<a id="pl.1.3"></a><var>1.3</var>administration, including provisions related to school boards, voters, ballots, <br/>
<a id="pl.1.4"></a><var>1.4</var>registration, violations, absentee ballots, candidates, vacancies, recounts, <br/>
<a id="pl.1.5"></a><var>1.5</var>filing fees, and precincts; modifying military and overseas absentee voting <br/>
<a id="pl.1.6"></a><var>1.6</var>provisions; providing the Uniform Faithful Presidential Electors Act; making <br/>
<a id="pl.1.7"></a><var>1.7</var>various technical changes;amending Minnesota Statutes 2014, sections 123B.09, <br/>
<a id="pl.1.8"></a><var>1.8</var>subdivision 1; 200.02, subdivisions 7, 23, by adding subdivisions; 201.071, <br/>
<a id="pl.1.9"></a><var>1.9</var>subdivision 1; 201.158; 201.275; 203B.01, subdivision 3; 203B.07, subdivision <br/>
<a id="pl.1.10"></a><var>1.10</var>1; 203B.08, subdivisions 1, 3; 203B.121, subdivision 2; 203B.16, subdivisions 1, <br/>
<a id="pl.1.11"></a><var>1.11</var>2; 203B.17, subdivisions 1, 2; 204B.06, subdivision 1b; 204B.07, subdivision 2; <br/>
<a id="pl.1.12"></a><var>1.12</var>204B.13, subdivisions 1, 2, 5; 204B.131, subdivision 1; 204B.19, subdivisions 2, <br/>
<a id="pl.1.13"></a><var>1.13</var>6; 204B.36, subdivisions 1, 2, 3, 4; 204B.44; 204B.45, subdivision 2; 204C.04, <br/>
<a id="pl.1.14"></a><var>1.14</var>subdivision 2; 204C.08, subdivision 1d; 204C.13, subdivisions 2, 3, 5; 204C.22, <br/>
<a id="pl.1.15"></a><var>1.15</var>subdivisions 3, 4, 7, 10; 204C.35, subdivisions 1, 2; 204C.36, subdivisions 1, <br/>
<a id="pl.1.16"></a><var>1.16</var>2; 204C.40, subdivision 2; 204D.11, subdivision 4; 204D.27, subdivision 11; <br/>
<a id="pl.1.17"></a><var>1.17</var>205.13, subdivision 3; 206.90, subdivision 6; 208.02; 208.03; 208.06; 209.01, <br/>
<a id="pl.1.18"></a><var>1.18</var>subdivision 2; 209.021, subdivisions 2, 3; 209.09, subdivision 2; 365.22, <br/>
<a id="pl.1.19"></a><var>1.19</var>subdivisions 2, 3; 367.31, subdivision 4; 368.85, subdivision 4; 376.04; 412.551,
         <br/>
<a id="pl.1.20"></a><var>1.20</var>subdivision 2; proposing coding for new law in Minnesota Statutes, chapter 208; <br/>
<a id="pl.1.21"></a><var>1.21</var>repealing Minnesota Statutes 2014, sections 204C.13, subdivision 4; 208.07; <br/>
<a id="pl.1.22"></a><var>1.22</var>208.08; 383A.555.<br/>
<a id="pl.1.23"></a><var>1.23</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.1.26"></a><var>1.26</var>    Section 1. Minnesota Statutes 2014, section 123B.09, subdivision 1, is amended to read:<br/>
<a id="pl.1.27"></a><var>1.27</var>    Subdivision 1. <b>School board membership.</b> The care, management, and control of <br/>
<a id="pl.1.28"></a><var>1.28</var>independent districts is vested in a board of directors, to be known as the school
         board. <br/>
<a id="pl.1.29"></a><var>1.29</var>The term of office of a member shall be four years commencing on the first Monday
         in <br/>
<a id="pl.1.30"></a><var>1.30</var>January and until a successor qualifies. The membership of the board shall consist
         of six <br/>
<a id="pl.1.31"></a><var>1.31</var>elected directors together with such ex officio member as may be provided by law.
         The <br/>
<a id="pl.2.1"></a><var>2.1</var>board may submit to the electors at any school election the question whether the board
         <br/>
<a id="pl.2.2"></a><var>2.2</var>shall consist of seven members. If a majority of those voting on the proposition favor
         a <br/>
<a id="pl.2.3"></a><var>2.3</var>seven-member board, a seventh member shall be elected at the next election of directors
         <br/>
<a id="pl.2.4"></a><var>2.4</var>for a four-year term and thereafter the board shall consist of seven members.<br/>
<a id="pl.2.5"></a><var>2.5</var>Those districts with a seven-member board may submit to the electors at any school
         <br/>
<a id="pl.2.6"></a><var>2.6</var>election at least 150 days before the next election of three members of the board
         the <br/>
<a id="pl.2.7"></a><var>2.7</var>question whether the board shall consist of six members. If a majority of those voting
         on <br/>
<a id="pl.2.8"></a><var>2.8</var>the proposition favor a six-member board instead of a seven-member board, two three <br/>
<a id="pl.2.9"></a><var>2.9</var>members instead of three four members shall be elected at the next election of the board of <br/>
<a id="pl.2.10"></a><var>2.10</var>directors and thereafter the board shall consist of six members.<br/>
<br/>
<a id="bill.1.2.0"></a><a id="pl.2.11"></a><var>2.11</var>    Sec. 2. Minnesota Statutes 2014, section 200.02, subdivision 7, is amended to read:<br/>
<a id="pl.2.12"></a><var>2.12</var>    Subd. 7. <b>Major political party.</b> (a) "Major political party" means a political party <br/>
<a id="pl.2.13"></a><var>2.13</var>that maintains a party organization in the state, political division or precinct in
         question <br/>
<a id="pl.2.14"></a><var>2.14</var>and that has presented at least one candidate for election to the office of:<br/>
<a id="pl.2.15"></a><var>2.15</var>(1) governor and lieutenant governor, secretary of state, state auditor, or attorney
         <br/>
<a id="pl.2.16"></a><var>2.16</var>general at the last preceding state general election for those offices; or<br/>
<a id="pl.2.17"></a><var>2.17</var>(2) presidential elector or U.S. senator at the last preceding state general election
         for <br/>
<a id="pl.2.18"></a><var>2.18</var>presidential electors; and<br/>
<a id="pl.2.19"></a><var>2.19</var>whose candidate received votes in each county in that election and received votes
         <br/>
<a id="pl.2.20"></a><var>2.20</var>from not less than five percent of the total number of individuals who voted in that
         election.<br/>
<a id="pl.2.21"></a><var>2.21</var>(b) "Major political party" also means a political party that maintains a party <br/>
<a id="pl.2.22"></a><var>2.22</var>organization in the state, political subdivision, or precinct in question and that
         has <br/>
<a id="pl.2.23"></a><var>2.23</var>presented at least 45 candidates for election to the office of state representative,
         23 <br/>
<a id="pl.2.24"></a><var>2.24</var>candidates for election to the office of state senator, four candidates for election
         to <br/>
<a id="pl.2.25"></a><var>2.25</var>the office of representative in Congress, and one candidate for election to each of
         the <br/>
<a id="pl.2.26"></a><var>2.26</var>following offices: governor and lieutenant governor, attorney general, secretary of
         state, <br/>
<a id="pl.2.27"></a><var>2.27</var>and state auditor, at the last preceding state general election for those offices.<br/>
<a id="pl.2.28"></a><var>2.28</var>(c) "Major political party" also means a political party that maintains a party <br/>
<a id="pl.2.29"></a><var>2.29</var>organization in the state, political subdivision, or precinct in question and whose
         members <br/>
<a id="pl.2.30"></a><var>2.30</var>present to the secretary of state at any time before the close of filing for the state
         partisan <br/>
<a id="pl.2.31"></a><var>2.31</var>primary ballot a petition for a place on the state partisan primary ballot, which
         petition <br/>
<a id="pl.2.32"></a><var>2.32</var>contains valid signatures of a number of the party members equal to at least five percent <br/>
<a id="pl.2.33"></a><var>2.33</var>of the total number of individuals who voted in the preceding state general election. A <br/>
<a id="pl.2.34"></a><var>2.34</var>signature is valid only if signed no more than one year prior to the date the petition
         was filed.<br/>
<a id="pl.3.1"></a><var>3.1</var>(d) A political party whose candidate receives a sufficient number of votes at a state
         <br/>
<a id="pl.3.2"></a><var>3.2</var>general election described in paragraph (a) or a political party that presents candidates
         at <br/>
<a id="pl.3.3"></a><var>3.3</var>an election as required by paragraph (b) becomes a major political party as of January
         <br/>
<a id="pl.3.4"></a><var>3.4</var>1 following that election and retains its major party status for at least two state
         general <br/>
<a id="pl.3.5"></a><var>3.5</var>elections even if the party fails to present a candidate who receives the number and
         <br/>
<a id="pl.3.6"></a><var>3.6</var>percentage of votes required under paragraph (a) or fails to present candidates as
         required <br/>
<a id="pl.3.7"></a><var>3.7</var>by paragraph (b) at subsequent state general elections.<br/>
<a id="pl.3.8"></a><var>3.8</var>(e) A major political party whose candidates fail to receive the number and <br/>
<a id="pl.3.9"></a><var>3.9</var>percentage of votes required under paragraph (a) and that fails to present candidates
         as <br/>
<a id="pl.3.10"></a><var>3.10</var>required by paragraph (b) at each of two consecutive state general elections described
         by <br/>
<a id="pl.3.11"></a><var>3.11</var>paragraph (a) or (b), respectively, loses major party status as of December 31 following
         <br/>
<a id="pl.3.12"></a><var>3.12</var>the later of the two consecutive state general elections.<br/>
<br/>
<a id="bill.1.3.0"></a><a id="pl.3.13"></a><var>3.13</var>    Sec. 3. Minnesota Statutes 2014, section 200.02, subdivision 23, is amended to read:<br/>
<a id="pl.3.14"></a><var>3.14</var>    Subd. 23. <b>Minor political party.</b> (a) "Minor political party" means a political party <br/>
<a id="pl.3.15"></a><var>3.15</var>that has adopted a state constitution, designated a state party chair, held a state
         convention <br/>
<a id="pl.3.16"></a><var>3.16</var>in the last two years, filed with the secretary of state no later than December 31
         following <br/>
<a id="pl.3.17"></a><var>3.17</var>the most recent state general election a certification that the party has met the
         foregoing <br/>
<a id="pl.3.18"></a><var>3.18</var>requirements, and met the requirements of paragraph (b) or (e), as applicable.<br/>
<a id="pl.3.19"></a><var>3.19</var>(b) To be considered a minor party in all elections statewide, the political party
         must <br/>
<a id="pl.3.20"></a><var>3.20</var>have presented at least one candidate for election to the office of:<br/>
<a id="pl.3.21"></a><var>3.21</var>(1) governor and lieutenant governor, secretary of state, state auditor, or attorney
         <br/>
<a id="pl.3.22"></a><var>3.22</var>general, at the last preceding state general election for those offices; or<br/>
<a id="pl.3.23"></a><var>3.23</var>(2) presidential elector or U.S. senator at the preceding state general election for
         <br/>
<a id="pl.3.24"></a><var>3.24</var>presidential electors; and<br/>
<a id="pl.3.25"></a><var>3.25</var>(3) who received votes in each county that in the aggregate equal at least one percent
         <br/>
<a id="pl.3.26"></a><var>3.26</var>of the total number of individuals who voted in the election, or its members must
         have <br/>
<a id="pl.3.27"></a><var>3.27</var>presented to the secretary of state at any time before the close of filing for the
         state <br/>
<a id="pl.3.28"></a><var>3.28</var>partisan primary ballot a nominating petition in a form prescribed by the secretary
         of state <br/>
<a id="pl.3.29"></a><var>3.29</var>containing the valid signatures of party members in a number equal to at least one percent <br/>
<a id="pl.3.30"></a><var>3.30</var>of the total number of individuals who voted in the preceding state general election. A <br/>
<a id="pl.3.31"></a><var>3.31</var>signature is valid only if signed no more than one year prior to the date the petition
         was filed.<br/>
<a id="pl.3.32"></a><var>3.32</var>(c) A political party whose candidate receives a sufficient number of votes at a <br/>
<a id="pl.3.33"></a><var>3.33</var>state general election described in paragraph (b) becomes a minor political party
         as of <br/>
<a id="pl.3.34"></a><var>3.34</var>January 1 following that election and retains its minor party status for at least
         two state <br/>
<a id="pl.4.1"></a><var>4.1</var>general elections even if the party fails to present a candidate who receives the
         number <br/>
<a id="pl.4.2"></a><var>4.2</var>and percentage of votes required under paragraph (b) at subsequent state general elections.<br/>
<a id="pl.4.3"></a><var>4.3</var>(d) A minor political party whose candidates fail to receive the number and <br/>
<a id="pl.4.4"></a><var>4.4</var>percentage of votes required under paragraph (b) at each of two consecutive state
         general <br/>
<a id="pl.4.5"></a><var>4.5</var>elections described by paragraph (b) loses minor party status as of December 31 following
         <br/>
<a id="pl.4.6"></a><var>4.6</var>the later of the two consecutive state general elections.<br/>
<a id="pl.4.7"></a><var>4.7</var>(e) A minor party that qualifies to be a major party loses its status as a minor party
         <br/>
<a id="pl.4.8"></a><var>4.8</var>at the time it becomes a major party. Votes received by the candidates of a major
         party <br/>
<a id="pl.4.9"></a><var>4.9</var>must be counted in determining whether the party received sufficient votes to qualify
         as a <br/>
<a id="pl.4.10"></a><var>4.10</var>minor party, notwithstanding that the party does not receive sufficient votes to retain
         its <br/>
<a id="pl.4.11"></a><var>4.11</var>major party status. To be considered a minor party in an election in a legislative
         district, <br/>
<a id="pl.4.12"></a><var>4.12</var>the political party must have presented at least one candidate for a legislative office
         in that <br/>
<a id="pl.4.13"></a><var>4.13</var>district who received votes from at least ten percent of the total number of individuals
         <br/>
<a id="pl.4.14"></a><var>4.14</var>who voted for that office, or its members must have presented to the secretary of
         state a <br/>
<a id="pl.4.15"></a><var>4.15</var>nominating petition in a form prescribed by the secretary of state containing the
         valid <br/>
<a id="pl.4.16"></a><var>4.16</var>signatures of party members in a number equal to at least ten percent of the total
         number of <br/>
<a id="pl.4.17"></a><var>4.17</var>individuals who voted in the preceding state general election for that legislative
         office. A <br/>
<a id="pl.4.18"></a><var>4.18</var>signature is valid only if signed no more than one year prior to the date the petition
         was filed.<br/>
<br/>
<a id="bill.1.4.0"></a><a id="pl.4.19"></a><var>4.19</var>    Sec. 4. Minnesota Statutes 2014, section 200.02, is amended by adding a subdivision <br/>
<a id="pl.4.20"></a><var>4.20</var>to read:<br/>
<a id="pl.4.21"></a><var>4.21</var>    Subd. 27. <b>Partisan offices.</b> "Partisan offices" means federal offices, presidential <br/>
<a id="pl.4.22"></a><var>4.22</var>electors, constitutional offices, and legislative offices.<br/>
<br/>
<a id="bill.1.5.0"></a><a id="pl.4.23"></a><var>4.23</var>    Sec. 5. Minnesota Statutes 2014, section 200.02, is amended by adding a subdivision <br/>
<a id="pl.4.24"></a><var>4.24</var>to read:<br/>
<a id="pl.4.25"></a><var>4.25</var>    Subd. 28. <b>Nonpartisan offices.</b> "Nonpartisan offices" means all judicial, county, <br/>
<a id="pl.4.26"></a><var>4.26</var>municipal, school district, and special district offices.<br/>
<br/>
<a id="bill.1.6.0"></a><a id="pl.4.27"></a><var>4.27</var>    Sec. 6. Minnesota Statutes 2014, section 201.071, subdivision 1, is amended to read:<br/>
<a id="pl.4.28"></a><var>4.28</var>    Subdivision 1. <b>Form.</b> Both paper and electronic voter registration applications must <br/>
<a id="pl.4.29"></a><var>4.29</var>contain the same information unless otherwise provided by law. A voter registration
         <br/>
<a id="pl.4.30"></a><var>4.30</var>application must contain spaces for the following required information: voter's first
         name, <br/>
<a id="pl.4.31"></a><var>4.31</var>middle name, and last name; voter's previous name, if any; voter's current address;
         voter's <br/>
<a id="pl.4.32"></a><var>4.32</var>previous address, if any; voter's date of birth; voter's municipality and county of
         residence; <br/>
<a id="pl.4.33"></a><var>4.33</var>voter's telephone number, if provided by the voter; date of registration; current
         and valid <br/>
<a id="pl.5.1"></a><var>5.1</var>Minnesota driver's license number or Minnesota state identification number, or if
         the voter <br/>
<a id="pl.5.2"></a><var>5.2</var>has no current and valid Minnesota driver's license or Minnesota state identification,
         the <br/>
<a id="pl.5.3"></a><var>5.3</var>last four digits of the voter's Social Security number; and voter's signature. The
         paper <br/>
<a id="pl.5.4"></a><var>5.4</var>registration application may include the voter's e-mail address, if provided by the
         voter. <br/>
<a id="pl.5.5"></a><var>5.5</var>The electronic voter registration application must include the voter's e-mail address.
