HF 1378

1st Engrossment - 94th Legislature (2025 - 2026)

Posted on 06/03/2025 10:29 a.m.

A bill for an act
relating to elections; providing for policy and technical changes to elections
administration and campaign finance provisions; amending Minnesota Statutes
2024, sections 10A.09, subdivision 1; 200.031; 201.061, subdivisions 3, 3a;
201.071, subdivision 1; 203B.04, subdivision 1; 203B.05, subdivision 1; 203B.08,
subdivisions 1, 3; 203B.081, subdivision 4; 203B.12, subdivision 10; 203B.121,
subdivisions 4, 5; 203B.29, subdivisions 1, 2; 203B.30, subdivision 3; 204B.06,
subdivision 1b; 204B.09, subdivisions 1a, 2; 204B.14, subdivision 2; 204B.16,
subdivisions 1a, 4; 204B.19, subdivision 5; 204B.24; 204B.25, subdivision 1;
204B.44; 204B.45, subdivision 2; 204C.08, subdivision 1d; 204C.09, subdivision
1; 204C.15, subdivisions 1, 2; 204D.19, subdivisions 1, 2, 3; 205.13, subdivision
1a; 206.845, subdivision 1; 211A.02, subdivision 2; 375.20; 383B.041, subdivision
5; 414.09, subdivision 3; proposing coding for new law in Minnesota Statutes,
chapter 204B; repealing Minnesota Statutes 2024, section 204B.25, subdivision
3.

BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF MINNESOTA:

Section 1.

Minnesota Statutes 2024, section 10A.09, subdivision 1, is amended to read:

Subdivision 1.

Time for filing.

An individual must file a statement of economic interest:

(1) within 60 days of accepting employment as a public official or a local official in a
metropolitan governmental unit;

(2) within 60 days of assuming office as a district court judge, appeals court judge,
supreme court justice, or county commissioner;

(3) within 14 days after deleted text begin filing deleted text end new text begin the candidate filing period ends where the candidate filed new text end
an affidavit of candidacy or petition to appear on the ballot for an elective state constitutional
or legislative office or an elective local office in a metropolitan governmental unit other
than county commissioner;

(4) in the case of a public official requiring the advice and consent of the senate, within
14 days after undertaking the duties of office; or

(5) in the case of members of the Minnesota Racing Commission, the director of the
Minnesota Racing Commission, chief of security, medical officer, inspector of pari-mutuels,
and stewards employed or approved by the commission or persons who fulfill those duties
under contract, within 60 days of accepting or assuming duties.

new text begin EFFECTIVE DATE. new text end

new text begin This section is effective January 1, 2026.
new text end

Sec. 2.

Minnesota Statutes 2024, section 200.031, is amended to read:

200.031 DETERMINATION OF RESIDENCE.

Residence shall be determined in accordance with the following principles, so far as
they may be applicable to the facts of the case:

(1) The residence of an individual is in the precinct where the individual's home is
located, from which the individual has no present intention of moving, and to which,
whenever the individual is absent, the individual intends to return.

(2) An individual does not lose residence if the individual leaves home to live temporarily
in another state or precinct.

(3) An individual does not acquire a residence in any precinct of this state if the individual
is living there only temporarily, without the intention of making that precinct home.

(4) If an individual goes into another state or precinct with the intention of making it
home or files an affidavit of residence there for election purposes, the individual loses
residence in the former precinct.

(5) If an individual moves to another state with the intention of living there for an
indefinite period, the individual loses residence in this state, notwithstanding any intention
to return at some indefinite future time.

(6) Except as otherwise provided in this section, an individual's residence is located in
the precinct where the individual's family lives, unless the individual's family is living in
that precinct only temporarily.

(7) If an individual's family lives in one precinct and the individual lives or does business
in another, the individual's residence is located in the precinct where the individual's family
lives, unless the individual establishes a home in the other precinct and intends to remain
there, with or without the individual's family.

(8) The residence of a single individual is in the precinct where the individual lives and
usually sleeps.

(9) The mere intention to acquire a new residence, is not sufficient to acquire a new
residence, unless the individual moves to that location; moving to a new location is not
sufficient to acquire a new residence unless the individual intends to remain there.

(10) The residence of an individual who is working temporarily in any precinct of this
state is in the precinct where the individual's permanent home is located.

(11) The residence of an individual who is living permanently in a soldiers' home or
nursing home is in the precinct where the home is located.

(12) If an individual's home lies in more than one precinct or political subdivision, the
residence of the individual is in the precinct in which a majority of the room in which the
individual usually sleeps is located.

(13) If an individual's home is destroyed or rendered uninhabitable by fire or natural
disaster, the individual does not lose residence in the precinct where the home is located if
the individual intends to return to the home when it is reconstructed or made habitable.

new text begin (14) The residence of a person committed to a secure treatment facility as a sexual
psychopathic personality or as a sexually dangerous person under chapter 253D is the
person's last known residential address prior to issuance of the committal order.
new text end

Sec. 3.

Minnesota Statutes 2024, section 201.061, subdivision 3, is amended to read:

Subd. 3.

Election day registration.

(a) An individual who is eligible to vote may register
on election day by appearing in person at the polling place for the precinct in which the
individual maintains residence, by completing a registration application, making an oath in
the form prescribed by the secretary of state and providing proof of residence. An individual
may prove residence for purposes of registering by:

(1) presenting a driver's license or Minnesota identification card issued pursuant to
section 171.07;

(2) presenting any document approved by the secretary of state as proper identification;

(3) presenting a current student fee statement that contains the student's valid address
in the precinct together with a picture identification card; or

(4) having a voter who is registered to vote in the precinct, or an employee new text begin who provides
proof that they are new text end employed by and working in a residential facility in the precinct and
vouching for a resident in the facility, sign an oath in the presence of the election judge
vouching that the voter or employee personally knows that the individual is a resident of
the precinct. A voter who has been vouched for on election day may not sign a proof of
residence oath vouching for any other individual on that election day. new text begin An election judge
may not sign a proof of residence oath vouching for any individual who appears in the
precinct where the election judge is working. new text end A voter who is registered to vote in the precinct
may sign up to eight proof-of-residence oaths on any election day. This limitation does not
apply to an employee of a residential facility described in this clause. The secretary of state
shall provide a form for election judges to use in recording the number of individuals for
whom a voter signs proof-of-residence oaths on election day. The form must include space
for the maximum number of individuals for whom a voter may sign proof-of-residence
oaths. For each proof-of-residence oath, the form must include a statement that the individual:
(i) is registered to vote in the precinct or is an employee of a residential facility in the
precinct, (ii) personally knows that the voter is a resident of the precinct, and (iii) is making
the statement on oath. The form must include a space for the voter's printed name, signature,
telephone number, and address.

The oath required by this subdivision and Minnesota Rules, part 8200.9939, must be
attached to the voter registration application.

(b) deleted text begin The operator of a residential facility shall prepare a list of the names of its employees
currently working in the residential facility and the address of the residential facility. The
operator shall certify the list and provide it to the appropriate county auditor no less than
20 days before each election for use in election day registration. deleted text end new text begin The secretary of state must
publish guidance for residential facilities and residential facility employees on the vouching
process and the requirements of this subdivision.
new text end

(c) "Residential facility" means transitional housing as defined in section 256K.48,
subdivision 1; a supervised living facility licensed by the commissioner of health under
section 144.50, subdivision 6; a nursing home as defined in section 144A.01, subdivision
5; an assisted living facility licensed by the commissioner of health under chapter 144G; a
veterans home operated by the board of directors of the Minnesota Veterans Homes under
chapter 198; a residence licensed by the commissioner of human services to provide a
residential program as defined in section 245A.02, subdivision 14; a residential facility for
persons with a developmental disability licensed by the commissioner of human services
under section 252.28; setting authorized to provide housing support as defined in section
256I.03, subdivision 10a; a shelter for battered women as defined in section 611A.37,
subdivision 4; a supervised publicly or privately operated shelter or dwelling designed to
provide temporary living accommodations for the homeless; a facility where a provider
operates a residential treatment program as defined in section 245.462, subdivision 23; or
a facility where a provider operates an adult foster care program as defined in section
245A.02, subdivision 6c.

