1.1A bill for an act1.2relating to elections; modifying various provisions related to elections 1.3administration, including provisions related to school boards, voters, ballots, 1.4registration, violations, absentee ballots, candidates, vacancies, recounts, 1.5filing fees, and precincts; modifying military and overseas absentee voting 1.6provisions; providing the Uniform Faithful Presidential Electors Act; making 1.7various technical changes;amending Minnesota Statutes 2014, sections 123B.09, 1.8subdivision 1; 200.02, subdivisions 7, 23, by adding subdivisions; 201.071, 1.9subdivision 1; 201.158; 201.275; 203B.01, subdivision 3; 203B.07, subdivision 1.101; 203B.08, subdivisions 1, 3; 203B.121, subdivision 2; 203B.16, subdivisions 1, 1.112; 203B.17, subdivisions 1, 2; 204B.06, subdivision 1b; 204B.07, subdivision 2; 1.12204B.13, subdivisions 1, 2, 5; 204B.131, subdivision 1; 204B.19, subdivisions 2, 1.136; 204B.36, subdivisions 1, 2, 3, 4; 204B.44; 204B.45, subdivision 2; 204C.04, 1.14subdivision 2; 204C.08, subdivision 1d; 204C.13, subdivisions 2, 3, 5; 204C.22, 1.15subdivisions 3, 4, 7, 10; 204C.35, subdivisions 1, 2; 204C.36, subdivisions 1, 1.162; 204C.40, subdivision 2; 204D.11, subdivision 4; 204D.27, subdivision 11; 1.17205.13, subdivision 3; 206.90, subdivision 6; 208.02; 208.03; 208.06; 209.01, 1.18subdivision 2; 209.021, subdivisions 2, 3; 209.09, subdivision 2; 365.22, 1.19subdivisions 2, 3; 367.31, subdivision 4; 368.85, subdivision 4; 376.04; 412.551,
         1.20subdivision 2; proposing coding for new law in Minnesota Statutes, chapter 208; 1.21repealing Minnesota Statutes 2014, sections 204C.13, subdivision 4; 208.07; 1.22208.08; 383A.555.1.23BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF MINNESOTA:1.24ARTICLE 11.25ELECTION ADMINISTRATION1.26    Section 1. Minnesota Statutes 2014, section 123B.09, subdivision 1, is amended to read:1.27    Subdivision 1. School board membership. The care, management, and control of 1.28independent districts is vested in a board of directors, to be known as the school
         board. 1.29The term of office of a member shall be four years commencing on the first Monday
         in 1.30January and until a successor qualifies. The membership of the board shall consist
         of six 1.31elected directors together with such ex officio member as may be provided by law.
         The 2.1board may submit to the electors at any school election the question whether the board
         2.2shall consist of seven members. If a majority of those voting on the proposition favor
         a 2.3seven-member board, a seventh member shall be elected at the next election of directors
         2.4for a four-year term and thereafter the board shall consist of seven members.2.5Those districts with a seven-member board may submit to the electors at any school
         2.6election at least 150 days before the next election of three members of the board
         the 2.7question whether the board shall consist of six members. If a majority of those voting
         on 2.8the proposition favor a six-member board instead of a seven-member board, two three 2.9members instead of three four members shall be elected at the next election of the board of 2.10directors and thereafter the board shall consist of six members.2.11    Sec. 2. Minnesota Statutes 2014, section 200.02, subdivision 7, is amended to read:2.12    Subd. 7. Major political party. (a) "Major political party" means a political party 2.13that maintains a party organization in the state, political division or precinct in
         question 2.14and that has presented at least one candidate for election to the office of:2.15(1) governor and lieutenant governor, secretary of state, state auditor, or attorney
         2.16general at the last preceding state general election for those offices; or2.17(2) presidential elector or U.S. senator at the last preceding state general election
         for 2.18presidential electors; and2.19whose candidate received votes in each county in that election and received votes
         2.20from not less than five percent of the total number of individuals who voted in that
         election.2.21(b) "Major political party" also means a political party that maintains a party 2.22organization in the state, political subdivision, or precinct in question and that
         has 2.23presented at least 45 candidates for election to the office of state representative,
         23 2.24candidates for election to the office of state senator, four candidates for election
         to 2.25the office of representative in Congress, and one candidate for election to each of
         the 2.26following offices: governor and lieutenant governor, attorney general, secretary of
         state, 2.27and state auditor, at the last preceding state general election for those offices.2.28(c) "Major political party" also means a political party that maintains a party 2.29organization in the state, political subdivision, or precinct in question and whose
         members 2.30present to the secretary of state at any time before the close of filing for the state
         partisan 2.31primary ballot a petition for a place on the state partisan primary ballot, which
         petition 2.32contains valid signatures of a number of the party members equal to at least five percent 2.33of the total number of individuals who voted in the preceding state general election. A 2.34signature is valid only if signed no more than one year prior to the date the petition
         was filed.3.1(d) A political party whose candidate receives a sufficient number of votes at a state
         3.2general election described in paragraph (a) or a political party that presents candidates
         at 3.3an election as required by paragraph (b) becomes a major political party as of January
         3.41 following that election and retains its major party status for at least two state
         general 3.5elections even if the party fails to present a candidate who receives the number and
         3.6percentage of votes required under paragraph (a) or fails to present candidates as
         required 3.7by paragraph (b) at subsequent state general elections.3.8(e) A major political party whose candidates fail to receive the number and 3.9percentage of votes required under paragraph (a) and that fails to present candidates
         as 3.10required by paragraph (b) at each of two consecutive state general elections described
         by 3.11paragraph (a) or (b), respectively, loses major party status as of December 31 following
         3.12the later of the two consecutive state general elections.3.13    Sec. 3. Minnesota Statutes 2014, section 200.02, subdivision 23, is amended to read:3.14    Subd. 23. Minor political party. (a) "Minor political party" means a political party 3.15that has adopted a state constitution, designated a state party chair, held a state
         convention 3.16in the last two years, filed with the secretary of state no later than December 31
         following 3.17the most recent state general election a certification that the party has met the
         foregoing 3.18requirements, and met the requirements of paragraph (b) or (e), as applicable.3.19(b) To be considered a minor party in all elections statewide, the political party
         must 3.20have presented at least one candidate for election to the office of:3.21(1) governor and lieutenant governor, secretary of state, state auditor, or attorney
         3.22general, at the last preceding state general election for those offices; or3.23(2) presidential elector or U.S. senator at the preceding state general election for
         3.24presidential electors; and3.25(3) who received votes in each county that in the aggregate equal at least one percent
         3.26of the total number of individuals who voted in the election, or its members must
         have 3.27presented to the secretary of state at any time before the close of filing for the
         state 3.28partisan primary ballot a nominating petition in a form prescribed by the secretary
         of state 3.29containing the valid signatures of party members in a number equal to at least one percent 3.30of the total number of individuals who voted in the preceding state general election. A 3.31signature is valid only if signed no more than one year prior to the date the petition
         was filed.3.32(c) A political party whose candidate receives a sufficient number of votes at a 3.33state general election described in paragraph (b) becomes a minor political party
         as of 3.34January 1 following that election and retains its minor party status for at least
         two state 4.1general elections even if the party fails to present a candidate who receives the
         number 4.2and percentage of votes required under paragraph (b) at subsequent state general elections.4.3(d) A minor political party whose candidates fail to receive the number and 4.4percentage of votes required under paragraph (b) at each of two consecutive state
         general 4.5elections described by paragraph (b) loses minor party status as of December 31 following
         4.6the later of the two consecutive state general elections.4.7(e) A minor party that qualifies to be a major party loses its status as a minor party
         4.8at the time it becomes a major party. Votes received by the candidates of a major
         party 4.9must be counted in determining whether the party received sufficient votes to qualify
         as a 4.10minor party, notwithstanding that the party does not receive sufficient votes to retain
         its 4.11major party status. To be considered a minor party in an election in a legislative
         district, 4.12the political party must have presented at least one candidate for a legislative office
         in that 4.13district who received votes from at least ten percent of the total number of individuals
         4.14who voted for that office, or its members must have presented to the secretary of
         state a 4.15nominating petition in a form prescribed by the secretary of state containing the
         valid 4.16signatures of party members in a number equal to at least ten percent of the total
         number of 4.17individuals who voted in the preceding state general election for that legislative
         office. A 4.18signature is valid only if signed no more than one year prior to the date the petition
         was filed.4.19    Sec. 4. Minnesota Statutes 2014, section 200.02, is amended by adding a subdivision 4.20to read:4.21    Subd. 27.Partisan offices."Partisan offices" means federal offices, presidential 4.22electors, constitutional offices, and legislative offices.4.23    Sec. 5. Minnesota Statutes 2014, section 200.02, is amended by adding a subdivision 4.24to read:4.25    Subd. 28.Nonpartisan offices."Nonpartisan offices" means all judicial, county, 4.26municipal, school district, and special district offices.4.27    Sec. 6. Minnesota Statutes 2014, section 201.071, subdivision 1, is amended to read:4.28    Subdivision 1. Form. Both paper and electronic voter registration applications must 4.29contain the same information unless otherwise provided by law. A voter registration
         4.30application must contain spaces for the following required information: voter's first
         name, 4.31middle name, and last name; voter's previous name, if any; voter's current address;
         voter's 4.32previous address, if any; voter's date of birth; voter's municipality and county of
         residence; 4.33voter's telephone number, if provided by the voter; date of registration; current
         and valid 5.1Minnesota driver's license number or Minnesota state identification number, or if
         the voter 5.2has no current and valid Minnesota driver's license or Minnesota state identification,
         the 5.3last four digits of the voter's Social Security number; and voter's signature. The
         paper 5.4registration application may include the voter's e-mail address, if provided by the
         voter. 5.5The electronic voter registration application must include the voter's e-mail address.