         The <br/>
<a id="pl.5.6"></a><var>5.6</var>registration application may include the voter's interest in serving as an election
         judge, <br/>
<a id="pl.5.7"></a><var>5.7</var>if indicated by the voter. The application must also contain the following certification
         <br/>
<a id="pl.5.8"></a><var>5.8</var>of voter eligibility:<br/>
<a id="pl.5.9"></a><var>5.9</var>"I certify that I:<br/>
<a id="pl.5.10"></a><var>5.10</var>(1) will be at least 18 years old on election day;<br/>
<a id="pl.5.11"></a><var>5.11</var>(2) am a citizen of the United States;<br/>
<a id="pl.5.12"></a><var>5.12</var>(3) will have resided in Minnesota for 20 days immediately preceding election day;<br/>
<a id="pl.5.13"></a><var>5.13</var>(4) maintain residence at the address given on the registration form;<br/>
<a id="pl.5.14"></a><var>5.14</var>(5) am not under court-ordered guardianship in which the court order revokes my <br/>
<a id="pl.5.15"></a><var>5.15</var>right to vote;<br/>
<a id="pl.5.16"></a><var>5.16</var>(6) have not been found by a court to be legally incompetent to vote;<br/>
<a id="pl.5.17"></a><var>5.17</var>(7) have the right to vote because, if I have been convicted of a felony, my felony
         <br/>
<a id="pl.5.18"></a><var>5.18</var>sentence has expired (been completed) or I have been discharged from my sentence;
         and<br/>
<a id="pl.5.19"></a><var>5.19</var>(8) have read and understand the following statement: that giving false information
         <br/>
<a id="pl.5.20"></a><var>5.20</var>is a felony punishable by not more than five years imprisonment or a fine of not more
         <br/>
<a id="pl.5.21"></a><var>5.21</var>than $10,000, or both."<br/>
<a id="pl.5.22"></a><var>5.22</var>The certification must include boxes for the voter to respond to the following <br/>
<a id="pl.5.23"></a><var>5.23</var>questions:<br/>
<a id="pl.5.24"></a><var>5.24</var>"(1) Are you a citizen of the United States?" and<br/>
<a id="pl.5.25"></a><var>5.25</var>"(2) Will you be 18 years old on or before election day?"<br/>
<a id="pl.5.26"></a><var>5.26</var>And the instruction:<br/>
<a id="pl.5.27"></a><var>5.27</var>"If you checked 'no' to either of these questions, do not complete this form."<br/>
<a id="pl.5.28"></a><var>5.28</var>A paper voter registration application must be of suitable size and weight for <br/>
<a id="pl.5.29"></a><var>5.29</var>mailing. The form of the voter registration application and the certification of voter <br/>
<a id="pl.5.30"></a><var>5.30</var>eligibility must be as provided in this subdivision and approved by the secretary
         of state. <br/>
<a id="pl.5.31"></a><var>5.31</var>Voter registration forms authorized by the National Voter Registration Act must also
         be <br/>
<a id="pl.5.32"></a><var>5.32</var>accepted as valid. The federal postcard application form must also be accepted as
         valid if <br/>
<a id="pl.5.33"></a><var>5.33</var>it is not deficient and the voter is eligible to register in Minnesota.<br/>
<a id="pl.5.34"></a><var>5.34</var>An individual may use a voter registration application to apply to register to vote
         in <br/>
<a id="pl.5.35"></a><var>5.35</var>Minnesota or to change information on an existing registration.<br/>
<br/>
<a id="bill.1.7.0"></a><a id="pl.6.1"></a><var>6.1</var>    Sec. 7. Minnesota Statutes 2014, section 201.158, is amended to read:<br/>
<a id="pl.6.2"></a><var>6.2</var><b>201.158 USE OF DEPARTMENT OF PUBLIC SAFETY DATA.</b><br/>
<a id="pl.6.3"></a><var>6.3</var>As required by the Help America Vote Act of 2002, Public Law 107-252, the <br/>
<a id="pl.6.4"></a><var>6.4</var>commissioner of public safety shall make electronic data on citizenship available
         to the <br/>
<a id="pl.6.5"></a><var>6.5</var>secretary of state. The secretary of state must determine whether the data newly indicates
         <br/>
<a id="pl.6.6"></a><var>6.6</var>that any individuals who have active records in the statewide voter registration system
         <br/>
<a id="pl.6.7"></a><var>6.7</var>are not citizens. The secretary of state shall prepare a list of those voters for
         each county <br/>
<a id="pl.6.8"></a><var>6.8</var>auditor at least monthly. The county auditor shall change the status of those registrants in <br/>
<a id="pl.6.9"></a><var>6.9</var>the statewide voter registration system to reflect that they are challenged based
         upon their <br/>
<a id="pl.6.10"></a><var>6.10</var>citizenship and must notify the county attorney.<br/>
<a id="pl.6.11"></a><var>6.11</var>In 2010, the secretary of state must make the determination and provide lists <br/>
<a id="pl.6.12"></a><var>6.12</var>to the county auditors between 30 and 60 days before the general election and again
         <br/>
<a id="pl.6.13"></a><var>6.13</var>between six and ten weeks after the election. In 2011, the secretary of state must
         make <br/>
<a id="pl.6.14"></a><var>6.14</var>this determination again as part of the annual list maintenance. By August 1, 2012,
         the <br/>
<a id="pl.6.15"></a><var>6.15</var>secretary of state must provide electronic lists to the counties at least monthly.<br/>
<br/>
<a id="bill.1.8.0"></a><a id="pl.6.16"></a><var>6.16</var>    Sec. 8. Minnesota Statutes 2014, section 201.275, is amended to read:<br/>
<a id="pl.6.17"></a><var>6.17</var><b>201.275 INVESTIGATIONS; PROSECUTIONS.</b><br/>
<a id="pl.6.18"></a><var>6.18</var>(a) A law enforcement agency that is notified by affidavit of an alleged violation of
         <br/>
<a id="pl.6.19"></a><var>6.19</var>this chapter shall promptly investigate. Upon receiving an affidavit alleging a violation
         <br/>
<a id="pl.6.20"></a><var>6.20</var>of this chapter, a county attorney shall promptly forward it to a law enforcement
         agency <br/>
<a id="pl.6.21"></a><var>6.21</var>with jurisdiction for investigation. If there is probable cause for instituting a
         prosecution, <br/>
<a id="pl.6.22"></a><var>6.22</var>the county attorney shall proceed by complaint or present the charge, with whatever <br/>
<a id="pl.6.23"></a><var>6.23</var>evidence has been found, to the grand jury according to the generally applicable standards <br/>
<a id="pl.6.24"></a><var>6.24</var>regarding the prosecutorial functions and duties of a county attorney, provided that
         <br/>
<a id="pl.6.25"></a><var>6.25</var>the county attorney is not required to proceed with the prosecution if the complainant
         <br/>
<a id="pl.6.26"></a><var>6.26</var>withdraws the allegation. A county attorney who refuses or intentionally fails to faithfully <br/>
<a id="pl.6.27"></a><var>6.27</var>perform this or any other duty imposed by this chapter is guilty of a misdemeanor
         and <br/>
<a id="pl.6.28"></a><var>6.28</var>upon conviction shall forfeit office. The county attorney, under the penalty of forfeiture of <br/>
<a id="pl.6.29"></a><var>6.29</var>office, shall prosecute all violations of this chapter except violations of this section;
         if, <br/>
<a id="pl.6.30"></a><var>6.30</var>however, a complainant withdraws an allegation under this chapter, the county attorney
         is <br/>
<a id="pl.6.31"></a><var>6.31</var>not required to proceed with the prosecution.<br/>
<a id="pl.6.32"></a><var>6.32</var>(b) Willful violation of this chapter by any public employee constitutes just cause
         for <br/>
<a id="pl.6.33"></a><var>6.33</var>suspension without pay or dismissal of the public employee.<br/>
<a id="pl.6.34"></a><var>6.34</var>(c) Where the matter relates to a voter registration application submitted <br/>
<a id="pl.6.35"></a><var>6.35</var>electronically through the secure Web site established in section 
         <statute_ref>201.061, subdivision 1</statute_ref>, <br/>
<a id="pl.7.1"></a><var>7.1</var>alleged violations of this chapter may be investigated and prosecuted in the county
         in <br/>
<a id="pl.7.2"></a><var>7.2</var>which the individual registered or attempted to register.<br/>
<a id="pl.7.3"></a><var>7.3</var><b>EFFECTIVE DATE.</b>This section is effective the day following final enactment.<br/>
<br/>
<a id="bill.1.9.0"></a><a id="pl.7.4"></a><var>7.4</var>    Sec. 9. Minnesota Statutes 2014, section 203B.07, subdivision 1, is amended to read:<br/>
<a id="pl.7.5"></a><var>7.5</var>    Subdivision 1. <b>Delivery of envelopes, directions.</b> The county auditor or the <br/>
<a id="pl.7.6"></a><var>7.6</var>municipal clerk shall prepare, print, and transmit a return envelope, a ballot envelope,
         and <br/>
<a id="pl.7.7"></a><var>7.7</var>a copy of the directions for casting an absentee ballot to each applicant whose application
         <br/>
<a id="pl.7.8"></a><var>7.8</var>for absentee ballots is accepted pursuant to section 
         <statute_ref>203B.04</statute_ref>. The county auditor or <br/>
<a id="pl.7.9"></a><var>7.9</var>municipal clerk shall provide first class postage for the return envelope. The directions
         <br/>
<a id="pl.7.10"></a><var>7.10</var>for casting an absentee ballot shall be printed in at least 14-point bold type with
         heavy <br/>
<a id="pl.7.11"></a><var>7.11</var>leading and may be printed on the ballot envelope. When a person requests the directions
         <br/>
<a id="pl.7.12"></a><var>7.12</var>in Braille or on cassette tape audio file, the county auditor or municipal clerk shall provide <br/>
<a id="pl.7.13"></a><var>7.13</var>them in the form requested. The secretary of state shall prepare Braille and cassette audio <br/>
<a id="pl.7.14"></a><var>7.14</var>file copies and make them available.<br/>
<a id="pl.7.15"></a><var>7.15</var>    When a voter registration application is sent to the applicant as provided in section
         <br/>
<statute_ref><a id="pl.7.16"></a><var>7.16</var>203B.06, subdivision 4
         </statute_ref>, the directions or registration application shall include instructions <br/>
<a id="pl.7.17"></a><var>7.17</var>for registering to vote.<br/>
<br/>
<a id="bill.1.10.0"></a><a id="pl.7.18"></a><var>7.18</var>    Sec. 10. Minnesota Statutes 2014, section 203B.08, subdivision 1, is amended to read:<br/>
<a id="pl.7.19"></a><var>7.19</var>    Subdivision 1. <b>Marking and return by voter.</b> An eligible voter who receives <br/>
<a id="pl.7.20"></a><var>7.20</var>absentee ballots as provided in this chapter shall mark them in the manner specified
         in the <br/>
<a id="pl.7.21"></a><var>7.21</var>directions for casting the absentee ballots. The return envelope containing marked
         ballots <br/>
<a id="pl.7.22"></a><var>7.22</var>may be mailed as provided in the directions for casting the absentee ballots or may
         be <br/>
<a id="pl.7.23"></a><var>7.23</var>left with the county auditor or municipal clerk who transmitted the absentee ballots
         to the <br/>
<a id="pl.7.24"></a><var>7.24</var>voter. If delivered in person by an agent, the return envelope must be submitted to the <br/>
<a id="pl.7.25"></a><var>7.25</var>county auditor or municipal clerk by 3:00 p.m. on election day.<br/>
<a id="pl.7.26"></a><var>7.26</var>The voter may designate an agent to deliver in person the sealed absentee ballot <br/>
<a id="pl.7.27"></a><var>7.27</var>return envelope to the county auditor or municipal clerk or to deposit the return
         envelope <br/>
<a id="pl.7.28"></a><var>7.28</var>in the mail. An agent may deliver or mail the return envelopes of not more than three
         <br/>
<a id="pl.7.29"></a><var>7.29</var>voters in any election. Any person designated as an agent who tampers with either
         the <br/>
<a id="pl.7.30"></a><var>7.30</var>return envelope or the voted ballots or does not immediately mail or deliver the return
         <br/>
<a id="pl.7.31"></a><var>7.31</var>envelope to the county auditor or municipal clerk is guilty of a misdemeanor.<br/>
<br/>
<a id="bill.1.11.0"></a><a id="pl.7.32"></a><var>7.32</var>    Sec. 11. Minnesota Statutes 2014, section 203B.08, subdivision 3, is amended to read:<br/>
<a id="pl.8.1"></a><var>8.1</var>    Subd. 3. <b>Procedures on receipt of ballots.</b> When absentee ballots are returned to a <br/>
<a id="pl.8.2"></a><var>8.2</var>county auditor or municipal clerk, that official shall stamp or initial and date the
         return <br/>
<a id="pl.8.3"></a><var>8.3</var>envelope and place it in a secure location with other return envelopes received by
         that <br/>
<a id="pl.8.4"></a><var>8.4</var>office. Within five days after receipt, the county auditor or municipal clerk shall
         deliver to <br/>
<a id="pl.8.5"></a><var>8.5</var>the ballot board all ballots received, except that during the 14 days immediately
         preceding <br/>
<a id="pl.8.6"></a><var>8.6</var>an election, the county auditor or municipal clerk shall deliver all ballots received
         to the <br/>
<a id="pl.8.7"></a><var>8.7</var>ballot board within three days. Ballots received on election day either (1) after
         3:00 p.m., <br/>
<a id="pl.8.8"></a><var>8.8</var>if delivered by an agent in person; or (2) after the last mail delivery 8 p.m., if delivered by <br/>
<a id="pl.8.9"></a><var>8.9</var>another method mail or a package delivery service, shall be marked as received late by the <br/>
<a id="pl.8.10"></a><var>8.10</var>county auditor or municipal clerk, and must not be delivered to the ballot board.<br/>
<br/>
<a id="bill.1.12.0"></a><a id="pl.8.11"></a><var>8.11</var>    Sec. 12. Minnesota Statutes 2014, section 203B.121, subdivision 2, is amended to read:<br/>
<a id="pl.8.12"></a><var>8.12</var>    Subd. 2. <b>Duties of ballot board; absentee ballots.</b> (a) The members of the ballot <br/>
<a id="pl.8.13"></a><var>8.13</var>board shall take possession of all return envelopes delivered to them in accordance
         with <br/>
<a id="pl.8.14"></a><var>8.14</var>section 
         <statute_ref>203B.08</statute_ref>. Upon receipt from the county auditor, municipal clerk, or school district <br/>
<a id="pl.8.15"></a><var>8.15</var>clerk, two or more members of the ballot board shall examine each return envelope
         and <br/>
<a id="pl.8.16"></a><var>8.16</var>shall mark it accepted or rejected in the manner provided in this subdivision. Election
         <br/>
<a id="pl.8.17"></a><var>8.17</var>judges performing the duties in this section must be of different major political
         parties, <br/>
<a id="pl.8.18"></a><var>8.18</var>unless they are exempt from that requirement under section 
         <statute_ref>205.075, subdivision 4</statute_ref>, or <br/>
<a id="pl.8.19"></a><var>8.19</var>section 
         <statute_ref>205A.10, subdivision 2</statute_ref>.<br/>
<a id="pl.8.20"></a><var>8.20</var>(b) The members of the ballot board shall mark the return envelope "Accepted" and
         <br/>
<a id="pl.8.21"></a><var>8.21</var>initial or sign the return envelope below the word "Accepted" if a majority of the
         members <br/>
<a id="pl.8.22"></a><var>8.22</var>of the ballot board examining the envelope are satisfied that:<br/>
<a id="pl.8.23"></a><var>8.23</var>(1) the voter's name and address on the return envelope are the same as the <br/>
<a id="pl.8.24"></a><var>8.24</var>information provided on the absentee ballot application;<br/>
<a id="pl.8.25"></a><var>8.25</var>(2) the voter signed the certification on the envelope;<br/>
<a id="pl.8.26"></a><var>8.26</var>(3) the voter's Minnesota driver's license, state identification number, or the last
         four <br/>
<a id="pl.8.27"></a><var>8.27</var>digits of the voter's Social Security number are the same as the a number provided on the <br/>
<a id="pl.8.28"></a><var>8.28</var>voter's absentee ballot application for ballots or voter record. If the number does not <br/>
<a id="pl.8.29"></a><var>8.29</var>match the number as submitted on the application, or if a number was not submitted on <br/>
<a id="pl.8.30"></a><var>8.30</var>the application, the election judges must compare the signature provided by the applicant <br/>
<a id="pl.8.31"></a><var>8.31</var>to determine whether the ballots were returned by the same person to whom they were
         <br/>
<a id="pl.8.32"></a><var>8.32</var>transmitted;<br/>
<a id="pl.8.33"></a><var>8.33</var>(4) the voter is registered and eligible to vote in the precinct or has included a
         <br/>
<a id="pl.8.34"></a><var>8.34</var>properly completed voter registration application in the return envelope;<br/>
<a id="pl.9.1"></a><var>9.1</var>(5) the certificate has been completed as prescribed in the directions for casting
         an <br/>
<a id="pl.9.2"></a><var>9.2</var>absentee ballot; and<br/>
<a id="pl.9.3"></a><var>9.3</var>(6) the voter has not already voted at that election, either in person or, if it is
         after the <br/>
<a id="pl.9.4"></a><var>9.4</var>close of business on the seventh day before the election, by absentee ballot.<br/>
<a id="pl.9.5"></a><var>9.5</var>The return envelope from accepted ballots must be preserved and returned to the <br/>
<a id="pl.9.6"></a><var>9.6</var>county auditor.<br/>
<a id="pl.9.7"></a><var>9.7</var>(c)(1) If a majority of the members of the ballot board examining a return envelope
         <br/>
<a id="pl.9.8"></a><var>9.8</var>find that an absentee voter has failed to meet one of the requirements provided in
         <br/>
<a id="pl.9.9"></a><var>9.9</var>paragraph (b), they shall mark the return envelope "Rejected," initial or sign it
         below the <br/>
<a id="pl.9.10"></a><var>9.10</var>word "Rejected," list the reason for the rejection on the envelope, and return it
         to the <br/>
<a id="pl.9.11"></a><var>9.11</var>county auditor. There is no other reason for rejecting an absentee ballot beyond those
         <br/>
<a id="pl.9.12"></a><var>9.12</var>permitted by this section. Failure to place the ballot within the security envelope
         before <br/>
<a id="pl.9.13"></a><var>9.13</var>placing it in the outer white envelope is not a reason to reject an absentee ballot.<br/>
<a id="pl.9.14"></a><var>9.14</var>(2) If an envelope has been rejected at least five days before the election, the <br/>
<a id="pl.9.15"></a><var>9.15</var>envelope must remain sealed and the official in charge of the ballot board shall provide
         the <br/>
<a id="pl.9.16"></a><var>9.16</var>voter with a replacement absentee ballot and return envelope in place of the rejected
         ballot.<br/>
<a id="pl.9.17"></a><var>9.17</var>(3) If an envelope is rejected within five days of the election, the envelope must
         <br/>
<a id="pl.9.18"></a><var>9.18</var>remain sealed and the official in charge of the ballot board must attempt to contact
         the <br/>
<a id="pl.9.19"></a><var>9.19</var>voter by telephone or e-mail to notify the voter that the voter's ballot has been
         rejected. <br/>
<a id="pl.9.20"></a><var>9.20</var>The official must document the attempts made to contact the voter.<br/>
<a id="pl.9.21"></a><var>9.21</var>(d) The official in charge of the absentee ballot board must mail the voter a written
         <br/>
<a id="pl.9.22"></a><var>9.22</var>notice of absentee ballot rejection between six and ten weeks following the election.