(d) For tribal band members, an individual may prove residence for purposes of
registering by:

(1) presenting an identification card issued by the tribal government of a tribe recognized
by the Bureau of Indian Affairs, United States Department of the Interior, that contains the
name, address, signature, and picture of the individual; or

(2) presenting an identification card issued by the tribal government of a tribe recognized
by the Bureau of Indian Affairs, United States Department of the Interior, that contains the
name, signature, and picture of the individual and also presenting one of the documents
listed in Minnesota Rules, part 8200.5100, subpart 2, item B.

(e) A county, school district, or municipality may require that an election judge
responsible for election day registration initial each completed registration application.

Sec. 4.

Minnesota Statutes 2024, section 201.061, subdivision 3a, is amended to read:

Subd. 3a.

Additional proofs of residence permitted for students.

(a) If an eligible
voter's name; student identification number, if available; and address within the precinct
appear on a current residential housing list under section 135A.17 certified to the county
auditor by the postsecondary educational institution, the voter may prove residence by
presenting a current valid photo identification issued by a postsecondary educational
institution in Minnesota; identification authorized in subdivision 3, paragraph (a), clause
(1) or (2); or identification authorized in subdivision 3, paragraph (d), clause (1) or (2).

(b) This additional proof of residence for students must not be allowed unless the
postsecondary educational institution submits to the county auditor no later than 60 days
prior to the election a written agreement that the postsecondary educational institution will
certify for use at the election accurate updated residential housing lists under section 135A.17.
A written agreement is effective for the election and all subsequent elections held in that
calendar year, including the November general election.

(c) The additional proof of residence for students must be allowed on an equal basis for
voters who reside in housing meeting the requirements of section 135A.17, if the residential
housing lists certified by the postsecondary educational institution meet the requirements
of this subdivision.

(d) An updated residential housing list must be certified to the county auditor no later
than 20 days prior to each election. The certification must be dated and signed by the chief
officer or designee of the postsecondary educational institution and must state that the list
is current and accurate and includes only the names of persons residing in the institution's
housing and, for students who do not live in the institution's housing, that it reflects the
institution's records as of the date of the certification.

(e) new text begin This additional proof of residence for students must be allowed during the 18 days
before an election and on election day. new text end The county auditor shall instruct the election judges
deleted text begin of the precinct deleted text end in procedures for use of the list in conjunction with photo identification. The
auditor shall supply a list to the election judges with the election supplies deleted text begin for the precinct deleted text end .

(f) The county auditor shall notify all postsecondary educational institutions in the county
of the provisions of this subdivision.

Sec. 5.

Minnesota Statutes 2024, section 201.071, subdivision 1, is amended to read:

Subdivision 1.

Form.

Both paper and electronic voter registration applications must
contain the same information unless otherwise provided by law. A voter registration
application must contain spaces for the following required information: voter's first name,
middle name, and last name; voter's previous name, if any; voter's current address; voter's
previous address, if any; voter's date of birth; voter's municipality and county of residence;
voter's telephone number, if provided by the voter; date of registration; current and valid
Minnesota driver's license number or Minnesota state identification number, or if the voter
has no current and valid Minnesota driver's license or Minnesota state identification, the
last four digits of the voter's Social Security number; deleted text begin a box to indicate a voter's preference
to join the permanent absentee voter list; deleted text end and voter's signature. The paper registration
application must provide a space for a voter to provide a physical description of the location
of their residence, if the voter resides in an area lacking a specific physical address. The
description must be sufficient for the county auditor to identify the correct precinct for the
voter. The description may include the closest cross street or the nearest address to the
described location that is identified on a precinct map, and directions from that cross street
or address to the described location, including but not limited to the cardinal direction and
approximate distance to the location. The paper registration application may include the
voter's email address, if provided by the voter. The electronic voter registration application
must include the voter's email address. The registration application may include the voter's
interest in serving as an election judge, if indicated by the voter. The application must also
contain the following certification of voter eligibility:

"I certify that I:

(1) am at least 16 years old and understand that I must be at least 18 years old to be
eligible to vote;

(2) am a citizen of the United States;

(3) will have maintained residence in Minnesota for 20 days immediately preceding
election day;

(4) maintain residence at the address or location given on the registration form;

(5) am not under court-ordered guardianship in which the court order revokes my right
to vote;

(6) have not been found by a court to be legally incompetent to vote;

(7) am not currently incarcerated for a conviction of a felony offense; and

(8) have read and understand the following statement: that giving false information is a
felony punishable by not more than five years imprisonment or a fine of not more than
$10,000, or both."

The certification must include boxes for the voter to respond to the following questions:

"(1) Are you a citizen of the United States?" and

"(2) Are you at least 16 years old and will you be at least 18 years old on or before the
day of the election in which you intend to vote?"

And the instruction:

"If you checked 'no' to either of these questions, do not complete this form."

The form of the voter registration application and the certification of voter eligibility
must be as provided in this subdivision and approved by the secretary of state. Voter
registration forms authorized by the National Voter Registration Act must also be accepted
as valid. The federal postcard application form must also be accepted as valid if it is not
deficient and the voter is eligible to register in Minnesota.

An individual may use a voter registration application to apply to register to vote in
Minnesota or to change information on an existing registration.

Sec. 6.

Minnesota Statutes 2024, section 203B.04, subdivision 1, is amended to read:

Subdivision 1.

Application procedures.

(a) Except as otherwise allowed by subdivision
2 or by section 203B.11, subdivision 4, new text begin or 203B.29, new text end an application for absentee ballots for
any election new text begin :
new text end

new text begin (1) new text end may be submitted new text begin in person at any time not later than the day before the election; or
new text end

new text begin (2) if not submitted in person as provided in clause (1), must be received new text end at any time not
less than deleted text begin one day deleted text end new text begin seven days new text end before the day of that election.

new text begin (b) new text end The county auditor shall prepare absentee ballot application forms in the format
provided by the secretary of state and shall furnish them to any person on request. By January
1 of each even-numbered year, the secretary of state shall make the forms to be used available
to auditors through electronic means. An application submitted pursuant to this subdivision
shall be in writing. An application may be submitted in person, by electronic facsimile
device, by electronic mail, or by mail to:

(1) the county auditor of the county where the applicant maintains residence; or

(2) the municipal clerk of the municipality, or school district if applicable, where the
applicant maintains residence.

deleted text begin (b) deleted text end new text begin (c) new text end An absentee ballot application may alternatively be submitted electronically
through a secure website that shall be maintained by the secretary of state for this purpose.
new text begin After 5:00 p.m. seven days prior to an election, the secretary of state must replace the
electronic application with information detailing the available options to vote before and
on the upcoming election day. new text end Notwithstanding paragraph deleted text begin (d) deleted text end new text begin (e) new text end , the secretary of state must
require applicants using the website to submit the applicant's email address and new text begin the
applicant's:
new text end

new text begin (1) new text end verifiable Minnesota driver's license number deleted text begin , deleted text end new text begin or new text end Minnesota state identification card
number deleted text begin , or deleted text end new text begin ; and
new text end

new text begin (2) new text end the last four digits of the applicant's Social Security number.

new text begin If an applicant does not possess both types of documents, the applicant must include the
number for one type of document and must affirmatively certify that the applicant does not
possess the other type of documentation. new text end This paragraph does not apply to a town election
held in March.

deleted text begin (c) deleted text end new text begin (d) new text end An application submitted electronically under deleted text begin this deleted text end paragraph new text begin (c) new text end may only be
transmitted to the county auditor for processing if the secretary of state has verified the
application information matches the information in a government database associated with
the applicant's driver's license number, state identification card number, or Social Security
number. The secretary of state must review all unverifiable applications for evidence of
suspicious activity and must forward any such application to an appropriate law enforcement
agency for investigation.

deleted text begin (d) deleted text end new text begin (e) new text end An application shall be approved if it is timely received, signed and dated by the
applicant, contains the applicant's name and residence and mailing addresses, date of birth,
and at least one of the following:

(1) the applicant's Minnesota driver's license number;

(2) Minnesota state identification card number;

(3) the last four digits of the applicant's Social Security number; or

(4) a statement that the applicant does not have any of these numbers.

new text begin All applications must be retained by the county auditor or the municipal clerk or school
district clerk, if applicable. If an application is received after 5:00 p.m. seven days prior to
the election, the official in charge of the ballot board must, within one day of receipt of the
application, attempt to contact the applicant by telephone or email to notify the applicant
of opportunities to vote in the election. The official must document the attempts made to
contact the applicant.
new text end

deleted text begin (e) deleted text end new text begin (f) new text end To be approved, the application must contain an oath that the information contained
on the form is accurate, that the applicant is applying on the applicant's own behalf, and
that the applicant is signing the form under penalty of perjury.

deleted text begin (f) deleted text end new text begin (g) new text end An applicant's full date of birth, Minnesota driver's license or state identification
number, and the last four digits of the applicant's Social Security number must not be made
available for public inspection. An application may be submitted to the county auditor or
municipal clerk by an electronic facsimile device. An application mailed or returned in
person to the county auditor or municipal clerk on behalf of a voter by a person other than
the voter must be deposited in the mail or returned in person to the county auditor or
municipal clerk within deleted text begin ten deleted text end new text begin seven new text end days after it has been dated by the voter and no later than
deleted text begin six deleted text end new text begin seven new text end days before the election.

deleted text begin (g) deleted text end new text begin (h) new text end An application under this subdivision may contain an application under subdivision
5 to automatically receive an absentee ballot.

