ARTICLE 1

ELECTIONS APPROPRIATIONS

207A.11 PRESIDENTIAL NOMINATION PRIMARY ESTABLISHED.

new text begin [207A.17] PARTY PAYMENT FOR COSTS.
new text end

ARTICLE 2

CAMPAIGN FINANCE POLICY

new text begin [5.51] EXPENSES OF SECRETARY OF STATE-ELECT.
new text end

new text begin [6.93] EXPENSES OF STATE AUDITOR-ELECT.
new text end

new text begin [8.40] EXPENSES OF ATTORNEY GENERAL-ELECT.
new text end

new text begin [10A.066] HANDBOOK FOR LOBBYING.
new text end

new text begin [10A.174] INAUGURAL EVENT AND TRANSITION EXPENSES.
new text end

10A.176 COORDINATED EXPENDITURES.

10A.177 NONCOORDINATED deleted text begin EXPENDITURESdeleted text end new text begin DISBURSEMENTSnew text end .

10A.36 REPRISALS PROHIBITED; PENALTY.

new text begin [10A.52] MAJOR DECISION OF NONELECTED LOCAL OFFICIALS.
new text end

new text begin [211B.065] MISREPRESENTATION OF CAMPAIGN AUTHORITY.
new text end

new text begin [211B.066] DISTRIBUTION OF ABSENTEE BALLOT APPLICATIONS
AND SAMPLE BALLOTS.
new text end

211B.13 BRIBERY, TREATING, AND SOLICITATION.

ARTICLE 3

ELECTION POLICY

201.056 SIGNATURE OF REGISTERED VOTER; MARKS ALLOWED.

201.14 COURT ADMINISTRATOR OF DISTRICT COURT; REPORT CHANGES
OF NAMES.

201.162 DUTIES OF STATE AGENCIES.

201.275 INVESTIGATIONS; PROSECUTIONS.

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

204B.24 ELECTION JUDGES; OATH.

new text begin [204B.275] ELECTION REPORTING SYSTEM.
new text end

204B.44 ERRORS AND OMISSIONS; REMEDY.

204C.10 POLLING PLACE ROSTER; VOTER SIGNATURE CERTIFICATE;
VOTER RECEIPT.

206.83 TESTING OF VOTING SYSTEMS.

368.47 TOWNS MAY BE DISSOLVED.

375.20 BALLOT QUESTIONS.

206.57 EXAMINATION OF NEW VOTING SYSTEMS.

206.95 VOTING EQUIPMENT GRANT ACCOUNT.

209.06 INSPECTION OF BALLOTS.

211B.04 CAMPAIGN MATERIAL MUST INCLUDE DISCLAIMER.

211B.06 FALSE POLITICAL AND CAMPAIGN MATERIAL.

211B.08 SOLICITATION OF CONTRIBUTIONS PROHIBITED.

4503.2000 DISCLAIMERS.

4511.1100 MAJOR DECISION OF NONELECTED LOCAL OFFICIALS.

SF 3096

ARTICLE 1

ELECTIONS APPROPRIATIONS

207A.11 PRESIDENTIAL NOMINATION PRIMARY ESTABLISHED.

new text begin [207A.17] PARTY PAYMENT FOR COSTS. new text end

ARTICLE 2

CAMPAIGN FINANCE POLICY

new text begin [5.51] EXPENSES OF SECRETARY OF STATE-ELECT. new text end

new text begin [6.93] EXPENSES OF STATE AUDITOR-ELECT. new text end

new text begin [8.40] EXPENSES OF ATTORNEY GENERAL-ELECT. new text end

new text begin [207A.17] PARTY PAYMENT FOR COSTS.
new text end

new text begin [5.51] EXPENSES OF SECRETARY OF STATE-ELECT.
new text end

new text begin [6.93] EXPENSES OF STATE AUDITOR-ELECT.
new text end

new text begin [8.40] EXPENSES OF ATTORNEY GENERAL-ELECT.
new text end

new text begin [10A.066] HANDBOOK FOR LOBBYING.
new text end

new text begin [10A.174] INAUGURAL EVENT AND TRANSITION EXPENSES.
new text end

Section 1. new text begin ELECTIONS APPROPRIATIONS.
new text end

Sec. 2. new text begin SECRETARY OF STATE
new text end

Sec. 3. new text begin CAMPAIGN FINANCE AND PUBLIC
DISCLOSURE BOARD
new text end

Sec. 4. new text begin TRANSFERS; SECRETARY OF STATE.
new text end

new text begin EFFECTIVE DATE. new text end

Sec. 5.

Subd. 2.

Sec. 6.

Sec. 7.

Sec. 8. new text begin WORKING GROUP ON LOCAL CANDIDATE CAMPAIGN FINANCE
REPORTING.
new text end

new text begin Subdivision 1. new text end

new text begin Subd. 2. new text end

new text begin Subd. 3. new text end

new text begin Subd. 4. new text end

new text begin Subd. 5. new text end

new text begin Subd. 6. new text end

new text begin Subd. 7. new text end

new text begin EFFECTIVE DATE. new text end

Sec. 9. new text begin VOTER OUTREACH; SECRETARY OF STATE.
new text end

Sec. 10. new text begin REPEALER.
new text end

Section 1.

new text begin Subdivision 1. new text end

new text begin Subd. 2. new text end

new text begin Subd. 3. new text end

Sec. 2.

new text begin Subdivision 1. new text end

new text begin Subd. 2. new text end

new text begin Subd. 3. new text end

Sec. 3.

new text begin Subdivision 1. new text end

new text begin Subd. 2. new text end

new text begin Subd. 3. new text end

Sec. 4.

Subd. 16a.

Sec. 5.

new text begin Subd. 16c. new text end

Sec. 6.

Subd. 18.

Sec. 7.

Subd. 21.

Sec. 8.

Subd. 24.

Sec. 9.

Subd. 26.

Sec. 10.

Subd. 35.

Sec. 11.

Subd. 4.