         The 5.6registration application may include the voter's interest in serving as an election
         judge, 5.7if indicated by the voter. The application must also contain the following certification
         5.8of voter eligibility:5.9"I certify that I:5.10(1) will be at least 18 years old on election day;5.11(2) am a citizen of the United States;5.12(3) will have resided in Minnesota for 20 days immediately preceding election day;5.13(4) maintain residence at the address given on the registration form;5.14(5) am not under court-ordered guardianship in which the court order revokes my 5.15right to vote;5.16(6) have not been found by a court to be legally incompetent to vote;5.17(7) have the right to vote because, if I have been convicted of a felony, my felony
         5.18sentence has expired (been completed) or I have been discharged from my sentence;
         and5.19(8) have read and understand the following statement: that giving false information
         5.20is a felony punishable by not more than five years imprisonment or a fine of not more
         5.21than $10,000, or both."5.22The certification must include boxes for the voter to respond to the following 5.23questions:5.24"(1) Are you a citizen of the United States?" and5.25"(2) Will you be 18 years old on or before election day?"5.26And the instruction:5.27"If you checked 'no' to either of these questions, do not complete this form."5.28A paper voter registration application must be of suitable size and weight for 5.29mailing. The form of the voter registration application and the certification of voter 5.30eligibility must be as provided in this subdivision and approved by the secretary
         of state. 5.31Voter registration forms authorized by the National Voter Registration Act must also
         be 5.32accepted as valid. The federal postcard application form must also be accepted as
         valid if 5.33it is not deficient and the voter is eligible to register in Minnesota.5.34An individual may use a voter registration application to apply to register to vote
         in 5.35Minnesota or to change information on an existing registration.6.1    Sec. 7. Minnesota Statutes 2014, section 201.158, is amended to read:6.2201.158 USE OF DEPARTMENT OF PUBLIC SAFETY DATA.6.3As required by the Help America Vote Act of 2002, Public Law 107-252, the 6.4commissioner of public safety shall make electronic data on citizenship available
         to the 6.5secretary of state. The secretary of state must determine whether the data newly indicates
         6.6that any individuals who have active records in the statewide voter registration system
         6.7are not citizens. The secretary of state shall prepare a list of those voters for
         each county 6.8auditor at least monthly. The county auditor shall change the status of those registrants in 6.9the statewide voter registration system to reflect that they are challenged based
         upon their 6.10citizenship and must notify the county attorney.6.11In 2010, the secretary of state must make the determination and provide lists 6.12to the county auditors between 30 and 60 days before the general election and again
         6.13between six and ten weeks after the election. In 2011, the secretary of state must
         make 6.14this determination again as part of the annual list maintenance. By August 1, 2012,
         the 6.15secretary of state must provide electronic lists to the counties at least monthly.6.16    Sec. 8. Minnesota Statutes 2014, section 201.275, is amended to read:6.17201.275 INVESTIGATIONS; PROSECUTIONS.6.18(a) A law enforcement agency that is notified by affidavit of an alleged violation of
         6.19this chapter shall promptly investigate. Upon receiving an affidavit alleging a violation
         6.20of this chapter, a county attorney shall promptly forward it to a law enforcement
         agency 6.21with jurisdiction for investigation. If there is probable cause for instituting a
         prosecution, 6.22the county attorney shall proceed by complaint or present the charge, with whatever 6.23evidence has been found, to the grand jury according to the generally applicable standards 6.24regarding the prosecutorial functions and duties of a county attorney, provided that
         6.25the county attorney is not required to proceed with the prosecution if the complainant
         6.26withdraws the allegation. A county attorney who refuses or intentionally fails to faithfully 6.27perform this or any other duty imposed by this chapter is guilty of a misdemeanor
         and 6.28upon conviction shall forfeit office. The county attorney, under the penalty of forfeiture of 6.29office, shall prosecute all violations of this chapter except violations of this section;
         if, 6.30however, a complainant withdraws an allegation under this chapter, the county attorney
         is 6.31not required to proceed with the prosecution.6.32(b) Willful violation of this chapter by any public employee constitutes just cause
         for 6.33suspension without pay or dismissal of the public employee.6.34(c) Where the matter relates to a voter registration application submitted 6.35electronically through the secure Web site established in section 
         201.061, subdivision 1, 7.1alleged violations of this chapter may be investigated and prosecuted in the county
         in 7.2which the individual registered or attempted to register.7.3EFFECTIVE DATE.This section is effective the day following final enactment.7.4    Sec. 9. Minnesota Statutes 2014, section 203B.07, subdivision 1, is amended to read:7.5    Subdivision 1. Delivery of envelopes, directions. The county auditor or the 7.6municipal clerk shall prepare, print, and transmit a return envelope, a ballot envelope,
         and 7.7a copy of the directions for casting an absentee ballot to each applicant whose application
         7.8for absentee ballots is accepted pursuant to section 
         203B.04. The county auditor or 7.9municipal clerk shall provide first class postage for the return envelope. The directions
         7.10for casting an absentee ballot shall be printed in at least 14-point bold type with
         heavy 7.11leading and may be printed on the ballot envelope. When a person requests the directions
         7.12in Braille or on cassette tape audio file, the county auditor or municipal clerk shall provide 7.13them in the form requested. The secretary of state shall prepare Braille and cassette audio 7.14file copies and make them available.7.15    When a voter registration application is sent to the applicant as provided in section
         7.16203B.06, subdivision 4
         , the directions or registration application shall include instructions 7.17for registering to vote.7.18    Sec. 10. Minnesota Statutes 2014, section 203B.08, subdivision 1, is amended to read:7.19    Subdivision 1. Marking and return by voter. An eligible voter who receives 7.20absentee ballots as provided in this chapter shall mark them in the manner specified
         in the 7.21directions for casting the absentee ballots. The return envelope containing marked
         ballots 7.22may be mailed as provided in the directions for casting the absentee ballots or may
         be 7.23left with the county auditor or municipal clerk who transmitted the absentee ballots
         to the 7.24voter. If delivered in person by an agent, the return envelope must be submitted to the 7.25county auditor or municipal clerk by 3:00 p.m. on election day.7.26The voter may designate an agent to deliver in person the sealed absentee ballot 7.27return envelope to the county auditor or municipal clerk or to deposit the return
         envelope 7.28in the mail. An agent may deliver or mail the return envelopes of not more than three
         7.29voters in any election. Any person designated as an agent who tampers with either
         the 7.30return envelope or the voted ballots or does not immediately mail or deliver the return
         7.31envelope to the county auditor or municipal clerk is guilty of a misdemeanor.7.32    Sec. 11. Minnesota Statutes 2014, section 203B.08, subdivision 3, is amended to read:8.1    Subd. 3. Procedures on receipt of ballots. When absentee ballots are returned to a 8.2county auditor or municipal clerk, that official shall stamp or initial and date the
         return 8.3envelope and place it in a secure location with other return envelopes received by
         that 8.4office. Within five days after receipt, the county auditor or municipal clerk shall
         deliver to 8.5the ballot board all ballots received, except that during the 14 days immediately
         preceding 8.6an election, the county auditor or municipal clerk shall deliver all ballots received
         to the 8.7ballot board within three days. Ballots received on election day either (1) after
         3:00 p.m., 8.8if delivered by an agent in person; or (2) after the last mail delivery8 p.m., if delivered by 8.9another method mail or a package delivery service, shall be marked as received late by the 8.10county auditor or municipal clerk, and must not be delivered to the ballot board.8.11    Sec. 12. Minnesota Statutes 2014, section 203B.121, subdivision 2, is amended to read:8.12    Subd. 2. Duties of ballot board; absentee ballots. (a) The members of the ballot 8.13board shall take possession of all return envelopes delivered to them in accordance
         with 8.14section 
         203B.08. Upon receipt from the county auditor, municipal clerk, or school district 8.15clerk, two or more members of the ballot board shall examine each return envelope
         and 8.16shall mark it accepted or rejected in the manner provided in this subdivision. Election
         8.17judges performing the duties in this section must be of different major political
         parties, 8.18unless they are exempt from that requirement under section 
         205.075, subdivision 4, or 8.19section 
         205A.10, subdivision 2.8.20(b) The members of the ballot board shall mark the return envelope "Accepted" and
         8.21initial or sign the return envelope below the word "Accepted" if a majority of the
         members 8.22of the ballot board examining the envelope are satisfied that:8.23(1) the voter's name and address on the return envelope are the same as the 8.24information provided on the absentee ballot application;8.25(2) the voter signed the certification on the envelope;8.26(3) the voter's Minnesota driver's license, state identification number, or the last
         four 8.27digits of the voter's Social Security number are the same as the a number provided on the 8.28voter's absentee ballot application for ballots or voter record. If the number does not 8.29match the number as submitted on the application, or if a number was not submitted on 8.30the application, the election judges must compare the signature provided by the applicant 8.31to determine whether the ballots were returned by the same person to whom they were
         8.32transmitted;8.33(4) the voter is registered and eligible to vote in the precinct or has included a
         8.34properly completed voter registration application in the return envelope;9.1(5) the certificate has been completed as prescribed in the directions for casting
         an 9.2absentee ballot; and9.3(6) the voter has not already voted at that election, either in person or, if it is
         after the 9.4close of business on the seventh day before the election, by absentee ballot.9.5The return envelope from accepted ballots must be preserved and returned to the 9.6county auditor.9.7(c)(1) If a majority of the members of the ballot board examining a return envelope
         9.8find that an absentee voter has failed to meet one of the requirements provided in
         9.9paragraph (b), they shall mark the return envelope "Rejected," initial or sign it
         below the 9.10word "Rejected," list the reason for the rejection on the envelope, and return it
         to the 9.11county auditor. There is no other reason for rejecting an absentee ballot beyond those
         9.12permitted by this section. Failure to place the ballot within the security envelope
         before 9.13placing it in the outer white envelope is not a reason to reject an absentee ballot.9.14(2) If an envelope has been rejected at least five days before the election, the 9.15envelope must remain sealed and the official in charge of the ballot board shall provide
         the 9.16voter with a replacement absentee ballot and return envelope in place of the rejected
         ballot.9.17(3) If an envelope is rejected within five days of the election, the envelope must
         9.18remain sealed and the official in charge of the ballot board must attempt to contact
         the 9.19voter by telephone or e-mail to notify the voter that the voter's ballot has been
         rejected. 9.20The official must document the attempts made to contact the voter.9.21(d) The official in charge of the absentee ballot board must mail the voter a written
         9.22notice of absentee ballot rejection between six and ten weeks following the election.
