election are for dissolution, the town shall be dissolved. If a majority <br/>
<a id="pl.13.25"></a><var>13.25</var>of the votes cast at the election are against dissolution, the town shall not be dissolved.<br/>
<a id="pl.13.26"></a><var>13.26</var>    When a town is dissolved under sections 
         <statute_ref>368.47</statute_ref> to 
         <statute_ref>368.49</statute_ref> the county shall acquire <br/>
<a id="pl.13.27"></a><var>13.27</var>title to any telephone company or other business conducted by the town. The business <br/>
<a id="pl.13.28"></a><var>13.28</var>shall be operated by the board of county commissioners until it can be sold. The <br/>
<a id="pl.13.29"></a><var>13.29</var>subscribers or patrons of the business shall have the first opportunity of purchase. If the <br/>
<a id="pl.13.30"></a><var>13.30</var>town has any outstanding indebtedness chargeable to the business, the county auditor shall <br/>
<a id="pl.13.31"></a><var>13.31</var>levy a tax against the property situated in the dissolved town to pay the indebtedness <br/>
<a id="pl.13.32"></a><var>13.32</var>as it becomes due.<br/>
<br/>
<a id="bill.0.22.0"></a><a id="pl.13.33"></a><var>13.33</var>    Sec. 22. Minnesota Statutes 2012, section 375A.12, subdivision 5, is amended to read:<br/>
<a id="pl.13.34"></a><var>13.34</var>    Subd. 5. <b>Form of ballot.</b> In the submission of any proposal pursuant to subdivision <br/>
<a id="pl.13.35"></a><var>13.35</var>2 the ballot shall be substantially in the following form:<br/>
<a id="pl.14.1"></a><var>14.1</var>(...) FOR the proposal (describe briefly the change proposed)<br/>
<a id="pl.14.2"></a><var>14.2</var>(...) AGAINST the proposal (describe briefly the change proposed) "Shall the <br/>
<a id="pl.14.3"></a><var>14.3</var>office(s) of ....... be appointed rather than elected at the expiration of the(ir) current <br/>
<a id="pl.14.4"></a><var>14.4</var>term(s)?"<br/>
<br/>
<a id="bill.0.23.0"></a><a id="pl.14.5"></a><var>14.5</var>    Sec. 23. Minnesota Statutes 2012, section 412.091, is amended to read:<br/>
<a id="pl.14.6"></a><var>14.6</var><b>412.091 DISSOLUTION.</b><br/>
<a id="pl.14.7"></a><var>14.7</var>Whenever a number of voters equal to one-third of those voting at the last <br/>
<a id="pl.14.8"></a><var>14.8</var>preceding city election petition the chief administrative law judge of the state Office of <br/>
<a id="pl.14.9"></a><var>14.9</var>Administrative Hearings to dissolve the city, a special election shall be called to vote upon <br/>
<a id="pl.14.10"></a><var>14.10</var>the question. Before the election, the chief administrative law judge shall designate a time <br/>
<a id="pl.14.11"></a><var>14.11</var>and place for a hearing in accordance with section 
         <statute_ref>414.09</statute_ref>. After the hearing, the chief <br/>
<a id="pl.14.12"></a><var>14.12</var>administrative law judge shall issue an order which shall include a date for the election, a <br/>
<a id="pl.14.13"></a><var>14.13</var>determination of what town or towns the territory of the city shall belong to if the voters <br/>
<a id="pl.14.14"></a><var>14.14</var>favor dissolution, and other necessary provisions. The ballots used at such election shall <br/>
<a id="pl.14.15"></a><var>14.15</var>bear the printed words, "For Dissolution" and "Against Dissolution," with a square before <br/>
<a id="pl.14.16"></a><var>14.16</var>each phrase in which the voter may express a preference by a cross. be substantially in <br/>