         If the <br/>
<a id="pl.9.23"></a><var>9.23</var>official determines that the voter has otherwise cast a ballot in the election, no
         notice is <br/>
<a id="pl.9.24"></a><var>9.24</var>required. If an absentee ballot arrives after the deadline for submission provided
         by this <br/>
<a id="pl.9.25"></a><var>9.25</var>chapter, the notice must be provided between six to ten weeks after receipt of the
         ballot. A <br/>
<a id="pl.9.26"></a><var>9.26</var>notice of absentee ballot rejection must contain the following information:<br/>
<a id="pl.9.27"></a><var>9.27</var>(1) the date on which the absentee ballot was rejected or, if the ballot was received
         <br/>
<a id="pl.9.28"></a><var>9.28</var>after the required deadline for submission, the date on which the ballot was received;<br/>
<a id="pl.9.29"></a><var>9.29</var>(2) the reason for rejection; and<br/>
<a id="pl.9.30"></a><var>9.30</var>(3) the name of the appropriate election official to whom the voter may direct further
         <br/>
<a id="pl.9.31"></a><var>9.31</var>questions, along with appropriate contact information.<br/>
<a id="pl.9.32"></a><var>9.32</var>(e) An absentee ballot return envelope marked "Rejected" may not be opened or <br/>
<a id="pl.9.33"></a><var>9.33</var>subject to further review except in an election contest filed pursuant to chapter
         209.<br/>
<br/>
<a id="bill.1.13.0"></a><a id="pl.9.34"></a><var>9.34</var>    Sec. 13. Minnesota Statutes 2014, section 203B.17, subdivision 1, is amended to read:<br/>
<a id="pl.10.1"></a><var>10.1</var>    Subdivision 1. <b>Submission of application.</b> (a) An application for absentee ballots <br/>
<a id="pl.10.2"></a><var>10.2</var>for a voter described in section 
         <statute_ref>203B.16</statute_ref> must be in writing and may be submitted in <br/>
<a id="pl.10.3"></a><var>10.3</var>person, by mail, by electronic facsimile device, by electronic mail, or electronically
         <br/>
<a id="pl.10.4"></a><var>10.4</var>through a secure Web site that shall be maintained by the secretary of state for this
         <br/>
<a id="pl.10.5"></a><var>10.5</var>purpose, upon determination by the secretary of state that security concerns have
         been <br/>
<a id="pl.10.6"></a><var>10.6</var>adequately addressed. An application for absentee ballots for a voter described in
         section <br/>
<statute_ref><a id="pl.10.7"></a><var>10.7</var>203B.16
         </statute_ref> may be submitted by that voter or by that voter's parent, spouse, sister, brother,
         or <br/>
<a id="pl.10.8"></a><var>10.8</var>child over the age of 18 years. For purposes of an application under this subdivision, a <br/>
<a id="pl.10.9"></a><var>10.9</var>person's Social Security number, no matter how it is designated, qualifies as the
         person's <br/>
<a id="pl.10.10"></a><var>10.10</var>military identification number if the person is in the military.<br/>
<a id="pl.10.11"></a><var>10.11</var>(b) An application for a voter described in section 
         <statute_ref>203B.16, subdivision 1</statute_ref>, shall be <br/>
<a id="pl.10.12"></a><var>10.12</var>submitted to the county auditor of the county where the voter maintains residence
         or <br/>
<a id="pl.10.13"></a><var>10.13</var>through the secure Web site maintained by the secretary of state.<br/>
<a id="pl.10.14"></a><var>10.14</var>(c) An application for a voter described in section 
         <statute_ref>203B.16, subdivision 2</statute_ref>, shall be <br/>
<a id="pl.10.15"></a><var>10.15</var>submitted to the county auditor of the county where the voter last maintained residence
         in <br/>
<a id="pl.10.16"></a><var>10.16</var>Minnesota or through the secure Web site maintained by the secretary of state.<br/>
<a id="pl.10.17"></a><var>10.17</var>(d) An application for absentee ballots shall be valid for any primary, special <br/>
<a id="pl.10.18"></a><var>10.18</var>primary, general election, or special election from the time the application is received
         <br/>
<a id="pl.10.19"></a><var>10.19</var>through the end of that calendar year.<br/>
<a id="pl.10.20"></a><var>10.20</var>(e) There shall be no limitation of time for filing and receiving applications for
         <br/>
<a id="pl.10.21"></a><var>10.21</var>ballots under sections 
         <statute_ref>203B.16</statute_ref> to 
         <statute_ref>203B.27</statute_ref>.<br/>
<br/>
<a id="bill.1.14.0"></a><a id="pl.10.22"></a><var>10.22</var>    Sec. 14. Minnesota Statutes 2014, section 204B.06, subdivision 1b, is amended to read:<br/>
<a id="pl.10.23"></a><var>10.23</var>    Subd. 1b. <b>Address and telephone number.</b> (a) An affidavit of candidacy must <br/>
<a id="pl.10.24"></a><var>10.24</var>state a telephone number where the candidate can be contacted. An affidavit must also
         <br/>
<a id="pl.10.25"></a><var>10.25</var>state the candidate's address of residence as determined under section 
         <statute_ref>200.031</statute_ref>, or at the <br/>
<a id="pl.10.26"></a><var>10.26</var>candidate's request in accordance with paragraph (c), the candidate's campaign contact
         <br/>
<a id="pl.10.27"></a><var>10.27</var>address. The form for the affidavit of candidacy must allow the candidate to request,
         if <br/>
<a id="pl.10.28"></a><var>10.28</var>eligible, that the candidate's address of residence be classified as private data,
         and to <br/>
<a id="pl.10.29"></a><var>10.29</var>provide the certification required under paragraph (c) for classification of that
         address.<br/>
<a id="pl.10.30"></a><var>10.30</var>(b) For an office whose residency requirement must be satisfied by the close of the
         <br/>
<a id="pl.10.31"></a><var>10.31</var>filing period, a registered voter in this state may request in writing that the filing
         officer <br/>
<a id="pl.10.32"></a><var>10.32</var>receiving the affidavit of candidacy review the address as provided in this paragraph,
         at <br/>
<a id="pl.10.33"></a><var>10.33</var>any time up to one day after the last day for filing for office. If requested, the
         filing officer <br/>
<a id="pl.10.34"></a><var>10.34</var>must determine whether the address provided in the affidavit of candidacy is within
         the <br/>
<a id="pl.10.35"></a><var>10.35</var>area represented by the office the candidate is seeking. If the filing officer determines
         <br/>
<a id="pl.11.1"></a><var>11.1</var>that the address is not within the area represented by the office, the filing officer
         must <br/>
<a id="pl.11.2"></a><var>11.2</var>immediately notify the candidate and the candidate's name must be removed from the
         <br/>
<a id="pl.11.3"></a><var>11.3</var>ballot for that office. A determination made by a filing officer under this paragraph
         is <br/>
<a id="pl.11.4"></a><var>11.4</var>subject to judicial review under section 
         <statute_ref>204B.44</statute_ref>.<br/>
<a id="pl.11.5"></a><var>11.5</var>(c) If the candidate requests that the candidate's address of residence be classified
         <br/>
<a id="pl.11.6"></a><var>11.6</var>as private data, the candidate must list the candidate's address of residence on a
         separate <br/>
<a id="pl.11.7"></a><var>11.7</var>form to be attached to the affidavit. The candidate must also certify on the affidavit
         that <br/>
<a id="pl.11.8"></a><var>11.8</var>a police report has been submitted or an order for protection has been issued in regard
         <br/>
<a id="pl.11.9"></a><var>11.9</var>to the safety of the candidate or the candidate's family, or that the candidate's address is <br/>
<a id="pl.11.10"></a><var>11.10</var>otherwise private pursuant to Minnesota law. The address of residence provided by a <br/>
<a id="pl.11.11"></a><var>11.11</var>candidate who makes a request for classification on the candidate's affidavit of candidacy
         <br/>
<a id="pl.11.12"></a><var>11.12</var>and provides the certification required by this paragraph is classified as private
         data, <br/>
<a id="pl.11.13"></a><var>11.13</var>as defined in section 
         <statute_ref>13.02, subdivision 12</statute_ref>, but may be reviewed by the filing officer <br/>
<a id="pl.11.14"></a><var>11.14</var>as provided in this subdivision.<br/>
<a id="pl.11.15"></a><var>11.15</var>(d) The requirements of this subdivision do not apply to affidavits of candidacy for
         a <br/>
<a id="pl.11.16"></a><var>11.16</var>candidate for: (1) judicial office; (2) the office of county attorney; or (3) county
         sheriff.<br/>
<br/>
<a id="bill.1.15.0"></a><a id="pl.11.17"></a><var>11.17</var>    Sec. 15. Minnesota Statutes 2014, section 204B.13, subdivision 1, is amended to read:<br/>
<a id="pl.11.18"></a><var>11.18</var>    Subdivision 1. <b>Partisan office.</b> (a) A vacancy in nomination for a partisan office <br/>
<a id="pl.11.19"></a><var>11.19</var>must be filled in the manner provided by this section. A vacancy in nomination exists
         <br/>
<a id="pl.11.20"></a><var>11.20</var>for a partisan office when a major political party candidate who has been nominated
         in <br/>
<a id="pl.11.21"></a><var>11.21</var>accordance with section 
         <statute_ref>204D.03, subdivision 3</statute_ref>, or 
         <statute_ref>204D.10, subdivision 1</statute_ref>:<br/>
<a id="pl.11.22"></a><var>11.22</var>(1) dies;<br/>
<a id="pl.11.23"></a><var>11.23</var>(2) withdraws as provided in section 
<statute_ref>204B.12, subdivision 1</statute_ref>; or<br/>
<a id="pl.11.24"></a><var>11.24</var>(3) withdraws by filing an affidavit of withdrawal, as provided in paragraph (b), <br/>
<a id="pl.11.25"></a><var>11.25</var>at least one day prior to the general election with the same official who received
         the <br/>
<a id="pl.11.26"></a><var>11.26</var>affidavit of candidacy; or<br/>
<a id="pl.11.27"></a><var>11.27</var>(3) is determined to be ineligible to hold the office the candidate is seeking, pursuant
         <br/>
<a id="pl.11.28"></a><var>11.28</var>to a court order issued under section 204B.44.<br/>
<a id="pl.11.29"></a><var>11.29</var>(b) An affidavit of withdrawal filed under paragraph (a), clause (3), must state that
         <br/>
<a id="pl.11.30"></a><var>11.30</var>the candidate has been diagnosed with a catastrophic illness that will permanently
         and <br/>
<a id="pl.11.31"></a><var>11.31</var>continuously incapacitate the candidate and prevent the candidate from performing
         the <br/>
<a id="pl.11.32"></a><var>11.32</var>duties of the office sought, if elected. The affidavit must be accompanied by a certificate
         <br/>
<a id="pl.11.33"></a><var>11.33</var>verifying the candidate's illness meets the requirements of this paragraph, signed
         by at <br/>
<a id="pl.11.34"></a><var>11.34</var>least two licensed physicians. The affidavit and certificate may be filed by the candidate
         <br/>
<a id="pl.11.35"></a><var>11.35</var>or the candidate's legal guardian.<br/>
<a id="pl.12.1"></a><var>12.1</var><b>EFFECTIVE DATE.</b>This section is effective the day following final enactment, <br/>
<a id="pl.12.2"></a><var>12.2</var>and applies to elections for which the candidate withdrawal period under section 204B.12,
         <br/>
<a id="pl.12.3"></a><var>12.3</var>subdivision 1, occurs on or after that date.<br/>
<br/>
<a id="bill.1.16.0"></a><a id="pl.12.4"></a><var>12.4</var>    Sec. 16. Minnesota Statutes 2014, section 204B.13, subdivision 2, is amended to read:<br/>
<a id="pl.12.5"></a><var>12.5</var>    Subd. 2. <b>Partisan office; nomination by party; special election.</b> (a) Except as <br/>
<a id="pl.12.6"></a><var>12.6</var>provided in subdivision 5, a major political party may fill a vacancy in nomination
         of <br/>
<a id="pl.12.7"></a><var>12.7</var>that party's candidate as defined in subdivision 1, clause (1) or, (2), or (3), by filing one <br/>
<a id="pl.12.8"></a><var>12.8</var>nomination certificate with the same official who received the affidavits of candidacy
         <br/>
<a id="pl.12.9"></a><var>12.9</var>for that office. <br/>
<a id="pl.12.10"></a><var>12.10</var>A major political party may provide in its governing rules a procedure, including
         <br/>
<a id="pl.12.11"></a><var>12.11</var>designation of an appropriate committee, to fill a vacancy in nomination for any federal
         or <br/>
<a id="pl.12.12"></a><var>12.12</var>state partisan office. The nomination certificate shall be prepared under the direction
         of <br/>
<a id="pl.12.13"></a><var>12.13</var>and executed by the chair and secretary of the political party and filed within the
         timelines <br/>
<a id="pl.12.14"></a><var>12.14</var>established in this section. When filing the certificate the chair and secretary shall
         attach <br/>
<a id="pl.12.15"></a><var>12.15</var>an affidavit stating that the newly nominated candidate has been selected under the
         rules <br/>
<a id="pl.12.16"></a><var>12.16</var>of the party and that the individuals signing the certificate and making the affidavit
         are the <br/>
<a id="pl.12.17"></a><var>12.17</var>chair and secretary of the party.<br/>
<a id="pl.12.18"></a><var>12.18</var>(b) In the case of a vacancy in nomination for partisan office that occurs on or before
         <br/>
<a id="pl.12.19"></a><var>12.19</var>the 79th day before the general election, the major political party must file the
         nomination <br/>
<a id="pl.12.20"></a><var>12.20</var>certificate no later than 71 days before the general election. The name of the candidate
         <br/>
<a id="pl.12.21"></a><var>12.21</var>nominated by the party must appear on the general election ballot.<br/>
<a id="pl.12.22"></a><var>12.22</var>(c) Except as provided in subdivision 5, in the case of a vacancy in nomination for
         <br/>
<a id="pl.12.23"></a><var>12.23</var>a partisan office that occurs after the 79th day before the general election, the
         general <br/>
<a id="pl.12.24"></a><var>12.24</var>election ballot shall remain unchanged, but the county and state canvassing boards
         must <br/>
<a id="pl.12.25"></a><var>12.25</var>not certify the vote totals for that office from the general election, and the office
         must be <br/>
<a id="pl.12.26"></a><var>12.26</var>filled at a special election held in accordance with this section. Except for the
         vacancy <br/>
<a id="pl.12.27"></a><var>12.27</var>in nomination, all other candidates whose names appeared on the general election ballot
         <br/>
<a id="pl.12.28"></a><var>12.28</var>for the office must appear on the special election ballot for the office. New affidavits
         of <br/>
<a id="pl.12.29"></a><var>12.29</var>candidacy or nominating petitions may not be accepted, and there must not be a primary
         to <br/>
<a id="pl.12.30"></a><var>12.30</var>fill the vacancy in nomination. The major political party may file a nomination certificate
         <br/>
<a id="pl.12.31"></a><var>12.31</var>as provided in paragraph (a) no later than seven days after the general election.
         On the <br/>
<a id="pl.12.32"></a><var>12.32</var>date of the general election, the county auditor or municipal clerk shall post a notice
         in <br/>
<a id="pl.12.33"></a><var>12.33</var>each precinct affected by a vacancy in nomination under this paragraph, informing
         voters <br/>
<a id="pl.12.34"></a><var>12.34</var>of the reason for the vacancy in nomination and the procedures for filling the vacancy
         in <br/>
<a id="pl.12.35"></a><var>12.35</var>nomination and conducting a special election as required by this section. The secretary
         <br/>
<a id="pl.13.1"></a><var>13.1</var>of state shall prepare and electronically distribute the notice to county auditors
         in each <br/>
<a id="pl.13.2"></a><var>13.2</var>county affected by a vacancy in nomination.<br/>
<a id="pl.13.3"></a><var>13.3</var><b>EFFECTIVE DATE.</b>This section is effective the day following final enactment.<br/>
<br/>
<a id="bill.1.17.0"></a><a id="pl.13.4"></a><var>13.4</var>    Sec. 17. Minnesota Statutes 2014, section 204B.13, subdivision 5, is amended to read:<br/>
<a id="pl.13.5"></a><var>13.5</var>    Subd. 5. <b>Candidates for governor and lieutenant governor.</b> (a) If a vacancy in <br/>
<a id="pl.13.6"></a><var>13.6</var>nomination for a major political party occurs in the race for governor, the political
         party <br/>
<a id="pl.13.7"></a><var>13.7</var>must nominate the candidates for both governor and lieutenant governor. If a vacancy
         <br/>
<a id="pl.13.8"></a><var>13.8</var>in nomination for a major political party occurs in the race for lieutenant governor,
         the <br/>
<a id="pl.13.9"></a><var>13.9</var>candidate for governor shall select the candidate for lieutenant governor.<br/>
<a id="pl.13.10"></a><var>13.10</var>(b) For a vacancy in nomination for lieutenant governor that occurs on or before the
         <br/>
<a id="pl.13.11"></a><var>13.11</var>79th day before the general election, the name of the lieutenant governor candidate
         must <br/>
<a id="pl.13.12"></a><var>13.12</var>be submitted by the governor candidate to the filing officer no later than 71 days
         before <br/>
<a id="pl.13.13"></a><var>13.13</var>the general election. If the vacancy in nomination for lieutenant governor occurs
         after the <br/>
<a id="pl.13.14"></a><var>13.14</var>79th day before the general election, the candidate for governor shall submit the
         name of <br/>
<a id="pl.13.15"></a><var>13.15</var>the new lieutenant governor candidate to the secretary of state within seven days
         after the <br/>
<a id="pl.13.16"></a><var>13.16</var>vacancy in nomination occurs, but no changes may be made to the general election ballots.<br/>
<a id="pl.13.17"></a><var>13.17</var>(c) When a vacancy in nomination for lieutenant governor occurs after the 79th day
         <br/>
<a id="pl.13.18"></a><var>13.18</var>before the general election, the county auditor or municipal clerk shall post a notice
         in <br/>
<a id="pl.13.19"></a><var>13.19</var>each precinct affected by the vacancy in nomination. The secretary of state shall
         prepare <br/>
<a id="pl.13.20"></a><var>13.20</var>and electronically distribute the notice to county auditors. The county auditor must
         ensure <br/>
<a id="pl.13.21"></a><var>13.21</var>that each precinct in the county receives the notice prior to the opening of the polls
         on <br/>
<a id="pl.13.22"></a><var>13.22</var>election day. The notice must include:<br/>
<a id="pl.13.23"></a><var>13.23</var>(1) a statement that there is a vacancy in nomination for lieutenant governor and
         the <br/>
<a id="pl.13.24"></a><var>13.24</var>statutory reason for the vacancy in nomination as provided in subdivision 1, paragraph
         <br/>
<a id="pl.13.25"></a><var>13.25</var>(a), clauses (1) and, (2), or (3);<br/>
<a id="pl.13.26"></a><var>13.26</var>(2) a statement that the results for the governor and lieutenant governor will be
         <br/>
<a id="pl.13.27"></a><var>13.27</var>counted and that no special election will be held for that race; and<br/>
<a id="pl.13.28"></a><var>13.28</var>(3) a list of all candidates in the governor and lieutenant governor's race, listed
         in order <br/>
<a id="pl.13.29"></a><var>13.29</var>of the base rotation. The listing of candidates shall include the name of the candidate
         to <br/>
<a id="pl.13.30"></a><var>13.30</var>fill the vacancy in nomination for lieutenant governor. If the name of the candidate
         has not <br/>
<a id="pl.13.31"></a><var>13.31</var>yet been named, then the list must include the date by which the candidate will be
         named.<br/>
<a id="pl.13.32"></a><var>13.32</var><b>EFFECTIVE DATE.</b>This section is effective the day following final enactment.<br/>
<br/>
<a id="bill.1.18.0"></a><a id="pl.13.33"></a><var>13.33</var>    Sec. 18. Minnesota Statutes 2014, section 204B.131, subdivision 1, is amended to read:<br/>
<a id="pl.14.1"></a><var>14.1</var>    Subdivision 1. <b>Applicability.</b> A vacancy in nomination for a nonpartisan office <br/>
<a id="pl.14.2"></a><var>14.2</var>must be filled in the manner provided by this section. A vacancy in nomination for
         a <br/>
<a id="pl.14.3"></a><var>14.3</var>nonpartisan office exists when:<br/>
<a id="pl.14.4"></a><var>14.4</var>(1) a candidate for any nonpartisan office, for which one or two candidates filed,
         <br/>
<a id="pl.14.5"></a><var>14.5</var>withdraws as provided in section 
         <statute_ref>204B.12, subdivision 1</statute_ref>; or<br/>
<a id="pl.14.6"></a><var>14.6</var>(2) a candidate for any nonpartisan office, for which one or two candidates filed,
         <br/>
<a id="pl.14.7"></a><var>14.7</var>is determined to be ineligible to hold the office the candidate is seeking, pursuant
         to a <br/>
<a id="pl.14.8"></a><var>14.8</var>court order issued under section 204B.44; or<br/>
<a id="pl.14.9"></a><var>14.9</var>(2) (3) a candidate for any nonjudicial nonpartisan office, for which only one or two <br/>
<a id="pl.14.10"></a><var>14.10</var>candidates filed or who was nominated at a primary, dies on or before the 79th day
         before <br/>
<a id="pl.14.11"></a><var>14.11</var>the date of the general election.<br/>
<a id="pl.14.12"></a><var>14.12</var><b>EFFECTIVE DATE.</b>This section is effective the day following final enactment.<br/>
<br/>
<a id="bill.1.19.0"></a><a id="pl.14.13"></a><var>14.13</var>    Sec. 19. Minnesota Statutes 2014, section 204B.19, subdivision 2, is amended to read:<br/>
<a id="pl.14.14"></a><var>14.14</var>    Subd. 2. <b>Individuals not qualified to be election judges.</b> (a) Except as provided in <br/>
<a id="pl.14.15"></a><var>14.15</var>paragraph (b), no individual shall be appointed as an election judge for any precinct
         if <br/>
<a id="pl.14.16"></a><var>14.16</var>that individual:<br/>
<a id="pl.14.17"></a><var>14.17</var>(1) is unable to read, write, or speak the English language;<br/>
<a id="pl.14.18"></a><var>14.18</var>(2) is the spouse; parent, including a stepparent; child, including a stepchild; or
         <br/>
<a id="pl.14.19"></a><var>14.19</var>sibling, including a stepsibling; of any election judge serving in the same precinct
         or of <br/>
<a id="pl.14.20"></a><var>14.20</var>any candidate at that election; or<br/>
<a id="pl.14.21"></a><var>14.21</var>(3) is domiciled, either permanently or temporarily, with any candidate on the ballot
         <br/>
<a id="pl.14.22"></a><var>14.22</var>at that election; or<br/>
<a id="pl.14.23"></a><var>14.23</var>(4) is a candidate at that election.<br/>
<a id="pl.14.24"></a><var>14.24</var>(b) Individuals who are related to each other as provided in paragraph (a), clause
         (2), <br/>
<a id="pl.14.25"></a><var>14.25</var>may serve as election judges in the same precinct, provided that they serve on separate
         <br/>
<a id="pl.14.26"></a><var>14.26</var>shifts that do not run concurrently.<br/>
<br/>
<a id="bill.1.20.0"></a><a id="pl.14.27"></a><var>14.27</var>    Sec. 20. Minnesota Statutes 2014, section 204B.19, subdivision 6, is amended to read:<br/>
<a id="pl.14.28"></a><var>14.28</var>    Subd. 6. <b>High school students.</b> Notwithstanding any other requirements of this <br/>
<a id="pl.14.29"></a><var>14.29</var>section, a student enrolled in a high school in Minnesota or who is in a home school
         <br/>
<a id="pl.14.30"></a><var>14.30</var>in compliance with sections 
         <statute_ref>120A.22</statute_ref> and 
         <statute_ref>120A.24</statute_ref>, who has attained the age of 16 is <br/>
<a id="pl.14.31"></a><var>14.31</var>eligible to be appointed as a without party affiliation trainee election judge in
         the county in <br/>
<a id="pl.14.32"></a><var>14.32</var>which the student resides, or a county adjacent to the county in which the student resides. <br/>
<a id="pl.14.33"></a><var>14.33</var>The student must meet qualifications for trainee election judges specified in rules
         of the <br/>
<a id="pl.14.34"></a><var>14.34</var>secretary of state. A student appointed as a trainee election judge may be excused
         from <br/>
<a id="pl.15.1"></a><var>15.1</var>school attendance during the hours that the student is serving as a trainee election
         judge <br/>
<a id="pl.15.2"></a><var>15.2</var>if the student submits a written request signed and approved by the student's parent
         or <br/>
<a id="pl.15.3"></a><var>15.3</var>guardian to be absent from school and a certificate from the appointing authority
         stating <br/>
<a id="pl.15.4"></a><var>15.4</var>the hours during which the student will serve as a trainee election judge to the principal
         of <br/>
<a id="pl.15.5"></a><var>15.5</var>the school at least ten days prior to the election. Students shall not serve as trainee
         election <br/>
<a id="pl.15.6"></a><var>15.6</var>judges after 10:00 p.m. Notwithstanding section 
         <statute_ref>177.24</statute_ref> to the contrary, trainee election <br/>
<a id="pl.15.7"></a><var>15.7</var>judges may be paid not less than two-thirds of the minimum wage for a large employer.