         If the 9.23official determines that the voter has otherwise cast a ballot in the election, no
         notice is 9.24required. If an absentee ballot arrives after the deadline for submission provided
         by this 9.25chapter, the notice must be provided between six to ten weeks after receipt of the
         ballot. A 9.26notice of absentee ballot rejection must contain the following information:9.27(1) the date on which the absentee ballot was rejected or, if the ballot was received
         9.28after the required deadline for submission, the date on which the ballot was received;9.29(2) the reason for rejection; and9.30(3) the name of the appropriate election official to whom the voter may direct further
         9.31questions, along with appropriate contact information.9.32(e) An absentee ballot return envelope marked "Rejected" may not be opened or 9.33subject to further review except in an election contest filed pursuant to chapter
         209.9.34    Sec. 13. Minnesota Statutes 2014, section 203B.17, subdivision 1, is amended to read:10.1    Subdivision 1. Submission of application. (a) An application for absentee ballots 10.2for a voter described in section 
         203B.16 must be in writing and may be submitted in 10.3person, by mail, by electronic facsimile device, by electronic mail, or electronically
         10.4through a secure Web site that shall be maintained by the secretary of state for this
         10.5purpose, upon determination by the secretary of state that security concerns have
         been 10.6adequately addressed. An application for absentee ballots for a voter described in
         section 10.7203B.16
          may be submitted by that voter or by that voter's parent, spouse, sister, brother,
         or 10.8child over the age of 18 years. For purposes of an application under this subdivision, a 10.9person's Social Security number, no matter how it is designated, qualifies as the
         person's 10.10military identification number if the person is in the military.10.11(b) An application for a voter described in section 
         203B.16, subdivision 1, shall be 10.12submitted to the county auditor of the county where the voter maintains residence
         or 10.13through the secure Web site maintained by the secretary of state.10.14(c) An application for a voter described in section 
         203B.16, subdivision 2, shall be 10.15submitted to the county auditor of the county where the voter last maintained residence
         in 10.16Minnesota or through the secure Web site maintained by the secretary of state.10.17(d) An application for absentee ballots shall be valid for any primary, special 10.18primary, general election, or special election from the time the application is received
         10.19through the end of that calendar year.10.20(e) There shall be no limitation of time for filing and receiving applications for
         10.21ballots under sections 
         203B.16 to 
         203B.27.10.22    Sec. 14. Minnesota Statutes 2014, section 204B.06, subdivision 1b, is amended to read:10.23    Subd. 1b. Address and telephone number. (a) An affidavit of candidacy must 10.24state a telephone number where the candidate can be contacted. An affidavit must also
         10.25state the candidate's address of residence as determined under section 
         200.031, or at the 10.26candidate's request in accordance with paragraph (c), the candidate's campaign contact
         10.27address. The form for the affidavit of candidacy must allow the candidate to request,
         if 10.28eligible, that the candidate's address of residence be classified as private data,
         and to 10.29provide the certification required under paragraph (c) for classification of that
         address.10.30(b) For an office whose residency requirement must be satisfied by the close of the
         10.31filing period, a registered voter in this state may request in writing that the filing
         officer 10.32receiving the affidavit of candidacy review the address as provided in this paragraph,
         at 10.33any time up to one day after the last day for filing for office. If requested, the
         filing officer 10.34must determine whether the address provided in the affidavit of candidacy is within
         the 10.35area represented by the office the candidate is seeking. If the filing officer determines
         11.1that the address is not within the area represented by the office, the filing officer
         must 11.2immediately notify the candidate and the candidate's name must be removed from the
         11.3ballot for that office. A determination made by a filing officer under this paragraph
         is 11.4subject to judicial review under section 
         204B.44.11.5(c) If the candidate requests that the candidate's address of residence be classified
         11.6as private data, the candidate must list the candidate's address of residence on a
         separate 11.7form to be attached to the affidavit. The candidate must also certify on the affidavit
         that 11.8a police report has been submitted or an order for protection has been issued in regard
         11.9to the safety of the candidate or the candidate's family, or that the candidate's address is 11.10otherwise private pursuant to Minnesota law. The address of residence provided by a 11.11candidate who makes a request for classification on the candidate's affidavit of candidacy
         11.12and provides the certification required by this paragraph is classified as private
         data, 11.13as defined in section 
         13.02, subdivision 12, but may be reviewed by the filing officer 11.14as provided in this subdivision.11.15(d) The requirements of this subdivision do not apply to affidavits of candidacy for
         a 11.16candidate for: (1) judicial office; (2) the office of county attorney; or (3) county
         sheriff.11.17    Sec. 15. Minnesota Statutes 2014, section 204B.13, subdivision 1, is amended to read:11.18    Subdivision 1. Partisan office. (a) A vacancy in nomination for a partisan office 11.19must be filled in the manner provided by this section. A vacancy in nomination exists
         11.20for a partisan office when a major political party candidate who has been nominated
         in 11.21accordance with section 
         204D.03, subdivision 3, or 
         204D.10, subdivision 1:11.22(1) dies;11.23(2) withdraws as provided in section 204B.12, subdivision 1; or11.24(3) withdraws by filing an affidavit of withdrawal, as provided in paragraph (b), 11.25at least one day prior to the general election with the same official who received
         the 11.26affidavit of candidacy; or11.27(3) is determined to be ineligible to hold the office the candidate is seeking, pursuant
         11.28to a court order issued under section 204B.44.11.29(b) An affidavit of withdrawal filed under paragraph (a), clause (3), must state that
         11.30the candidate has been diagnosed with a catastrophic illness that will permanently
         and 11.31continuously incapacitate the candidate and prevent the candidate from performing
         the 11.32duties of the office sought, if elected. The affidavit must be accompanied by a certificate
         11.33verifying the candidate's illness meets the requirements of this paragraph, signed
         by at 11.34least two licensed physicians. The affidavit and certificate may be filed by the candidate
         11.35or the candidate's legal guardian.12.1EFFECTIVE DATE.This section is effective the day following final enactment, 12.2and applies to elections for which the candidate withdrawal period under section 204B.12,
         12.3subdivision 1, occurs on or after that date.12.4    Sec. 16. Minnesota Statutes 2014, section 204B.13, subdivision 2, is amended to read:12.5    Subd. 2. Partisan office; nomination by party; special election. (a) Except as 12.6provided in subdivision 5, a major political party may fill a vacancy in nomination
         of 12.7that party's candidate as defined in subdivision 1, clause (1) or, (2), or (3), by filing one 12.8nomination certificate with the same official who received the affidavits of candidacy
         12.9for that office. 12.10A major political party may provide in its governing rules a procedure, including
         12.11designation of an appropriate committee, to fill a vacancy in nomination for any federal
         or 12.12state partisan office. The nomination certificate shall be prepared under the direction
         of 12.13and executed by the chair and secretary of the political party and filed within the
         timelines 12.14established in this section. When filing the certificate the chair and secretary shall
         attach 12.15an affidavit stating that the newly nominated candidate has been selected under the
         rules 12.16of the party and that the individuals signing the certificate and making the affidavit
         are the 12.17chair and secretary of the party.12.18(b) In the case of a vacancy in nomination for partisan office that occurs on or before
         12.19the 79th day before the general election, the major political party must file the
         nomination 12.20certificate no later than 71 days before the general election. The name of the candidate
         12.21nominated by the party must appear on the general election ballot.12.22(c) Except as provided in subdivision 5, in the case of a vacancy in nomination for
         12.23a partisan office that occurs after the 79th day before the general election, the
         general 12.24election ballot shall remain unchanged, but the county and state canvassing boards
         must 12.25not certify the vote totals for that office from the general election, and the office
         must be 12.26filled at a special election held in accordance with this section. Except for the
         vacancy 12.27in nomination, all other candidates whose names appeared on the general election ballot
         12.28for the office must appear on the special election ballot for the office. New affidavits
         of 12.29candidacy or nominating petitions may not be accepted, and there must not be a primary
         to 12.30fill the vacancy in nomination. The major political party may file a nomination certificate
         12.31as provided in paragraph (a) no later than seven days after the general election.
         On the 12.32date of the general election, the county auditor or municipal clerk shall post a notice
         in 12.33each precinct affected by a vacancy in nomination under this paragraph, informing
         voters 12.34of the reason for the vacancy in nomination and the procedures for filling the vacancy
         in 12.35nomination and conducting a special election as required by this section. The secretary
         13.1of state shall prepare and electronically distribute the notice to county auditors
         in each 13.2county affected by a vacancy in nomination.13.3EFFECTIVE DATE.This section is effective the day following final enactment.13.4    Sec. 17. Minnesota Statutes 2014, section 204B.13, subdivision 5, is amended to read:13.5    Subd. 5. Candidates for governor and lieutenant governor. (a) If a vacancy in 13.6nomination for a major political party occurs in the race for governor, the political
         party 13.7must nominate the candidates for both governor and lieutenant governor. If a vacancy
         13.8in nomination for a major political party occurs in the race for lieutenant governor,
         the 13.9candidate for governor shall select the candidate for lieutenant governor.13.10(b) For a vacancy in nomination for lieutenant governor that occurs on or before the
         13.1179th day before the general election, the name of the lieutenant governor candidate
         must 13.12be submitted by the governor candidate to the filing officer no later than 71 days
         before 13.13the general election. If the vacancy in nomination for lieutenant governor occurs
         after the 13.1479th day before the general election, the candidate for governor shall submit the
         name of 13.15the new lieutenant governor candidate to the secretary of state within seven days
         after the 13.16vacancy in nomination occurs, but no changes may be made to the general election ballots.13.17(c) When a vacancy in nomination for lieutenant governor occurs after the 79th day
         13.18before the general election, the county auditor or municipal clerk shall post a notice
         in 13.19each precinct affected by the vacancy in nomination. The secretary of state shall
         prepare 13.20and electronically distribute the notice to county auditors. The county auditor must
         ensure 13.21that each precinct in the county receives the notice prior to the opening of the polls
         on 13.22election day. The notice must include:13.23(1) a statement that there is a vacancy in nomination for lieutenant governor and
         the 13.24statutory reason for the vacancy in nomination as provided in subdivision 1, paragraph
         13.25(a), clauses (1) and, (2), or (3);13.26(2) a statement that the results for the governor and lieutenant governor will be
         13.27counted and that no special election will be held for that race; and13.28(3) a list of all candidates in the governor and lieutenant governor's race, listed
         in order 13.29of the base rotation. The listing of candidates shall include the name of the candidate
         to 13.30fill the vacancy in nomination for lieutenant governor. If the name of the candidate
         has not 13.31yet been named, then the list must include the date by which the candidate will be
         named.13.32EFFECTIVE DATE.This section is effective the day following final enactment.13.33    Sec. 18. Minnesota Statutes 2014, section 204B.131, subdivision 1, is amended to read:14.1    Subdivision 1. Applicability. A vacancy in nomination for a nonpartisan office 14.2must be filled in the manner provided by this section. A vacancy in nomination for
         a 14.3nonpartisan office exists when:14.4(1) a candidate for any nonpartisan office, for which one or two candidates filed,
         14.5withdraws as provided in section 
         204B.12, subdivision 1; or14.6(2) a candidate for any nonpartisan office, for which one or two candidates filed,
         14.7is determined to be ineligible to hold the office the candidate is seeking, pursuant
         to a 14.8court order issued under section 204B.44; or14.9(2) (3) a candidate for any nonjudicial nonpartisan office, for which only one or two 14.10candidates filed or who was nominated at a primary, dies on or before the 79th day
         before 14.11the date of the general election.14.12EFFECTIVE DATE.This section is effective the day following final enactment.14.13    Sec. 19. Minnesota Statutes 2014, section 204B.19, subdivision 2, is amended to read:14.14    Subd. 2. Individuals not qualified to be election judges. (a) Except as provided in 14.15paragraph (b), no individual shall be appointed as an election judge for any precinct
         if 14.16that individual:14.17(1) is unable to read, write, or speak the English language;14.18(2) is the spouse; parent, including a stepparent; child, including a stepchild; or
         14.19sibling, including a stepsibling; of any election judge serving in the same precinct
         or of 14.20any candidate at that election; or14.21(3) is domiciled, either permanently or temporarily, with any candidate on the ballot
         14.22at that election; or14.23(4) is a candidate at that election.14.24(b) Individuals who are related to each other as provided in paragraph (a), clause
         (2), 14.25may serve as election judges in the same precinct, provided that they serve on separate
         14.26shifts that do not run concurrently.14.27    Sec. 20. Minnesota Statutes 2014, section 204B.19, subdivision 6, is amended to read:14.28    Subd. 6. High school students. Notwithstanding any other requirements of this 14.29section, a student enrolled in a high school in Minnesota or who is in a home school
         14.30in compliance with sections 
         120A.22 and 
         120A.24, who has attained the age of 16 is 14.31eligible to be appointed as a without party affiliation trainee election judge in
         the county in 14.32which the student resides, or a county adjacent to the county in which the student resides. 14.33The student must meet qualifications for trainee election judges specified in rules
         of the 14.34secretary of state. A student appointed as a trainee election judge may be excused
         from 15.1school attendance during the hours that the student is serving as a trainee election
         judge 15.2if the student submits a written request signed and approved by the student's parent
         or 15.3guardian to be absent from school and a certificate from the appointing authority
         stating 15.4the hours during which the student will serve as a trainee election judge to the principal
         of 15.5the school at least ten days prior to the election. Students shall not serve as trainee
         election 15.6judges after 10:00 p.m. Notwithstanding section 
         177.24 to the contrary, trainee election 15.7judges may be paid not less than two-thirds of the minimum wage for a large employer.