Sec. 12.

new text begin EFFECTIVE DATE. new text end

Sec. 13.

Subdivision 1.

Sec. 14.

Subd. 2.

Sec. 15.

Subdivision 1.

Sec. 16.

Subdivision 1.

Sec. 17.

Subd. 5.

Sec. 18.

Subd. 5a.

Sec. 19.

Subd. 6a.

Sec. 20.

new text begin Subdivision 1. new text end

new text begin Subd. 2. new text end

Sec. 21.

new text begin Subd. 5a. new text end

Sec. 22.

Subdivision 1.

new text begin Subd. 1a. new text end

Subd. 2.

Subd. 3.

Subd. 4.

Subd. 5.

Subd. 6.

Subd. 7.

new text begin Subd. 8. new text end

Sec. 23.

Sec. 24.

new text begin Subd. 5a. new text end

Sec. 25.

Subd. 6.

Sec. 26.

Subd. 4.

Sec. 27.

new text begin EFFECTIVE DATE. new text end

Sec. 28.

new text begin Subdivision 1. new text end

new text begin Subd. 2. new text end

new text begin Subd. 3. new text end

Sec. 29.

new text begin Subd. 11. new text end

Sec. 30.

Subdivision 1.

Sec. 31.

Subd. 2.

Sec. 32.

Subdivision 1.

Sec. 33.

Subd. 2.

Sec. 34.

new text begin Subd. 2a. new text end

Sec. 35.

Subd. 3.

Sec. 36.

Subd. 5.

new text begin EFFECTIVE DATE; APPLICATION. new text end

Sec. 37.

new text begin Subdivision 1. new text end

new text begin Subd. 2. new text end

new text begin EFFECTIVE DATE. new text end

Sec. 38.

new text begin Subdivision 1. new text end

new text begin Subd. 2. new text end

new text begin EFFECTIVE DATE. new text end

Sec. 39.

Subdivision 1.

Subd. 2.

new text begin Subd. 3. new text end

new text begin EFFECTIVE DATE. new text end

Sec. 40.

Subdivision 1.

Sec. 41.

Subd. 4.

Sec. 42.

Subd. 2.

Sec. 43.

Subd. 5.

Sec. 44. new text begin CAMPAIGN SPENDING LIMITS STUDY.
new text end

new text begin EFFECTIVE DATE. new text end

Sec. 45. new text begin RULEMAKING.
new text end

Sec. 46. new text begin REPEALER.
new text end

new text begin EFFECTIVE DATE. new text end

Sec. 47. new text begin EFFECTIVE DATE.
new text end

Section 1.

Subdivision 1.

Sec. 2.

Subd. 2.

Sec. 3.

Sec. 4.

Subdivision 1.

Sec. 5.

Subd. 3.

new text begin EFFECTIVE DATE. new text end

Sec. 6.

Subd. 3a.

new text begin EFFECTIVE DATE. new text end

Sec. 7.

Subd. 4.

Sec. 8.

Subd. 5.

Sec. 9.

Subd. 7.

Sec. 10.

Subdivision 1.

new text begin EFFECTIVE DATE. new text end

Sec. 11.

Subd. 4.

Sec. 12.

Subd. 5.

new text begin EFFECTIVE DATE. new text end

Sec. 13.

Subd. 8.

Sec. 14.

Subdivision 1.

Sec. 15.

Subd. 3.

Sec. 16.

Subd. 3.

Sec. 17.

Sec. 18.

Subd. 4.

Sec. 19.

Subd. 5.

Sec. 20.

Subd. 8.

Sec. 21.

Sec. 22.

Subd. 2.

new text begin EFFECTIVE DATE. new text end

Sec. 23.

Subd. 5.

Sec. 24.

Sec. 25.

Subdivision 1.

new text begin EFFECTIVE DATE. new text end

Sec. 26.

Subd. 4.

Sec. 27.

Subdivision 1.

Sec. 28.

Subd. 4.

Sec. 29.

Subdivision 1.

Sec. 30.

Subd. 3.

new text begin EFFECTIVE DATE. new text end

Sec. 31.

Subdivision 1.

Sec. 32.

Subd. 3.

Sec. 33.

Subd. 4.

new text begin EFFECTIVE DATE. new text end

Sec. 34.

Subdivision 1.

new text begin EFFECTIVE DATE. new text end

Sec. 35.

Subd. 2.

Sec. 36.

Subd. 4.

Sec. 37.

Subd. 5.

Sec. 38.

Subd. 3.

Sec. 39.

Subd. 2.

new text begin EFFECTIVE DATE. new text end

Sec. 40.

Subdivision 1.

Sec. 41.

Subd. 2.

Sec. 42.

Subd. 2.

new text begin EFFECTIVE DATE. new text end

Sec. 43.

Subd. 3.

new text begin EFFECTIVE DATE. new text end

Sec. 44.

Subdivision 1.

new text begin EFFECTIVE DATE. new text end

Sec. 45.

Subd. 1b.

new text begin EFFECTIVE DATE. new text end

Sec. 46.

Subd. 2.

Sec. 47.

Subd. 1a.

new text begin EFFECTIVE DATE. new text end

Sec. 48.

Subd. 2.

new text begin EFFECTIVE DATE. new text end

Sec. 49.

Subd. 3.

new text begin EFFECTIVE DATE. new text end

Sec. 50.

Subd. 2.

new text begin EFFECTIVE DATE. new text end

Sec. 51.

Subd. 4a.

Sec. 52.

Subd. 1a.

Sec. 53.

Subd. 3.

Sec. 54.

new text begin EFFECTIVE DATE. new text end

Sec. 55.

Subdivision 1.

new text begin EFFECTIVE DATE. new text end

Sec. 56.

Subd. 2.

new text begin EFFECTIVE DATE. new text end

Sec. 57.

new text begin Subd. 2a. new text end

Sec. 58.

new text begin EFFECTIVE DATE. new text end

Sec. 59.