         <br/>
<a id="pl.15.8"></a><var>15.8</var>The principal of the school may approve a request to be absent from school conditioned
         <br/>
<a id="pl.15.9"></a><var>15.9</var>on acceptable academic performance at the time of service as a trainee election judge.<br/>
<br/>
<a id="bill.1.21.0"></a><a id="pl.15.10"></a><var>15.10</var>    Sec. 21. Minnesota Statutes 2014, section 204B.36, subdivision 1, is amended to read:<br/>
<a id="pl.15.11"></a><var>15.11</var>    Subdivision 1. <b>Type.</b> All ballots shall be printed with black ink on paper of sufficient <br/>
<a id="pl.15.12"></a><var>15.12</var>thickness to prevent the printing from being discernible from the back. All ballots
         shall be <br/>
<a id="pl.15.13"></a><var>15.13</var>printed in easily readable type with suitable lines dividing candidates, offices,
         instructions <br/>
<a id="pl.15.14"></a><var>15.14</var>and other matter printed on ballots. The name of each candidate shall be printed in capital <br/>
<a id="pl.15.15"></a><var>15.15</var>letters. The same type shall be used for the names of all candidates on the same ballot.<br/>
<br/>
<a id="bill.1.22.0"></a><a id="pl.15.16"></a><var>15.16</var>    Sec. 22. Minnesota Statutes 2014, section 204B.36, subdivision 2, is amended to read:<br/>
<a id="pl.15.17"></a><var>15.17</var>    Subd. 2. <b>Candidates and offices.</b> The name of each candidate shall be printed at a <br/>
<a id="pl.15.18"></a><var>15.18</var>right angle to the length of the ballot. At a general election the name of the political
         party <br/>
<a id="pl.15.19"></a><var>15.19</var>or the political principle of each candidate for partisan office shall be printed
         above or <br/>
<a id="pl.15.20"></a><var>15.20</var>below the name of the candidate. The name of a political party or a political principle
         <br/>
<a id="pl.15.21"></a><var>15.21</var>shall be printed in capital and lowercase letters of the same type, with the capital
         letters <br/>
<a id="pl.15.22"></a><var>15.22</var>at least one-half the height of the capital letters used for names of the candidates.
         At a <br/>
<a id="pl.15.23"></a><var>15.23</var>general election, blank lines containing the words "write-in, if any" shall be printed
         below <br/>
<a id="pl.15.24"></a><var>15.24</var>the name of the last candidate for each office, or below the title of the office if
         no candidate <br/>
<a id="pl.15.25"></a><var>15.25</var>has filed for that office, so that a voter may write in the names of individuals whose
         names <br/>
<a id="pl.15.26"></a><var>15.26</var>are not on the ballot. One blank line shall be printed for each officer of that kind
         to be <br/>
<a id="pl.15.27"></a><var>15.27</var>elected. At a primary election, no blank lines shall be provided for writing in the
         names of <br/>
<a id="pl.15.28"></a><var>15.28</var>individuals whose names do not appear on the primary ballot.<br/>
<a id="pl.15.29"></a><var>15.29</var>On the left side of the ballot at the same level with the name of each candidate and
         <br/>
<a id="pl.15.30"></a><var>15.30</var>each blank line shall be printed a square an oval or similar target shape in which the <br/>
<a id="pl.15.31"></a><var>15.31</var>voter may designate a vote by a mark (X) filling in the oval or similar mark if a different <br/>
<a id="pl.15.32"></a><var>15.32</var>target shape is used. Each square shall be the same size. Above the first name on each <br/>
<a id="pl.15.33"></a><var>15.33</var>ballot shall be printed the words, "Put an (X) in the square opposite the name of each <br/>
<a id="pl.15.34"></a><var>15.34</var>candidate you wish to vote for." At the same level with these words and directly above
         <br/>
<a id="pl.16.1"></a><var>16.1</var>the squares shall be printed a small arrow pointing downward instructions for voting. <br/>
<a id="pl.16.2"></a><var>16.2</var>Directly underneath the official title of each office shall be printed the words "Vote
         for <br/>
<a id="pl.16.3"></a><var>16.3</var>one" or "Vote for up to ..." (any greater number to be elected).<br/>
<br/>
<a id="bill.1.23.0"></a><a id="pl.16.4"></a><var>16.4</var>    Sec. 23. Minnesota Statutes 2014, section 204B.36, subdivision 3, is amended to read:<br/>
<a id="pl.16.5"></a><var>16.5</var>    Subd. 3. <b>Question; form of ballot.</b> When a question is to be submitted to a vote, a <br/>
<a id="pl.16.6"></a><var>16.6</var>concise statement of the nature of the question shall be printed on the ballot. The
         words, <br/>
<a id="pl.16.7"></a><var>16.7</var>"YES" "Yes" and "NO" "No" shall be printed to the left of this statement, with a square <br/>
<a id="pl.16.8"></a><var>16.8</var>an oval or similar target shape to the left of each word so that the voter may indicate by <br/>
<a id="pl.16.9"></a><var>16.9</var>a mark (X) either a negative or affirmative vote. The ballot shall include instructions <br/>
<a id="pl.16.10"></a><var>16.10</var>directing the voter to put an (X) in the square fill in the oval or similar mark if a different <br/>
<a id="pl.16.11"></a><var>16.11</var>target shape is used before the word "YES" "Yes" if the voter desires to vote for the <br/>
<a id="pl.16.12"></a><var>16.12</var>question, or to put an (X) fill in the oval or similar mark if a different target shape is used <br/>
<a id="pl.16.13"></a><var>16.13</var>before the word "NO" "No" if the voter desires to vote against the question.<br/>
<br/>
<a id="bill.1.24.0"></a><a id="pl.16.14"></a><var>16.14</var>    Sec. 24. Minnesota Statutes 2014, section 204B.36, subdivision 4, is amended to read:<br/>
<a id="pl.16.15"></a><var>16.15</var>    Subd. 4. <b>Judicial candidates.</b> The official ballot shall contain the names of all <br/>
<a id="pl.16.16"></a><var>16.16</var>candidates for each judicial office and shall state the number of those candidates
         for <br/>
<a id="pl.16.17"></a><var>16.17</var>whom a voter may vote. Each seat for an associate justice, associate judge, or judge
         of <br/>
<a id="pl.16.18"></a><var>16.18</var>the district court must be numbered. The words "SUPREME COURT," "COURT OF <br/>
<a id="pl.16.19"></a><var>16.19</var>APPEALS," "Supreme Court," "Court of Appeals," and "(number) DISTRICT COURT" <br/>
<a id="pl.16.20"></a><var>16.20</var>"(number) District Court" must be printed above the respective judicial office groups on <br/>
<a id="pl.16.21"></a><var>16.21</var>the ballot. The title of each judicial office shall be printed on the official primary
         and <br/>
<a id="pl.16.22"></a><var>16.22</var>general election ballot as follows:<br/>
<a id="pl.16.23"></a><var>16.23</var>(a) In the case of the Supreme Court:<br/>
<a id="pl.16.24"></a><var>16.24</var>"Chief justice";<br/>
<a id="pl.16.25"></a><var>16.25</var>"Associate justice (number)";<br/>
<a id="pl.16.26"></a><var>16.26</var>(b) In the case of the Court of Appeals:<br/>
<a id="pl.16.27"></a><var>16.27</var>"Judge (number)"; or<br/>
<a id="pl.16.28"></a><var>16.28</var>(c) In the case of the district court:<br/>
<a id="pl.16.29"></a><var>16.29</var>"Judge (number)."<br/>
<br/>
<a id="bill.1.25.0"></a><a id="pl.16.30"></a><var>16.30</var>    Sec. 25. Minnesota Statutes 2014, section 204B.44, is amended to read:<br/>
<a id="pl.16.31"></a><var>16.31</var><b>204B.44 ERRORS AND OMISSIONS; REMEDY.</b><br/>
<a id="pl.17.1"></a><var>17.1</var>Any individual may file a petition in the manner provided in this section for the
         <br/>
<a id="pl.17.2"></a><var>17.2</var>correction of any of the following errors, omissions, or wrongful acts which have
         occurred <br/>
<a id="pl.17.3"></a><var>17.3</var>or are about to occur:<br/>
<a id="pl.17.4"></a><var>17.4</var>(a) an error or omission in the placement or printing of the name or description of
         <br/>
<a id="pl.17.5"></a><var>17.5</var>any candidate or any question on any official ballot, including the placement of a candidate <br/>
<a id="pl.17.6"></a><var>17.6</var>on the official ballot who is not eligible to hold the office for which the candidate
         has filed;<br/>
<a id="pl.17.7"></a><var>17.7</var>(b) any other error in preparing or printing any official ballot;<br/>
<a id="pl.17.8"></a><var>17.8</var>(c) failure of the chair or secretary of the proper committee of a major political
         party <br/>
<a id="pl.17.9"></a><var>17.9</var>to execute or file a certificate of nomination;<br/>
<a id="pl.17.10"></a><var>17.10</var>(d) any wrongful act, omission, or error of any election judge, municipal clerk, <br/>
<a id="pl.17.11"></a><var>17.11</var>county auditor, canvassing board or any of its members, the secretary of state, or
         any other <br/>
<a id="pl.17.12"></a><var>17.12</var>individual charged with any duty concerning an election.<br/>
<a id="pl.17.13"></a><var>17.13</var>The petition shall describe the error, omission, or wrongful act and the correction
         <br/>
<a id="pl.17.14"></a><var>17.14</var>sought by the petitioner. The petition shall be filed with any judge of the Supreme
         Court in <br/>
<a id="pl.17.15"></a><var>17.15</var>the case of an election for state or federal office or any judge of the district court
         in that <br/>
<a id="pl.17.16"></a><var>17.16</var>county in the case of an election for county, municipal, or school district office.
         The <br/>
<a id="pl.17.17"></a><var>17.17</var>petitioner shall serve a copy of the petition on the officer, board or individual
         charged with <br/>
<a id="pl.17.18"></a><var>17.18</var>the error, omission, or wrongful act, on all candidates for the office in the case
         of an <br/>
<a id="pl.17.19"></a><var>17.19</var>election for state, federal, county, municipal, or school district office, and on
         any other <br/>
<a id="pl.17.20"></a><var>17.20</var>party as required by the court. Upon receipt of the petition the court shall immediately
         set <br/>
<a id="pl.17.21"></a><var>17.21</var>a time for a hearing on the matter and order the officer, board or individual charged
         with <br/>
<a id="pl.17.22"></a><var>17.22</var>the error, omission or wrongful act to correct the error or wrongful act or perform
         the duty <br/>
<a id="pl.17.23"></a><var>17.23</var>or show cause for not doing so. In the case of a review of a candidate's eligibility to hold <br/>
<a id="pl.17.24"></a><var>17.24</var>office, the court may order the candidate to appear and present sufficient evidence
         of the <br/>
<a id="pl.17.25"></a><var>17.25</var>candidate's eligibility. The court shall issue its findings and a final order for appropriate <br/>
<a id="pl.17.26"></a><var>17.26</var>relief as soon as possible after the hearing. Failure to obey the order is contempt
         of court.<br/>
<a id="pl.17.27"></a><var>17.27</var><b>EFFECTIVE DATE.</b>This section is effective the day following final enactment.<br/>
<br/>
<a id="bill.1.26.0"></a><a id="pl.17.28"></a><var>17.28</var>    Sec. 26. Minnesota Statutes 2014, section 204B.45, subdivision 2, is amended to read:<br/>
<a id="pl.17.29"></a><var>17.29</var>    Subd. 2. <b>Procedure.</b> Notice of the election and the special mail procedure must <br/>
<a id="pl.17.30"></a><var>17.30</var>be given at least ten weeks prior to the election. Not more than 46 days nor later
         than 14 <br/>
<a id="pl.17.31"></a><var>17.31</var>days before a regularly scheduled election and not more than 30 days nor later than
         14 <br/>
<a id="pl.17.32"></a><var>17.32</var>days before any other election, the auditor shall mail ballots by nonforwardable mail
         to <br/>
<a id="pl.17.33"></a><var>17.33</var>all voters registered in the town or unorganized territory. No later than 14 days
         before <br/>
<a id="pl.17.34"></a><var>17.34</var>the election, the auditor must make a subsequent mailing of ballots to those voters
         who <br/>
<a id="pl.17.35"></a><var>17.35</var>register to vote after the initial mailing but before the 20th day before the election.
         <br/>
<a id="pl.18.1"></a><var>18.1</var>Eligible voters not registered at the time the ballots are mailed may apply for ballots
         as <br/>
<a id="pl.18.2"></a><var>18.2</var>provided in chapter 203B. Ballot return envelopes, with return postage provided, must
         <br/>
<a id="pl.18.3"></a><var>18.3</var>be preaddressed to the auditor or clerk and the voter may return the ballot by mail
         or in <br/>
<a id="pl.18.4"></a><var>18.4</var>person to the office of the auditor or clerk. The auditor or clerk must appoint a
         ballot board <br/>
<a id="pl.18.5"></a><var>18.5</var>to examine the mail and absentee ballot return envelopes and mark them "accepted"
         or <br/>
<a id="pl.18.6"></a><var>18.6</var>"rejected" within three days of receipt if there are 14 or fewer days before election
         day, or <br/>
<a id="pl.18.7"></a><var>18.7</var>within five days of receipt if there are more than 14 days before election day. The
         board <br/>
<a id="pl.18.8"></a><var>18.8</var>may consist of deputy county auditors or deputy municipal clerks who have received
         <br/>
<a id="pl.18.9"></a><var>18.9</var>training in the processing and counting of mail ballots, who need not be affiliated
         with <br/>
<a id="pl.18.10"></a><var>18.10</var>a major political party. Election judges performing the duties in this section must
         be of <br/>
<a id="pl.18.11"></a><var>18.11</var>different major political parties, unless they are exempt from that requirement under
         <br/>
<a id="pl.18.12"></a><var>18.12</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.18.13"></a><var>18.13</var>least five days before the election, the ballots in the envelope must remain sealed
         and the <br/>
<a id="pl.18.14"></a><var>18.14</var>auditor or clerk shall provide the voter with a replacement ballot and return envelope
         in <br/>
<a id="pl.18.15"></a><var>18.15</var>place of the spoiled ballot. If the ballot is rejected within five days of the election,
         the <br/>
<a id="pl.18.16"></a><var>18.16</var>envelope must remain sealed and the official in charge of the ballot board must attempt
         to <br/>
<a id="pl.18.17"></a><var>18.17</var>contact the voter by telephone or e-mail to notify the voter that the voter's ballot
         has been <br/>
<a id="pl.18.18"></a><var>18.18</var>rejected. The official must document the attempts made to contact the voter.<br/>
<a id="pl.18.19"></a><var>18.19</var>If the ballot is accepted, the county auditor or municipal clerk must mark the roster
         to <br/>
<a id="pl.18.20"></a><var>18.20</var>indicate that the voter has already cast a ballot in that election. After the close
         of business <br/>
<a id="pl.18.21"></a><var>18.21</var>on the fourth seventh day before the election, the ballots from return envelopes marked <br/>
<a id="pl.18.22"></a><var>18.22</var>"Accepted" may be opened, duplicated as needed in the manner provided by section 
         <statute_ref>206.86</statute_ref>, <br/>
<a id="pl.18.23"></a><var>18.23</var>subdivision 5, initialed by the members of the ballot board, and deposited in the
         ballot box.<br/>
<a id="pl.18.24"></a><var>18.24</var>In all other respects, the provisions of the Minnesota Election Law governing <br/>
<a id="pl.18.25"></a><var>18.25</var>deposit and counting of ballots apply.<br/>
<a id="pl.18.26"></a><var>18.26</var>The mail and absentee ballots for a precinct must be counted together and reported
         <br/>
<a id="pl.18.27"></a><var>18.27</var>as one vote total. No vote totals from mail or absentee ballots may be made public
         before <br/>
<a id="pl.18.28"></a><var>18.28</var>the close of voting on election day.<br/>
<a id="pl.18.29"></a><var>18.29</var>The costs of the mailing shall be paid by the election jurisdiction in which the voter
         <br/>
<a id="pl.18.30"></a><var>18.30</var>resides. Any ballot received by 8:00 p.m. on the day of the election must be counted.<br/>
<br/>
<a id="bill.1.27.0"></a><a id="pl.18.31"></a><var>18.31</var>    Sec. 27. Minnesota Statutes 2014, section 204C.04, subdivision 2, is amended to read:<br/>
<a id="pl.18.32"></a><var>18.32</var>    Subd. 2. <b>Elections covered.</b> For purposes of this section, "election" means a <br/>
<a id="pl.18.33"></a><var>18.33</var>regularly scheduled state primary or general election, an election to fill a vacancy in the <br/>
<a id="pl.18.34"></a><var>18.34</var>office of United States senator or United States representative, an election to fill a vacancy <br/>
<a id="pl.19.1"></a><var>19.1</var>in nomination for a constitutional office, or an election to fill a vacancy in the office of <br/>
<a id="pl.19.2"></a><var>19.2</var>state senator or state representative.<br/>
<br/>
<a id="bill.1.28.0"></a><a id="pl.19.3"></a><var>19.3</var>    Sec. 28. Minnesota Statutes 2014, section 204C.08, subdivision 1d, is amended to read:<br/>
<a id="pl.19.4"></a><var>19.4</var>    Subd. 1d. <b>Voter's Bill of Rights.</b> The county auditor shall prepare and provide to <br/>
<a id="pl.19.5"></a><var>19.5</var>each polling place sufficient copies of a poster setting forth the Voter's Bill of
         Rights as set <br/>
<a id="pl.19.6"></a><var>19.6</var>forth in this section. Before the hours of voting are scheduled to begin, the election
         judges <br/>
<a id="pl.19.7"></a><var>19.7</var>shall post it in a conspicuous location or locations in the polling place. The Voter's
         Bill <br/>
<a id="pl.19.8"></a><var>19.8</var>of Rights is as follows:<br/>

<a id="pl.19.11"></a><var>19.11</var>(1) You have the right to be absent from work for the purpose of voting in a state
         <br/>
<a id="pl.19.12"></a><var>19.12</var>or, federal, or regularly scheduled election without reduction to your pay, personal leave, <br/>
<a id="pl.19.13"></a><var>19.13</var>or vacation time on election day for the time necessary to appear at your polling
         place, <br/>
<a id="pl.19.14"></a><var>19.14</var>cast a ballot, and return to work.<br/>
<a id="pl.19.15"></a><var>19.15</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.19.16"></a><var>19.16</var>right to vote.<br/>
<a id="pl.19.17"></a><var>19.17</var>(3) If you can provide the required proof of residence, you have the right to register
         <br/>
<a id="pl.19.18"></a><var>19.18</var>to vote and to vote on election day.<br/>
<a id="pl.19.19"></a><var>19.19</var>(4) If you are unable to sign your name, you have the right to orally confirm your
         <br/>
<a id="pl.19.20"></a><var>19.20</var>identity with an election judge and to direct another person to sign your name for
         you.<br/>
<a id="pl.19.21"></a><var>19.21</var>(5) You have the right to request special assistance when voting.<br/>
<a id="pl.19.22"></a><var>19.22</var>(6) If you need assistance, you may be accompanied into the voting booth by a <br/>
<a id="pl.19.23"></a><var>19.23</var>person of your choice, except by an agent of your employer or union or a candidate.<br/>
<a id="pl.19.24"></a><var>19.24</var>(7) You have the right to bring your minor children into the polling place and into
         <br/>
<a id="pl.19.25"></a><var>19.25</var>the voting booth with you.<br/>
<a id="pl.19.26"></a><var>19.26</var>(8) If you have been convicted of a felony but your felony sentence has expired (been
         <br/>
<a id="pl.19.27"></a><var>19.27</var>completed) or you have been discharged from your sentence, you have the right to vote.<br/>
<a id="pl.19.28"></a><var>19.28</var>(9) If you are under a guardianship, you have the right to vote, unless the court
         <br/>
<a id="pl.19.29"></a><var>19.29</var>order revokes your right to vote.<br/>
<a id="pl.19.30"></a><var>19.30</var>(10) You have the right to vote without anyone in the polling place trying to <br/>
<a id="pl.19.31"></a><var>19.31</var>influence your vote.<br/>
<a id="pl.19.32"></a><var>19.32</var>(11) If you make a mistake or spoil your ballot before it is submitted, you have the
         <br/>
<a id="pl.19.33"></a><var>19.33</var>right to receive a replacement ballot and vote.<br/>
<a id="pl.19.34"></a><var>19.34</var>(12) You have the right to file a written complaint at your polling place if you are
         <br/>
<a id="pl.19.35"></a><var>19.35</var>dissatisfied with the way an election is being run.<br/>
<a id="pl.20.1"></a><var>20.1</var>(13) You have the right to take a sample ballot into the voting booth with you.<br/>
<a id="pl.20.2"></a><var>20.2</var>(14) You have the right to take a copy of this Voter's Bill of Rights into the voting
         <br/>
<a id="pl.20.3"></a><var>20.3</var>booth with you."<br/>
<br/>
<a id="bill.1.29.0"></a><a id="pl.20.4"></a><var>20.4</var>    Sec. 29. Minnesota Statutes 2014, section 204C.13, subdivision 2, is amended to read:<br/>
<a id="pl.20.5"></a><var>20.5</var>    Subd. 2. <b>Voting booths.</b> One of the election judges shall explain to the voter the <br/>
<a id="pl.20.6"></a><var>20.6</var>proper method of marking and folding the ballots and, during a primary election, the effect <br/>
<a id="pl.20.7"></a><var>20.7</var>of attempting to vote in more than one party's primary. Except as otherwise provided
         in <br/>
<a id="pl.20.8"></a><var>20.8</var>section 
         <statute_ref>204C.15</statute_ref>, the voter shall retire alone to an unoccupied voting booth or, at the <br/>
<a id="pl.20.9"></a><var>20.9</var>voter's discretion, the voter may choose to use another writing surface. The voter
         shall <br/>
<a id="pl.20.10"></a><var>20.10</var>mark the ballots without undue delay. The voter may take sample ballots into the booth
         to <br/>
<a id="pl.20.11"></a><var>20.11</var>assist in voting. The election judges may adopt and enforce reasonable rules governing
         the <br/>
<a id="pl.20.12"></a><var>20.12</var>amount of time a voter may spend in the voting booth marking ballots.<br/>
<br/>
<a id="bill.1.30.0"></a><a id="pl.20.13"></a><var>20.13</var>    Sec. 30. Minnesota Statutes 2014, section 204C.13, subdivision 3, is amended to read:<br/>
<a id="pl.20.14"></a><var>20.14</var>    Subd. 3. <b>Marking ballots.</b> The voter shall mark each ballot in the following manner:<br/>
<a id="pl.20.15"></a><var>20.15</var>(a) A mark (X) shall be placed in the square The voter shall fill in the oval or similar <br/>
<a id="pl.20.16"></a><var>20.16</var>mark if a different target shape is used, opposite the printed name of each candidate for <br/>
<a id="pl.20.17"></a><var>20.17</var>whom the individual desires to vote, and in the square oval or other target shape before the <br/>
<a id="pl.20.18"></a><var>20.18</var>"YES"  "Yes" or "NO"  "No" if the individual desires to vote for or against a question.<br/>
<a id="pl.20.19"></a><var>20.19</var>(b) The voter may write in other names on the lines provided under the printed <br/>
<a id="pl.20.20"></a><var>20.20</var>names of the candidates, except that no names shall be written in on primary ballots.<br/>
<a id="pl.20.21"></a><var>20.21</var>(c) At a state primary an individual may vote for candidates of only one major <br/>