         15.8The principal of the school may approve a request to be absent from school conditioned
         15.9on acceptable academic performance at the time of service as a trainee election judge.15.10    Sec. 21. Minnesota Statutes 2014, section 204B.36, subdivision 1, is amended to read:15.11    Subdivision 1. Type. All ballots shall be printed with black ink on paper of sufficient 15.12thickness to prevent the printing from being discernible from the back. All ballots
         shall be 15.13printed in easily readable type with suitable lines dividing candidates, offices,
         instructions 15.14and other matter printed on ballots. The name of each candidate shall be printed in capital 15.15letters. The same type shall be used for the names of all candidates on the same ballot.15.16    Sec. 22. Minnesota Statutes 2014, section 204B.36, subdivision 2, is amended to read:15.17    Subd. 2. Candidates and offices. The name of each candidate shall be printed at a 15.18right angle to the length of the ballot. At a general election the name of the political
         party 15.19or the political principle of each candidate for partisan office shall be printed
         above or 15.20below the name of the candidate. The name of a political party or a political principle
         15.21shall be printed in capital and lowercase letters of the same type, with the capital
         letters 15.22at least one-half the height of the capital letters used for names of the candidates.
         At a 15.23general election, blank lines containing the words "write-in, if any" shall be printed
         below 15.24the name of the last candidate for each office, or below the title of the office if
         no candidate 15.25has filed for that office, so that a voter may write in the names of individuals whose
         names 15.26are not on the ballot. One blank line shall be printed for each officer of that kind
         to be 15.27elected. At a primary election, no blank lines shall be provided for writing in the
         names of 15.28individuals whose names do not appear on the primary ballot.15.29On the left side of the ballot at the same level with the name of each candidate and
         15.30each blank line shall be printed a squarean oval or similar target shape in which the 15.31voter may designate a vote by a mark (X) filling in the oval or similar mark if a different 15.32target shape is used. Each square shall be the same size. Above the first name on each 15.33ballot shall be printed the words, "Put an (X) in the square opposite the name of each 15.34candidate you wish to vote for." At the same level with these words and directly above
         16.1the squares shall be printed a small arrow pointing downward instructions for voting. 16.2Directly underneath the official title of each office shall be printed the words "Vote
         for 16.3one" or "Vote for up to ..." (any greater number to be elected).16.4    Sec. 23. Minnesota Statutes 2014, section 204B.36, subdivision 3, is amended to read:16.5    Subd. 3. Question; form of ballot. When a question is to be submitted to a vote, a 16.6concise statement of the nature of the question shall be printed on the ballot. The
         words, 16.7"YES""Yes" and "NO""No" shall be printed to the left of this statement, with a square 16.8an oval or similar target shape to the left of each word so that the voter may indicate by 16.9a mark (X) either a negative or affirmative vote. The ballot shall include instructions 16.10directing the voter to put an (X) in the squarefill in the oval or similar mark if a different 16.11target shape is used before the word "YES""Yes" if the voter desires to vote for the 16.12question, or to put an (X)fill in the oval or similar mark if a different target shape is used 16.13before the word "NO""No" if the voter desires to vote against the question.16.14    Sec. 24. Minnesota Statutes 2014, section 204B.36, subdivision 4, is amended to read:16.15    Subd. 4. Judicial candidates. The official ballot shall contain the names of all 16.16candidates for each judicial office and shall state the number of those candidates
         for 16.17whom a voter may vote. Each seat for an associate justice, associate judge, or judge
         of 16.18the district court must be numbered. The words "SUPREME COURT," "COURT OF 16.19APPEALS,""Supreme Court," "Court of Appeals," and "(number) DISTRICT COURT" 16.20"(number) District Court" must be printed above the respective judicial office groups on 16.21the ballot. The title of each judicial office shall be printed on the official primary
         and 16.22general election ballot as follows:16.23(a) In the case of the Supreme Court:16.24"Chief justice";16.25"Associate justice (number)";16.26(b) In the case of the Court of Appeals:16.27"Judge (number)"; or16.28(c) In the case of the district court:16.29"Judge (number)."16.30    Sec. 25. Minnesota Statutes 2014, section 204B.44, is amended to read:16.31204B.44 ERRORS AND OMISSIONS; REMEDY.17.1Any individual may file a petition in the manner provided in this section for the
         17.2correction of any of the following errors, omissions, or wrongful acts which have
         occurred 17.3or are about to occur:17.4(a) an error or omission in the placement or printing of the name or description of
         17.5any candidate or any question on any official ballot, including the placement of a candidate 17.6on the official ballot who is not eligible to hold the office for which the candidate
         has filed;17.7(b) any other error in preparing or printing any official ballot;17.8(c) failure of the chair or secretary of the proper committee of a major political
         party 17.9to execute or file a certificate of nomination;17.10(d) any wrongful act, omission, or error of any election judge, municipal clerk, 17.11county auditor, canvassing board or any of its members, the secretary of state, or
         any other 17.12individual charged with any duty concerning an election.17.13The petition shall describe the error, omission, or wrongful act and the correction
         17.14sought by the petitioner. The petition shall be filed with any judge of the Supreme
         Court in 17.15the case of an election for state or federal office or any judge of the district court
         in that 17.16county in the case of an election for county, municipal, or school district office.
         The 17.17petitioner shall serve a copy of the petition on the officer, board or individual
         charged with 17.18the error, omission, or wrongful act, on all candidates for the office in the case
         of an 17.19election for state, federal, county, municipal, or school district office, and on
         any other 17.20party as required by the court. Upon receipt of the petition the court shall immediately
         set 17.21a time for a hearing on the matter and order the officer, board or individual charged
         with 17.22the error, omission or wrongful act to correct the error or wrongful act or perform
         the duty 17.23or show cause for not doing so. In the case of a review of a candidate's eligibility to hold 17.24office, the court may order the candidate to appear and present sufficient evidence
         of the 17.25candidate's eligibility. The court shall issue its findings and a final order for appropriate 17.26relief as soon as possible after the hearing. Failure to obey the order is contempt
         of court.17.27EFFECTIVE DATE.This section is effective the day following final enactment.17.28    Sec. 26. Minnesota Statutes 2014, section 204B.45, subdivision 2, is amended to read:17.29    Subd. 2. Procedure. Notice of the election and the special mail procedure must 17.30be given at least ten weeks prior to the election. Not more than 46 days nor later
         than 14 17.31days before a regularly scheduled election and not more than 30 days nor later than
         14 17.32days before any other election, the auditor shall mail ballots by nonforwardable mail
         to 17.33all voters registered in the town or unorganized territory. No later than 14 days
         before 17.34the election, the auditor must make a subsequent mailing of ballots to those voters
         who 17.35register to vote after the initial mailing but before the 20th day before the election.
         18.1Eligible voters not registered at the time the ballots are mailed may apply for ballots
         as 18.2provided in chapter 203B. Ballot return envelopes, with return postage provided, must
         18.3be preaddressed to the auditor or clerk and the voter may return the ballot by mail
         or in 18.4person to the office of the auditor or clerk. The auditor or clerk must appoint a
         ballot board 18.5to examine the mail and absentee ballot return envelopes and mark them "accepted"
         or 18.6"rejected" within three days of receipt if there are 14 or fewer days before election
         day, or 18.7within five days of receipt if there are more than 14 days before election day. The
         board 18.8may consist of deputy county auditors or deputy municipal clerks who have received
         18.9training in the processing and counting of mail ballots, who need not be affiliated
         with 18.10a major political party. Election judges performing the duties in this section must
         be of 18.11different major political parties, unless they are exempt from that requirement under
         18.12section 
         205.075, subdivision 4, or section 
         205A.10. If an envelope has been rejected at 18.13least five days before the election, the ballots in the envelope must remain sealed
         and the 18.14auditor or clerk shall provide the voter with a replacement ballot and return envelope
         in 18.15place of the spoiled ballot. If the ballot is rejected within five days of the election,
         the 18.16envelope must remain sealed and the official in charge of the ballot board must attempt
         to 18.17contact the voter by telephone or e-mail to notify the voter that the voter's ballot
         has been 18.18rejected. The official must document the attempts made to contact the voter.18.19If the ballot is accepted, the county auditor or municipal clerk must mark the roster
         to 18.20indicate that the voter has already cast a ballot in that election. After the close
         of business 18.21on the fourth seventh day before the election, the ballots from return envelopes marked 18.22"Accepted" may be opened, duplicated as needed in the manner provided by section 
         206.86, 18.23subdivision 5, initialed by the members of the ballot board, and deposited in the
         ballot box.18.24In all other respects, the provisions of the Minnesota Election Law governing 18.25deposit and counting of ballots apply.18.26The mail and absentee ballots for a precinct must be counted together and reported
         18.27as one vote total. No vote totals from mail or absentee ballots may be made public
         before 18.28the close of voting on election day.18.29The costs of the mailing shall be paid by the election jurisdiction in which the voter