Subd. 3.

new text begin EFFECTIVE DATE. new text end

Sec. 60.

new text begin Subdivision 1. new text end

new text begin Subd. 2. new text end

new text begin Subd. 3. new text end

new text begin Subd. 4. new text end

new text begin Subd. 5. new text end

new text begin Subd. 6. new text end

new text begin EFFECTIVE DATE. new text end

Sec. 61.

Subd. 2.

new text begin EFFECTIVE DATE. new text end

Sec. 62.

new text begin EFFECTIVE DATE. new text end

Sec. 63.

Subd. 2.

new text begin EFFECTIVE DATE. new text end

Sec. 64.

Subd. 2.

Sec. 65.

Subdivision 1.

Sec. 66.

Subd. 2.

Sec. 67.

Subd. 6.

Sec. 68.

Subd. 1d.

new text begin EFFECTIVE DATE. new text end

Sec. 69.

Subdivision 1.

new text begin EFFECTIVE DATE. new text end

Sec. 70.

new text begin EFFECTIVE DATE. new text end

Sec. 71.

Subd. 2.

Sec. 72.

Subd. 3.

Sec. 73.

Subdivision 1.

Sec. 74.

Subdivision 1.

Sec. 75.

Subdivision 1.

Sec. 76.

new text begin Subd. 4. new text end

Sec. 77.

Subd. 4.

Sec. 78.

Subdivision 1.

new text begin EFFECTIVE DATE. new text end

Sec. 79.

Subd. 1a.

new text begin EFFECTIVE DATE. new text end

Sec. 80.

Subd. 3.

Sec. 81.

Subdivision 1.

new text begin EFFECTIVE DATE. new text end

Sec. 82.

Subd. 1a.

new text begin EFFECTIVE DATE. new text end

Sec. 83.

Subd. 2.

Sec. 84.

Subd. 3.

Sec. 85.

Subd. 2.

Sec. 86.

new text begin EFFECTIVE DATE. new text end

Sec. 87.

Sec. 88.

Sec. 89.

Subd. 3.

new text begin EFFECTIVE DATE. new text end

Sec. 90.

Subd. 4.

new text begin EFFECTIVE DATE. new text end

Sec. 91. new text begin TRANSITION TO NEW VOTER REGISTRATION APPLICATIONS;
ABSENTEE BALLOT APPLICATIONS.
new text end

Sec. 92. new text begin REPEALER.
new text end

Sec. 93. new text begin EFFECTIVE DATE.
new text end

APPENDIX

Subd. 5b.

Subdivision 1.

Subd. 2.

Subd. 3.

Subd. 4.

Subd. 5.

Subdivision 1.

Subd. 2.

Subd. 3.

Subd. 4.

Subdivision 1.

Subd. 2.

Subp. 2.

Material linked to a disclaimer.

Subpart 1.

Major decision regarding the expenditure of public money.

Subp. 2.

Actions that are a major decision regarding public funds.

Subp. 3.

Actions that are not a major decision.

Bill Text Versions

Current Version - 1st Engrossment

Section 1. new text begin ELECTIONS APPROPRIATIONS.new text end

Sec. 2. new text begin SECRETARY OF STATEnew text end

Sec. 3. new text begin CAMPAIGN FINANCE AND PUBLIC DISCLOSURE BOARDnew text end

Sec. 4. new text begin TRANSFERS; SECRETARY OF STATE.new text end

new text begin EFFECTIVE DATE. new text end

Sec. 5.

Subd. 2.

Sec. 6.

Sec. 7.

Sec. 8. new text begin WORKING GROUP ON LOCAL CANDIDATE CAMPAIGN FINANCE REPORTING.new text end

new text begin Subdivision 1. new text end

new text begin Subd. 2. new text end

new text begin Subd. 3. new text end

new text begin Subd. 4. new text end

new text begin Subd. 5. new text end

new text begin Subd. 6. new text end

new text begin Subd. 7. new text end

new text begin EFFECTIVE DATE. new text end

Sec. 9. new text begin VOTER OUTREACH; SECRETARY OF STATE.new text end

Sec. 10. new text begin REPEALER.new text end

Section 1.

new text begin Subdivision 1. new text end

new text begin Subd. 2. new text end

new text begin Subd. 3. new text end

Sec. 2.

new text begin Subdivision 1. new text end

new text begin Subd. 2. new text end

new text begin Subd. 3. new text end

Sec. 3.

new text begin Subdivision 1. new text end

new text begin Subd. 2. new text end

new text begin Subd. 3. new text end

Sec. 4.

Subd. 16a.

Sec. 5.

new text begin Subd. 16c. new text end

Sec. 6.

Subd. 18.

Sec. 7.

Subd. 21.

Sec. 8.

Subd. 24.

Sec. 9.

Subd. 26.

Sec. 10.

Section 1. new text begin ELECTIONS APPROPRIATIONS.
new text end

Sec. 2. new text begin SECRETARY OF STATE
new text end

Sec. 3. new text begin CAMPAIGN FINANCE AND PUBLIC
DISCLOSURE BOARD
new text end

Sec. 4. new text begin TRANSFERS; SECRETARY OF STATE.
new text end

Sec. 8. new text begin WORKING GROUP ON LOCAL CANDIDATE CAMPAIGN FINANCE
REPORTING.
new text end

Sec. 9. new text begin VOTER OUTREACH; SECRETARY OF STATE.
new text end

Sec. 10. new text begin REPEALER.
new text end

Reporting caucus results.

new text begin Definitions. new text end

new text begin Membership. new text end

new text begin Chairs; meetings. new text end

new text begin Administrative support. new text end

new text begin Duties. new text end

new text begin Report. new text end

new text begin Expiration. new text end

new text begin Definitions. new text end

new text begin Transition expenses. new text end

new text begin Unused funds. new text end

new text begin Definitions. new text end

new text begin Transition expenses. new text end

new text begin Unused funds. new text end

new text begin Definitions. new text end

new text begin Transition expenses. new text end

new text begin Unused funds. new text end

Expressly deleted text begin advocatingdeleted text end new text begin advocatesnew text end .

new text begin Expert witness. new text end

Independent expenditure.