<a id="pl.20.22"></a><var>20.22</var>political party on the partisan primary ballot. If a partisan primary ballot contains
         votes <br/>
<a id="pl.20.23"></a><var>20.23</var>for the candidates of more than one major political party, the ballot is totally defective
         and <br/>
<a id="pl.20.24"></a><var>20.24</var>no vote on the partisan section of the ballot shall be counted.<br/>
<a id="pl.20.25"></a><var>20.25</var>(d) An individual who spoils a ballot may return it to the election judges and receive
         <br/>
<a id="pl.20.26"></a><var>20.26</var>another.<br/>
<br/>
<a id="bill.1.31.0"></a><a id="pl.20.27"></a><var>20.27</var>    Sec. 31. Minnesota Statutes 2014, section 204C.13, subdivision 5, is amended to read:<br/>
<a id="pl.20.28"></a><var>20.28</var>    Subd. 5. <b>Deposit of ballots in ballot </b><b>boxes</b><b> box</b><b>.</b> The voter shall then withdraw <br/>
<a id="pl.20.29"></a><var>20.29</var>from the voting booth with the ballots and hand them to the election judge in charge of <br/>
<a id="pl.20.30"></a><var>20.30</var>the ballot boxes. That election judge shall immediately deposit each ballot in the proper <br/>
<a id="pl.20.31"></a><var>20.31</var>ballot box. Ballots that have not been initialed by the election judges as provided in <br/>
<a id="pl.20.32"></a><var>20.32</var>section 
         <statute_ref>204C.09</statute_ref>, shall not be deposited in the ballot box.<br/>
<br/>
<a id="bill.1.32.0"></a><a id="pl.21.1"></a><var>21.1</var>    Sec. 32. Minnesota Statutes 2014, section 204C.22, subdivision 3, is amended to read:<br/>
<a id="pl.21.2"></a><var>21.2</var>    Subd. 3. <b>Votes for too many candidates.</b> If a voter places a mark (X) beside the <br/>
<a id="pl.21.3"></a><var>21.3</var>names of more candidates for an office than are to be elected or nominated, the ballot
         is <br/>
<a id="pl.21.4"></a><var>21.4</var>defective with respect only to that office. No vote shall be counted for any candidate
         for <br/>
<a id="pl.21.5"></a><var>21.5</var>that office, but the rest of the ballot shall be counted if possible. At a primary,
         if a voter <br/>
<a id="pl.21.6"></a><var>21.6</var>has not indicated a party preference and places a mark (X) beside the names of candidates <br/>
<a id="pl.21.7"></a><var>21.7</var>of more than one party on the partisan ballot, the ballot is totally defective and
         no votes on <br/>
<a id="pl.21.8"></a><var>21.8</var>it shall be counted. If a voter has indicated a party preference at a primary, only
         votes cast <br/>
<a id="pl.21.9"></a><var>21.9</var>for candidates of that party shall be counted.<br/>
<br/>
<a id="bill.1.33.0"></a><a id="pl.21.10"></a><var>21.10</var>    Sec. 33. Minnesota Statutes 2014, section 204C.22, subdivision 4, is amended to read:<br/>
<a id="pl.21.11"></a><var>21.11</var>    Subd. 4. <b>Name written in proper place.</b> If a voter has written the name of an <br/>
<a id="pl.21.12"></a><var>21.12</var>individual in the proper place on a general or special election ballot a vote shall
         be counted <br/>
<a id="pl.21.13"></a><var>21.13</var>for that individual whether or not the voter makes a mark (X) in the square oval or other <br/>
<a id="pl.21.14"></a><var>21.14</var>target shape opposite the blank.<br/>
<br/>
<a id="bill.1.34.0"></a><a id="pl.21.15"></a><var>21.15</var>    Sec. 34. Minnesota Statutes 2014, section 204C.22, subdivision 7, is amended to read:<br/>
<a id="pl.21.16"></a><var>21.16</var>    Subd. 7. <b>All written names or marks counted up to limit.</b> If a number of <br/>
<a id="pl.21.17"></a><var>21.17</var>individuals are to be elected to the same office, the election judges shall count
         all names <br/>
<a id="pl.21.18"></a><var>21.18</var>written in and all printed names with (X) marks in squares  ovals or other target shapes <br/>
<a id="pl.21.19"></a><var>21.19</var>opposite them, not exceeding the whole number to be elected. When fewer names than
         the <br/>
<a id="pl.21.20"></a><var>21.20</var>number to be elected are marked with an (X) or written in, only the marked or written in <br/>
<a id="pl.21.21"></a><var>21.21</var>names shall be counted. When more names than the number to be elected are marked or
         <br/>
<a id="pl.21.22"></a><var>21.22</var>written in, the ballot is defective with respect to that office and no vote shall
         be counted <br/>
<a id="pl.21.23"></a><var>21.23</var>for that office.<br/>
<br/>
<a id="bill.1.35.0"></a><a id="pl.21.24"></a><var>21.24</var>    Sec. 35. Minnesota Statutes 2014, section 204C.22, subdivision 10, is amended to read:<br/>
<a id="pl.21.25"></a><var>21.25</var>    Subd. 10. <b>Different marks.</b> If a voter uniformly uses a mark other than (X) which  <br/>
<a id="pl.21.26"></a><var>21.26</var>that clearly indicates an intent to mark a name or to mark yes or no on a question, and
         the <br/>
<a id="pl.21.27"></a><var>21.27</var>voter does not use (X)  the more standard mark anywhere else on the ballot, a vote shall <br/>
<a id="pl.21.28"></a><var>21.28</var>be counted for each candidate or response to a question marked. If a voter uses two
         or <br/>
<a id="pl.21.29"></a><var>21.29</var>more distinct marks, such as (X) and some other mark, a vote shall be counted for
         each <br/>
<a id="pl.21.30"></a><var>21.30</var>candidate or response to a question marked, unless the ballot is marked by distinguishing
         <br/>
<a id="pl.21.31"></a><var>21.31</var>characteristics that make the entire ballot defective as provided in subdivision 13.<br/>
<br/>
<a id="bill.1.36.0"></a><a id="pl.21.32"></a><var>21.32</var>    Sec. 36. Minnesota Statutes 2014, section 204C.35, subdivision 1, is amended to read:<br/>
<a id="pl.22.1"></a><var>22.1</var>    Subdivision 1. <b>Publicly funded recounts.</b> (a) In a state primary when the difference <br/>
<a id="pl.22.2"></a><var>22.2</var>between the votes cast for the candidates for nomination to:<br/>
<a id="pl.22.3"></a><var>22.3</var>(1) a state legislative office is less than one-half of one percent of the total number
         of <br/>
<a id="pl.22.4"></a><var>22.4</var>votes counted for that nomination or is ten votes or less and the total number of
         votes cast <br/>
<a id="pl.22.5"></a><var>22.5</var>for the nomination is 400 votes or less; or<br/>
<a id="pl.22.6"></a><var>22.6</var>(2) a statewide federal office, state constitutional office, statewide judicial office,
         <br/>
<a id="pl.22.7"></a><var>22.7</var>congressional office, or district judicial office is less than one-quarter of one
         percent of <br/>
<a id="pl.22.8"></a><var>22.8</var>the total number of votes counted for that nomination or is ten votes or less and
         the total <br/>
<a id="pl.22.9"></a><var>22.9</var>number of votes cast for the nomination is 400 votes or less;<br/>
<a id="pl.22.10"></a><var>22.10</var>and the difference determines the nomination, the canvassing board with responsibility
         <br/>
<a id="pl.22.11"></a><var>22.11</var>for declaring the results for that office shall manually recount the vote upon receiving
         a <br/>
<a id="pl.22.12"></a><var>22.12</var>written request from the candidate whose nomination is in question.<br/>
<a id="pl.22.13"></a><var>22.13</var>Immediately following the meeting of the board that has responsibility for <br/>
<a id="pl.22.14"></a><var>22.14</var>canvassing the results of the nomination, the filing officer must notify the candidate
         that <br/>
<a id="pl.22.15"></a><var>22.15</var>the candidate has the option to request a recount of the votes at no cost to the candidate.
         <br/>
<a id="pl.22.16"></a><var>22.16</var>This written request must be received by the filing officer no later than 48 hours 5:00 p.m. <br/>
<a id="pl.22.17"></a><var>22.17</var>on the second day  after the canvass of the primary for which the recount is being sought.<br/>
<a id="pl.22.18"></a><var>22.18</var>    (b) In a state general election when the difference between the votes of a candidate
         <br/>
<a id="pl.22.19"></a><var>22.19</var>who would otherwise be declared elected to:<br/>
<a id="pl.22.20"></a><var>22.20</var>(1) a state legislative office is less than one-half of one percent of the total number
         of <br/>
<a id="pl.22.21"></a><var>22.21</var>votes counted for that office or is ten votes or less and the total number of votes
         cast for <br/>
<a id="pl.22.22"></a><var>22.22</var>the office is 400 votes or less; or<br/>
<a id="pl.22.23"></a><var>22.23</var>(2) a statewide federal office, state constitutional office, statewide judicial office,
         <br/>
<a id="pl.22.24"></a><var>22.24</var>congressional office, or district judicial office and the votes of any other candidate
         for that <br/>
<a id="pl.22.25"></a><var>22.25</var>office is less than one-quarter of one percent of the total number of votes counted
         for that <br/>
<a id="pl.22.26"></a><var>22.26</var>office or is ten votes or less if the total number of votes cast for the office is
         400 votes or less,<br/>
<a id="pl.22.27"></a><var>22.27</var>the canvassing board shall manually recount the votes upon receiving a written request
         <br/>
<a id="pl.22.28"></a><var>22.28</var>from the candidate whose election is in question.<br/>
<a id="pl.22.29"></a><var>22.29</var>Immediately following the meeting of the board that has responsibility for canvassing
         <br/>
<a id="pl.22.30"></a><var>22.30</var>the results of the general election, the filing officer must notify the candidate
         that the <br/>
<a id="pl.22.31"></a><var>22.31</var>candidate has the option to request a recount of the votes at no cost to the candidate.
         This <br/>
<a id="pl.22.32"></a><var>22.32</var>written request must be received by the filing officer no later than 48 hours 5:00 p.m. on <br/>
<a id="pl.22.33"></a><var>22.33</var>the second day  after the canvass of the election for which the recount is being sought.<br/>
<a id="pl.22.34"></a><var>22.34</var>    (c) A recount must not delay any other part of the canvass. The results of the recount
         <br/>
<a id="pl.22.35"></a><var>22.35</var>must be certified by the canvassing board as soon as possible.<br/>
<a id="pl.23.1"></a><var>23.1</var>    (d) Time for notice of a contest for an office which is recounted pursuant to this
         section <br/>
<a id="pl.23.2"></a><var>23.2</var>shall begin to run upon certification of the results of the recount by the canvassing
         board.<br/>
<br/>
<a id="bill.1.37.0"></a><a id="pl.23.3"></a><var>23.3</var>    Sec. 37. Minnesota Statutes 2014, section 204C.35, subdivision 2, is amended to read:<br/>
<a id="pl.23.4"></a><var>23.4</var>    Subd. 2. <b>Discretionary candidate recounts.</b> (a) A losing candidate whose <br/>
<a id="pl.23.5"></a><var>23.5</var>name was on the ballot for nomination or election to a statewide federal office, state
         <br/>
<a id="pl.23.6"></a><var>23.6</var>constitutional office, statewide judicial office, congressional office, state legislative
         office, <br/>
<a id="pl.23.7"></a><var>23.7</var>or district judicial office may request a recount in a manner provided in this section
         at the <br/>
<a id="pl.23.8"></a><var>23.8</var>candidate's own expense when the vote difference is greater than the difference required
         <br/>
<a id="pl.23.9"></a><var>23.9</var>by this section. The votes shall be manually recounted as provided in this section
         if the <br/>
<a id="pl.23.10"></a><var>23.10</var>candidate files a request during the time for filing notice of contest of the primary
         or <br/>
<a id="pl.23.11"></a><var>23.11</var>election for which a recount is sought.<br/>
<a id="pl.23.12"></a><var>23.12</var>    (b) The requesting candidate shall file with the filing officer a bond, cash, or surety
         in <br/>
<a id="pl.23.13"></a><var>23.13</var>an amount set by the filing officer for the payment of the recount expenses. The requesting
         <br/>
<a id="pl.23.14"></a><var>23.14</var>candidate is responsible for the following expenses: the compensation of the secretary
         of <br/>
<a id="pl.23.15"></a><var>23.15</var>state, or designees, and any election judge, municipal clerk, county auditor, administrator,
         <br/>
<a id="pl.23.16"></a><var>23.16</var>or other personnel who participate in the recount; necessary supplies and travel related
         to <br/>
<a id="pl.23.17"></a><var>23.17</var>the recount; the compensation of the appropriate canvassing board and costs of preparing
         <br/>
<a id="pl.23.18"></a><var>23.18</var>for the canvass of recount results; and any attorney fees incurred in connection with
         the <br/>
<a id="pl.23.19"></a><var>23.19</var>recount by the governing body responsible for the recount.<br/>
<a id="pl.23.20"></a><var>23.20</var>    (c) A discretionary recount of a primary must not delay delivery of the notice of <br/>
<a id="pl.23.21"></a><var>23.21</var>nomination to the winning candidate under section 204C.32.<br/>
<a id="pl.23.22"></a><var>23.22</var>    (d) The requesting candidate may provide the filing officer with a list of up to three
         <br/>
<a id="pl.23.23"></a><var>23.23</var>precincts that are to be recounted first and may waive the balance of the recount
         after these <br/>
<a id="pl.23.24"></a><var>23.24</var>precincts have been counted. If the candidate provides a list, the recount official
         must <br/>
<a id="pl.23.25"></a><var>23.25</var>determine the expenses for those precincts in the manner provided by paragraph (b).<br/>
<a id="pl.23.26"></a><var>23.26</var>    (e) The results of the recount must be certified by the canvassing board as soon as
         <br/>
<a id="pl.23.27"></a><var>23.27</var>possible.<br/>
<a id="pl.23.28"></a><var>23.28</var>    (d) (f) If the winner of the race is changed by the optional recount, the cost of the <br/>
<a id="pl.23.29"></a><var>23.29</var>recount must be paid by the jurisdiction conducting the recount.<br/>
<a id="pl.23.30"></a><var>23.30</var>    (e) (g) If a result of the vote counting in the manual recount is different from the <br/>
<a id="pl.23.31"></a><var>23.31</var>result of the vote counting reported on election day by a margin greater than the
         standard <br/>
<a id="pl.23.32"></a><var>23.32</var>for acceptable performance of voting systems provided in section 
         <statute_ref>206.89, subdivision 4</statute_ref>, <br/>
<a id="pl.23.33"></a><var>23.33</var>the cost of the recount must be paid by the jurisdiction conducting the recount.<br/>
<br/>
<a id="bill.1.38.0"></a><a id="pl.23.34"></a><var>23.34</var>    Sec. 38. Minnesota Statutes 2014, section 204C.36, subdivision 1, is amended to read:<br/>
<a id="pl.24.1"></a><var>24.1</var>    Subdivision 1. <b>Publicly funded recounts.</b> (a) Except as provided in paragraphs (b) <br/>
<a id="pl.24.2"></a><var>24.2</var>and (c), a losing candidate for nomination or election to a county, municipal, or
         school <br/>
<a id="pl.24.3"></a><var>24.3</var>district office may request a recount of the votes cast for the nomination or election
         to <br/>
<a id="pl.24.4"></a><var>24.4</var>that office if the difference between the vote cast for that candidate and for a winning
         <br/>
<a id="pl.24.5"></a><var>24.5</var>candidate for nomination or election is less than one-quarter of one percent of the
         total <br/>
<a id="pl.24.6"></a><var>24.6</var>votes counted for that office. In case of offices where two or more seats are being
         filled <br/>
<a id="pl.24.7"></a><var>24.7</var>from among all the candidates for the office, the one-quarter of one percent difference
         <br/>
<a id="pl.24.8"></a><var>24.8</var>is between the elected candidate with the fewest votes and the candidate with the
         most <br/>
<a id="pl.24.9"></a><var>24.9</var>votes from among the candidates who were not elected.<br/>
<a id="pl.24.10"></a><var>24.10</var>(b) A losing candidate for nomination or election to a county, municipal, or school
         <br/>
<a id="pl.24.11"></a><var>24.11</var>district office may request a recount of the votes cast for nomination or election
         to that <br/>
<a id="pl.24.12"></a><var>24.12</var>office if the difference between the votes cast for that candidate and for a winning
         <br/>
<a id="pl.24.13"></a><var>24.13</var>candidate for nomination or election is less than one-half of one percent, and the
         total <br/>
<a id="pl.24.14"></a><var>24.14</var>number of votes cast for the nomination or election of all candidates is more than
         400 <br/>
<a id="pl.24.15"></a><var>24.15</var>but less than 50,000. In cases of offices where two or more seats are being filled
         from <br/>
<a id="pl.24.16"></a><var>24.16</var>among all the candidates for the office, the one-half of one percent difference is
         between <br/>
<a id="pl.24.17"></a><var>24.17</var>the elected candidate with the fewest votes and the candidate with the most votes
         from <br/>
<a id="pl.24.18"></a><var>24.18</var>among the candidates who were not elected.<br/>
<a id="pl.24.19"></a><var>24.19</var>(c) A losing candidate for nomination or election to a county, municipal, or school
         <br/>
<a id="pl.24.20"></a><var>24.20</var>district office may request a recount of the votes cast for nomination or election
         to that <br/>
<a id="pl.24.21"></a><var>24.21</var>office if the difference between the vote cast for that candidate and for a winning
         candidate <br/>
<a id="pl.24.22"></a><var>24.22</var>for nomination or election is ten votes or less, and the total number of votes cast
         for the <br/>
<a id="pl.24.23"></a><var>24.23</var>nomination or election of all candidates is no more than 400. In cases of offices
         where two <br/>
<a id="pl.24.24"></a><var>24.24</var>or more seats are being filled from among all the candidates for the office, the ten
         vote <br/>
<a id="pl.24.25"></a><var>24.25</var>difference is between the elected candidate with the fewest votes and the candidate
         with <br/>
<a id="pl.24.26"></a><var>24.26</var>the most votes from among the candidates who were not elected.<br/>
<a id="pl.24.27"></a><var>24.27</var>(d) Candidates for county offices shall file a written request for the recount with
         the <br/>
<a id="pl.24.28"></a><var>24.28</var>county auditor. Candidates for municipal or school district offices shall file a written
         <br/>
<a id="pl.24.29"></a><var>24.29</var>request with the municipal or school district clerk as appropriate. All requests shall
         be <br/>
<a id="pl.24.30"></a><var>24.30</var>filed during the time for notice of contest of the primary or  by 5:00 p.m. on the fifth day <br/>
<a id="pl.24.31"></a><var>24.31</var>after the canvass of a primary or special primary or by 5:00 p.m. on the seventh day
         of the <br/>
<a id="pl.24.32"></a><var>24.32</var>canvass of a special or general election for which a recount is sought.<br/>
<a id="pl.24.33"></a><var>24.33</var>(e) Upon receipt of a request made pursuant to this section, the county auditor shall
         <br/>
<a id="pl.24.34"></a><var>24.34</var>recount the votes for a county office at the expense of the county, the governing
         body <br/>
<a id="pl.24.35"></a><var>24.35</var>of the municipality shall recount the votes for a municipal office at the expense
         of the <br/>
<a id="pl.25.1"></a><var>25.1</var>municipality, and the school board of the school district shall recount the votes
         for a <br/>
<a id="pl.25.2"></a><var>25.2</var>school district office at the expense of the school district.<br/>
<br/>
<a id="bill.1.39.0"></a><a id="pl.25.3"></a><var>25.3</var>    Sec. 39. Minnesota Statutes 2014, section 204C.36, subdivision 2, is amended to read:<br/>
<a id="pl.25.4"></a><var>25.4</var>    Subd. 2. <b>Discretionary candidate recounts.</b> (a) A losing candidate for nomination <br/>
<a id="pl.25.5"></a><var>25.5</var>or election to a county, municipal, or school district office may request a recount
         in the <br/>
<a id="pl.25.6"></a><var>25.6</var>manner provided in this section at the candidate's own expense when the vote difference
         is <br/>
<a id="pl.25.7"></a><var>25.7</var>greater than the difference required by subdivision 1, paragraphs (a) to (e). The
         votes shall <br/>
<a id="pl.25.8"></a><var>25.8</var>be manually recounted as provided in this section if the requesting candidate files
         with <br/>
<a id="pl.25.9"></a><var>25.9</var>the county auditor, municipal clerk, or school district clerk a bond, cash, or surety
         in an <br/>
<a id="pl.25.10"></a><var>25.10</var>amount set by the governing body of the jurisdiction or the school board of the school
         <br/>
<a id="pl.25.11"></a><var>25.11</var>district for the payment of the recount expenses.<br/>
<a id="pl.25.12"></a><var>25.12</var>    (b) The requesting candidate may provide the filing officer with a list of up to three
         <br/>
<a id="pl.25.13"></a><var>25.13</var>precincts that are to be recounted first and may waive the balance of the recount
         after these <br/>
<a id="pl.25.14"></a><var>25.14</var>precincts have been counted. If the candidate provides a list, the recount official
         must <br/>
<a id="pl.25.15"></a><var>25.15</var>determine the expenses for those precincts in the manner provided by paragraph (b).<br/>
<a id="pl.25.16"></a><var>25.16</var>    (c) A discretionary recount of a primary must not delay delivery of the notice of <br/>
<a id="pl.25.17"></a><var>25.17</var>nomination to the winning candidate under section 204C.32.<br/>
<a id="pl.25.18"></a><var>25.18</var>    (d) The results of the recount must be certified by the canvassing board as soon as
         <br/>
<a id="pl.25.19"></a><var>25.19</var>possible. <br/>
<a id="pl.25.20"></a><var>25.20</var>    (e) If the winner of the race is changed by the optional recount, the cost of the <br/>
<a id="pl.25.21"></a><var>25.21</var>recount must be paid by the jurisdiction conducting the recount.<br/>
<a id="pl.25.22"></a><var>25.22</var>    (d) (f) If a result of the vote counting in the manual recount is different from the <br/>
<a id="pl.25.23"></a><var>25.23</var>result of the vote counting reported on election day by a margin greater than the
         standard <br/>
<a id="pl.25.24"></a><var>25.24</var>for acceptable performance of voting systems provided in section 
         <statute_ref>206.89, subdivision 4</statute_ref>, <br/>
<a id="pl.25.25"></a><var>25.25</var>the cost of the recount must be paid by the jurisdiction conducting the recount.<br/>
<br/>
<a id="bill.1.40.0"></a><a id="pl.25.26"></a><var>25.26</var>    Sec. 40. Minnesota Statutes 2014, section 204C.40, subdivision 2, is amended to read:<br/>
<a id="pl.25.27"></a><var>25.27</var>    Subd. 2. <b>Time of issuance; certain offices.</b> No certificate of election shall be issued <br/>
<a id="pl.25.28"></a><var>25.28</var>until seven days after the canvassing board has declared the result of the election.