         18.30resides. Any ballot received by 8:00 p.m. on the day of the election must be counted.18.31    Sec. 27. Minnesota Statutes 2014, section 204C.04, subdivision 2, is amended to read:18.32    Subd. 2. Elections covered. For purposes of this section, "election" means a 18.33regularly scheduled state primary or general election, an election to fill a vacancy in the 18.34office of United States senator or United States representative, an election to fill a vacancy 19.1in nomination for a constitutional office, or an election to fill a vacancy in the office of 19.2state senator or state representative.19.3    Sec. 28. Minnesota Statutes 2014, section 204C.08, subdivision 1d, is amended to read:19.4    Subd. 1d. Voter's Bill of Rights. The county auditor shall prepare and provide to 19.5each polling place sufficient copies of a poster setting forth the Voter's Bill of
         Rights as set 19.6forth in this section. Before the hours of voting are scheduled to begin, the election
         judges 19.7shall post it in a conspicuous location or locations in the polling place. The Voter's
         Bill 19.8of Rights is as follows:19.9"VOTER'S BILL OF RIGHTS19.10For all persons residing in this state who meet federal voting eligibility requirements:19.11(1) You have the right to be absent from work for the purpose of voting in a state
         19.12or, federal, or regularly scheduled election without reduction to your pay, personal leave, 19.13or vacation time on election day for the time necessary to appear at your polling
         place, 19.14cast a ballot, and return to work.19.15(2) If you are in line at your polling place any time before 8:00 p.m., you have the
         19.16right to vote.19.17(3) If you can provide the required proof of residence, you have the right to register
         19.18to vote and to vote on election day.19.19(4) If you are unable to sign your name, you have the right to orally confirm your
         19.20identity with an election judge and to direct another person to sign your name for
         you.19.21(5) You have the right to request special assistance when voting.19.22(6) If you need assistance, you may be accompanied into the voting booth by a 19.23person of your choice, except by an agent of your employer or union or a candidate.19.24(7) You have the right to bring your minor children into the polling place and into
         19.25the voting booth with you.19.26(8) If you have been convicted of a felony but your felony sentence has expired (been
         19.27completed) or you have been discharged from your sentence, you have the right to vote.19.28(9) If you are under a guardianship, you have the right to vote, unless the court
         19.29order revokes your right to vote.19.30(10) You have the right to vote without anyone in the polling place trying to 19.31influence your vote.19.32(11) If you make a mistake or spoil your ballot before it is submitted, you have the
         19.33right to receive a replacement ballot and vote.19.34(12) You have the right to file a written complaint at your polling place if you are
         19.35dissatisfied with the way an election is being run.20.1(13) You have the right to take a sample ballot into the voting booth with you.20.2(14) You have the right to take a copy of this Voter's Bill of Rights into the voting
         20.3booth with you."20.4    Sec. 29. Minnesota Statutes 2014, section 204C.13, subdivision 2, is amended to read:20.5    Subd. 2. Voting booths. One of the election judges shall explain to the voter the 20.6proper method of marking and folding the ballots and, during a primary election, the effect 20.7of attempting to vote in more than one party's primary. Except as otherwise provided
         in 20.8section 
         204C.15, the voter shall retire alone to an unoccupied voting booth or, at the 20.9voter's discretion, the voter may choose to use another writing surface. The voter
         shall 20.10mark the ballots without undue delay. The voter may take sample ballots into the booth
         to 20.11assist in voting. The election judges may adopt and enforce reasonable rules governing
         the 20.12amount of time a voter may spend in the voting booth marking ballots.20.13    Sec. 30. Minnesota Statutes 2014, section 204C.13, subdivision 3, is amended to read:20.14    Subd. 3. Marking ballots. The voter shall mark each ballot in the following manner:20.15(a) A mark (X) shall be placed in the squareThe voter shall fill in the oval or similar 20.16mark if a different target shape is used, opposite the printed name of each candidate for 20.17whom the individual desires to vote, and in the squareoval or other target shape before the 20.18"YES" "Yes" or "NO" "No" if the individual desires to vote for or against a question.20.19(b) The voter may write in other names on the lines provided under the printed 20.20names of the candidates, except that no names shall be written in on primary ballots.20.21(c) At a state primary an individual may vote for candidates of only one major 20.22political party on the partisan primary ballot. If a partisan primary ballot contains
         votes 20.23for the candidates of more than one major political party, the ballot is totally defective
         and 20.24no vote on the partisan section of the ballot shall be counted.20.25(d) An individual who spoils a ballot may return it to the election judges and receive
         20.26another.20.27    Sec. 31. Minnesota Statutes 2014, section 204C.13, subdivision 5, is amended to read:20.28    Subd. 5. Deposit of ballots in ballot boxes box. The voter shall then withdraw 20.29from the voting booth with the ballots and hand them to the election judge in charge of 20.30the ballot boxes. That election judge shall immediately deposit each ballot in the proper 20.31ballot box. Ballots that have not been initialed by the election judges as provided in 20.32section 
         204C.09, shall not be deposited in the ballot box.21.1    Sec. 32. Minnesota Statutes 2014, section 204C.22, subdivision 3, is amended to read:21.2    Subd. 3. Votes for too many candidates. If a voter places a mark (X) beside the 21.3names of more candidates for an office than are to be elected or nominated, the ballot
         is 21.4defective with respect only to that office. No vote shall be counted for any candidate
         for 21.5that office, but the rest of the ballot shall be counted if possible. At a primary,
         if a voter 21.6has not indicated a party preference and places a mark (X) beside the names of candidates 21.7of more than one party on the partisan ballot, the ballot is totally defective and
         no votes on 21.8it shall be counted. If a voter has indicated a party preference at a primary, only
         votes cast 21.9for candidates of that party shall be counted.21.10    Sec. 33. Minnesota Statutes 2014, section 204C.22, subdivision 4, is amended to read:21.11    Subd. 4. Name written in proper place. If a voter has written the name of an 21.12individual in the proper place on a general or special election ballot a vote shall
         be counted 21.13for that individual whether or not the voter makes a mark (X) in the squareoval or other 21.14target shape opposite the blank.21.15    Sec. 34. Minnesota Statutes 2014, section 204C.22, subdivision 7, is amended to read:21.16    Subd. 7. All written names or marks counted up to limit. If a number of 21.17individuals are to be elected to the same office, the election judges shall count
         all names 21.18written in and all printed names with (X) marks in squares ovals or other target shapes 21.19opposite them, not exceeding the whole number to be elected. When fewer names than
         the 21.20number to be elected are marked with an (X) or written in, only the marked or written in 21.21names shall be counted. When more names than the number to be elected are marked or
         21.22written in, the ballot is defective with respect to that office and no vote shall
         be counted 21.23for that office.21.24    Sec. 35. Minnesota Statutes 2014, section 204C.22, subdivision 10, is amended to read:21.25    Subd. 10. Different marks. If a voter uniformly uses a mark other than (X) which  21.26that clearly indicates an intent to mark a name or to mark yes or no on a question, and
         the 21.27voter does not use (X) the more standard mark anywhere else on the ballot, a vote shall 21.28be counted for each candidate or response to a question marked. If a voter uses two
         or 21.29more distinct marks, such as (X) and some other mark, a vote shall be counted for
         each 21.30candidate or response to a question marked, unless the ballot is marked by distinguishing
         21.31characteristics that make the entire ballot defective as provided in subdivision 13.21.32    Sec. 36. Minnesota Statutes 2014, section 204C.35, subdivision 1, is amended to read:22.1    Subdivision 1. Publicly funded recounts. (a) In a state primary when the difference 22.2between the votes cast for the candidates for nomination to:22.3(1) a state legislative office is less than one-half of one percent of the total number
         of 22.4votes counted for that nomination or is ten votes or less and the total number of
         votes cast 22.5for the nomination is 400 votes or less; or22.6(2) a statewide federal office, state constitutional office, statewide judicial office,
         22.7congressional office, or district judicial office is less than one-quarter of one
         percent of 22.8the total number of votes counted for that nomination or is ten votes or less and
         the total 22.9number of votes cast for the nomination is 400 votes or less;22.10and the difference determines the nomination, the canvassing board with responsibility
         22.11for declaring the results for that office shall manually recount the vote upon receiving
         a 22.12written request from the candidate whose nomination is in question.22.13Immediately following the meeting of the board that has responsibility for 22.14canvassing the results of the nomination, the filing officer must notify the candidate
         that 22.15the candidate has the option to request a recount of the votes at no cost to the candidate.
         22.16This written request must be received by the filing officer no later than 48 hours 5:00 p.m. 22.17on the second day  after the canvass of the primary for which the recount is being sought.22.18    (b) In a state general election when the difference between the votes of a candidate
         22.19who would otherwise be declared elected to:22.20(1) a state legislative office is less than one-half of one percent of the total number
         of 22.21votes counted for that office or is ten votes or less and the total number of votes
         cast for 22.22the office is 400 votes or less; or22.23(2) a statewide federal office, state constitutional office, statewide judicial office,
         22.24congressional office, or district judicial office and the votes of any other candidate
         for that 22.25office is less than one-quarter of one percent of the total number of votes counted
         for that 22.26office or is ten votes or less if the total number of votes cast for the office is
         400 votes or less,22.27the canvassing board shall manually recount the votes upon receiving a written request
         22.28from the candidate whose election is in question.22.29Immediately following the meeting of the board that has responsibility for canvassing
         22.30the results of the general election, the filing officer must notify the candidate
         that the 22.31candidate has the option to request a recount of the votes at no cost to the candidate.