Sec. 7.

Minnesota Statutes 2024, section 203B.05, subdivision 1, is amended to read:

Subdivision 1.

Generally.

The full-time clerk of any city or town shall administer the
provisions of sections 203B.04 to 203B.15 and 203B.30 if:

(1) the county auditor of that county has designated the clerk to administer them new text begin and the
clerk accepts that responsibility new text end ; or

(2) the clerk has given the county auditor of that county notice of intention to administer
them.

The designation or notice must specify whether the clerk will be responsible for the
administration of a ballot board as provided in section 203B.121 new text begin and whether the
municipality's office will be designated an absentee voting location pursuant to section
203B.081, subdivision 1, or only for early voting pursuant to section 203B.081, subdivision
1a new text end .

A clerk of a city that is located in more than one county may only administer the
provisions of sections 203B.04 to 203B.15 and 203B.30 if the clerk has been designated
by each of the county auditors or has provided notice to each of the county auditors that the
city will administer absentee voting. A clerk may only administer the provisions of sections
203B.04 to 203B.15 and 203B.30 if the clerk has technical capacity to access the statewide
voter registration system in the secure manner prescribed by the secretary of state. The
secretary of state must identify hardware, software, security, or other technical prerequisites
necessary to ensure the security, access controls, and performance of the statewide voter
registration system. A clerk must receive training approved by the secretary of state on the
use of the statewide voter registration system before administering this section. A clerk may
not use the statewide voter registration system until the clerk has received the required
training. The county auditor must notify the secretary of state of any municipal clerk who
will be administering the provisions of this section and the duties that the clerk will
administer.

new text begin EFFECTIVE DATE. new text end

new text begin This section is effective upon the revisor of statutes' receipt of
the early voting certification and applies to elections held on or after the 85th day after the
revisor of statutes receives the certification.
new text end

Sec. 8.

Minnesota Statutes 2024, section 203B.08, subdivision 1, is amended to read:

Subdivision 1.

Marking and return by voter.

(a) An eligible voter who receives absentee
ballots as provided in this chapter shall mark them in the manner specified in the directions
for casting the absentee ballots. The deleted text begin return deleted text end new text begin signature new text end envelope containing marked ballots
may be mailed as provided in the directions for casting the absentee ballots, may be left
with the county auditor or municipal clerk who transmitted the absentee ballots to the voter,
or may be left in a drop box as provided in section 203B.082. If delivered in person, the
deleted text begin return deleted text end new text begin signature new text end envelope must be submitted to the county auditor or municipal clerk by
8:00 p.m. on election day.

(b) The voter may designate an agent to deliver in person the sealed deleted text begin absentee ballot
return deleted text end new text begin signature new text end envelope to the county auditor or municipal clerk or to deposit the deleted text begin return deleted text end new text begin
signature new text end envelope in the mail. An agent may deliver or mail the deleted text begin return deleted text end new text begin signature new text end envelopes
of not more than three voters in any election. Any person designated as an agent who tampers
with either the deleted text begin return deleted text end new text begin signature new text end envelope or the voted ballots or does not immediately mail
or deliver the deleted text begin return deleted text end new text begin signature new text end envelope to the county auditor or municipal clerk is guilty
of a misdemeanor.

Sec. 9.

Minnesota Statutes 2024, section 203B.08, subdivision 3, is amended to read:

Subd. 3.

Procedures on receipt of ballots.

When absentee ballots are returned to a
county auditor or municipal clerk, that official shall stamp or initial and date the deleted text begin return deleted text end new text begin
signature new text end envelope and place it in a locked ballot container or other secured and locked
space with other deleted text begin return deleted text end new text begin signature new text end envelopes received by that office. Within five days after
receipt, the county auditor or municipal clerk shall deliver to the ballot board all deleted text begin ballots deleted text end new text begin
signature envelopes new text end received, except that during the 14 days immediately preceding an
election, the county auditor or municipal clerk shall deliver all deleted text begin ballots deleted text end new text begin signature envelopes new text end
received to the ballot board within three days. deleted text begin Ballots deleted text end new text begin Signature envelopes new text end received on
election day after 8:00 p.m. shall be marked as received late by the county auditor or
municipal clerk, and must not be delivered to the ballot board.

Sec. 10.

Minnesota Statutes 2024, section 203B.081, subdivision 4, is amended to read:

Subd. 4.

Temporary locations.

(a) A county auditor or municipal clerk authorized under
section 203B.05 to administer voting before election day may designate additional polling
places with days and hours that differ from those required by section 203B.085. A designation
authorized by this subdivision must be made at least 47 days before the election. The county
auditor or municipal clerk must provide notice to the secretary of state at the time that the
designations are made.

(b) At the request of a federally recognized Indian Tribe with a reservation new text begin or
off-reservation Tribal Lands new text end in the county, the county auditor must establish an additional
polling place for at least one day on the Indian reservation new text begin or off-reservation Tribal Lands new text end
on a site agreed upon by the Tribe and the county auditor that is accessible to the county
auditor by a public road.

(c) At the request of a postsecondary institution or the student government organization
of a postsecondary institution in the county or municipality, the county auditor or a municipal
clerk authorized to administer absentee voting under section 203B.05 must establish an
additional temporary polling place for the state general election or the odd-year city general
election for at least one day at a location agreed upon by the institution and the county
auditor or municipal clerk that:

(1) is accessible to the public;

(2) satisfies the requirements of state and federal law; and

(3) is on the institution's campus or is within one-half mile of the institution's campus
and is reasonably accessible to the institution's students.

A request must be made no later than May 31 before an election and the request is valid
only for that election. This paragraph only applies to a postsecondary institution that provides
on-campus student housing to 100 or more students. Nothing in this paragraph prevents the
county auditor or municipal clerk from engaging in a dialogue with the entity that made the
request regarding potential alternative locations for a temporary polling place that does not
meet the requirements of clause (3). An entity that made a request for a temporary polling
place may withdraw its request by notifying the county auditor or municipal clerk.

new text begin (d) Within five business days of designating an additional polling place under this
subdivision, the county auditor or municipal clerk must post on the county's or municipality's
website the address of the polling place and the dates and times the polling place will be
available for voting. Within five business days of receiving the notice described in paragraph
(a), the secretary of state must post on the secretary of state's website the address of the
polling place and the dates and times the polling place will be available for voting. If a
designation applies to both a primary and general election, a separate notice must be provided
for each election, and the notice for the general election may not be posted until after the
date of the primary election.
new text end

Sec. 11.

Minnesota Statutes 2024, section 203B.12, subdivision 10, is amended to read:

Subd. 10.

Names of persons; absentee ballot applications.

The names of voters who
have submitted an absentee ballot application to the county auditor or municipal clerk new text begin , the
date on which the application was signed, the date on which the application was accepted,
and the method of submission new text end must be available to the public in the same manner as public
information lists in section 201.091, subdivisions 4, 5, and 9.

Sec. 12.

Minnesota Statutes 2024, section 203B.121, subdivision 4, is amended to read:

Subd. 4.