         In case <br/>
<a id="pl.25.29"></a><var>25.29</var>of a contest, an election certificate shall not be issued until a court of proper
         jurisdiction <br/>
<a id="pl.25.30"></a><var>25.30</var>has finally determined the contest. This subdivision shall not apply to candidates
         elected <br/>
<a id="pl.25.31"></a><var>25.31</var>to the office of state senator or representative.<br/>
<br/>
<a id="bill.1.41.0"></a><a id="pl.25.32"></a><var>25.32</var>    Sec. 41. Minnesota Statutes 2014, section 204D.27, subdivision 11, is amended to read:<br/>
<a id="pl.26.1"></a><var>26.1</var>    Subd. 11. <b>Certificate of legislative election.</b> A certificate of election in a special <br/>
<a id="pl.26.2"></a><var>26.2</var>election for state senator or state representative shall be issued by the secretary
         of state to <br/>
<a id="pl.26.3"></a><var>26.3</var>the individual declared elected by the county or state canvassing board chief clerk of the <br/>
<a id="pl.26.4"></a><var>26.4</var>house or the secretary of the senate  two days, excluding Sundays and legal holidays, after <br/>
<a id="pl.26.5"></a><var>26.5</var>the appropriate canvassing board finishes canvassing the returns for the election.<br/>
<a id="pl.26.6"></a><var>26.6</var>In case of a contest the certificate shall not be issued until the district court
         <br/>
<a id="pl.26.7"></a><var>26.7</var>determines the contest.<br/>
<br/>
<a id="bill.1.42.0"></a><a id="pl.26.8"></a><var>26.8</var>    Sec. 42. Minnesota Statutes 2014, section 205.13, subdivision 3, is amended to read:<br/>
<a id="pl.26.9"></a><var>26.9</var>    Subd. 3. <b>Filing fees.</b> Unless the a charter provision or ordinance of a home rule <br/>
<a id="pl.26.10"></a><var>26.10</var>charter or statutory city provides the amount of the fee for filing an application or affidavit <br/>
<a id="pl.26.11"></a><var>26.11</var>of candidacy for city office, the filing fee for a municipal office is as follows:<br/>
<a id="pl.26.12"></a><var>26.12</var>(a) (1) in first class cities, $20;<br/>
<a id="pl.26.13"></a><var>26.13</var>(b) (2) in second and third class cities, $5; and<br/>
<a id="pl.26.14"></a><var>26.14</var>(c) (3) in fourth class cities and towns, $2.<br/>
<br/>
<a id="bill.1.43.0"></a><a id="pl.26.15"></a><var>26.15</var>    Sec. 43. Minnesota Statutes 2014, section 206.90, subdivision 6, is amended to read:<br/>
<a id="pl.26.16"></a><var>26.16</var>    Subd. 6. <b>Ballots.</b> In precincts using optical scan voting systems, a single ballot card <br/>
<a id="pl.26.17"></a><var>26.17</var>on which all ballot information is included must be printed in black ink on white
         colored <br/>
<a id="pl.26.18"></a><var>26.18</var>material except that marks not to be read by the automatic tabulating equipment may
         be <br/>
<a id="pl.26.19"></a><var>26.19</var>printed in another color ink. In state elections, a single ballot title must be used,
         as provided <br/>
<a id="pl.26.20"></a><var>26.20</var>in sections 
         <statute_ref>204D.08, subdivision 6</statute_ref>, and 
         <statute_ref>204D.11, subdivision 1</statute_ref>. In odd-numbered years <br/>
<a id="pl.26.21"></a><var>26.21</var>when both municipal and school district offices or questions appear on the ballot,
         the <br/>
<a id="pl.26.22"></a><var>26.22</var>single ballot title "City (or Town) and School District Ballot" must be used.<br/>
<a id="pl.26.23"></a><var>26.23</var>On the front of the ballot must be printed the words "Official Ballot" and the date
         of <br/>
<a id="pl.26.24"></a><var>26.24</var>the election and lines for the initials of at least two election judges.<br/>
<a id="pl.26.25"></a><var>26.25</var>When optical scan ballots are used, the offices to be elected must appear in the <br/>
<a id="pl.26.26"></a><var>26.26</var>following order: federal offices; state legislative offices; constitutional offices;
         proposed <br/>
<a id="pl.26.27"></a><var>26.27</var>constitutional amendments; county offices and questions; municipal offices and questions;
         <br/>
<a id="pl.26.28"></a><var>26.28</var>school district offices and questions; special district offices and questions; and
         judicial <br/>
<a id="pl.26.29"></a><var>26.29</var>offices.<br/>
<a id="pl.26.30"></a><var>26.30</var>On optical scan ballots, the names of candidates and the words "yes" and "no" for
         <br/>
<a id="pl.26.31"></a><var>26.31</var>ballot questions must be printed as close to their corresponding vote targets as possible.<br/>
<a id="pl.26.32"></a><var>26.32</var>The line on an optical scan ballot for write-in votes must contain the words "write-in,
         <br/>
<a id="pl.26.33"></a><var>26.33</var>if any."<br/>
<a id="pl.27.1"></a><var>27.1</var>If a primary ballot contains both a partisan ballot and a nonpartisan ballot, the
         <br/>
<a id="pl.27.2"></a><var>27.2</var>instructions to voters must include a statement that reads substantially as follows:
         "THIS <br/>
<a id="pl.27.3"></a><var>27.3</var>BALLOT CARD CONTAINS A PARTISAN BALLOT AND A NONPARTISAN <br/>
<a id="pl.27.4"></a><var>27.4</var>BALLOT. ON THE PARTISAN BALLOT YOU ARE PERMITTED TO VOTE FOR <br/>
<a id="pl.27.5"></a><var>27.5</var>CANDIDATES OF ONE POLITICAL PARTY ONLY." "This ballot card contains a <br/>
<a id="pl.27.6"></a><var>27.6</var>partisan ballot and a nonpartisan ballot. On the partisan ballot you are permitted
         to vote for <br/>
<a id="pl.27.7"></a><var>27.7</var>candidates of one political party only." If a primary ballot contains political party columns <br/>
<a id="pl.27.8"></a><var>27.8</var>on both sides of the ballot, the instructions to voters must include a statement that
         reads <br/>
<a id="pl.27.9"></a><var>27.9</var>substantially as follows: "ADDITIONAL POLITICAL PARTIES ARE PRINTED ON <br/>
<a id="pl.27.10"></a><var>27.10</var>THE OTHER SIDE OF THIS BALLOT. VOTE FOR ONE POLITICAL PARTY ONLY." <br/>
<a id="pl.27.11"></a><var>27.11</var>"Additional political parties are printed on the other side of this ballot. Vote for
         one <br/>
<a id="pl.27.12"></a><var>27.12</var>political party only." At the bottom of each political party column on the primary ballot, <br/>
<a id="pl.27.13"></a><var>27.13</var>the ballot must contain a statement that reads substantially as follows: "CONTINUE <br/>
<a id="pl.27.14"></a><var>27.14</var>VOTING ON THE NONPARTISAN BALLOT." "Continue voting on the nonpartisan <br/>
<a id="pl.27.15"></a><var>27.15</var>ballot." The instructions in section 
         <statute_ref>204D.08, subdivision 4</statute_ref>, do not apply to optical scan <br/>
<a id="pl.27.16"></a><var>27.16</var>partisan primary ballots. Electronic ballot displays and audio ballot readers must
         follow <br/>
<a id="pl.27.17"></a><var>27.17</var>the order of offices and questions on the optical scan or paper ballot used in the
         same <br/>
<a id="pl.27.18"></a><var>27.18</var>precinct, or the sample ballot posted for that precinct.<br/>
<br/>
<a id="bill.1.44.0"></a><a id="pl.27.19"></a><var>27.19</var>    Sec. 44. Minnesota Statutes 2014, section 209.021, subdivision 2, is amended to read:<br/>
<a id="pl.27.20"></a><var>27.20</var>    Subd. 2. <b>Notice filed with court.</b> If the contest relates to a nomination or <br/>
<a id="pl.27.21"></a><var>27.21</var>election for statewide office, the contestant shall file the notice of contest with
         the court <br/>
<a id="pl.27.22"></a><var>27.22</var>administrator of District Court in Ramsey County. For contests relating to any other
         office, <br/>
<a id="pl.27.23"></a><var>27.23</var>the contestant shall file the notice of contest with the court administrator of district
         court <br/>
<a id="pl.27.24"></a><var>27.24</var>in the county where the contestee resides.<br/>
<a id="pl.27.25"></a><var>27.25</var>If the contest relates to a constitutional amendment or other question voted on <br/>
<a id="pl.27.26"></a><var>27.26</var>statewide, the contestant shall file the notice of contest with the court administrator <br/>
<a id="pl.27.27"></a><var>27.27</var>of District Court in Ramsey County. If the contest relates to any other question,
         the <br/>
<a id="pl.27.28"></a><var>27.28</var>contestant shall file the notice of contest with the court administrator of district
         court for <br/>
<a id="pl.27.29"></a><var>27.29</var>the county or any one of the counties where the question appeared on the ballot.<br/>
<br/>
<a id="bill.1.45.0"></a><a id="pl.27.30"></a><var>27.30</var>    Sec. 45. Minnesota Statutes 2014, section 209.021, subdivision 3, is amended to read:<br/>
<a id="pl.27.31"></a><var>27.31</var>    Subd. 3. <b>Notice served on parties.</b> In all contests relating to the nomination or <br/>
<a id="pl.27.32"></a><var>27.32</var>election of a candidate, the notice of contest must be served on the candidate who
         is <br/>
<a id="pl.27.33"></a><var>27.33</var>the contestee, a copy of the notice must be sent to the contestee's last known address
         <br/>
<a id="pl.27.34"></a><var>27.34</var>by certified mail, and a copy must be furnished to the official authorized to issue
         the <br/>
<a id="pl.28.1"></a><var>28.1</var>certificate of election. If personal or substituted service on the contestee cannot
         be made, <br/>
<a id="pl.28.2"></a><var>28.2</var>an affidavit of the attempt by the person attempting to make service and the affidavit
         of <br/>
<a id="pl.28.3"></a><var>28.3</var>the person who sent a copy of the notice to the contestee by certified mail is sufficient
         to <br/>
<a id="pl.28.4"></a><var>28.4</var>confer jurisdiction upon the court to decide the contest.<br/>
<a id="pl.28.5"></a><var>28.5</var>If the contest relates to a constitutional amendment or other question voted on <br/>
<a id="pl.28.6"></a><var>28.6</var>statewide or voted on in more than one county, notice of contest must be served on the <br/>
<a id="pl.28.7"></a><var>28.7</var>secretary of state, who is the contestee. If a contest relates to a question voted
         on within <br/>
<a id="pl.28.8"></a><var>28.8</var>only one county, school district, or municipality, a copy of the notice of contest
         must be <br/>
<a id="pl.28.9"></a><var>28.9</var>served on the county auditor, clerk of the school district, or municipal clerk, respectively,
         <br/>
<a id="pl.28.10"></a><var>28.10</var>who is the contestee. If the contest is upon the question of consolidation or reorganization
         <br/>
<a id="pl.28.11"></a><var>28.11</var>of a school district, a copy of the notice of contest must be served on the county
         auditor <br/>
<a id="pl.28.12"></a><var>28.12</var>authorized by law to issue the order.<br/>
<br/>
<a id="bill.1.46.0"></a><a id="pl.28.13"></a><var>28.13</var>    Sec. 46. Minnesota Statutes 2014, section 209.09, subdivision 2, is amended to read:<br/>
<a id="pl.28.14"></a><var>28.14</var>    Subd. 2. <b>Statewide offices and questions.</b> Section 
         <statute_ref>209.10, subdivision 4</statute_ref>, applies to <br/>
<a id="pl.28.15"></a><var>28.15</var>a contest regarding a statewide office, or a constitutional amendment, or other question <br/>
<a id="pl.28.16"></a><var>28.16</var>voted on statewide. A copy of the Supreme Court's decision must be forwarded to the <br/>
<a id="pl.28.17"></a><var>28.17</var>contestant and the contestee.<br/>
<br/>
<a id="bill.1.47.0"></a><a id="pl.28.18"></a><var>28.18</var>    Sec. 47. Minnesota Statutes 2014, section 365.22, subdivision 2, is amended to read:<br/>
<a id="pl.28.19"></a><var>28.19</var>    Subd. 2. <b>Questions, ballot details.</b> The questions to be voted on must be separately <br/>
<a id="pl.28.20"></a><var>28.20</var>stated on the ballots, as worded in section 
         <statute_ref>365.21</statute_ref>. Two squares ovals or similar target <br/>
<a id="pl.28.21"></a><var>28.21</var>shapes, one above the other, must be put just below each question with the word "yes" <br/>
<a id="pl.28.22"></a><var>28.22</var>beside the upper square target shape  and the word "no" beside the lower square target shape.<br/>
<br/>
<a id="bill.1.48.0"></a><a id="pl.28.23"></a><var>28.23</var>    Sec. 48. Minnesota Statutes 2014, section 365.22, subdivision 3, is amended to read:<br/>
<a id="pl.28.24"></a><var>28.24</var>    Subd. 3. <b>Voting.</b> An elector must vote separately on each question for the elector's <br/>
<a id="pl.28.25"></a><var>28.25</var>vote to be counted on that question. To vote "yes" on a question, the elector shall
         mark an <br/>
<a id="pl.28.26"></a><var>28.26</var>"X" in the square fill in the oval or similar target shape  beside the word "yes" just below <br/>
<a id="pl.28.27"></a><var>28.27</var>the question. To vote "no" on a question, the elector shall mark an "X" in the square fill in <br/>
<a id="pl.28.28"></a><var>28.28</var>the oval or similar target shape  beside the word "no" just below the question.<br/>
<br/>
<a id="bill.1.49.0"></a><a id="pl.28.29"></a><var>28.29</var>    Sec. 49. Minnesota Statutes 2014, section 367.31, subdivision 4, is amended to read:<br/>
<a id="pl.28.30"></a><var>28.30</var>    Subd. 4. <b>Election; form of ballot.</b> The proposals for adoption of the options shall <br/>
<a id="pl.28.31"></a><var>28.31</var>be stated on the ballot substantially as follows:<br/>
<a id="pl.29.1"></a><var>29.1</var>"Shall option A, providing for a five-member town board of supervisors, be adopted
         <br/>
<a id="pl.29.2"></a><var>29.2</var>for the government of the town?"<br/>
<a id="pl.29.3"></a><var>29.3</var>"Shall option B, providing for the appointment of the clerk and treasurer by the town
         <br/>
<a id="pl.29.4"></a><var>29.4</var>board, be adopted for the government of the town?"<br/>
<a id="pl.29.5"></a><var>29.5</var>"Shall option C, providing for the appointment of a town administrator by the town
         <br/>
<a id="pl.29.6"></a><var>29.6</var>board, be adopted for the government of the town?"<br/>
<a id="pl.29.7"></a><var>29.7</var>"Shall option D, providing for combining the offices of clerk and treasurer, be <br/>
<a id="pl.29.8"></a><var>29.8</var>adopted for the government of the town?"<br/>
<a id="pl.29.9"></a><var>29.9</var>If a proposal under option B is to appoint only the clerk or only the treasurer, or
         if it <br/>
<a id="pl.29.10"></a><var>29.10</var>is to appoint the combined clerk-treasurer following the adoption of option D or when
         <br/>
<a id="pl.29.11"></a><var>29.11</var>submitted simultaneously with the ballot question for option D, the ballot question
         shall be <br/>
<a id="pl.29.12"></a><var>29.12</var>varied to read appropriately. If an option B ballot question is submitted for the
         combined <br/>
<a id="pl.29.13"></a><var>29.13</var>clerk-treasurer office at the same election in which option D is also on the ballot,
         the <br/>
<a id="pl.29.14"></a><var>29.14</var>ballot must note that the approval of option B is contingent on the simultaneous approval
         <br/>
<a id="pl.29.15"></a><var>29.15</var>of option D. In any of these cases, the question shall be followed by the words "Yes"
         <br/>
<a id="pl.29.16"></a><var>29.16</var>and "No" with an appropriate square oval or similar target shape  before each in which <br/>
<a id="pl.29.17"></a><var>29.17</var>an elector may record a choice.<br/>
<br/>
<a id="bill.1.50.0"></a><a id="pl.29.18"></a><var>29.18</var>    Sec. 50. Minnesota Statutes 2014, section 368.85, subdivision 4, is amended to read:<br/>
<a id="pl.29.19"></a><var>29.19</var>    Subd. 4. <b>Ballot.</b> The town board shall provide ballots which shall read "Shall <br/>
<a id="pl.29.20"></a><var>29.20</var>the territory described in the resolution adopted by the town board on the .........