         This 22.32written request must be received by the filing officer no later than 48 hours 5:00 p.m. on 22.33the second day  after the canvass of the election for which the recount is being sought.22.34    (c) A recount must not delay any other part of the canvass. The results of the recount
         22.35must be certified by the canvassing board as soon as possible.23.1    (d) Time for notice of a contest for an office which is recounted pursuant to this
         section 23.2shall begin to run upon certification of the results of the recount by the canvassing
         board.23.3    Sec. 37. Minnesota Statutes 2014, section 204C.35, subdivision 2, is amended to read:23.4    Subd. 2. Discretionary candidate recounts. (a) A losing candidate whose 23.5name was on the ballot for nomination or election to a statewide federal office, state
         23.6constitutional office, statewide judicial office, congressional office, state legislative
         office, 23.7or district judicial office may request a recount in a manner provided in this section
         at the 23.8candidate's own expense when the vote difference is greater than the difference required
         23.9by this section. The votes shall be manually recounted as provided in this section
         if the 23.10candidate files a request during the time for filing notice of contest of the primary
         or 23.11election for which a recount is sought.23.12    (b) The requesting candidate shall file with the filing officer a bond, cash, or surety
         in 23.13an amount set by the filing officer for the payment of the recount expenses. The requesting
         23.14candidate is responsible for the following expenses: the compensation of the secretary
         of 23.15state, or designees, and any election judge, municipal clerk, county auditor, administrator,
         23.16or other personnel who participate in the recount; necessary supplies and travel related
         to 23.17the recount; the compensation of the appropriate canvassing board and costs of preparing
         23.18for the canvass of recount results; and any attorney fees incurred in connection with
         the 23.19recount by the governing body responsible for the recount.23.20    (c) A discretionary recount of a primary must not delay delivery of the notice of 23.21nomination to the winning candidate under section 204C.32.23.22    (d) The requesting candidate may provide the filing officer with a list of up to three
         23.23precincts that are to be recounted first and may waive the balance of the recount
         after these 23.24precincts have been counted. If the candidate provides a list, the recount official
         must 23.25determine the expenses for those precincts in the manner provided by paragraph (b).23.26    (e) The results of the recount must be certified by the canvassing board as soon as
         23.27possible.23.28    (d) (f) If the winner of the race is changed by the optional recount, the cost of the 23.29recount must be paid by the jurisdiction conducting the recount.23.30    (e) (g) If a result of the vote counting in the manual recount is different from the 23.31result of the vote counting reported on election day by a margin greater than the
         standard 23.32for acceptable performance of voting systems provided in section 
         206.89, subdivision 4, 23.33the cost of the recount must be paid by the jurisdiction conducting the recount.23.34    Sec. 38. Minnesota Statutes 2014, section 204C.36, subdivision 1, is amended to read:24.1    Subdivision 1. Publicly funded recounts. (a) Except as provided in paragraphs (b) 24.2and (c), a losing candidate for nomination or election to a county, municipal, or
         school 24.3district office may request a recount of the votes cast for the nomination or election
         to 24.4that office if the difference between the vote cast for that candidate and for a winning
         24.5candidate for nomination or election is less than one-quarter of one percent of the
         total 24.6votes counted for that office. In case of offices where two or more seats are being
         filled 24.7from among all the candidates for the office, the one-quarter of one percent difference
         24.8is between the elected candidate with the fewest votes and the candidate with the
         most 24.9votes from among the candidates who were not elected.24.10(b) A losing candidate for nomination or election to a county, municipal, or school
         24.11district office may request a recount of the votes cast for nomination or election
         to that 24.12office if the difference between the votes cast for that candidate and for a winning
         24.13candidate for nomination or election is less than one-half of one percent, and the
         total 24.14number of votes cast for the nomination or election of all candidates is more than
         400 24.15but less than 50,000. In cases of offices where two or more seats are being filled
         from 24.16among all the candidates for the office, the one-half of one percent difference is
         between 24.17the elected candidate with the fewest votes and the candidate with the most votes
         from 24.18among the candidates who were not elected.24.19(c) A losing candidate for nomination or election to a county, municipal, or school
         24.20district office may request a recount of the votes cast for nomination or election
         to that 24.21office if the difference between the vote cast for that candidate and for a winning
         candidate 24.22for nomination or election is ten votes or less, and the total number of votes cast
         for the 24.23nomination or election of all candidates is no more than 400. In cases of offices
         where two 24.24or more seats are being filled from among all the candidates for the office, the ten
         vote 24.25difference is between the elected candidate with the fewest votes and the candidate
         with 24.26the most votes from among the candidates who were not elected.24.27(d) Candidates for county offices shall file a written request for the recount with
         the 24.28county auditor. Candidates for municipal or school district offices shall file a written
         24.29request with the municipal or school district clerk as appropriate. All requests shall
         be 24.30filed during the time for notice of contest of the primary or by 5:00 p.m. on the fifth day 24.31after the canvass of a primary or special primary or by 5:00 p.m. on the seventh day
         of the 24.32canvass of a special or general election for which a recount is sought.24.33(e) Upon receipt of a request made pursuant to this section, the county auditor shall
         24.34recount the votes for a county office at the expense of the county, the governing
         body 24.35of the municipality shall recount the votes for a municipal office at the expense
         of the 25.1municipality, and the school board of the school district shall recount the votes
         for a 25.2school district office at the expense of the school district.25.3    Sec. 39. Minnesota Statutes 2014, section 204C.36, subdivision 2, is amended to read:25.4    Subd. 2. Discretionary candidate recounts. (a) A losing candidate for nomination 25.5or election to a county, municipal, or school district office may request a recount
         in the 25.6manner provided in this section at the candidate's own expense when the vote difference
         is 25.7greater than the difference required by subdivision 1, paragraphs (a) to (e). The
         votes shall 25.8be manually recounted as provided in this section if the requesting candidate files
         with 25.9the county auditor, municipal clerk, or school district clerk a bond, cash, or surety
         in an 25.10amount set by the governing body of the jurisdiction or the school board of the school
         25.11district for the payment of the recount expenses.25.12    (b) The requesting candidate may provide the filing officer with a list of up to three
         25.13precincts that are to be recounted first and may waive the balance of the recount
         after these 25.14precincts have been counted. If the candidate provides a list, the recount official
         must 25.15determine the expenses for those precincts in the manner provided by paragraph (b).25.16    (c) A discretionary recount of a primary must not delay delivery of the notice of 25.17nomination to the winning candidate under section 204C.32.25.18    (d) The results of the recount must be certified by the canvassing board as soon as
         25.19possible. 25.20    (e) If the winner of the race is changed by the optional recount, the cost of the 25.21recount must be paid by the jurisdiction conducting the recount.25.22    (d) (f) If a result of the vote counting in the manual recount is different from the 25.23result of the vote counting reported on election day by a margin greater than the
         standard 25.24for acceptable performance of voting systems provided in section 
         206.89, subdivision 4, 25.25the cost of the recount must be paid by the jurisdiction conducting the recount.25.26    Sec. 40. Minnesota Statutes 2014, section 204C.40, subdivision 2, is amended to read:25.27    Subd. 2. Time of issuance; certain offices. No certificate of election shall be issued 25.28until seven days after the canvassing board has declared the result of the election.
         In case 25.29of a contest, an election certificate shall not be issued until a court of proper
         jurisdiction 25.30has finally determined the contest. This subdivision shall not apply to candidates
         elected 25.31to the office of state senator or representative.25.32    Sec. 41. Minnesota Statutes 2014, section 204D.27, subdivision 11, is amended to read:26.1    Subd. 11. Certificate of legislative election. A certificate of election in a special 26.2election for state senator or state representative shall be issued by the secretary
         of state to 26.3the individual declared elected by the county or state canvassing board chief clerk of the 26.4house or the secretary of the senate  two days, excluding Sundays and legal holidays, after 26.5the appropriate canvassing board finishes canvassing the returns for the election.26.6In case of a contest the certificate shall not be issued until the district court
         26.7determines the contest.26.8    Sec. 42. Minnesota Statutes 2014, section 205.13, subdivision 3, is amended to read:26.9    Subd. 3. Filing fees. Unless thea charter provision or ordinance of a home rule 26.10charter or statutory city provides the amount of the fee for filing an application or affidavit 26.11of candidacy for city office, the filing fee for a municipal office is as follows:26.12(a) (1) in first class cities, $20;26.13(b) (2) in second and third class cities, $5; and26.14(c) (3) in fourth class cities and towns, $2.26.15    Sec. 43. Minnesota Statutes 2014, section 206.90, subdivision 6, is amended to read:26.16    Subd. 6. Ballots. In precincts using optical scan voting systems, a single ballot card 26.17on which all ballot information is included must be printed in black ink on white
         colored 26.18material except that marks not to be read by the automatic tabulating equipment may
         be 26.19printed in another color ink. In state elections, a single ballot title must be used,
         as provided 26.20in sections 
         204D.08, subdivision 6, and 
         204D.11, subdivision 1. In odd-numbered years 26.21when both municipal and school district offices or questions appear on the ballot,
         the 26.22single ballot title "City (or Town) and School District Ballot" must be used.26.23On the front of the ballot must be printed the words "Official Ballot" and the date
         of 26.24the election and lines for the initials of at least two election judges.26.25When optical scan ballots are used, the offices to be elected must appear in the 26.26following order: federal offices; state legislative offices; constitutional offices;
         proposed 26.27constitutional amendments; county offices and questions; municipal offices and questions;
         26.28school district offices and questions; special district offices and questions; and
         judicial 26.29offices.26.30On optical scan ballots, the names of candidates and the words "yes" and "no" for
         26.31ballot questions must be printed as close to their corresponding vote targets as possible.26.32The line on an optical scan ballot for write-in votes must contain the words "write-in,
         26.33if any."27.1If a primary ballot contains both a partisan ballot and a nonpartisan ballot, the
         27.2instructions to voters must include a statement that reads substantially as follows:
         "THIS 27.3BALLOT CARD CONTAINS A PARTISAN BALLOT AND A NONPARTISAN 27.4BALLOT. ON THE PARTISAN BALLOT YOU ARE PERMITTED TO VOTE FOR 27.5CANDIDATES OF ONE POLITICAL PARTY ONLY.""This ballot card contains a 27.6partisan ballot and a nonpartisan ballot. On the partisan ballot you are permitted
         to vote for 27.7candidates of one political party only." If a primary ballot contains political party columns 27.8on both sides of the ballot, the instructions to voters must include a statement that
         reads 27.9substantially as follows: "ADDITIONAL POLITICAL PARTIES ARE PRINTED ON 27.10THE OTHER SIDE OF THIS BALLOT. VOTE FOR ONE POLITICAL PARTY ONLY." 27.11"Additional political parties are printed on the other side of this ballot. Vote for
         one 27.12political party only." At the bottom of each political party column on the primary ballot, 27.13the ballot must contain a statement that reads substantially as follows: "CONTINUE 27.14VOTING ON THE NONPARTISAN BALLOT.""Continue voting on the nonpartisan 27.15ballot." The instructions in section 
         204D.08, subdivision 4, do not apply to optical scan 27.16partisan primary ballots. Electronic ballot displays and audio ballot readers must
         follow 27.17the order of offices and questions on the optical scan or paper ballot used in the
         same 27.18precinct, or the sample ballot posted for that precinct.27.19    Sec. 44. Minnesota Statutes 2014, section 209.021, subdivision 2, is amended to read:27.20    Subd. 2. Notice filed with court. If the contest relates to a nomination or 27.21election for statewide office, the contestant shall file the notice of contest with
         the court 27.22administrator of District Court in Ramsey County. For contests relating to any other
         office, 27.23the contestant shall file the notice of contest with the court administrator of district
         court 27.24in the county where the contestee resides.27.25If the contest relates to a constitutional amendment or other question voted on 27.26statewide, the contestant shall file the notice of contest with the court administrator 27.27of District Court in Ramsey County. If the contest relates to any other question,
         the 27.28contestant shall file the notice of contest with the court administrator of district
         court for 27.29the county or any one of the counties where the question appeared on the ballot.27.30    Sec. 45. Minnesota Statutes 2014, section 209.021, subdivision 3, is amended to read:27.31    Subd. 3. Notice served on parties. In all contests relating to the nomination or 27.32election of a candidate, the notice of contest must be served on the candidate who
         is 27.33the contestee, a copy of the notice must be sent to the contestee's last known address
         27.34by certified mail, and a copy must be furnished to the official authorized to issue
         the 28.1certificate of election. If personal or substituted service on the contestee cannot
         be made, 28.2an affidavit of the attempt by the person attempting to make service and the affidavit
         of 28.3the person who sent a copy of the notice to the contestee by certified mail is sufficient
         to 28.4confer jurisdiction upon the court to decide the contest.28.5If the contest relates to a constitutional amendment or other question voted on 28.6statewide or voted on in more than one county, notice of contest must be served on the 28.7secretary of state, who is the contestee. If a contest relates to a question voted
         on within 28.8only one county, school district, or municipality, a copy of the notice of contest
         must be 28.9served on the county auditor, clerk of the school district, or municipal clerk, respectively,
         28.10who is the contestee. If the contest is upon the question of consolidation or reorganization
         28.11of a school district, a copy of the notice of contest must be served on the county
         auditor 28.12authorized by law to issue the order.28.13    Sec. 46. Minnesota Statutes 2014, section 209.09, subdivision 2, is amended to read:28.14    Subd. 2. Statewide offices and questions. Section 
         209.10, subdivision 4, applies to 28.15a contest regarding a statewide office,or a constitutional amendment, or other question 28.16voted on statewide. A copy of the Supreme Court's decision must be forwarded to the 28.17contestant and the contestee.28.18    Sec. 47. Minnesota Statutes 2014, section 365.22, subdivision 2, is amended to read:28.19    Subd. 2. Questions, ballot details. The questions to be voted on must be separately 28.20stated on the ballots, as worded in section 
         365.21. Two squares ovals or similar target 28.21shapes, one above the other, must be put just below each question with the word "yes" 28.22beside the upper square target shape  and the word "no" beside the lower square target shape.28.23    Sec. 48. Minnesota Statutes 2014, section 365.22, subdivision 3, is amended to read:28.24    Subd. 3. Voting. An elector must vote separately on each question for the elector's 28.25vote to be counted on that question. To vote "yes" on a question, the elector shall
         mark an 28.26"X" in the square fill in the oval or similar target shape  beside the word "yes" just below 28.27the question. To vote "no" on a question, the elector shall mark an "X" in the square fill in 28.28the oval or similar target shape  beside the word "no" just below the question.28.29    Sec. 49. Minnesota Statutes 2014, section 367.31, subdivision 4, is amended to read:28.30    Subd. 4. Election; form of ballot. The proposals for adoption of the options shall 28.31be stated on the ballot substantially as follows:29.1"Shall option A, providing for a five-member town board of supervisors, be adopted
         29.2for the government of the town?"29.3"Shall option B, providing for the appointment of the clerk and treasurer by the town
         29.4board, be adopted for the government of the town?"29.5"Shall option C, providing for the appointment of a town administrator by the town
         29.6board, be adopted for the government of the town?"29.7"Shall option D, providing for combining the offices of clerk and treasurer, be 29.8adopted for the government of the town?"29.9If a proposal under option B is to appoint only the clerk or only the treasurer, or
         if it 29.10is to appoint the combined clerk-treasurer following the adoption of option D or when
         29.11submitted simultaneously with the ballot question for option D, the ballot question
         shall be 29.12varied to read appropriately. If an option B ballot question is submitted for the
         combined 29.13clerk-treasurer office at the same election in which option D is also on the ballot,
         the 29.14ballot must note that the approval of option B is contingent on the simultaneous approval
         29.15of option D. In any of these cases, the question shall be followed by the words "Yes"
         29.16and "No" with an appropriate square oval or similar target shape  before each in which 29.17an elector may record a choice.29.18    Sec. 50. Minnesota Statutes 2014, section 368.85, subdivision 4, is amended to read:29.19    Subd. 4. Ballot. The town board shall provide ballots which shall read "Shall 29.20the territory described in the resolution adopted by the town board on the .........