Opening of envelopes.

new text begin (a) new text end After the close of business on the 19th day before
the election, the ballots from deleted text begin secrecy deleted text end new text begin ballot new text end envelopes within the signature envelopes marked
"Accepted" may be opened, duplicated as needed in the manner provided in section 206.86,
subdivision 5, initialed by the members of the ballot board, and deposited in the appropriate
ballot box. If more than one voted ballot is enclosed in the ballot envelope, the ballots must
be returned in the manner provided by section 204C.25 for return of spoiled ballots, and
may not be counted.

new text begin (b) Accepted signature envelopes must be segregated by precinct and processed in
accordance with this subdivision on a precinct-by-precinct basis. Precincts within a
combination polling place established in section 205A.11, subdivision 2, may be processed
together. At each step, members of the ballot board must notify the official responsible for
the ballot board if there is a discrepancy in any count required by paragraphs (c) to (e) and
note it in the ballot board incident log.
new text end

new text begin (c) Before opening accepted signature envelopes, two members of the ballot board must
count and record the number of envelopes and ensure that the count matches either the
number of accepted signature envelopes provided by the official responsible for the ballot
board or the number of signature envelopes accepted by the ballot board that day.
new text end

new text begin (d) Two members of the ballot board must remove the ballots from the ballot envelopes.
The governing body responsible for the ballot board must not dispose of or destroy any
ballot envelopes until 30 days after the deadline for bringing an election contest expires or,
if a contest is filed, 30 days after completion of the contest and any related appeals, whichever
is later.
new text end

new text begin (e) After ballots have been removed from the ballot envelopes, two members of the
ballot board must count and record the number of ballots to ensure the count matches the
number of accepted signature envelopes, accounting for any empty envelopes or spoiled
ballots, which must be noted on the ballot board incident log.
new text end

Sec. 13.

Minnesota Statutes 2024, section 203B.121, subdivision 5, is amended to read:

Subd. 5.

Storage and counting of absentee ballots.

(a) On a day on which absentee
ballots are inserted into a ballot box, two members of the ballot board must:

(1) remove the ballots from the ballot box at the end of the day;

(2) without inspecting the ballots, ensure that the number of ballots removed from the
ballot box is equal to the number of deleted text begin voters whose deleted text end absentee ballots deleted text begin were accepted deleted text end new text begin from the
tally in subdivision 4 that were to be inserted into the ballot box new text end that day; and

(3) seal and secure all voted and unvoted ballots present in that location at the end of
the day.

(b) After the polls have closed on election day, two members of the ballot board must
count the ballots, tabulating the vote in a manner that indicates each vote of the voter and
the total votes cast for each candidate or question. In state primary and state general elections,
the results must indicate the total votes cast for each candidate or question in each precinct
and report the vote totals tabulated for each precinct. The count must be recorded on a
summary statement in substantially the same format as provided in section 204C.26. The
ballot board deleted text begin shall deleted text end new text begin must new text end submit at least one completed summary statement to the county
auditor or municipal clerk. The county auditor or municipal clerk may require the ballot
board to submit a sufficient number of completed summary statements to comply with the
provisions of section 204C.27, or the county auditor or municipal clerk may certify reports
containing the details of the ballot board summary statement to the recipients of the summary
statements designated in section 204C.27.

deleted text begin In state primary and state general elections, deleted text end These vote totals deleted text begin shall deleted text end new text begin must new text end be added to the
vote totals on the summary statements of the returns for the appropriate precinct. deleted text begin In other
elections, these vote totals may be added to the vote totals on the summary statement of
returns for the appropriate precinct or may be reported as a separate total.
deleted text end

The count deleted text begin shall deleted text end new text begin must new text end be public. No vote totals from ballots may be made public before
the close of voting on election day.

(c) In addition to the requirements of paragraphs (a) and (b), if the task has not been
completed previously, the members of the ballot board must verify as soon as possible, but
no later than 24 hours after the end of the hours for voting, that voters whose absentee ballots
arrived after the rosters were marked or supplemental reports were generated and whose
ballots were accepted did not vote in person on election day. An absentee ballot submitted
by a voter who has voted in person on election day must be rejected. All other accepted
absentee ballots must be opened new text begin in accordance with the procedures outlined in subdivision
4, except for the absentee ballots cast using the alternative procedure in section 203B.081,
subdivision 3 new text end , duplicated if necessary, and counted by members of the ballot board. The
vote totals from these ballots must be incorporated into the totals with the other absentee
ballots and handled according to paragraph (b).

Sec. 14.

Minnesota Statutes 2024, section 203B.29, subdivision 1, is amended to read:

Subdivision 1.

Emergency response providers.

Any eligible Minnesota voter who is
a trained or certified emergency response provider or utility worker who is deployed in
response to any state of emergency declared by the President of the United States or any
governor of any state within the United States during the time period authorized by law for
absentee voting or on election day may request that ballots, instructions, and a certificate
of voter eligibility be transmitted to the voter electronically. Upon receipt of a properly
completed application requesting electronic transmission, the county auditor must
electronically transmit the requested materials to the voter. new text begin The absentee ballot application
deadlines in section 203B.04, subdivision 1, do not apply to this subdivision. new text end The county
auditor is not required to provide return postage to voters to whom ballots are transmitted
electronically.

Sec. 15.

Minnesota Statutes 2024, section 203B.29, subdivision 2, is amended to read:

Subd. 2.

Reasonable accommodation for voter with disability.

Any eligible Minnesota
voter with a print disability, including any voter with disabilities that interfere with the
effective reading, writing, or use of printed materials, may request that ballots, instructions,
and a certificate of voter eligibility be transmitted to the voter electronically in an accessible
format that meets Election Assistance Commission minimum accessibility requirements.
Upon receipt of a properly completed application requesting electronic transmission, the
county auditor shall electronically transmit the requested materials to the voter. new text begin The absentee
ballot application deadlines in section 203B.04, subdivision 1, do not apply to this
subdivision. new text end The county auditor must also mail the voter materials required under section
203B.07.

Sec. 16.

Minnesota Statutes 2024, section 203B.30, subdivision 3, is amended to read:

Subd. 3.

Processing of ballots.

new text begin Each day when early voting occurs, new text end the early voting
officials must new text begin :
new text end

new text begin (1) new text end remove and secure ballots cast deleted text begin during the early voting period following the procedures
in section 203B.121, subdivision 5, paragraph (a). deleted text end new text begin , noting the date, voting location, and
number of ballots cast;
new text end

new text begin (2) without inspecting the ballots, ensure that the number of ballots removed from the
ballot box is equal to the number of voter certificates that were signed by voters in subdivision
2, paragraph (b); and
new text end

new text begin (3) seal and secure all voted and unvoted ballots present in that location at the end of
the day.
new text end

The deleted text begin absentee deleted text end ballot board must count the ballots after the polls have closed on election
day following the procedures in section 203B.121, subdivision 5, paragraph (b).

new text begin EFFECTIVE DATE. new text end

new text begin This section is effective upon the revisor of statutes' receipt of
the early voting certification and applies to elections held on or after the 85th day after the
revisor of statutes receives the certification.
new text end

Sec. 17.

Minnesota Statutes 2024, section 204B.06, subdivision 1b, is amended to read:

Subd. 1b.

Address, electronic mail address, and telephone number.

(a) An affidavit
of candidacy must state a telephone number where the candidate can be contacted. An
affidavit must also state the candidate's or campaign's nongovernment issued electronic
mail address or an attestation that the candidate and the candidate's campaign do not possess
an electronic mail address. new text begin Except for affidavits of candidacy for (1) judicial office, (2) the
office of county attorney, or (3) county sheriff, new text end an affidavit must also state the candidate's
current address of residence as determined under section 200.031, or at the candidate's
request in accordance with paragraph (c), the candidate's campaign contact address. When
filing the affidavit, the candidate must present the filing officer with the candidate's valid
driver's license or state identification card that contains the candidate's current address of
residence, or documentation of proof of residence authorized for election day registration
in section 201.061, subdivision 3, paragraph (a), clause (2); clause (3) deleted text begin , item (ii) deleted text end ; or paragraph
(d). new text begin If an original bill is shown, the due date on the bill must be within 30 days before or
after the beginning of the filing period or, for bills without a due date, dated within 30 days
before the beginning of the filing period. new text end If the address on the affidavit and the documentation
do not match, the filing officer must not accept the affidavit. The form for the affidavit of
candidacy must allow the candidate to request, if eligible, that the candidate's address of
residence be classified as private data, and to provide the certification required under
paragraph (c) for classification of that address.