<a id="pl.14.17"></a><var>14.17</var>the following form: "Shall the city of ... be dissolved?" If a majority of those voting on <br/>
<a id="pl.14.18"></a><var>14.18</var>the question favor dissolution, the clerk shall file a certificate of the result with the chief <br/>
<a id="pl.14.19"></a><var>14.19</var>administrative law judge, the secretary of state, and the county auditor of the county in <br/>
<a id="pl.14.20"></a><var>14.20</var>which the city is situated. Six months after the date of such election, the city shall cease to <br/>
<a id="pl.14.21"></a><var>14.21</var>exist. Within such six months, the council shall audit all claims against the city, settle with <br/>
<a id="pl.14.22"></a><var>14.22</var>the treasurer, and other city officers, and apply the assets of the city to the payment of its <br/>
<a id="pl.14.23"></a><var>14.23</var>debts. If any debts remain unpaid, other than bonds, the city clerk shall file a schedule of <br/>
<a id="pl.14.24"></a><var>14.24</var>such debts with the county treasurer and the council shall levy a tax sufficient for their <br/>
<a id="pl.14.25"></a><var>14.25</var>payment, the proceeds of which, when collected, shall be paid by the county treasurer to <br/>
<a id="pl.14.26"></a><var>14.26</var>the creditors in proportion to their several claims until all are discharged. The principal <br/>
<a id="pl.14.27"></a><var>14.27</var>and interest on outstanding bonds shall be paid when due by the county treasurer from a <br/>
<a id="pl.14.28"></a><var>14.28</var>tax annually spread by the county auditor against property formerly included within the <br/>
<a id="pl.14.29"></a><var>14.29</var>city until the bonds are fully paid. All city property and all rights of the city shall, upon <br/>
<a id="pl.14.30"></a><var>14.30</var>dissolution, inure in the town or towns designated as the legal successor to the city. If the <br/>
<a id="pl.14.31"></a><var>14.31</var>city territory goes to more than one town, surplus cash assets and unsold city property <br/>
<a id="pl.14.32"></a><var>14.32</var>shall be distributed as provided by the order for the election.<br/>
<br/>
<a id="bill.0.24.0"></a><a id="pl.14.33"></a><var>14.33</var>    Sec. 24. <b>DISSOLUTION OF ELECTION DISTRICTS IN SPECIAL SCHOOL </b><br/>
<a id="pl.14.34"></a><var>14.34</var><b>DISTRICT NO. 6, SOUTH ST. PAUL.</b><br/>
<a id="pl.15.1"></a><var>15.1</var>Notwithstanding Minnesota Statutes, section 205A.12, subdivision 7, or any other <br/>
<a id="pl.15.2"></a><var>15.2</var>law, Special School District No. 6, South St. Paul, may by resolution dissolve election <br/>
<a id="pl.15.3"></a><var>15.3</var>districts previously established. The resolution must include a plan for the orderly <br/>
<a id="pl.15.4"></a><var>15.4</var>transition to at-large elections of school board members.<br/>
<a id="pl.15.5"></a><var>15.5</var><b>EFFECTIVE DATE.</b>This section is effective the day after the governing body of <br/>
<a id="pl.15.6"></a><var>15.6</var>Special School District No. 6, South St. Paul, and its chief clerical officer timely complete <br/>
<a id="pl.15.7"></a><var>15.7</var>their compliance with Minnesota Statutes, section 645.021, subdivisions 2 and 3.<br/>
<br/>
<a id="bill.0.25.0"></a><a id="pl.15.8"></a><var>15.8</var>    Sec. 25. <b> REPEALER.</b><br/>
<a id="pl.15.9"></a><var>15.9</var>Minnesota Statutes 2012, section 201.016, subdivision 2, is repealed.<br/>
<br/>
<a id="bill.0.26.0"></a><a id="pl.15.10"></a><var>15.10</var>    Sec. 26. <b>EFFECTIVE DATE.</b><br/>
<a id="pl.15.11"></a><var>15.11</var>This act is effective the day following final enactment.<br/>