         day of 29.21............., ......., constitute a special fire protection district?" The question
         shall be followed 29.22with a line with the word "Yes" and a square an oval or similar target shape  after it and 29.23another line with the word "No" and a square an oval or similar target shape  after it. The 29.24voters shall indicate their choice by placing a cross mark in one of the squares target 29.25shapes, and a direction to so indicate their choice shall be printed on the ballot.29.26    Sec. 51. Minnesota Statutes 2014, section 376.04, is amended to read:29.27376.04 ELECTION, SEPARATE BALLOT.29.28The question of purchasing and constructing hospital buildings shall be submitted
         29.29to the voters of any county at a general election and placed upon a separate ballot. This 29.30election must be called by a resolution of the county board. The resolution must state
         the 29.31time of the election, that a county hospital is proposed to be established, the proposed
         29.32location, and the cost, including equipment, for not more than the amount stated in
         the 29.33resolution. When the resolutions are passed, the county auditor shall immediately
         notify 29.34each town or city clerk in the county that the question of constructing hospital buildings
         30.1will be voted upon at the time stated in the resolution, in the manner provided under
         the 30.2state election laws.30.3The ballot must be in the following form:30.4"For the purchase and construction of hospital buildings, including equipment, to
         30.5be located at ............... (state location), at a cost not more than ..............
         (state amount), 30.6pursuant to the resolution of the board of county commissioners passed ..................
         (state 30.7date).

30.8Yes 
                     							.....
                     						30.9No 
                     							.....
                     						"

30.10To the left of each of the last two words, "yes" and "no," shall be followed by a 30.11square in which the voter may indicate by a mark (X) either a negative or affirmative
         vote 30.12printed an oval or similar target shape so that the voter may indicate by a mark either
         a 30.13negative or affirmative vote. These votes shall be cast in the same manner as votes cast at 30.14the general election and counted by the same officers. Returns must be made to the
         county 30.15auditor, and canvassed in the same manner as the returns on county officers.30.16    Sec. 52. Minnesota Statutes 2014, section 412.551, subdivision 2, is amended to read:30.17    Subd. 2. Form of ballot. The proposals for the adoption of optional plans shall be 30.18stated on the ballot substantially as follows:30.19"Shall Optional Plan A, modifying the standard plan of city government by 30.20providing for the appointment by the council of the clerk and treasurer be adopted
         for the 30.21government of the city?"30.22"Shall Optional Plan B, providing for the council-manager form of city government,
         30.23be adopted for the government of the city?"30.24If the city has combined the offices of clerk and treasurer, the word "clerk-treasurer"
         30.25shall be substituted for the words "clerk and treasurer" in the question on the ballot
         on 30.26adoption of Optional Plan A. In any of these cases, the question shall be followed
         by the 30.27words, "Yes" and "No" with an appropriate square before each in which a voter may 30.28record a choice oval or similar target shape to the left of each word so that the voter may 30.29indicate by a mark either a negative or affirmative vote.30.30    Sec. 53.  REPEALER.30.31Minnesota Statutes 2014, sections 204C.13, subdivision 4; and 383A.555, are 30.32repealed.31.1ARTICLE 231.2MILITARY AND OVERSEAS ABSENTEE VOTING31.3    Section 1. Minnesota Statutes 2014, section 203B.01, subdivision 3, is amended to read:31.4    Subd. 3. Military. "Military" means the Army, Navy, Air Force, Marine Corps, 31.5Coast Guard or Merchant Marine of the United States, and all other uniformed services as 31.6defined in United States Code, title 42, section 1973ff-6 52, section 20310, and military 31.7forces as defined by section 190.05, subdivision 3.31.8    Sec. 2. Minnesota Statutes 2014, section 203B.16, subdivision 1, is amended to read:31.9    Subdivision 1. Military service; temporary residence outside United States.31.10Sections 
         203B.16 to 
         203B.27 provide alternative voting procedures for eligible voters who 31.11are absent from the precinct where they maintain residence because they are:31.12(1) either in the military or the spouses or dependents of individuals serving in
         31.13the military; or31.14(2) temporarily outside the territorial limits of the United States.31.15Sections 
         203B.16 to 
         203B.27 are intended to implement the federal Uniformed and 31.16Overseas Citizens Absentee Voting Act, United States Code, title 42, section 1973ff 52, 31.17sections 20301 to 20310.31.18    Sec. 3. Minnesota Statutes 2014, section 203B.16, subdivision 2, is amended to read:31.19    Subd. 2. Indefinite residence outside United States. Sections 
         203B.16 to 31.20203B.27
          provide the exclusive voting procedure for United States citizens who are living
         31.21indefinitely outside the territorial limits of the United States who meet all the
         qualifications 31.22of an eligible voter except residence in Minnesota, but who are authorized by federal
         law 31.23to vote in Minnesota because they or, if they have never resided in the United States, 31.24a parent maintained residence in Minnesota for at least 20 days immediately prior to 31.25their departure from the United States. Individuals described in this subdivision
         shall be 31.26permitted to vote only for the offices of president, vice-president, senator in Congress,
         31.27and representative in Congress.31.28    Sec. 4. Minnesota Statutes 2014, section 203B.17, subdivision 1, is amended to read:31.29    Subdivision 1. Submission of application. (a) An application for absentee ballots 31.30for a voter described in section 
         203B.16 must be in writing and may be submitted in 31.31person, by mail, by electronic facsimile device, by electronic mail, or electronically
         31.32through a secure Web site that shall be maintained by the secretary of state for this
         32.1purpose, upon determination by the secretary of state that security concerns have
         been 32.2adequately addressed. An application for absentee ballots for a voter described in
         section 32.3203B.16
          may be submitted by that voter or by that voter's parent, spouse, sister, brother,
         or 32.4child over the age of 18 years. For purposes of an application under this subdivision, a 32.5person's Social Security number, no matter how it is designated, qualifies as the
         person's 32.6military identification number if the person is in the military.32.7(b) An application for a voter described in section 
         203B.16, subdivision 1, shall be 32.8submitted to the county auditor of the county where the voter maintains residence
         or 32.9through the secure Web site maintained by the secretary of state.32.10(c) An application for a voter described in section 
         203B.16, subdivision 2, shall be 32.11submitted to the county auditor of the county where the voter or the voter's parent last 32.12maintained residence in Minnesota or through the secure Web site maintained by the
         32.13secretary of state.32.14(d) An application for absentee ballots shall be valid for any primary, special 32.15primary, general election, or special election from the time the application is received
         32.16through the end of that calendar year.32.17(e) There shall be no limitation of time for filing and receiving applications for
         32.18ballots under sections 
         203B.16 to 
         203B.27.32.19    Sec. 5. Minnesota Statutes 2014, section 203B.17, subdivision 2, is amended to read:32.20    Subd. 2. Required information. An application shall be accepted if it contains the 32.21following information stated under oath:32.22    (a) the voter's name, birthdate, and present address of residence in Minnesota, or
         32.23former address of residence or parent's former address of residence in Minnesota if the 32.24voter is living permanently outside the United States;32.25    (b) a statement indicating that the voter is in the military, or is the spouse or
         32.26dependent of an individual serving in the military, or is temporarily outside the
         territorial 32.27limits of the United States, or is living permanently outside the territorial limits
         of the 32.28United States and voting under federal law;32.29    (c) a statement that the voter expects to be absent from the precinct at the time
         32.30of the election;32.31    (d) the address to which absentee ballots are to be mailed;32.32    (e) the voter's signature or the signature and relationship of the individual authorized
         32.33to apply on the voter's behalf;32.34    (f) the voter's passport number, Minnesota driver's license or state identification
         card 32.35number, or the last four digits of the voter's Social Security number; if the voter
         does not 33.1have access to any of these documents, the voter or other individual requesting absentee
         33.2ballots may attest to the truthfulness of the contents of the application under penalty
         33.3of perjury; and33.4    (g) the voter's e-mail address, if the application was submitted electronically through
         33.5the secure Web site maintained by the secretary of state.33.6Notwithstanding paragraph (f), an application submitted through the secretary of state's
         33.7Web site must include the voter's verifiable Minnesota driver's license number, Minnesota
         33.8state identification card number, or the last four digits of the voter's Social Security
         33.9number, and may only be transmitted to the county auditor for processing if the secretary
         33.10of state has verified the application information matches the information in a government
         33.11database associated with the applicant's driver's license number, state identification
         card 33.12number, or Social Security number. The secretary of state must review all unverifiable
         33.13applications for evidence of suspicious activity and must forward any such application
         to 33.14an appropriate law enforcement agency for investigation.33.15    Sec. 6. Minnesota Statutes 2014, section 204D.11, subdivision 4, is amended to read:33.16    Subd. 4. Special federal ballot. (a) The names of all candidates for the offices 33.17of president and vice-president of the United States and senator and representative
         in 33.18Congress shall be placed on a ballot that shall be known as the "special federal ballot."33.19(b) This ballot shall be prepared by the county auditor in the same manner as the
         33.20state general election ballot and shall be subject to the rules adopted by the secretary
         of 33.21state pursuant to subdivision 1. This ballot must be prepared and furnished in accordance
         33.22with the federal Uniformed and Overseas Citizens Absentee Voting Act, United States
         33.23Code, title 42, section 1973ff 52, sections 20301 to 20310.33.24(c) The special federal ballot shall be the only ballot sent to citizens of the United
         33.25States who are eligible to vote by absentee ballot for federal candidates in Minnesota.33.26ARTICLE 333.27UNIFORM FAITHFUL PRESIDENTIAL ELECTORS ACT33.28    Section 1. Minnesota Statutes 2014, section 204B.07, subdivision 2, is amended to read:33.29    Subd. 2. Petitions for presidential electors and alternates. This subdivision 33.30does not apply to candidates for presidential elector or alternate nominated by major 33.31political parties. Major party candidates for presidential elector or alternate are certified 33.32under section 
         208.03. Other presidential electors or alternates are nominated by petition 33.33pursuant to this section. On petitions nominating presidential electors or alternates, the 34.1names of the candidates for president and vice-president shall be added to the political
         34.2party or political principle stated on the petition. One petition may be filed to