(b) If an affidavit for an office where a residency requirement must be satisfied by the
close of the filing period is filed as provided by paragraph (c), the filing officer must, within
one business day of receiving the filing, determine whether the address provided in the
affidavit of candidacy is within the area represented by the office the candidate is seeking.
For all other candidates who filed for an office whose residency requirement must be satisfied
by the close of the filing period, a registered voter in this state may request in writing that
the filing officer receiving the affidavit of candidacy review the address as provided in this
paragraph, at any time up to one day after the last day for filing for office. If requested, the
filing officer must determine whether the address provided in the affidavit of candidacy is
within the area represented by the office the candidate is seeking. If the filing officer
determines that the address is not within the area represented by the office, the filing officer
must immediately notify the candidate and the candidate's name must be removed from the
ballot for that office. A determination made by a filing officer under this paragraph is subject
to judicial review under section 204B.44.

(c) If the candidate requests that the candidate's address of residence be classified as
private data, the candidate must list the candidate's address of residence on a separate form
to be attached to the affidavit. The candidate must also certify on the affidavit that either:
(1) a police report has been submitted, an order for protection has been issued, or the
candidate has a reasonable fear in regard to the safety of the candidate or the candidate's
family; or (2) the candidate's address is otherwise private pursuant to Minnesota law. The
address of residence provided by a candidate who makes a request for classification on the
candidate's affidavit of candidacy and provides the certification required by this paragraph
is classified as private data, as defined in section 13.02, subdivision 12, but may be reviewed
by the filing officer as provided in this subdivision.

deleted text begin (d) The requirements of this subdivision do not apply to affidavits of candidacy for a
candidate for: (1) judicial office; (2) the office of county attorney; or (3) county sheriff.
deleted text end

Sec. 18.

Minnesota Statutes 2024, section 204B.09, subdivision 1a, is amended to read:

Subd. 1a.

Absent candidates.

(a) A candidate for special district, county, state, or federal
office who will be absent from the state during the filing period may submit a properly
executed affidavit of candidacy, the appropriate filing fee, and any necessary petitions in
person to the filing officer. The candidate shall state in writing the reason for being unable
to submit the affidavit during the filing period. The affidavit, filing fee, if any, and petitions
must be submitted to the filing officer during the seven days immediately preceding the
candidate's absence from the state. Nominating petitions may be signed during the 14 days
immediately preceding the date when the affidavit of candidacy is filed.

(b) A candidate for special district, county, state, or federal office who will be absent
from the state during the entire filing period or who must leave the state for the remainder
of the filing period and who certifies to the secretary of state that the circumstances constitute
an emergency and were unforeseen, may submit a properly executed affidavit of candidacy
by facsimile device or by transmitting electronically a scanned image of the affidavit new text begin and
proof of residence required in section 204B.06, subdivision 1b, new text end to the secretary of state
during the filing period. The candidate shall state in writing the specific reason for being
unable to submit the affidavit by mail or by hand during the filing period or in person prior
to the start of the filing period. The affidavit of candidacy, filing fee, if any, and any necessary
petitions must be received by the secretary of state by 5:00 p.m. on the last day for filing.
If the candidate is filing for a special district or county office, the secretary of state shall
forward the affidavit of candidacy, filing fee, if any, and any necessary petitions to the
appropriate filing officer. new text begin Copies of a proof of residence submitted under this subdivision
are private data.
new text end

Sec. 19.

Minnesota Statutes 2024, section 204B.09, subdivision 2, is amended to read:

Subd. 2.

Other elections.

Affidavits of candidacy and nominating petitions for city,
town or other elective offices shall be filed during the time and with the official specified
in chapter 205 or other applicable law or charter, except as provided for a special district
candidate under subdivision 1a. Affidavits of candidacy and applications filed on behalf of
eligible voters for school board office shall be filed during the time and with the official
specified in chapter 205A or other applicable law. Affidavits of candidacy new text begin , including proof
of residence required in section 204B.06, subdivision 1b, new text end and nominating petitions filed
under this subdivision must be submitted by mail or by hand, notwithstanding chapter 325L,
or any other law to the contrary, and must be received by the appropriate official within the
specified time for the filing of affidavits and petitions for the office. new text begin Copies of a proof of
residence submitted by mail are private data.
new text end

Sec. 20.

Minnesota Statutes 2024, section 204B.14, subdivision 2, is amended to read:

Subd. 2.

Separate precincts; combined polling place.

(a) The following shall constitute
at least one election precinct:

(1) each city ward; and

(2) each town and each statutory city.

(b) A single, accessible, combined polling place may be established no later than
November 1 if a presidential nomination primary is scheduled to occur in the following
year or May 1 of any other year:

(1) for any city of the third or fourth class, any town, or any city having territory in more
than one county, in which all the voters of the city or town shall cast their ballots;

(2) for contiguous precincts in the same municipality;

(3) for up to four contiguous municipalities located entirely outside the metropolitan
area, as defined by section 200.02, subdivision 24, that are contained in the same county;
or

(4) for noncontiguous precincts located in one or more counties.

Subject to the requirements of paragraph (c), a single, accessible, combined polling place
may be established after May 1 of any year in the event of an emergency.

A copy of the ordinance or resolution establishing a combined polling place must be
filed with the county auditor within 30 days after approval by the governing body, and the
county auditor must provide notice within ten days to the secretary of state, in a manner
and including information prescribed by the secretary of state. A polling place combined
under clause (3) must be approved by the governing body of each participating municipality.
A polling place combined under clause (4) must be approved by the governing body of each
participating municipality and the secretary of state and may be located outside any of the
noncontiguous precincts. A municipality withdrawing from participation in a combined
polling place must do so by filing a resolution of withdrawal with the county auditor no
later than October 1 if a presidential nomination primary is scheduled to occur in the
following year or April 1 of any other year, and the county auditor must provide notice
within ten days to the secretary of state, in a manner and including information prescribed
by the secretary of state.

The secretary of state shall provide a separate polling place roster for each precinct
served by the combined polling place, except that in a precinct that uses electronic rosters
the secretary of state shall provide separate data files for each precinct. new text begin The secretary of
state and county auditor must provide guidance to the election judges serving in a combined
polling place on the procedures to be used to ensure each voter is provided the correct ballot
for that voter's precinct. new text end A single set of election judges may be appointed to serve at a
combined polling place. The number of election judges required must be based on the total
number of persons voting at the last similar election in all precincts to be voting at the
combined polling place. Separate ballot boxes must be provided for the ballots from each
precinct. The results of the election must be reported separately for each precinct served by
the combined polling place, except in a polling place established under clause (2) where
one of the precincts has fewer than ten registered voters, in which case the results of that
precinct must be reported in the manner specified by the secretary of state. new text begin In addition to
other required informational material and notices, a map showing the precincts served by
the combined polling place, along with a notice that multiple ballot styles are in use, must
be prominently displayed near the entrance to the combined polling place.
new text end

(c) If a local elections official determines that an emergency situation preventing the
safe, secure, and full operation of a polling place on election day has occurred or is imminent,
the local elections official may combine two or more polling places for that election pursuant
to this subdivision. To the extent possible, the polling places must be combined and the
election conducted according to the requirements of paragraph (b), except that:

(1) polling places may be combined after May 1 and until the polls close on election
day;

(2) any city or town, regardless of size or location, may establish a combined polling
place under this paragraph;

(3) the governing body is not required to adopt an ordinance or resolution to establish
the combined polling place;

(4) a polling place combined under paragraph (b), clause (3) or (4), must be approved
by the local election official of each participating municipality;

(5) the local elections official must immediately notify the county auditor and the
secretary of state of the combination, including the reason for the emergency combination
and the location of the combined polling place. As soon as possible, the local elections
official must also post a notice stating the reason for the combination and the location of
the combined polling place. The notice must also be posted on the governing board's website,
if one exists. The local elections official must also notify the election judges and request
that local media outlets publicly announce the reason for the combination and the location
of the combined polling place; and

(6) on election day, the local elections official must post a notice in large print in a
conspicuous place at the polling place where the emergency occurred, if practical, stating
the location of the combined polling place. The local election official must also post the
notice, if practical, in a location visible by voters who vote from their motor vehicles as
provided in section 204C.15, subdivision 2. If polling place hours are extended pursuant to
section 204C.05, subdivision 2, paragraph (b), the posted notices required by this paragraph
must include a statement that the polling place hours at the combined polling place will be
extended until the specified time.