Lobbyist.

Metropolitan governmental unit.

Noncampaign disbursement.

Public official.

Content.

Disclosure of potential conflicts.

Required actions.

Disclosure required.

Time for filing.

Form; general requirements.

Original statement; reporting period.

Place of filing.

new text begin Definitions. new text end

new text begin Inaugural event and transition expenses; contributions. new text end

new text begin Disbursement. new text end

new text begin Definition; new text end scope.

new text begin Content standards. new text end

new text begin Conduct standard; new text end fundraising.

new text begin Conduct standard; new text end relationship with spender.

new text begin Conduct standard; new text end consulting services.

new text begin Conduct standard; new text end receiving information not publicly available.

new text begin Conduct standard; new text end spender-provided information.

new text begin Conduct standard; new text end candidate's participation.

new text begin Conduct standard; instructions or directions from candidate. new text end

new text begin Report on personal contributions. new text end

Electioneering communication.

Disclaimer required.

new text begin Major decision regarding the expenditure of public money. new text end

new text begin Actions that are a major decision regarding public funds. new text end

new text begin Actions that are not a major decision. new text end

new text begin Statement of economic interest. new text end

When and where filed by committees or candidates.

Information required.

Campaign material.

Independent expenditures.

new text begin Electioneering communication. new text end

Material that does not need a disclaimer.

Font size.

new text begin Misrepresentation prohibited. new text end

new text begin Criminal penalties; civil remedies. new text end

new text begin Definitions. new text end

new text begin Requirements. new text end

Bribery, advancing money, and treating prohibited.

Certain solicitations prohibited.

new text begin Civil enforcement. new text end

Administrative remedy; exhaustion.

Proof of claim.

Disposition of complaint.

Economic interest disclosure; Special School District No. 1.

Registration.

Prohibitions; penalty.

Prior to election day.

Election day registration.

Additional proofs of residence permitted for students.

Registration by election judges; procedures.

Unregistered voters; penalty.

Record of attempted registrations.

Form.

Change of registration.

Copy of list to registered voter.

Registration places.

Entry of registration information.

Postelection sampling.

Use of change of address system.

Department of Human Services.

Other agencies and units of government.

Effective date of registration.

Technology requirements.

Election day.

Application procedures.

Registration at time of applicationnew text begin ; updating registrationnew text end .

Generally.

Registration check.

Delivery of envelopes, directions.

Eligibility certificate.

Marking and return by voter.

Procedures on receipt of ballots.

Temporary locations.

Generally.

Duties of ballot board; absentee ballots.

Opening of envelopes.

Storage and counting of absentee ballots.

Website security.

Duties.

Emergency response providers.

Reasonable accommodation for voter with disability.

Voting procedure.

Processing of ballots.

Form of affidavit.

Address, electronic mail address, and telephone number.

Petitions for presidential electors and alternates.

Absent candidates.

Other elections.

Write-in candidates.

Separate precincts; combined polling place.

Municipal boundary adjustment procedure.

Notice to voters.

Notice.

Appointment lists; duties of political parties and secretary of state.

Appointing authority; powers and duties.

new text begin Election judges; party balance. new text end

Trained election judges; number required.

new text begin Definition. new text end

new text begin Authority. new text end

new text begin Entry of names. new text end

new text begin Results reporting testing. new text end

new text begin Reporting results. new text end

new text begin Unofficial results. new text end

Election supplies; duties of county auditors and clerks.

Procedure; voting prior to election day.

Voters in line at closing.

Persons allowed near polling place.

Individuals allowed in polling place; identification.

Peace officers.

Voter's Bill of Rights.

Counting and initialing.

Outside the polling place.

Voting lines.

Information requirements.

County canvass.

County canvass.

new text begin Election judges; party balance. new text end

Election judges; party balance.

Affidavit of candidacy.

Filing period.

Canvass of returns, certificate of election, ballots, disposition.

Affidavit of candidacy.

Filing period.

Election, conduct.

Canvass of returns, certificate of election, ballots, disposition.

Combined polling place.

Elections of municipal officers.

Candidates; ballots; certifying election.

Township voting equipment study.

Voting equipment grant account.

Authorized equipment.

Application.

Amount of grant.

Report to legislature.

Appointment of inspectors.

Bond, taxing of costs.

Report of inspectors.

Websites.

Gross misdemeanor.

Exception.

A.

B.

C.

D.

A.

B.

C.

D.

A.

B.

C.

Reporting caucus results.

new text begin Definitions. new text end

new text begin Membership. new text end

new text begin Chairs; meetings. new text end

new text begin Administrative support. new text end

new text begin Duties. new text end

new text begin Report. new text end

new text begin Expiration. new text end

new text begin Definitions. new text end

new text begin Transition expenses. new text end

new text begin Unused funds. new text end

new text begin Definitions. new text end

new text begin Transition expenses. new text end

new text begin Unused funds. new text end

new text begin Definitions. new text end

new text begin Transition expenses. new text end

new text begin Unused funds. new text end

Expressly deleted text begin advocatingdeleted text end new text begin advocatesnew text end .

new text begin Expert witness. new text end

Independent expenditure.

Lobbyist.

Metropolitan governmental unit.

Noncampaign disbursement.