         day of <br/>
<a id="pl.29.21"></a><var>29.21</var>............., ......., constitute a special fire protection district?" The question
         shall be followed <br/>
<a id="pl.29.22"></a><var>29.22</var>with a line with the word "Yes" and a square an oval or similar target shape  after it and <br/>
<a id="pl.29.23"></a><var>29.23</var>another line with the word "No" and a square an oval or similar target shape  after it. The <br/>
<a id="pl.29.24"></a><var>29.24</var>voters shall indicate their choice by placing a cross mark in one of the squares target <br/>
<a id="pl.29.25"></a><var>29.25</var>shapes, and a direction to so indicate their choice shall be printed on the ballot.<br/>
<br/>
<a id="bill.1.51.0"></a><a id="pl.29.26"></a><var>29.26</var>    Sec. 51. Minnesota Statutes 2014, section 376.04, is amended to read:<br/>
<a id="pl.29.27"></a><var>29.27</var><b>376.04 ELECTION, SEPARATE BALLOT.</b><br/>
<a id="pl.29.28"></a><var>29.28</var>The question of purchasing and constructing hospital buildings shall be submitted
         <br/>
<a id="pl.29.29"></a><var>29.29</var>to the voters of any county at a general election and placed upon a separate ballot. This <br/>
<a id="pl.29.30"></a><var>29.30</var>election must be called by a resolution of the county board. The resolution must state
         the <br/>
<a id="pl.29.31"></a><var>29.31</var>time of the election, that a county hospital is proposed to be established, the proposed
         <br/>
<a id="pl.29.32"></a><var>29.32</var>location, and the cost, including equipment, for not more than the amount stated in
         the <br/>
<a id="pl.29.33"></a><var>29.33</var>resolution. When the resolutions are passed, the county auditor shall immediately
         notify <br/>
<a id="pl.29.34"></a><var>29.34</var>each town or city clerk in the county that the question of constructing hospital buildings
         <br/>
<a id="pl.30.1"></a><var>30.1</var>will be voted upon at the time stated in the resolution, in the manner provided under
         the <br/>
<a id="pl.30.2"></a><var>30.2</var>state election laws.<br/>
<a id="pl.30.3"></a><var>30.3</var>The ballot must be in the following form:<br/>
<a id="pl.30.4"></a><var>30.4</var>"For the purchase and construction of hospital buildings, including equipment, to
         <br/>
<a id="pl.30.5"></a><var>30.5</var>be located at ............... (state location), at a cost not more than ..............
         (state amount), <br/>
<a id="pl.30.6"></a><var>30.6</var>pursuant to the resolution of the board of county commissioners passed ..................
         (state <br/>
<a id="pl.30.7"></a><var>30.7</var>date).<br/>
<table>
<col width="50px"/>
<col width="40"/>
<col width="12.5"/>
<col width="12.5"/>
<tr>
<td><a id="pl.30.8"></a><var>30.8</var><br/>
</td>
<td></td>
<td>Yes <br/>
<span>
                     							.....
                     						</span></td>
<td></td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td><a id="pl.30.9"></a><var>30.9</var><br/>
</td>
<td></td>
<td>No <br/>
<span>
                     							.....
                     						</span></td>
<td>"<br/>
</td>
</tr>
</table><a id="pl.30.10"></a><var>30.10</var>To the left of each of the last two words, "yes" and "no," shall be followed by a <br/>
<a id="pl.30.11"></a><var>30.11</var>square in which the voter may indicate by a mark (X) either a negative or affirmative
         vote <br/>
<a id="pl.30.12"></a><var>30.12</var>printed an oval or similar target shape so that the voter may indicate by a mark either
         a <br/>
<a id="pl.30.13"></a><var>30.13</var>negative or affirmative vote. These votes shall be cast in the same manner as votes cast at <br/>
<a id="pl.30.14"></a><var>30.14</var>the general election and counted by the same officers. Returns must be made to the
         county <br/>
<a id="pl.30.15"></a><var>30.15</var>auditor, and canvassed in the same manner as the returns on county officers.<br/>
<br/>
<a id="bill.1.52.0"></a><a id="pl.30.16"></a><var>30.16</var>    Sec. 52. Minnesota Statutes 2014, section 412.551, subdivision 2, is amended to read:<br/>
<a id="pl.30.17"></a><var>30.17</var>    Subd. 2. <b>Form of ballot.</b> The proposals for the adoption of optional plans shall be <br/>
<a id="pl.30.18"></a><var>30.18</var>stated on the ballot substantially as follows:<br/>
<a id="pl.30.19"></a><var>30.19</var>"Shall Optional Plan A, modifying the standard plan of city government by <br/>
<a id="pl.30.20"></a><var>30.20</var>providing for the appointment by the council of the clerk and treasurer be adopted
         for the <br/>
<a id="pl.30.21"></a><var>30.21</var>government of the city?"<br/>
<a id="pl.30.22"></a><var>30.22</var>"Shall Optional Plan B, providing for the council-manager form of city government,
         <br/>
<a id="pl.30.23"></a><var>30.23</var>be adopted for the government of the city?"<br/>
<a id="pl.30.24"></a><var>30.24</var>If the city has combined the offices of clerk and treasurer, the word "clerk-treasurer"
         <br/>
<a id="pl.30.25"></a><var>30.25</var>shall be substituted for the words "clerk and treasurer" in the question on the ballot
         on <br/>
<a id="pl.30.26"></a><var>30.26</var>adoption of Optional Plan A. In any of these cases, the question shall be followed
         by the <br/>
<a id="pl.30.27"></a><var>30.27</var>words, "Yes" and "No" with an appropriate square before each in which a voter may <br/>
<a id="pl.30.28"></a><var>30.28</var>record a choice oval or similar target shape to the left of each word so that the voter may <br/>
<a id="pl.30.29"></a><var>30.29</var>indicate by a mark either a negative or affirmative vote.<br/>
<br/>
<a id="bill.1.53.0"></a><a id="pl.30.30"></a><var>30.30</var>    Sec. 53. <b> REPEALER.</b><br/>
<a id="pl.30.31"></a><var>30.31</var>Minnesota Statutes 2014, sections 204C.13, subdivision 4; and 383A.555, are <br/>
<a id="pl.30.32"></a><var>30.32</var>repealed.<br/>
<br/>
<a id="bill.2.0.0"></a>

<a id="bill.2.1.0"></a><a id="pl.31.3"></a><var>31.3</var>    Section 1. Minnesota Statutes 2014, section 203B.01, subdivision 3, is amended to read:<br/>
<a id="pl.31.4"></a><var>31.4</var>    Subd. 3. <b>Military.</b> "Military" means the Army, Navy, Air Force, Marine Corps, <br/>
<a id="pl.31.5"></a><var>31.5</var>Coast Guard or Merchant Marine of the United States, and all other uniformed services as <br/>
<a id="pl.31.6"></a><var>31.6</var>defined in United States Code, title 42, section 1973ff-6 52, section 20310, and military <br/>
<a id="pl.31.7"></a><var>31.7</var>forces as defined by section 190.05, subdivision 3.<br/>
<br/>
<a id="bill.2.2.0"></a><a id="pl.31.8"></a><var>31.8</var>    Sec. 2. Minnesota Statutes 2014, section 203B.16, subdivision 1, is amended to read:<br/>
<a id="pl.31.9"></a><var>31.9</var>    Subdivision 1. <b>Military service; temporary residence outside United States.</b><br/>
<a id="pl.31.10"></a><var>31.10</var>Sections 
         <statute_ref>203B.16</statute_ref> to 
         <statute_ref>203B.27</statute_ref> provide alternative voting procedures for eligible voters who <br/>
<a id="pl.31.11"></a><var>31.11</var>are absent from the precinct where they maintain residence because they are:<br/>
<a id="pl.31.12"></a><var>31.12</var>(1) either in the military or the spouses or dependents of individuals serving in
         <br/>
<a id="pl.31.13"></a><var>31.13</var>the military; or<br/>
<a id="pl.31.14"></a><var>31.14</var>(2) temporarily outside the territorial limits of the United States.<br/>
<a id="pl.31.15"></a><var>31.15</var>Sections 
         <statute_ref>203B.16</statute_ref> to 
         <statute_ref>203B.27</statute_ref> are intended to implement the federal Uniformed and <br/>
<a id="pl.31.16"></a><var>31.16</var>Overseas Citizens Absentee Voting Act, United States Code, title 42, section 1973ff 52, <br/>
<a id="pl.31.17"></a><var>31.17</var>sections 20301 to 20310.<br/>
<br/>
<a id="bill.2.3.0"></a><a id="pl.31.18"></a><var>31.18</var>    Sec. 3. Minnesota Statutes 2014, section 203B.16, subdivision 2, is amended to read:<br/>
<a id="pl.31.19"></a><var>31.19</var>    Subd. 2. <b>Indefinite residence outside United States.</b> Sections 
         <statute_ref>203B.16 </statute_ref>to <br/>
<statute_ref><a id="pl.31.20"></a><var>31.20</var>203B.27
         </statute_ref> provide the exclusive voting procedure for United States citizens who are living
         <br/>
<a id="pl.31.21"></a><var>31.21</var>indefinitely outside the territorial limits of the United States who meet all the
         qualifications <br/>
<a id="pl.31.22"></a><var>31.22</var>of an eligible voter except residence in Minnesota, but who are authorized by federal
         law <br/>
<a id="pl.31.23"></a><var>31.23</var>to vote in Minnesota because they or, if they have never resided in the United States, <br/>
<a id="pl.31.24"></a><var>31.24</var>a parent maintained residence in Minnesota for at least 20 days immediately prior to <br/>
<a id="pl.31.25"></a><var>31.25</var>their departure from the United States. Individuals described in this subdivision
         shall be <br/>
<a id="pl.31.26"></a><var>31.26</var>permitted to vote only for the offices of president, vice-president, senator in Congress,
         <br/>
<a id="pl.31.27"></a><var>31.27</var>and representative in Congress.<br/>
<br/>
<a id="bill.2.4.0"></a><a id="pl.31.28"></a><var>31.28</var>    Sec. 4. Minnesota Statutes 2014, section 203B.17, subdivision 1, is amended to read:<br/>
<a id="pl.31.29"></a><var>31.29</var>    Subdivision 1. <b>Submission of application.</b> (a) An application for absentee ballots <br/>
<a id="pl.31.30"></a><var>31.30</var>for a voter described in section 
         <statute_ref>203B.16</statute_ref> must be in writing and may be submitted in <br/>
<a id="pl.31.31"></a><var>31.31</var>person, by mail, by electronic facsimile device, by electronic mail, or electronically
         <br/>
<a id="pl.31.32"></a><var>31.32</var>through a secure Web site that shall be maintained by the secretary of state for this
         <br/>
<a id="pl.32.1"></a><var>32.1</var>purpose, upon determination by the secretary of state that security concerns have
         been <br/>
<a id="pl.32.2"></a><var>32.2</var>adequately addressed. An application for absentee ballots for a voter described in
         section <br/>
<statute_ref><a id="pl.32.3"></a><var>32.3</var>203B.16
         </statute_ref> may be submitted by that voter or by that voter's parent, spouse, sister, brother,
         or <br/>
<a id="pl.32.4"></a><var>32.4</var>child over the age of 18 years. For purposes of an application under this subdivision, a <br/>
<a id="pl.32.5"></a><var>32.5</var>person's Social Security number, no matter how it is designated, qualifies as the
         person's <br/>
<a id="pl.32.6"></a><var>32.6</var>military identification number if the person is in the military.<br/>
<a id="pl.32.7"></a><var>32.7</var>(b) An application for a voter described in section 
         <statute_ref>203B.16, subdivision 1</statute_ref>, shall be <br/>
<a id="pl.32.8"></a><var>32.8</var>submitted to the county auditor of the county where the voter maintains residence
         or <br/>
<a id="pl.32.9"></a><var>32.9</var>through the secure Web site maintained by the secretary of state.<br/>
<a id="pl.32.10"></a><var>32.10</var>(c) An application for a voter described in section 
         <statute_ref>203B.16, subdivision 2</statute_ref>, shall be <br/>
<a id="pl.32.11"></a><var>32.11</var>submitted to the county auditor of the county where the voter or the voter's parent last <br/>
<a id="pl.32.12"></a><var>32.12</var>maintained residence in Minnesota or through the secure Web site maintained by the
         <br/>
<a id="pl.32.13"></a><var>32.13</var>secretary of state.<br/>
<a id="pl.32.14"></a><var>32.14</var>(d) An application for absentee ballots shall be valid for any primary, special <br/>
<a id="pl.32.15"></a><var>32.15</var>primary, general election, or special election from the time the application is received
         <br/>
<a id="pl.32.16"></a><var>32.16</var>through the end of that calendar year.<br/>
<a id="pl.32.17"></a><var>32.17</var>(e) There shall be no limitation of time for filing and receiving applications for
         <br/>
<a id="pl.32.18"></a><var>32.18</var>ballots under sections 
         <statute_ref>203B.16</statute_ref> to 
         <statute_ref>203B.27</statute_ref>.<br/>
<br/>
<a id="bill.2.5.0"></a><a id="pl.32.19"></a><var>32.19</var>    Sec. 5. Minnesota Statutes 2014, section 203B.17, subdivision 2, is amended to read:<br/>
<a id="pl.32.20"></a><var>32.20</var>    Subd. 2. <b>Required information.</b> An application shall be accepted if it contains the <br/>
<a id="pl.32.21"></a><var>32.21</var>following information stated under oath:<br/>
<a id="pl.32.22"></a><var>32.22</var>    (a) the voter's name, birthdate, and present address of residence in Minnesota, or
         <br/>
<a id="pl.32.23"></a><var>32.23</var>former address of residence or parent's former address of residence in Minnesota if the <br/>
<a id="pl.32.24"></a><var>32.24</var>voter is living permanently outside the United States;<br/>
<a id="pl.32.25"></a><var>32.25</var>    (b) a statement indicating that the voter is in the military, or is the spouse or
         <br/>
<a id="pl.32.26"></a><var>32.26</var>dependent of an individual serving in the military, or is temporarily outside the
         territorial <br/>
<a id="pl.32.27"></a><var>32.27</var>limits of the United States, or is living permanently outside the territorial limits
         of the <br/>
<a id="pl.32.28"></a><var>32.28</var>United States and voting under federal law;<br/>
<a id="pl.32.29"></a><var>32.29</var>    (c) a statement that the voter expects to be absent from the precinct at the time
         <br/>
<a id="pl.32.30"></a><var>32.30</var>of the election;<br/>
<a id="pl.32.31"></a><var>32.31</var>    (d) the address to which absentee ballots are to be mailed;<br/>
<a id="pl.32.32"></a><var>32.32</var>    (e) the voter's signature or the signature and relationship of the individual authorized
         <br/>
<a id="pl.32.33"></a><var>32.33</var>to apply on the voter's behalf;<br/>
<a id="pl.32.34"></a><var>32.34</var>    (f) the voter's passport number, Minnesota driver's license or state identification
         card <br/>
<a id="pl.32.35"></a><var>32.35</var>number, or the last four digits of the voter's Social Security number; if the voter
         does not <br/>
<a id="pl.33.1"></a><var>33.1</var>have access to any of these documents, the voter or other individual requesting absentee
         <br/>
<a id="pl.33.2"></a><var>33.2</var>ballots may attest to the truthfulness of the contents of the application under penalty
         <br/>
<a id="pl.33.3"></a><var>33.3</var>of perjury; and<br/>
<a id="pl.33.4"></a><var>33.4</var>    (g) the voter's e-mail address, if the application was submitted electronically through
         <br/>
<a id="pl.33.5"></a><var>33.5</var>the secure Web site maintained by the secretary of state.<br/>
<a id="pl.33.6"></a><var>33.6</var>Notwithstanding paragraph (f), an application submitted through the secretary of state's
         <br/>
<a id="pl.33.7"></a><var>33.7</var>Web site must include the voter's verifiable Minnesota driver's license number, Minnesota
         <br/>
<a id="pl.33.8"></a><var>33.8</var>state identification card number, or the last four digits of the voter's Social Security
         <br/>
<a id="pl.33.9"></a><var>33.9</var>number, and may only be transmitted to the county auditor for processing if the secretary
         <br/>
<a id="pl.33.10"></a><var>33.10</var>of state has verified the application information matches the information in a government
         <br/>
<a id="pl.33.11"></a><var>33.11</var>database associated with the applicant's driver's license number, state identification
         card <br/>
<a id="pl.33.12"></a><var>33.12</var>number, or Social Security number. The secretary of state must review all unverifiable
         <br/>
<a id="pl.33.13"></a><var>33.13</var>applications for evidence of suspicious activity and must forward any such application
         to <br/>
<a id="pl.33.14"></a><var>33.14</var>an appropriate law enforcement agency for investigation.<br/>
<br/>
<a id="bill.2.6.0"></a><a id="pl.33.15"></a><var>33.15</var>    Sec. 6. Minnesota Statutes 2014, section 204D.11, subdivision 4, is amended to read:<br/>
<a id="pl.33.16"></a><var>33.16</var>    Subd. 4. <b>Special federal ballot.</b> (a) The names of all candidates for the offices <br/>
<a id="pl.33.17"></a><var>33.17</var>of president and vice-president of the United States and senator and representative
         in <br/>
<a id="pl.33.18"></a><var>33.18</var>Congress shall be placed on a ballot that shall be known as the "special federal ballot."<br/>
<a id="pl.33.19"></a><var>33.19</var>(b) This ballot shall be prepared by the county auditor in the same manner as the
         <br/>
<a id="pl.33.20"></a><var>33.20</var>state general election ballot and shall be subject to the rules adopted by the secretary
         of <br/>
<a id="pl.33.21"></a><var>33.21</var>state pursuant to subdivision 1. This ballot must be prepared and furnished in accordance
         <br/>
<a id="pl.33.22"></a><var>33.22</var>with the federal Uniformed and Overseas Citizens Absentee Voting Act, United States
         <br/>
<a id="pl.33.23"></a><var>33.23</var>Code, title 42, section 1973ff 52, sections 20301 to 20310.<br/>
<a id="pl.33.24"></a><var>33.24</var>(c) The special federal ballot shall be the only ballot sent to citizens of the United
         <br/>
<a id="pl.33.25"></a><var>33.25</var>States who are eligible to vote by absentee ballot for federal candidates in Minnesota.<br/>
<br/>
<a id="bill.3.0.0"></a>

<a id="bill.3.1.0"></a><a id="pl.33.28"></a><var>33.28</var>    Section 1. Minnesota Statutes 2014, section 204B.07, subdivision 2, is amended to read:<br/>
<a id="pl.33.29"></a><var>33.29</var>    Subd. 2. <b>Petitions for presidential electors</b><b> and alternates</b><b>.</b> This subdivision <br/>
<a id="pl.33.30"></a><var>33.30</var>does not apply to candidates for presidential elector or alternate nominated by major <br/>
<a id="pl.33.31"></a><var>33.31</var>political parties. Major party candidates for presidential elector or alternate are certified <br/>
<a id="pl.33.32"></a><var>33.32</var>under section 
         <statute_ref>208.03</statute_ref>. Other presidential electors or alternates are nominated by petition <br/>
<a id="pl.33.33"></a><var>33.33</var>pursuant to this section. On petitions nominating presidential electors or alternates, the <br/>
<a id="pl.34.1"></a><var>34.1</var>names of the candidates for president and vice-president shall be added to the political