Sec. 21.

Minnesota Statutes 2024, section 204B.16, subdivision 1a, is amended to read:

Subd. 1a.

Notice to voters.

new text begin (a) new text end If the location of a polling place has been changed, the
governing body establishing the polling place shall send to every affected household with
at least one registered voter in the precinct a nonforwardable mailed notice stating the
location of the new polling place at least 25 days before the next election. The secretary of
state shall prepare a sample of this notice. A notice that is returned as undeliverable must
be forwarded immediately to the county auditor. This deleted text begin subdivision deleted text end new text begin paragraph new text end does not apply
to a polling place location that is changed on election day under section 204B.175.

new text begin (b) If the location of a polling place has been changed, the local official for the governing
body establishing the polling place must post a notice in large print and in a conspicuous
place at the closed polling place, if practicable, stating the location of the new polling place.
The local election official must also post the notice, if practicable, in a location visible by
voters who vote from their motor vehicles as provided in section 204C.15, subdivision 2.
The notice must be in all languages required under section 204B.295 for that precinct. The
notice must be posted for each special, primary, and general election until a general
presidential election or redistricting has occurred. The secretary of state shall prepare a
sample of this notice.
new text end

Sec. 22.

Minnesota Statutes 2024, section 204B.16, subdivision 4, is amended to read:

Subd. 4.

Prohibited locations.

No polling place shall be designated in any place new text begin or in
any adjoining room new text end where intoxicating liquors deleted text begin or deleted text end new text begin ; new text end nonintoxicating malt beverages new text begin ; or
cannabis products, as defined in section 342.01, subdivision 20, new text end are served or deleted text begin in any adjoining
room deleted text end new text begin sold new text end . No polling place shall be designated in any place in which substantial compliance
with the requirements of this chapter cannot be attained.

Sec. 23.

new text begin [204B.182] CHAIN OF CUSTODY PLANS.
new text end

new text begin (a) The county auditor must develop a county elections chain of custody plan to be used
in all state, county, municipal, school district, and special district elections held in that
county. If any of the political subdivisions cross county lines, the affected counties must
make efforts to ensure that the elections chain of custody procedures affecting the local
jurisdiction are uniform throughout the jurisdiction. County auditors must file the elections
chain of custody plans with the secretary of state.
new text end

new text begin (b) The chain of custody plan must account for both the physical and cyber security of
elections-related materials. The plan must include sample chain of custody documentation.
new text end

new text begin (c) The secretary of state may provide additional guidance to counties on elections chain
of custody best practices and planning.
new text end

new text begin (d) A municipal clerk, school district clerk, or special district clerk may create a local
chain of custody plan for use in local elections not held in conjunction with federal, state,
or county elections that meets or exceeds the requirements of the county elections chain of
custody plan. Any plan adopted under this paragraph must be adopted and filed with the
secretary of state at least 84 days before the first election in which it will be used.
new text end

new text begin (e) Each political subdivision clerk who develops a local elections chain of custody plan
pursuant to paragraph (d) and each county auditor must review their respective elections
chain of custody plan prior to each state primary election. Any revisions to the elections
chain of custody plan must be completed and filed with the secretary of state by June 1 prior
to the state primary election.
new text end

new text begin EFFECTIVE DATE. new text end

new text begin This section is effective the day following final enactment, and
county auditors must file an elections chain of custody plan with the secretary of state by
September 1, 2025.
new text end

Sec. 24.

Minnesota Statutes 2024, section 204B.19, subdivision 5, is amended to read:

Subd. 5.

Party balance requirement.

No more than half of the election judges in a
precinct new text begin , or at any location where ballots are being counted, recounted, or reviewed, new text end may
be members of the same major political party unless the election board consists of an odd
number of election judges, in which case the number of election judges who are members
of the same major political party may be one more than half the number of election judges
in that precinct. new text begin Each major political party must be represented by at least one election judge
in each precinct.
new text end

Sec. 25.

Minnesota Statutes 2024, section 204B.24, is amended to read:

204B.24 ELECTION JUDGES; OATH.

Each election judge shall sign the following oath before assuming the duties of the office:

"I .......... solemnly swear (or affirm) that new text begin :
new text end

new text begin (1) new text end I will perform the duties of election judge according to law and the best of my ability
and will diligently endeavor to prevent fraud, deceit and abuse in conducting this election.

new text begin (2) new text end I will perform my duties in a fair and impartial manner and not attempt to create an
advantage for my party or for any candidate.

new text begin (3) In the performance of my duties as an election judge, I will not share information
about voting that I know to be materially false and will not intentionally hinder, interfere
with, or prevent a person from voting, registering to vote, or aiding another person in casting
a ballot or registering to vote, except as specifically required by law. new text end "

The oath shall be attached to the summary statement of the election returns of that
precinct. If there is no individual present who is authorized to administer oaths, the election
judges may administer the oath to each other.

Sec. 26.

Minnesota Statutes 2024, section 204B.25, subdivision 1, is amended to read:

Subdivision 1.

Duties of county auditor.

Each county auditor shall provide training for
all election judges who are appointed to serve at any election to be held in the county. The
county auditor shall also provide a procedure for emergency training of election judges
elected to fill vacancies. The county auditor may delegate to a municipal election official
the duty to provide training of election judges in that municipality or school district. new text begin The
training must be consistent with the training programs established by the secretary of state
under subdivision 2.
new text end

Sec. 27.

Minnesota Statutes 2024, section 204B.44, is amended to read:

204B.44 ERRORS AND OMISSIONS; REMEDY.

(a) Any individual may file a petition in the manner provided in this section for the
correction of any of the following errors, omissions, or wrongful acts which have occurred
or are about to occur:

(1) an error or omission in the placement or printing of the name or description of any
candidate or any question on any official ballot, including the placement of a candidate on
the official ballot who is not eligible to hold the office for which the candidate has filed;

(2) any other error in preparing or printing any official ballot;

(3) failure of the chair or secretary of the proper committee of a major political party to
execute or file a certificate of nomination;

(4) any wrongful act, omission, or error of any election judge, municipal clerk, county
auditor, canvassing board or any of its members, the secretary of state, or any other individual
charged with any duty concerning an election.

(b) The petition shall describe the error, omission, or wrongful act and the correction
sought by the petitioner. The petition shall be filed with any judge of the supreme court in
the case of an election for state or federal office or any judge of the district court in that
county in the case of an election for county, municipal, or school district office. The petitioner
shall serve a copy of the petition on the officer, board or individual charged with the error,
omission, or wrongful act, on all candidates for the office in the case of an election for state,
federal, county, municipal, or school district office, and on any other party as required by
the court. Upon receipt of the petition the court shall immediately set a time for a hearing
on the matter and order the officer, board or individual charged with the error, omission or
wrongful act to correct the error or wrongful act or perform the duty or show cause for not
doing so. In the case of a review of a candidate's eligibility to hold office, the court may
order the candidate to appear and present sufficient evidence of the candidate's eligibility.
The court shall issue its findings and a final order for appropriate relief as soon as possible
after the hearing. Failure to obey the order is contempt of court.

new text begin (c) Any service required on a candidate may be accomplished by electronic mail sent
to the address the candidate provided on the candidate's affidavit of candidacy pursuant to
section 204B.06, subdivision 1b, or by any other means permitted by law.
new text end

new text begin (d) If the candidate for an office and the officer, board, or individual charged with the
error, omission, or wrongful act unanimously agree in writing:
new text end

new text begin (1) that an error, omission, or wrongful act occurred; and
new text end

new text begin (2) on the appropriate correction for the error, omission, or wrongful act;
new text end

new text begin then the officer, board, or individual charged with the error, omission, or wrongful act must
correct the error in the manner agreed to without an order from the court.
new text end

new text begin The officer, board, or individual must notify the secretary of state in writing of the error
and proposed correction within one business day of receiving notification of the candidate's
written agreement and must not distribute any ballots reflecting the proposed correction for
two business days unless the secretary of state waives the notice period.
new text end

new text begin (e) Notwithstanding any other provision of this section, an official may correct any
official ballot without order from the court if the ballot is not in compliance with sections
204B.35 to 204B.37 or any rules promulgated under sections 204B.35 to 204B.37.
new text end

Sec. 28.

Minnesota Statutes 2024, section 204B.45, subdivision 2, is amended to read:

Subd. 2.