Engrossments
Introduction		Posted on 03/26/2025
1st Engrossment		Posted on 04/22/2025

A bill for an act
relating to elections; relating to campaign finance; modifying various laws related
to election administration; modifying absentee voting requirements and procedures;
modifying timelines; modifying provisions related to voter registration; amending
notice provisions; modifying requirements relating to appointing election judges;
formalizing the election reporting system; clarifying terminology; expanding laws
relating to reprisals for political activity; expanding election-related bribery and
solicitation prohibitions; amending fair campaign practices laws; requiring the
Campaign Finance and Public Disclosure Board to study campaign spending limits;
modifying the definition of expressly advocating; modifying campaign disclaimer
requirements; establishing and modifying disclaimer requirements; amending
standards for coordinated and noncoordinated expenditures and disbursements;
requiring reports and publications; modifying laws on transition expenses;
modifying requirements for charter school boards of directors and charter school
chief administrators; requiring all local officials and charter school officials to file
statements of economic interest; modifying campaign finance definitions; modifying
campaign finance reporting requirements; modifying statement of economic interest
requirements; modifying payment for the presidential nomination primary;
modifying requirements for holding the presidential nomination primary; amending
statement of economic interest requirements; providing for a civil causes of action
and civil enforcement; providing criminal and civil penalties; authorizing
rulemaking; repealing the voting equipment grant account; transferring and
appropriating money; amending Minnesota Statutes 2024, sections 10A.01,
subdivisions 16a, 18, 21, 24, 26, 35, by adding a subdivision; 10A.04, subdivision
4; 10A.07, subdivisions 1, 2; 10A.08, subdivision 1; 10A.09, subdivisions 1, 5,
5a, 6a; 10A.175, by adding a subdivision; 10A.176; 10A.177; 10A.20, by adding
a subdivision; 10A.201, subdivision 6; 10A.202, subdivision 4; 10A.36; 124E.03,
by adding a subdivision; 201.054, subdivisions 1, 2; 201.056; 201.061, subdivisions
1, 3, 3a, 4, 5, 7; 201.071, subdivisions 1, 4; 201.091, subdivisions 5, 8; 201.121,
subdivisions 1, 3; 201.13, subdivision 3; 201.14; 201.161, subdivisions 4, 5, 8;
201.162; 201.225, subdivisions 2, 5; 201.275; 202A.20, subdivision 2; 203B.04,
subdivisions 1, 4; 203B.05, subdivision 1; 203B.06, subdivision 4; 203B.07,
subdivisions 1, 3; 203B.08, subdivisions 1, 3; 203B.081, subdivision 4; 203B.11,
subdivision 1; 203B.121, subdivisions 2, 4, 5; 203B.17, subdivision 3; 203B.23,
subdivision 2; 203B.29, subdivisions 1, 2; 203B.30, subdivisions 2, 3; 204B.06,
subdivisions 1, 1b; 204B.07, subdivision 2; 204B.09, subdivisions 1a, 2, 3; 204B.14,
subdivisions 2, 4a; 204B.16, subdivision 1a; 204B.175, subdivision 3; 204B.21,
subdivisions 1, 2, by adding a subdivision; 204B.24; 204B.25, subdivision 3;
204B.28, subdivision 2; 204B.44; 204B.45, subdivision 2; 204C.05, subdivision
2; 204C.06, subdivisions 1, 2, 6; 204C.08, subdivision 1d; 204C.09, subdivision
1; 204C.10; 204C.15, subdivisions 2, 3; 204C.24, subdivision 1; 204C.32,
subdivision 1; 204C.33, subdivision 1; 205.07, by adding a subdivision; 205.075,
subdivision 4; 205.13, subdivisions 1, 1a; 205.185, subdivision 3; 205A.06,
subdivisions 1, 1a; 205A.10, subdivisions 2, 3; 205A.11, subdivision 2; 206.83;
207A.11; 211A.02, subdivisions 1, 2; 211B.04, subdivisions 1, 2, 3, 5, by adding
a subdivision; 211B.13; 211B.32, subdivisions 1, 4; 211B.35, subdivision 2; 368.47;
375.20; 383B.041, subdivision 5; 414.09, subdivision 3; 447.32, subdivision 4;
proposing coding for new law in Minnesota Statutes, chapters 5; 6; 8; 10A; 204B;
207A; 211B; repealing Minnesota Statutes 2024, sections 206.57, subdivision 5b;
206.95; 209.06; 211B.04, subdivision 4; 211B.06; 211B.08; Minnesota Rules,
parts 4503.2000, subpart 2; 4511.1100.

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

new text begin The sums shown in the columns marked "Appropriations" are appropriated to the agencies
and for the purposes specified in this article. The appropriations are from the general fund,
or another named fund, and are available for the fiscal years indicated for each purpose.
The figures "2026" and "2027" used in this article mean that the appropriations listed under
them are available for the fiscal year ending June 30, 2026, or June 30, 2027, respectively.
"The first year" is fiscal year 2026. "The second year" is fiscal year 2027. "The biennium"
is fiscal years 2026 and 2027.
new text end

new text begin $
new text end

new text begin 260,000
new text end

new text begin $
new text end

new text begin -0-
new text end

new text begin $
new text end

new text begin 2,319,000
new text end

new text begin $
new text end

new text begin 1,846,000
new text end

new text begin $500,000 the first year is to pay fees and
expenses if an order granting plantiff's motion
for them is filed in Minnesota Chamber of
Commerce v. Choi (23-CV-02015). The board
must pay, on behalf of all defendants, all fees
and expenses awarded to the plaintiff.
new text end

new text begin (a) The secretary of state, in consultation with the commissioner of management and
budget, must transfer $200,000 in fiscal year 2026 from the general fund to the Help America
Vote Act (HAVA) account established in Minnesota Statutes, section 5.30. This is a onetime
transfer.
new text end

new text begin (b) The secretary of state, in consultation with the commissioner of management and
budget, must transfer any balance remaining in the voting equipment grant account
established under Minnesota Statutes, section 206.95, on the effective date of this section
to the voting operations, technology, and election resources account established under
Minnesota Statutes, section 5.305.
new text end

new text begin This section is effective the day following final enactment.
new text end

Minnesota Statutes 2024, section 202A.20, subdivision 2, is amended to read:

new text begin If a major political party does not participate in a
presidential nomination primary pursuant to chapter 207A and instead conducts preference
balloting at precinct caucuses, new text end the secretary of state shall promptly report to the public the
results of preference balloting at the precinct caucuses.

