HF 3233

as introduced - 92nd Legislature (2021 - 2022) Posted on 04/07/2022 01:04pm

A bill for an act
relating to elections; requiring ballots to be printed on paper that includes a unique
watermark; providing an exception for ballots prepared and distributed for military
and overseas absentee voters; amending Minnesota Statutes 2020, section 204B.36,
subdivision 1; Minnesota Statutes 2021 Supplement, section 203B.121, subdivision
4.

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

Section 1.

Minnesota Statutes 2021 Supplement, section 203B.121, subdivision 4, is
amended to read:

Subd. 4.

Opening of envelopes.

After the close of business on the seventh day before
the election, the ballots from secrecy 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. new text begin Prior to depositing a ballot into the appropriate ballot box, the members of the
ballot board must verify that the ballot contains the unique watermark required by section
204B.36, subdivision 1. new text end If more than one voted ballot is enclosed in the ballot envelope, new text begin or
if a ballot does not contain a watermark indicating its authenticity, new text end the ballots must be
returned in the manner provided by section 204C.25 for return of spoiled ballots, and may
not be counted.

Sec. 2.

Minnesota Statutes 2020, section 204B.36, subdivision 1, is amended to read:

Subdivision 1.

Type.

new text begin (a) new text end All ballots shall be printed with black ink on paper of sufficient
thickness to prevent the printing from being discernible from the back. All ballots shall be
printed in easily readable type with suitable lines dividing candidates, offices, instructions
and other matter printed on ballots. The same type shall be used for the names of all
candidates on the same ballot.

new text begin (b) Except for ballots prepared and distributed under sections 203B.16 to 203B.27, all
ballots must be printed on paper that contains a unique watermark of sufficient size to permit
verification of the ballot's authenticity. At a federal or state election, the form of the
watermark must be prescribed by the secretary of state. At a local election, the form of the
watermark must be prescribed by the county auditor or municipal clerk.
new text end