         nominate a 34.3slate of presidential electors equal in number to the number of electors to which
         the state 34.4is entitled and an alternate for each elector nominee.34.5    Sec. 2. Minnesota Statutes 2014, section 208.02, is amended to read:34.6208.02 ELECTION OF PRESIDENTIAL ELECTORS AND ALTERNATES.34.7Presidential electors and alternates shall be chosen at the state general election held 34.8in the year preceding the expiration of the term of the president of the United States.34.9    Sec. 3. Minnesota Statutes 2014, section 208.03, is amended to read:34.10208.03 NOMINATION OF PRESIDENTIAL ELECTORS AND 34.11ALTERNATES.34.12Presidential electors and alternates for the major political parties of this state shall be 34.13nominated by delegate conventions called and held under the supervision of the respective
         34.14state central committees of the parties of this state. At least 71 days before the
         general 34.15election day the chair of the major political party shall certify to the secretary
         of state 34.16the names of the persons nominated as presidential electors, the names of eight persons 34.17nominated as alternate presidential electors, and the names of the party candidates for 34.18president and vice president. The chair shall also certify that the party candidates
         for 34.19president and vice president have no affidavit on file as a candidate for any office
         in 34.20this state at the ensuing general election.34.21    Sec. 4. Minnesota Statutes 2014, section 208.06, is amended to read:34.22208.06 ELECTORS AND ALTERNATES TO MEET AT STATE CAPITOL; 34.23FILLING OF VACANCIES.34.24The presidential electors and alternate presidential electors, before 12:00 M. on
         the 34.25day before that fixed by Congress for the electors to vote for president and vice
         president 34.26of the United States, shall notify the governor that they are at the State Capitol
         and ready 34.27at the proper time to fulfill their duties as electors. The governor shall deliver
         to the 34.28electors present a certificate of the names of all the electors. If any elector named therein 34.29fails to appear before 9:00 a.m. on the day, and at the place, fixed for voting for
         president 34.30and vice president of the United States, an alternate, chosen from among the alternates
         by 34.31lot, shall be appointed to act for that elector. If more than eight alternates are
         necessary, 34.32the electors present shall, in the presence of the governor, immediately elect by
         ballot a 35.1person to fill the vacancy. If more than the number of persons required have the highest
         35.2and an equal number of votes, the governor, in the presence of the electors attending,
         shall 35.3decide by lot which of those persons shall be elected The electors shall meet at 12:00 p.m. 35.4in the executive chamber of the State Capitol and shall perform all the duties imposed
         35.5upon them as electors by the Constitution and laws of the United States and this state
         35.6in the manner provided in section 208.46.35.7    Sec. 5. [208.40] SHORT TITLE.35.8Sections 208.40 to 208.48 may be cited as the "Uniform Faithful Presidential 35.9Electors Act."35.10    Sec. 6. [208.41] DEFINITIONS.35.11(a) The definitions in this section apply to sections 208.40 to 208.48.35.12(b) "Cast" means accepted by the secretary of state in accordance with section 35.13208.46, paragraph (b).35.14(c) "Elector" means an individual selected as a presidential elector under this chapter.35.15(d) "President" means the president of the United States.35.16(e) "Unaffiliated presidential candidate" means a candidate for president who 35.17qualifies for the general election ballot in this state by means other than nomination
         by a 35.18political party.35.19(f) "Vice president" means the vice president of the United States.35.20    Sec. 7. [208.42] DESIGNATION OF STATE'S ELECTORS.35.21(a) For each elector position in this state, a political party contesting the position,
         or 35.22an unaffiliated presidential candidate, shall submit to the secretary of state the
         names of 35.23two qualified individuals. One of the individuals must be designated "elector nominee"
         35.24and the other "alternate elector nominee."35.25(b) Except as otherwise provided in sections 208.44 to 208.47, this state's electors
         35.26are the winning elector nominees under the laws of this state.35.27    Sec. 8. [208.43] PLEDGE.35.28Each elector nominee and alternate elector nominee of a political party shall execute
         35.29the following pledge: "If selected for the position of elector, I agree to serve and
         to mark 35.30my ballots for president and vice president for the nominees for those offices of
         the party 35.31that nominated me." Each elector nominee and alternate elector nominee of an unaffiliated
         35.32presidential candidate shall execute the following pledge: "If selected for the position
         36.1of elector as a nominee of an unaffiliated presidential candidate, I agree to serve
         and 36.2to mark my ballots for that candidate and for that candidate's vice presidential running
         36.3mate." The executed pledges must accompany the submission of the corresponding names
         36.4to the secretary of state.36.5    Sec. 9. [208.44] CERTIFICATION OF ELECTORS.36.6In submitting this state's certificate of ascertainment as required by United States
         36.7Code, title 3, section 6, the governor shall certify this state's electors and state
         in the 36.8certificate that:36.9(1) the electors will serve as electors unless a vacancy occurs in the office of elector
         36.10before the end of the meeting at which elector votes are cast, in which case a substitute
         36.11elector will fill the vacancy; and36.12(2) if a substitute elector is appointed to fill a vacancy, the governor will submit
         an 36.13amended certificate of ascertainment stating the names on the final list of this state's
         36.14electors.36.15    Sec. 10. [208.45] PRESIDING OFFICER; ELECTOR VACANCY.36.16(a) The secretary of state shall preside at the meeting of electors described in section
         36.17208.06.36.18(b) The position of an elector not present to vote is vacant. The secretary of state
         36.19shall appoint an individual as a substitute elector to fill a vacancy as follows:36.20(1) if the alternate elector is present to vote, by appointing the alternate elector
         36.21for the vacant position;36.22(2) if the alternate elector for the vacant position is not present to vote, by appointing
         36.23an elector chosen by lot from among the alternate electors present to vote who were
         36.24nominated by the same political party or unaffiliated presidential candidate;36.25(3) if the number of alternate electors present to vote is insufficient to fill any
         36.26vacant position pursuant to clauses (1) and (2), by appointing any immediately available
         36.27individual who is qualified to serve as an elector and chosen through nomination by
         a 36.28plurality vote of the remaining electors, including nomination and vote by a single
         elector 36.29if only one remains;36.30(4) if there is a tie between at least two nominees for substitute elector in a vote
         36.31conducted under clause (3), by appointing an elector chosen by lot from among those
         36.32nominees; or37.1(5) if all elector positions are vacant and cannot be filled pursuant to clauses (1)
         to 37.2(4), by appointing a single presidential elector, with remaining vacant positions
         to be filled 37.3under clause (3) and, if necessary, clause (4).37.4(c) To qualify as a substitute elector under paragraph (b), an individual who has
         not 37.5executed the pledge required under section 208.43 shall execute the following pledge:
         "I 37.6agree to serve and to mark my ballots for president and vice president consistent
         with the 37.7pledge of the individual to whose elector position I have succeeded."37.8    Sec. 11. [208.46] ELECTOR VOTING.37.9(a) At the time designated for elector voting in section 208.06, and after all vacant
         37.10positions have been filled under section 208.45, the secretary of state shall provide
         each 37.11elector with a presidential and a vice presidential ballot. The elector shall mark
         the 37.12elector's presidential and vice presidential ballots with the elector's votes for
         the offices 37.13of president and vice president, respectively, along with the elector's signature
         and the 37.14elector's legibly printed name.37.15(b) Except as otherwise provided by law of this state other than this chapter, each
         37.16elector shall present both completed ballots to the secretary of state, who shall
         examine 37.17the ballots and accept as cast all ballots of electors whose votes are consistent
         with their 37.18pledges executed under section 208.43 or 208.45, paragraph (c). Except as otherwise
         37.19provided by law of this state other than this chapter, the secretary of state may
         not accept 37.20and may not count either an elector's presidential or vice presidential ballot if
         the elector 37.21has not marked both ballots or has marked a ballot in violation of the elector's pledge.37.22(c) An elector who refuses to present a ballot, presents an unmarked ballot, or 37.23presents a ballot marked in violation of the elector's pledge executed under section
         208.43 37.24or 208.45, paragraph (c), vacates the office of elector, creating a vacant position
         to be 37.25filled under section 208.45.37.26(d) The secretary of state shall distribute ballots to and collect ballots from a
         37.27substitute elector and repeat the process under this section of examining ballots,
         declaring 37.28and filling vacant positions as required, and recording appropriately completed ballots
         from 37.29the substituted electors, until all of this state's electoral votes have been cast
         and recorded.37.30    Sec. 12. [208.47] ELECTOR REPLACEMENT; ASSOCIATED CERTIFICATES.37.31(a) After the vote of this state's electors is completed, if the final list of electors
         37.32differs from any list that the governor previously included on a certificate of ascertainment
         37.33prepared and transmitted under United States Code, title 3, section 6, the secretary
         of state 38.1immediately shall prepare an amended certificate of ascertainment and transmit it
         to 38.2the governor for the governor's signature.38.3(b) The governor immediately shall deliver the signed amended certificate of 38.4ascertainment to the secretary of state and a signed duplicate original of the amended
         38.5certificate of ascertainment to all individuals entitled to receive this state's certificate
         of 38.6ascertainment, indicating that the amended certificate of ascertainment is to be substituted
         38.7for the certificate of ascertainment previously submitted.38.8(c) The secretary of state shall prepare a certificate of vote. The electors on the
         final 38.9list shall sign the certificate. The secretary of state shall process and transmit
         the signed 38.10certificate with the amended certificate of ascertainment under United States Code,
         title 38.113, sections 9, 10, and 11.38.12    Sec. 13. [208.48] UNIFORMITY OF APPLICATION AND CONSTRUCTION.38.13In applying and construing sections 208.40 to 208.48, consideration must be given
         38.14to the need to promote uniformity of the law with respect to their subject matter
         among 38.15states that enact the Uniform Faithful Presidential Electors Act or similar law.38.16    Sec. 14. Minnesota Statutes 2014, section 209.01, subdivision 2, is amended to read:38.17    Subd. 2. Statewide office. For purposes of this chapter, "statewide office" means the 38.18office of governor, lieutenant governor, attorney general, state auditor, secretary
         of state, 38.19chief justice or associate justice of the Supreme Court, judge of the Court of Appeals,
         38.20United States senator, or presidential elector or alternate.38.21    Sec. 15.  REPEALER.38.22Minnesota Statutes 2014, sections 208.07; and 208.08, are repealed.