         <br/>
<a id="pl.34.2"></a><var>34.2</var>party or political principle stated on the petition. One petition may be filed to
         nominate a <br/>
<a id="pl.34.3"></a><var>34.3</var>slate of presidential electors equal in number to the number of electors to which
         the state <br/>
<a id="pl.34.4"></a><var>34.4</var>is entitled and an alternate for each elector nominee.<br/>
<br/>
<a id="bill.3.2.0"></a><a id="pl.34.5"></a><var>34.5</var>    Sec. 2. Minnesota Statutes 2014, section 208.02, is amended to read:<br/>
<a id="pl.34.6"></a><var>34.6</var><b>208.02 ELECTION OF PRESIDENTIAL ELECTORS</b><b> AND ALTERNATES</b><b>.</b><br/>
<a id="pl.34.7"></a><var>34.7</var>Presidential electors and alternates shall be chosen at the state general election held <br/>
<a id="pl.34.8"></a><var>34.8</var>in the year preceding the expiration of the term of the president of the United States.<br/>
<br/>
<a id="bill.3.3.0"></a><a id="pl.34.9"></a><var>34.9</var>    Sec. 3. Minnesota Statutes 2014, section 208.03, is amended to read:<br/>
<a id="pl.34.10"></a><var>34.10</var><b>208.03 NOMINATION OF PRESIDENTIAL ELECTORS</b><b> AND </b><br/>
<a id="pl.34.11"></a><var>34.11</var><b>ALTERNATES</b><b>.</b><br/>
<a id="pl.34.12"></a><var>34.12</var>Presidential electors and alternates for the major political parties of this state shall be <br/>
<a id="pl.34.13"></a><var>34.13</var>nominated by delegate conventions called and held under the supervision of the respective
         <br/>
<a id="pl.34.14"></a><var>34.14</var>state central committees of the parties of this state. At least 71 days before the
         general <br/>
<a id="pl.34.15"></a><var>34.15</var>election day the chair of the major political party shall certify to the secretary
         of state <br/>
<a id="pl.34.16"></a><var>34.16</var>the names of the persons nominated as presidential electors, the names of eight persons <br/>
<a id="pl.34.17"></a><var>34.17</var>nominated as alternate presidential electors, and the names of the party candidates for <br/>
<a id="pl.34.18"></a><var>34.18</var>president and vice president. The chair shall also certify that the party candidates
         for <br/>
<a id="pl.34.19"></a><var>34.19</var>president and vice president have no affidavit on file as a candidate for any office
         in <br/>
<a id="pl.34.20"></a><var>34.20</var>this state at the ensuing general election.<br/>
<br/>
<a id="bill.3.4.0"></a><a id="pl.34.21"></a><var>34.21</var>    Sec. 4. Minnesota Statutes 2014, section 208.06, is amended to read:<br/>
<a id="pl.34.22"></a><var>34.22</var><b>208.06 ELECTORS</b><b> AND ALTERNATES</b><b> TO MEET AT STATE CAPITOL</b><b>; </b><br/>
<a id="pl.34.23"></a><var>34.23</var><b>FILLING OF VACANCIES</b><b>.</b><br/>
<a id="pl.34.24"></a><var>34.24</var>The presidential electors and alternate presidential electors, before 12:00 M. on
         the <br/>
<a id="pl.34.25"></a><var>34.25</var>day before that fixed by Congress for the electors to vote for president and vice
         president <br/>
<a id="pl.34.26"></a><var>34.26</var>of the United States, shall notify the governor that they are at the State Capitol
         and ready <br/>
<a id="pl.34.27"></a><var>34.27</var>at the proper time to fulfill their duties as electors. The governor shall deliver
         to the <br/>
<a id="pl.34.28"></a><var>34.28</var>electors present a certificate of the names of all the electors. If any elector named therein <br/>
<a id="pl.34.29"></a><var>34.29</var>fails to appear before 9:00 a.m. on the day, and at the place, fixed for voting for
         president <br/>
<a id="pl.34.30"></a><var>34.30</var>and vice president of the United States, an alternate, chosen from among the alternates
         by <br/>
<a id="pl.34.31"></a><var>34.31</var>lot, shall be appointed to act for that elector. If more than eight alternates are
         necessary, <br/>
<a id="pl.34.32"></a><var>34.32</var>the electors present shall, in the presence of the governor, immediately elect by
         ballot a <br/>
<a id="pl.35.1"></a><var>35.1</var>person to fill the vacancy. If more than the number of persons required have the highest
         <br/>
<a id="pl.35.2"></a><var>35.2</var>and an equal number of votes, the governor, in the presence of the electors attending,
         shall <br/>
<a id="pl.35.3"></a><var>35.3</var>decide by lot which of those persons shall be elected The electors shall meet at 12:00 p.m. <br/>
<a id="pl.35.4"></a><var>35.4</var>in the executive chamber of the State Capitol and shall perform all the duties imposed
         <br/>
<a id="pl.35.5"></a><var>35.5</var>upon them as electors by the Constitution and laws of the United States and this state
         <br/>
<a id="pl.35.6"></a><var>35.6</var>in the manner provided in section 208.46.<br/>
<br/>
<a id="bill.3.5.0"></a><a id="pl.35.7"></a><var>35.7</var>    Sec. 5. <b>[208.40] SHORT TITLE.</b><br/>
<a id="pl.35.8"></a><var>35.8</var>Sections 208.40 to 208.48 may be cited as the "Uniform Faithful Presidential <br/>
<a id="pl.35.9"></a><var>35.9</var>Electors Act."<br/>
<br/>
<a id="bill.3.6.0"></a><a id="pl.35.10"></a><var>35.10</var>    Sec. 6. <b>[208.41] DEFINITIONS.</b><br/>
<a id="pl.35.11"></a><var>35.11</var>(a) The definitions in this section apply to sections 208.40 to 208.48.<br/>
<a id="pl.35.12"></a><var>35.12</var>(b) "Cast" means accepted by the secretary of state in accordance with section <br/>
<a id="pl.35.13"></a><var>35.13</var>208.46, paragraph (b).<br/>
<a id="pl.35.14"></a><var>35.14</var>(c) "Elector" means an individual selected as a presidential elector under this chapter.<br/>
<a id="pl.35.15"></a><var>35.15</var>(d) "President" means the president of the United States.<br/>
<a id="pl.35.16"></a><var>35.16</var>(e) "Unaffiliated presidential candidate" means a candidate for president who <br/>
<a id="pl.35.17"></a><var>35.17</var>qualifies for the general election ballot in this state by means other than nomination
         by a <br/>
<a id="pl.35.18"></a><var>35.18</var>political party.<br/>
<a id="pl.35.19"></a><var>35.19</var>(f) "Vice president" means the vice president of the United States.<br/>
<br/>
<a id="bill.3.7.0"></a><a id="pl.35.20"></a><var>35.20</var>    Sec. 7. <b>[208.42] DESIGNATION OF STATE'S ELECTORS.</b><br/>
<a id="pl.35.21"></a><var>35.21</var>(a) For each elector position in this state, a political party contesting the position,
         or <br/>
<a id="pl.35.22"></a><var>35.22</var>an unaffiliated presidential candidate, shall submit to the secretary of state the
         names of <br/>
<a id="pl.35.23"></a><var>35.23</var>two qualified individuals. One of the individuals must be designated "elector nominee"
         <br/>
<a id="pl.35.24"></a><var>35.24</var>and the other "alternate elector nominee."<br/>
<a id="pl.35.25"></a><var>35.25</var>(b) Except as otherwise provided in sections 208.44 to 208.47, this state's electors
         <br/>
<a id="pl.35.26"></a><var>35.26</var>are the winning elector nominees under the laws of this state.<br/>
<br/>
<a id="bill.3.8.0"></a><a id="pl.35.27"></a><var>35.27</var>    Sec. 8. <b>[208.43] PLEDGE.</b><br/>
<a id="pl.35.28"></a><var>35.28</var>Each elector nominee and alternate elector nominee of a political party shall execute
         <br/>
<a id="pl.35.29"></a><var>35.29</var>the following pledge: "If selected for the position of elector, I agree to serve and
         to mark <br/>
<a id="pl.35.30"></a><var>35.30</var>my ballots for president and vice president for the nominees for those offices of
         the party <br/>
<a id="pl.35.31"></a><var>35.31</var>that nominated me." Each elector nominee and alternate elector nominee of an unaffiliated
         <br/>
<a id="pl.35.32"></a><var>35.32</var>presidential candidate shall execute the following pledge: "If selected for the position
         <br/>
<a id="pl.36.1"></a><var>36.1</var>of elector as a nominee of an unaffiliated presidential candidate, I agree to serve
         and <br/>
<a id="pl.36.2"></a><var>36.2</var>to mark my ballots for that candidate and for that candidate's vice presidential running
         <br/>
<a id="pl.36.3"></a><var>36.3</var>mate." The executed pledges must accompany the submission of the corresponding names
         <br/>
<a id="pl.36.4"></a><var>36.4</var>to the secretary of state.<br/>
<br/>
<a id="bill.3.9.0"></a><a id="pl.36.5"></a><var>36.5</var>    Sec. 9. <b>[208.44] CERTIFICATION OF ELECTORS.</b><br/>
<a id="pl.36.6"></a><var>36.6</var>In submitting this state's certificate of ascertainment as required by United States
         <br/>
<a id="pl.36.7"></a><var>36.7</var>Code, title 3, section 6, the governor shall certify this state's electors and state
         in the <br/>
<a id="pl.36.8"></a><var>36.8</var>certificate that:<br/>
<a id="pl.36.9"></a><var>36.9</var>(1) the electors will serve as electors unless a vacancy occurs in the office of elector
         <br/>
<a id="pl.36.10"></a><var>36.10</var>before the end of the meeting at which elector votes are cast, in which case a substitute
         <br/>
<a id="pl.36.11"></a><var>36.11</var>elector will fill the vacancy; and<br/>
<a id="pl.36.12"></a><var>36.12</var>(2) if a substitute elector is appointed to fill a vacancy, the governor will submit
         an <br/>
<a id="pl.36.13"></a><var>36.13</var>amended certificate of ascertainment stating the names on the final list of this state's
         <br/>
<a id="pl.36.14"></a><var>36.14</var>electors.<br/>
<br/>
<a id="bill.3.10.0"></a><a id="pl.36.15"></a><var>36.15</var>    Sec. 10. <b>[208.45] PRESIDING OFFICER; ELECTOR VACANCY.</b><br/>
<a id="pl.36.16"></a><var>36.16</var>(a) The secretary of state shall preside at the meeting of electors described in section
         <br/>
<a id="pl.36.17"></a><var>36.17</var>208.06.<br/>
<a id="pl.36.18"></a><var>36.18</var>(b) The position of an elector not present to vote is vacant. The secretary of state
         <br/>
<a id="pl.36.19"></a><var>36.19</var>shall appoint an individual as a substitute elector to fill a vacancy as follows:<br/>
<a id="pl.36.20"></a><var>36.20</var>(1) if the alternate elector is present to vote, by appointing the alternate elector
         <br/>
<a id="pl.36.21"></a><var>36.21</var>for the vacant position;<br/>
<a id="pl.36.22"></a><var>36.22</var>(2) if the alternate elector for the vacant position is not present to vote, by appointing
         <br/>
<a id="pl.36.23"></a><var>36.23</var>an elector chosen by lot from among the alternate electors present to vote who were
         <br/>
<a id="pl.36.24"></a><var>36.24</var>nominated by the same political party or unaffiliated presidential candidate;<br/>
<a id="pl.36.25"></a><var>36.25</var>(3) if the number of alternate electors present to vote is insufficient to fill any
         <br/>
<a id="pl.36.26"></a><var>36.26</var>vacant position pursuant to clauses (1) and (2), by appointing any immediately available
         <br/>
<a id="pl.36.27"></a><var>36.27</var>individual who is qualified to serve as an elector and chosen through nomination by
         a <br/>
<a id="pl.36.28"></a><var>36.28</var>plurality vote of the remaining electors, including nomination and vote by a single
         elector <br/>
<a id="pl.36.29"></a><var>36.29</var>if only one remains;<br/>
<a id="pl.36.30"></a><var>36.30</var>(4) if there is a tie between at least two nominees for substitute elector in a vote
         <br/>
<a id="pl.36.31"></a><var>36.31</var>conducted under clause (3), by appointing an elector chosen by lot from among those
         <br/>
<a id="pl.36.32"></a><var>36.32</var>nominees; or<br/>
<a id="pl.37.1"></a><var>37.1</var>(5) if all elector positions are vacant and cannot be filled pursuant to clauses (1)
         to <br/>
<a id="pl.37.2"></a><var>37.2</var>(4), by appointing a single presidential elector, with remaining vacant positions
         to be filled <br/>
<a id="pl.37.3"></a><var>37.3</var>under clause (3) and, if necessary, clause (4).<br/>
<a id="pl.37.4"></a><var>37.4</var>(c) To qualify as a substitute elector under paragraph (b), an individual who has
         not <br/>
<a id="pl.37.5"></a><var>37.5</var>executed the pledge required under section 208.43 shall execute the following pledge:
         "I <br/>
<a id="pl.37.6"></a><var>37.6</var>agree to serve and to mark my ballots for president and vice president consistent
         with the <br/>
<a id="pl.37.7"></a><var>37.7</var>pledge of the individual to whose elector position I have succeeded."<br/>
<br/>
<a id="bill.3.11.0"></a><a id="pl.37.8"></a><var>37.8</var>    Sec. 11. <b>[208.46] ELECTOR VOTING.</b><br/>
<a id="pl.37.9"></a><var>37.9</var>(a) At the time designated for elector voting in section 208.06, and after all vacant
         <br/>
<a id="pl.37.10"></a><var>37.10</var>positions have been filled under section 208.45, the secretary of state shall provide
         each <br/>
<a id="pl.37.11"></a><var>37.11</var>elector with a presidential and a vice presidential ballot. The elector shall mark
         the <br/>
<a id="pl.37.12"></a><var>37.12</var>elector's presidential and vice presidential ballots with the elector's votes for
         the offices <br/>
<a id="pl.37.13"></a><var>37.13</var>of president and vice president, respectively, along with the elector's signature
         and the <br/>
<a id="pl.37.14"></a><var>37.14</var>elector's legibly printed name.<br/>
<a id="pl.37.15"></a><var>37.15</var>(b) Except as otherwise provided by law of this state other than this chapter, each
         <br/>
<a id="pl.37.16"></a><var>37.16</var>elector shall present both completed ballots to the secretary of state, who shall
         examine <br/>
<a id="pl.37.17"></a><var>37.17</var>the ballots and accept as cast all ballots of electors whose votes are consistent
         with their <br/>
<a id="pl.37.18"></a><var>37.18</var>pledges executed under section 208.43 or 208.45, paragraph (c). Except as otherwise
         <br/>
<a id="pl.37.19"></a><var>37.19</var>provided by law of this state other than this chapter, the secretary of state may
         not accept <br/>
<a id="pl.37.20"></a><var>37.20</var>and may not count either an elector's presidential or vice presidential ballot if
         the elector <br/>
<a id="pl.37.21"></a><var>37.21</var>has not marked both ballots or has marked a ballot in violation of the elector's pledge.<br/>
<a id="pl.37.22"></a><var>37.22</var>(c) An elector who refuses to present a ballot, presents an unmarked ballot, or <br/>
<a id="pl.37.23"></a><var>37.23</var>presents a ballot marked in violation of the elector's pledge executed under section
         208.43 <br/>
<a id="pl.37.24"></a><var>37.24</var>or 208.45, paragraph (c), vacates the office of elector, creating a vacant position
         to be <br/>
<a id="pl.37.25"></a><var>37.25</var>filled under section 208.45.<br/>
<a id="pl.37.26"></a><var>37.26</var>(d) The secretary of state shall distribute ballots to and collect ballots from a
         <br/>
<a id="pl.37.27"></a><var>37.27</var>substitute elector and repeat the process under this section of examining ballots,
         declaring <br/>
<a id="pl.37.28"></a><var>37.28</var>and filling vacant positions as required, and recording appropriately completed ballots
         from <br/>
<a id="pl.37.29"></a><var>37.29</var>the substituted electors, until all of this state's electoral votes have been cast
         and recorded.<br/>
<br/>
<a id="bill.3.12.0"></a><a id="pl.37.30"></a><var>37.30</var>    Sec. 12. <b>[208.47] ELECTOR REPLACEMENT; ASSOCIATED CERTIFICATES.</b><br/>
<a id="pl.37.31"></a><var>37.31</var>(a) After the vote of this state's electors is completed, if the final list of electors
         <br/>
<a id="pl.37.32"></a><var>37.32</var>differs from any list that the governor previously included on a certificate of ascertainment
         <br/>
<a id="pl.37.33"></a><var>37.33</var>prepared and transmitted under United States Code, title 3, section 6, the secretary
         of state <br/>
<a id="pl.38.1"></a><var>38.1</var>immediately shall prepare an amended certificate of ascertainment and transmit it
         to <br/>
<a id="pl.38.2"></a><var>38.2</var>the governor for the governor's signature.<br/>
<a id="pl.38.3"></a><var>38.3</var>(b) The governor immediately shall deliver the signed amended certificate of <br/>
<a id="pl.38.4"></a><var>38.4</var>ascertainment to the secretary of state and a signed duplicate original of the amended
         <br/>
<a id="pl.38.5"></a><var>38.5</var>certificate of ascertainment to all individuals entitled to receive this state's certificate
         of <br/>
<a id="pl.38.6"></a><var>38.6</var>ascertainment, indicating that the amended certificate of ascertainment is to be substituted
         <br/>
<a id="pl.38.7"></a><var>38.7</var>for the certificate of ascertainment previously submitted.<br/>
<a id="pl.38.8"></a><var>38.8</var>(c) The secretary of state shall prepare a certificate of vote. The electors on the
         final <br/>
<a id="pl.38.9"></a><var>38.9</var>list shall sign the certificate. The secretary of state shall process and transmit
         the signed <br/>
<a id="pl.38.10"></a><var>38.10</var>certificate with the amended certificate of ascertainment under United States Code,
         title <br/>
<a id="pl.38.11"></a><var>38.11</var>3, sections 9, 10, and 11.<br/>
<br/>
<a id="bill.3.13.0"></a><a id="pl.38.12"></a><var>38.12</var>    Sec. 13. <b>[208.48] UNIFORMITY OF APPLICATION AND CONSTRUCTION.</b><br/>
<a id="pl.38.13"></a><var>38.13</var>In applying and construing sections 208.40 to 208.48, consideration must be given
         <br/>
<a id="pl.38.14"></a><var>38.14</var>to the need to promote uniformity of the law with respect to their subject matter
         among <br/>
<a id="pl.38.15"></a><var>38.15</var>states that enact the Uniform Faithful Presidential Electors Act or similar law.<br/>
<br/>
<a id="bill.3.14.0"></a><a id="pl.38.16"></a><var>38.16</var>    Sec. 14. Minnesota Statutes 2014, section 209.01, subdivision 2, is amended to read:<br/>
<a id="pl.38.17"></a><var>38.17</var>    Subd. 2. <b>Statewide office.</b> For purposes of this chapter, "statewide office" means the <br/>
<a id="pl.38.18"></a><var>38.18</var>office of governor, lieutenant governor, attorney general, state auditor, secretary
         of state, <br/>
<a id="pl.38.19"></a><var>38.19</var>chief justice or associate justice of the Supreme Court, judge of the Court of Appeals,
         <br/>
<a id="pl.38.20"></a><var>38.20</var>United States senator, or presidential elector or alternate.<br/>
<br/>
<a id="bill.3.15.0"></a><a id="pl.38.21"></a><var>38.21</var>    Sec. 15. <b> REPEALER.</b><br/>
<a id="pl.38.22"></a><var>38.22</var>Minnesota Statutes 2014, sections 208.07; and 208.08, are repealed.<br/>