Procedure; voting prior to election day.

Notice of the election and the special
mail procedure must be given at least ten weeks prior to the election. Not more than 46 days
nor later than deleted text begin 14 deleted text end new text begin 28 new text end days before deleted text begin a regularly scheduled deleted text end new text begin any new text end election deleted text begin and not more than 30
days nor later than 14 days before any other election deleted text end , the auditor shall mail ballots by
nonforwardable mail to all voters registered in the city, town, or unorganized territory. No
later than 14 days before the election, the auditor must make a subsequent mailing of ballots
to those voters who register to vote after the initial mailing but before the 20th day before
the election. Eligible voters not registered at the time the ballots are mailed may apply for
ballots as provided in chapter 203B. Ballot return envelopes, with return postage provided,
must be preaddressed to the auditor or clerk and the voter may return the ballot by mail or
in person to the office of the auditor or clerk. The auditor or clerk must appoint a ballot
board to examine the mail and absentee ballot return envelopes and mark them "accepted"
or "rejected" within three days of receipt if there are 14 or fewer days before election day,
or within five days of receipt if there are more than 14 days before election day. The board
may consist of deputy county auditors or deputy municipal clerks who have received training
in the processing and counting of mail ballots, who need not be affiliated with a major
political party. Election judges performing the duties in this section must be of different
major political parties, unless they are exempt from that requirement under section 205.075,
subdivision 4, or section 205A.10. If an envelope has been rejected at least five days before
the election, the ballots in the envelope must remain sealed and the auditor or clerk shall
provide the voter with a replacement ballot and return envelope in place of the spoiled ballot.
If the ballot is rejected within five days of the election, the envelope must remain sealed
and the official in charge of the ballot board must attempt to contact the voter by telephone
or email to notify the voter that the voter's ballot has been rejected. The official must
document the attempts made to contact the voter.

If the ballot is accepted, the county auditor or municipal clerk must mark the roster to
indicate that the voter has already cast a ballot in that election. After the close of business
on the 19th day before the election, the ballots from return envelopes marked "Accepted"
may be opened, duplicated as needed in the manner provided by section 206.86, subdivision
5, initialed by the members of the ballot board, and deposited in the ballot box.

In all other respects, the provisions of the Minnesota Election Law governing deposit
and counting of ballots apply.

The mail and absentee ballots for a precinct must be counted together and reported as
one vote total. No vote totals from mail or absentee ballots may be made public before the
close of voting on election day.

The costs of the mailing shall be paid by the election jurisdiction in which the voter
maintains residence. Any ballot received by 8:00 p.m. on the day of the election must be
counted.

Sec. 29.

Minnesota Statutes 2024, section 204C.08, subdivision 1d, is amended to read:

Subd. 1d.

Voter's Bill of Rights.

The county auditor shall prepare and provide to each
polling place sufficient copies of a poster setting forth the Voter's Bill of Rights as set forth
in this section. Before the hours of voting are scheduled to begin, the election judges shall
post it in a conspicuous location or locations in the polling place. The Voter's Bill of Rights
is as follows:

"VOTER'S BILL OF RIGHTS

For all persons residing in this state who meet federal voting eligibility requirements:

(1) You have the right to be absent from work for the purpose of voting in a state, federal,
or regularly scheduled election without reduction to your pay, personal leave, or vacation
time on election day for the time necessary to appear at your polling place, cast a ballot,
and return to work.

(2) If you are in line at your polling place any time before 8:00 p.m., you have the right
to vote.

(3) If you can provide the required proof of residence, you have the right to register to
vote and to vote on election day.

(4) If you are unable to sign your name, you have the right to orally confirm your identity
with an election judge and to direct another person to sign your name for you.

(5) You have the right to request special assistance when voting.

(6) If you need assistance, you may be accompanied into the voting booth by a person
of your choice, except by an agent of your employer or union deleted text begin or a candidate deleted text end .

(7) You have the right to bring your minor children into the polling place and into the
voting booth with you.

(8) You have the right to vote if you are not currently incarcerated for conviction of a
felony offense.

(9) If you are under a guardianship, you have the right to vote, unless the court order
revokes your right to vote.

(10) You have the right to vote without anyone in the polling place trying to influence
your vote.

(11) If you make a mistake or spoil your ballot before it is submitted, you have the right
to receive a replacement ballot and vote.

(12) You have the right to file a written complaint at your polling place if you are
dissatisfied with the way an election is being run.

(13) You have the right to take a sample ballot into the voting booth with you.

(14) You have the right to take a copy of this Voter's Bill of Rights into the voting booth
with you."

Sec. 30.

Minnesota Statutes 2024, section 204C.09, subdivision 1, is amended to read:

Subdivision 1.

Counting and initialing.

(a) Before the voting begins, at least two election
judges must certify the number of ballots delivered to the precinct. Election judges may
conduct this count, presuming that the total count provided for prepackaged ballots is correct.
As each package is opened, two judges must count the ballots in the package to ensure that
the total count provided for the package is correct. Any discrepancy must be noted on the
incident log.

(b) Before the voting begins, or as soon as possible after it begins, at least two election
judges shall each initial deleted text begin the backs of deleted text end all the ballots. The election judges shall not otherwise
mark the ballots.

Sec. 31.

Minnesota Statutes 2024, section 204C.15, subdivision 1, is amended to read:

Subdivision 1.

Physical assistance in marking ballots.

A voter who claims a need for
assistance because of inability to read English or physical inability to mark a ballot may
obtain the aid of two election judges who are members of different major political parties new text begin
at any location where ballots may be cast, including early and in-person absentee voting
locations, and in a polling place on election day new text end . The election judges shall mark the ballots
as directed by the voter and in as secret a manner as circumstances permit. A voter in need
of assistance may alternatively obtain the assistance of any individual the voter chooses.
Only the following persons may not provide assistance to a voter: the voter's employer, an
agent of the voter's employer, or an officer or agent of the voter's union. The person who
assists the voter shall, unaccompanied by an election judge, retire with that voter to a booth
and mark the ballot as directed by the voter. Before the ballots are deposited, the voter may
show them privately to an election judge to ascertain that they are marked as the voter
directed. An election judge or other individual assisting a voter shall not in any manner
request, persuade, induce, or attempt to persuade or induce the voter to vote for any particular
political party or candidate. The election judges or other individuals who assist the voter
shall not reveal to anyone the name of any candidate for whom the voter has voted or
anything that took place while assisting the voter.

Sec. 32.

Minnesota Statutes 2024, section 204C.15, subdivision 2, is amended to read:

Subd. 2.

Outside the polling place.

An individual who is unable to enter new text begin any location
where ballots may be cast, including early and in-person absentee voting locations, or new text end a
polling place where paper ballots or an electronic voting system are used may register and
vote without leaving a motor vehicle. Two election judges who are members of different
major political parties shall assist the voter to register and to complete a voter's certificate
and shall provide the necessary ballots. The voter may request additional assistance in
marking ballots as provided in subdivision 1.

Sec. 33.

Minnesota Statutes 2024, section 204D.19, subdivision 1, is amended to read:

Subdivision 1.

Vacancy filled at general election.

When a vacancy occurs more than
150 days before the next state general election, and the legislature will not be in session
before the final canvass of the state general election returns, the vacancy shall be filled at
the next state general election. new text begin When practicable, the filing period for the vacancy must be
concurrent with the filing period for the general election filing period provided in section
204B.09. If not possible, the filing period for the vacancy must be a minimum of five days
and a maximum of ten days, excluding holidays.
new text end

new text begin EFFECTIVE DATE. new text end

new text begin This section is effective the day following final enactment and
applies to vacancies in legislative offices that occur on or after that date.
new text end

Sec. 34.

Minnesota Statutes 2024, section 204D.19, subdivision 2, is amended to read:

Subd. 2.

Special election when legislature will be in session.

Except for vacancies in
the legislature which occur at any time between the last day of session in an odd-numbered
year and the deleted text begin 40th deleted text end new text begin 50th new text end day prior to the opening day of session in the succeeding
even-numbered year, when a vacancy occurs and the legislature will be in session so that
the individual elected as provided by this section could take office and exercise the duties
of the office immediately upon election, the governor shall issue within five days after the
vacancy occurs a writ calling for a special election. new text begin The filing period for the vacancy must
be a minimum of five days and a maximum of ten days, excluding holidays. new text end The special
election shall be held as soon as possible, consistent with the notice requirements of section
204D.22, subdivision 3, but in no event more than deleted text begin 35 deleted text end new text begin 40 new text end days after the issuance of the writ.
A special election must not be held during the four days before or the four days after a
holiday as defined in section 645.44, subdivision 5.

new text begin EFFECTIVE DATE. new text end

new text begin This section is effective the day following final enactment and
applies to vacancies in legislative offices that occur on or after that date.
new text end

Sec. 35.