Minnesota Statutes 2024, section 207A.11, is amended to read:

(a) A presidential nomination primary must be held each year in which a president and
vice president of the United States are to be nominated and electednew text begin , except as provided in
section 207A.17, paragraph (b)new text end .

(b) The party chairs must jointly submit to the secretary of state, no later than March 1
in a year prior to a presidential election year, the single date on which the parties have agreed
to conduct the presidential nomination primary in the next year. The date selected must not
be the date of the town general election provided in section 205.075, subdivision 1. If a date
is not jointly submitted by the deadline, the presidential nomination primary must be held
on the first Tuesday in March in the year of the presidential election. No other election may
be conducted on the date of the presidential nomination primary.

(c) The secretary of state must adopt rules to implement the provisions of this chapter.
The secretary of state shall consult with the party chairs throughout the rulemaking process,
including seeking advice about possible rules before issuing a notice of intent to adopt rules,
consultation before the notice of comment is published, consultation on the statement of
need and reasonableness, consultation in drafting and revising the rules, and consultation
regarding any modifications to the rule being considered.

(d) This chapter only applies to a major political party that selects delegates at the
presidential nomination primary to send to a national convention. A major political party
that does not participate in a national convention is not eligible to participate in the
presidential nomination primary.

(e) For purposes of this chapter, "political party" or "party" means a major political party
as defined in section 200.02, subdivision 7, that is eligible to participate in the presidential
nomination primary.

new text begin (a) No later than September 1 of the year preceding a presidential election year, the
secretary of state must notify each major political party of the estimated state and local costs
of conducting the presidential nomination primary and invoice each party for its portion of
the costs. Each party's portion of the costs is calculated by dividing the amount originally
certified to the commissioner of management and budget under section 207A.15, subdivision
1, paragraph (b), by the number of parties eligible to participate in the presidential nomination
primary. The secretary of state must deposit payments received from parties for amounts
billed under this paragraph in the general fund.
new text end

new text begin (b) If at least one party pays the secretary of state the amount invoiced to it under
paragraph (a) by October 1 of the year preceding a presidential election year, then a
presidential nomination primary must be held the following year. If a party does not pay
the amount invoiced to it under paragraph (a) by October 1 of the year preceding a
presidential election year, then section 207A.13 does not apply to that party in the following
year, and a presidential nomination primary ballot must not be prepared for that party. If
no party pays the secretary of state the amount invoiced to it under paragraph (a) by October
1 of the year preceding a presidential election year, then a presidential nomination primary
must not be held.
new text end

new text begin (a) For purposes of this section, the terms have the meanings
given.
new text end

new text begin (b) "Board" means the Campaign Finance and Public Disclosure Board.
new text end

new text begin (c) "Candidate" means an individual who seeks nomination or election to a county,
municipal, school district, or other political subdivision office. This definition does not
include an individual seeking a judicial office.
new text end

new text begin (d) "Local campaign report" means any report that a candidate is required to file pursuant
to Minnesota Statutes, chapter 211A.
new text end

new text begin (a) The working group consists of the following 12 members:
new text end

new text begin (1) two members of the Campaign Finance and Public Disclosure Board affiliated with
different political parties appointed by the board's chair;
new text end

new text begin (2) the executive director of the Campaign Finance and Public Disclosure Board;
new text end

new text begin (3) two members appointed by the League of Minnesota Cities, one of whom must be
from a city of the fourth class;
new text end

new text begin (4) one member appointed by the Association of Minnesota Counties;
new text end

new text begin (5) one member appointed by the Minnesota Association of Townships;
new text end

new text begin (6) one member appointed by the Minnesota School Boards Association;
new text end

new text begin (7) one senator appointed by the senate majority leader and one senator appointed by
the senate minority leader; and
new text end

new text begin (8) one representative appointed by the speaker of the house and one representative
appointed by the minority leader of the house of representatives.
new text end

new text begin (b) Appointments to the working group must be made within two weeks after the effective
date of this section.
new text end

new text begin (c) Public member compensation and reimbursement for expenses are governed by
Minnesota Statutes, section 15.059, subdivision 3. Notwithstanding Minnesota Statutes,
section 15.0595, the source of payment for compensation and reimbursement for expenses
of nonlegislative members of the working group is appropriations available to the Campaign
Finance and Public Disclosure Board. Legislative members may receive per diem and be
reimbursed for their expenses according to the rules of their respective bodies.
new text end

new text begin (a) The executive director of the board must convene the
first meeting of the working group no later than six weeks after the effective date of this
section. At the first meeting, members must elect a chair from among the legislative members
of the working group members.
new text end

new text begin (b) Working group meetings are subject to the Minnesota Open Meeting Law under
Minnesota Statutes, chapter 13D.
new text end

new text begin The Legislative Coordinating Commission must
provide administrative support and meeting space for the working group. Upon request of
the working group, the staff of the Campaign Finance and Public Disclosure Board must
provide technical support.
new text end

new text begin At a minimum, the working group must:
new text end

new text begin (1) examine and make recommendations on whether any or all local candidate campaign
finance reports should be filed with the board instead of with a local filing officer;
new text end

new text begin (2) assess the extent to which local filing officers are currently able to provide support
to local candidates and the public related to their duty to accept campaign finance reports
from local candidates;
new text end

new text begin (3) review the reporting requirements for local candidates in Minnesota Statutes, chapter
211A, and recommend any changes to those requirements that should be made, especially
if the reports were to be filed with the board;
new text end

new text begin (4) study the impact of the potential increase of reports being made to the board in terms
of budgetary and staffing needs and the ability of the board to support the local candidates
in filing the reports;
new text end

new text begin (5) study local campaign finance reporting requirements and make any recommendations
on changes to the laws; and
new text end

new text begin (6) propose draft legislation to implement any of the working group's recommendations.
new text end

