SF 551

1st Engrossment - 86th Legislature (2009 - 2010) Posted on 02/09/2010 02:13am

A bill for an act
relating to elections; expanding the use of mail balloting; increasing the time
allowed for mailing ballots submitting questions in special elections conducted
by mail; amending Minnesota Statutes 2008, sections 204B.45, subdivision 1;
204B.46.

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

Section 1.

Minnesota Statutes 2008, section 204B.45, subdivision 1, is amended to read:

Subdivision 1.

Authorization.

A municipality having fewer than deleted text begin 400 deleted text end new text begin 1,000 new text end
registered voters on June 1 of an election year and not located in a metropolitan county as
defined by section 473.121 may provide balloting by mail at any municipal, county, or
state election with no polling place other than the office of the auditor or clerk or other
locations designated by the auditor or clerk. The governing body may apply to the county
auditor for permission to conduct balloting by mail. The county board may provide for
balloting by mail in unorganized territory. The governing body of any municipality may
designate for mail balloting any precinct having fewer than 50 registered voters, subject to
the approval of the county auditor.

Voted ballots may be returned in person to any location designated by the county
auditor or municipal clerk.

Sec. 2.

Minnesota Statutes 2008, section 204B.46, is amended to read:

204B.46 MAIL ELECTIONS; QUESTIONS.

A county, municipality, or school district submitting questions to the voters at a
special election may conduct an election by mail with no polling place other than the
office of the auditor or clerk. No more than two questions may be submitted at a mail
election and no offices may be voted on. Notice of the election must be given to the county
auditor at least 53 days prior to the election. This notice shall also fulfill the requirements
of Minnesota Rules, part 8210.3000. The special mail ballot procedures must be posted at
least six weeks prior to the election. deleted text begin No earlier deleted text end new text begin Not more new text end than deleted text begin 20 or deleted text end new text begin 30 nor new text end later than 14
days prior to the election, the auditor or clerk shall mail ballots by nonforwardable mail to
all voters registered in the county, municipality, or school district. new text begin No later than 14 days
before the election, the auditor or clerk 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. new text end Eligible voters not registered at the time the ballots are mailed may apply for
ballots pursuant to chapter 203B.