Minnesota Statutes 2024, section 204D.19, subdivision 3, is amended to read:

Subd. 3.

Special election at other times.

When a vacancy occurs at a time other than
those described in subdivisions 1 and 2 the governor shall issue a writ, calling for a special
election to be held so that the individual elected may take office at the opening of the next
session of the legislature, or at the reconvening of a session of the legislature. new text begin The filing
period for the vacancy must be a minimum of five days and a maximum of ten days,
excluding holidays.
new text end

new text begin EFFECTIVE DATE. new text end

new text begin This section is effective the day following final enactment and
applies to vacancies in legislative offices that occur on or after that date.
new text end

Sec. 36.

Minnesota Statutes 2024, section 205.13, subdivision 1a, is amended to read:

Subd. 1a.

Filing period.

In a city nominating candidates at a primary, an affidavit of
candidacy for a city office voted on in November must be filed no more than 84 days nor
less than 70 days before the city primary. In municipalities that do not hold a primary, an
affidavit of candidacy must be filed no more than 70 days and not less than 56 days before
the municipal general election held in March in any year, or a special election not held in
conjunction with another election, and no more than deleted text begin 98 deleted text end new text begin 112 new text end days nor less than deleted text begin 84 deleted text end new text begin 98 new text end days
before the municipal general election held in November of any year. The municipal clerk's
office must be open for filing from 1:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. on the last day of the filing period.

new text begin EFFECTIVE DATE. new text end

new text begin This section is effective January 1, 2026.
new text end

Sec. 37.

Minnesota Statutes 2024, section 206.845, subdivision 1, is amended to read:

Subdivision 1.

Prohibited connections.

The county auditor and municipal clerk must
secure ballot recording and tabulating systems physically and electronically against
unauthorized access. Except for wired connections within the polling place, ballot recording
and tabulating systems must not be connected to or operated on, directly or indirectly, any
electronic network, including a local area network, a wide-area network, the Internet, or the
World Wide Web. Wireless communications may not be used in any way in a vote recording
or vote tabulating system. Wireless, device-to-device capability is not permitted. No
connection by modem is permitted.

Transfer of information from the ballot recording or tabulating system to another system
for network distribution or broadcast must be made by disk, tape, or other physical means
of communication, other than direct or indirect electronic connection of the vote recording
or vote tabulating system. A county auditor or municipal clerk may not create or disclose,
or permit any other person to create or disclose, an electronic image of the hard drive of
any vote recording or tabulating system or any other component of an electronic voting
system, except as authorized in writing by the secretary of state or for the purpose of
conducting official duties as expressly authorized by law. new text begin A password used to access any
ballot recording or tabulating system must be kept in a safe and secure place in the precinct
so that it is not accessible to or visible by the public.
new text end

Sec. 38.

Minnesota Statutes 2024, section 211A.02, subdivision 2, is amended to read:

Subd. 2.

Information required.

The report to be filed by a candidate or committee must
include:

(1) the name of the candidate and office sought;

(2) the printed name, address, telephone number, signature, and email address deleted text begin , if available, deleted text end new text begin
or an attestation that the candidate and the candidate's campaign do not possess an email
address, new text end of the person responsible for filing the report;

(3) the total cash on hand designated to be used for political purposes;

(4) the total amount of contributions received and the total amount of disbursements for
the period from the last previous report to five days before the current report is due;

(5) if disbursements made to the same vendor exceed $100 in the aggregate during the
period covered by the report, the name and address for the vendor and the amount, date,
and purpose for each disbursement; and

(6) the name, address, and employer, or occupation if self-employed, of any individual
or entity that during the period covered by the report has made one or more contributions
that in the aggregate exceed $100, and the amount and date of each contribution. The filing
officer must restrict public access to the address of any individual who has made a
contribution that exceeds $100 and who has filed with the filing officer a written statement
signed by the individual that withholding the individual's address from the financial report
is required for the safety of the individual or the individual's family.

new text begin EFFECTIVE DATE. new text end

new text begin This section is effective January 1, 2026.
new text end

Sec. 39.

Minnesota Statutes 2024, section 375.20, is amended to read:

375.20 BALLOT QUESTIONS.

If the county board may do an act, incur a debt, appropriate money for a purpose, or
exercise any other power or authority, only if authorized by a vote of the people, the question
may be submitted at a special or general election, by a resolution specifying the matter or
question to be voted upon. If the question is to authorize the appropriation of money, creation
of a debt, or levy of a tax, it shall state the amount. Notice of the election shall be given as
in the case of special elections. If the question submitted is adopted, the board shall pass an
appropriate resolution to carry it into effect. In the election the form of the ballot shall be:
"Shall (here state the substance of the resolution to be submitted)?, Yes ...... No......,". The
county board may call a special county election upon a question to be held within deleted text begin 74 deleted text end new text begin 84 new text end
days after a resolution to that effect is adopted by the county board. Upon the adoption of
the resolution the county auditor shall post and publish notices of the election, as required
by section 204D.22, subdivisions 2 and 3. The election shall be conducted and the returns
canvassed in the manner prescribed by sections 204D.20 to 204D.27, so far as practicable.

Sec. 40.

Minnesota Statutes 2024, section 383B.041, subdivision 5, is amended to read:

Subd. 5.

Economic interest disclosure; Special School District No. 1.

Every candidate
for school board in Special School District No. 1, Minneapolis, must file an original statement
of economic interest with the school district within 14 days deleted text begin of the filing of an affidavit or
petition to appear on the ballot deleted text end new text begin after the candidate filing period ends new text end . An elected official in
Special School District No. 1, Minneapolis, must file the annual statement required in section
10A.09, subdivision 6, with the school district for every year that the individual serves in
office. An original and annual statement must contain the information listed in section
10A.09, subdivision 5. The provisions of section 10A.09, subdivisions 6a, 7, and 9, apply
to statements required under this subdivision.

new text begin EFFECTIVE DATE. new text end

new text begin This section is effective January 1, 2026.
new text end

Sec. 41.

Minnesota Statutes 2024, section 414.09, subdivision 3, is amended to read:

Subd. 3.

Elections of municipal officers.

(a) An order approving an incorporation or
consolidation pursuant to this chapter, or an order requiring an election under section 414.031,
subdivision 4a, shall set a date for an election of new municipal officers deleted text begin not less than 45
days nor more than 60 days after the issuance of such order deleted text end new text begin in accordance with the uniform
election dates defined in section 205.10, subdivision 3a new text end .

(b) The chief administrative law judge shall appoint an acting clerk for election purposes,
at least three election judges who shall be residents of the new municipality, and shall
designate polling places within the new municipality.

(c) The acting clerk shall prepare the official election ballot new text begin pursuant to section 205.17 new text end .

(d) Any person eligible to hold municipal office may file an affidavit of candidacy deleted text begin not
more than four weeks nor less than two weeks before the date designated in the order for
the election deleted text end new text begin pursuant to section 205.13 new text end .

(e) The election shall be conducted in conformity with the charter and the laws for
conducting municipal elections insofar as applicable.

(f) Any person eligible to vote at a township or municipal election within the area of the
new municipality, is eligible to vote at such election.

(g) Any excess in the expense of conducting the election over receipts from filing fees
shall be a charge against the new municipality; any excess of receipts shall be deposited in
the treasury of the new municipality.

Sec. 42. new text begin REPEALER.
new text end

new text begin Minnesota Statutes 2024, section 204B.25, subdivision 3, new text end new text begin is repealed.
new text end

APPENDIX

Repealed Minnesota Statutes: H1378-1

204B.25 TRAINING FOR ELECTION JUDGES.

Subd. 3.

Trained election judges; number required.

Each election precinct in which less than 100 individuals voted at the last state general election shall have at least two election judges who are members of different major political parties who have received training as required in this section. In every other election precinct, no individual may serve as an election judge who has not received training as required by subdivision 1.