new text begin No later than January 15, 2026, the working group must submit a
written report to the chairs and ranking minority members of the legislative committees and
divisions with jurisdiction over elections. The report must outline a description of the
working group's activities, how the working group addressed each duty described in
subdivision 5, any recommendations made by the working group, and any proposed
legislation recommended by the working group.
new text end

new text begin The working group expires upon submission of the report required
under subdivision 6, or January 16, 2026, whichever is later.
new text end

new text begin This section is effective the day following final enactment.
new text end

new text begin The secretary of state must conduct voter outreach efforts across the state with the goal
of increasing voter turnout. The secretary must focus on counties with the lowest voter
turnout in the 2022 and 2024 general elections. At a minimum, these efforts must include
publicizing the methods of registering to vote or updating a voter registration, the ways to
vote on or before election day, and recent changes to laws relating to voter registration and
early voting. The secretary of state must provide these voter outreach materials in the three
most common non-English languages and any other language required for a language
minority district in a county, as defined by Minnesota Statutes, section 204B.295.
new text end

new text begin Minnesota Statutes 2024, section 206.95, new text end new text begin is repealed.
new text end

new text begin (a) For purposes of this section, the terms defined have the
meanings given them.
new text end

new text begin (b) "Secretary of state-elect" means the person who is not currently secretary of state
and is the apparent successful candidate for the Office of Secretary of State following a
general election.
new text end

new text begin (c) "Commissioner" means the commissioner of the Department of Management and
Budget.
new text end

new text begin In the fiscal year of an election for secretary of state and
subject to availability of funds, the commissioner shall transfer up to $50,000 from the
general contingent account in the general fund to the Department of Management and
Budget. This transfer is subject to the review and advice of the Legislative Advisory
Commission pursuant to section 3.30. In consultation with the secretary of state-elect, the
commissioner shall use the transferred funds to pay expenses of the secretary of state-elect
associated with preparing for the assumption of official duties as secretary of state. The
commissioner may use the transferred funds for expenses necessary and prudent for
establishment of a transition office prior to the election and for dissolution of the office if
the incumbent secretary of state is reelected or after the inauguration of a new secretary of
state. Expenses of the secretary of state-elect may include suitable office space and
equipment, communications and technology support, consulting services, compensation
and travel costs, and other reasonable expenses. Compensation rates for temporary employees
hired to support the secretary of state-elect and rates paid for consulting services for the
secretary of state-elect shall be determined by the secretary of state-elect.
new text end

new text begin No new obligations shall be incurred for expenses of the secretary
of state-elect after the date of the inauguration. By March 31 of the year of the inauguration,
the commissioner shall return to the general contingent account any funds transferred under
this section that the commissioner determines are not needed to pay expenses of the secretary
of state-elect.
new text end

new text begin (a) For purposes of this section, the terms defined have the
meanings given them.
new text end

new text begin (b) "State auditor-elect" means the person who is not currently state auditor and is the
apparent successful candidate for the Office of State Auditor following a general election.
new text end

new text begin (c) "Commissioner" means the commissioner of the Department of Management and
Budget.
new text end

new text begin In the fiscal year of an election for state auditor and
subject to availability of funds, the commissioner shall transfer up to $50,000 from the
general contingent account in the general fund to the Department of Management and
Budget. This transfer is subject to the review and advice of the Legislative Advisory
Commission pursuant to section 3.30. In consultation with the state auditor-elect, the
commissioner shall use the transferred funds to pay expenses of the state auditor-elect
associated with preparing for the assumption of official duties as state auditor. The
commissioner may use the transferred funds for expenses necessary and prudent for
establishment of a transition office prior to the election and for dissolution of the office if
the incumbent state auditor is reelected or after the inauguration of a new state auditor.
Expenses of the state auditor-elect may include suitable office space and equipment,
communications and technology support, consulting services, compensation and travel
costs, and other reasonable expenses. Compensation rates for temporary employees hired
to support the state auditor-elect and rates paid for consulting services for the state
auditor-elect shall be determined by the state auditor-elect.
new text end

new text begin No new obligations shall be incurred for expenses of the state
auditor-elect after the date of the inauguration. By March 31 of the year of the inauguration,
the commissioner shall return to the general contingent account any funds transferred under
this section that the commissioner determines are not needed to pay expenses of the state
auditor-elect.
new text end

new text begin (a) For purposes of this section, the terms defined have the
meanings given them.
new text end

new text begin (b) "Attorney general-elect" means the person who is not currently attorney general and
is the apparent successful candidate for the Office of Attorney General following a general
election.
new text end

new text begin (c) "Commissioner" means the commissioner of the Department of Management and
Budget.
new text end

new text begin In the fiscal year of an election for attorney general and
subject to availability of funds, the commissioner shall transfer up to $75,000 from the
general contingent account in the general fund to the Department of Management and
Budget. This transfer is subject to the review and advice of the Legislative Advisory
Commission pursuant to section 3.30. In consultation with the attorney general-elect, the
commissioner shall use the transferred funds to pay expenses of the attorney general-elect
associated with preparing for the assumption of official duties as attorney general. The
commissioner may use the transferred funds for expenses necessary and prudent for
establishment of a transition office prior to the election and for dissolution of the office if
the incumbent attorney general is reelected or after the inauguration of a new attorney
general. Expenses of the attorney general-elect may include suitable office space and
equipment, communications and technology support, consulting services, compensation
and travel costs, and other reasonable expenses. Compensation rates for temporary employees
hired to support the attorney general-elect and rates paid for consulting services for the
attorney general-elect shall be determined by the attorney general-elect.
new text end

new text begin No new obligations shall be incurred for expenses of the attorney
general-elect after the date of the inauguration. By March 31 of the year of the inauguration,
the commissioner shall return to the general contingent account any funds transferred under
this section that the commissioner determines are not needed to pay expenses of the attorney
general-elect.
new text end

Minnesota Statutes 2024, section 10A.01, subdivision 16a, is amended to read:

"Expressly deleted text begin advocatingdeleted text end new text begin advocatesnew text end " means
that a communication:

(1) clearly identifies a candidate or a local candidate and uses words or phrases of express
advocacy; or

(2) when taken as a whole and with limited reference to external events, such as the
proximity to the election, could only be interpreted by a reasonable person as containing
advocacy of the election or defeat of one or more clearly identified candidates because:

(i) the electoral portion of the communication is unmistakable, unambiguous, and
suggestive of only one meaning; and

(ii) reasonable minds could not differ as to whether the communication encourages
actions to elect or defeat one or more clearly identified candidates or encourages some other
kind of action.

Minnesota Statutes 2024, section 10A.01, is amended by adding a subdivision to
read:

new text begin "Expert witness" means an individual preparing or delivering
testimony or a report consisting of information, data, or professional opinions on which the
individual has particular expertise gained through formal education, professional or
occupational training, or experience in a field in which the individual is or has been
employed.
new text end

Minnesota Statutes 2024, section 10A.01, subdivision 18, is amended to read:

new text begin (a) new text end "Independent expenditure" means an expenditure
deleted text begin expressly advocating the election or defeat of a clearly identified candidate or local candidate,
if the expendituredeleted text end is made without the express or implied consent, authorization, or
cooperation of, and not in concert with or at the request or suggestion of, any candidate or
any candidate's principal campaign committee or agent or any local candidate or local
candidate's agentdeleted text begin .deleted text end new text begin and:
new text end

new text begin (1) expressly advocates the election or defeat of a clearly identified candidate or local
candidate; or
new text end

new text begin (2) promotes, supports, attacks, or opposes the nomination, election, or defeat of a clearly
identified candidate or local candidate, regardless of whether the expenditure expressly
advocates for or against a candidate or local candidate.
new text end

new text begin (b)new text end An independent expenditure is not a contribution to that candidate or local candidate.

new text begin (c)new text end An independent expenditure does not include the act of announcing a formal public
endorsement of a candidate or local candidate for public office, unless the act is
simultaneously accompanied by an expenditure that would otherwise qualify as an
independent expenditure under this subdivision.

Minnesota Statutes 2024, section 10A.01, subdivision 21, is amended to read:

(a) "Lobbyist" means an individual:

(1) engaged for pay or other consideration of more than $3,000 from all sources in any
year:

(i) for the purpose of attempting to influence legislative or administrative action, or the
official action of a political subdivision, by communicating with public or local officials;
or

(ii) from a business whose primary source of revenue is derived from facilitating
government relations or government affairs services if the individual's job duties include
offering direct or indirect consulting or advice that helps the business provide those services
to clients; or

(2) who spends more than $3,000 of the individual's personal funds, not including the
individual's own traveling expenses and membership dues, in any year for the purpose of
attempting to influence legislative or administrative action, or the official action of a political
subdivision, by communicating with public or local officials.

(b) "Lobbyist" does not include:

(1) a public official;

(2) an employee of the state, including an employee of any of the public higher education
systems;

(3) an elected local official;

(4) a nonelected local official or an employee of a political subdivision acting in an
official capacity, unless the deleted text begin nonelected official or employee of a political subdivision spends
more than 50 hours in any month attempting to influence legislative or administrative action,
or the official action of a political subdivision other than the political subdivision employing
the official or employee, by communicating or urging others to communicate with public
or local officials, including time spent monitoring legislative or administrative action, or
the official action of a political subdivision, and related research, analysis, and compilation
and dissemination of information relating to legislative or administrative policy in this state,
or to the policies of political subdivisionsdeleted text end new text begin local official or employee spends more than 50
hours in any month attempting to influence legislative or administrative action or the official
action of a metropolitan governmental unit, other than a political subdivision employing
the official or employee, by communicating with public or local officialsnew text end ;

(5) a party or the party's representative appearing in a proceeding before a state board,
commission, or agency of the executive branch unless the board, commission, or agency is
taking administrative action;

(6) an individual while engaged in selling goods or services to be paid for by public
funds;

(7) a news medium or its employees or agents while engaged in the publishing or
broadcasting of news items, editorial comments, or paid advertisements which directly or
indirectly urge official action;

(8) deleted text begin a paid expert witness whose testimony is requested by the body before which the
witness is appearing, but only to the extent of preparing or delivering testimonydeleted text end new text begin an expert
witness who communicates with public or local officials, other than the Public Utilities
Commission, if the communication occurs at a public meeting or is made available to the
general publicnew text end ;

(9) a party or the party's representative appearing to present a claim to the legislature
and communicating to legislators only by the filing of a claim form and supporting documents
and by appearing at public hearings on the claim; or

(10) an individual providing information or advice to members of a collective bargaining
unit when the unit is actively engaged in the collective bargaining process with a state
agency or a political subdivision.

(c) An individual who volunteers personal time to work without pay or other consideration
on a lobbying campaign, and who does not spend more than the limit in paragraph (a), clause
(2), need not register as a lobbyist.

(d) An individual who provides administrative support to a lobbyist and whose salary
and administrative expenses attributable to lobbying activities are reported as lobbying
expenses by the lobbyist, but who does not communicate or urge others to communicate
with public or local officials, need not register as a lobbyist.

Minnesota Statutes 2024, section 10A.01, subdivision 24, is amended to read:

"Metropolitan governmental unit" means
deleted text begin any of the seven counties in the metropolitan area as defined in section 473.121, subdivision
2,deleted text end a regional railroad authority established by deleted text begin one or more of those counties under section
398A.03, a city with a population of over 50,000 located in the seven-county metropolitan
area,deleted text end new text begin a county in the metropolitan area as defined in section 473.121, subdivision 2;new text end the
Metropolitan Councildeleted text begin , or a metropolitan agency as defined in section 473.121, subdivision
5adeleted text end new text begin ; the Metropolitan Parks and Open Space Commission; the Metropolitan Airports
Commission; or the Minnesota Sports Facilities Authoritynew text end .

Minnesota Statutes 2024, section 10A.01, subdivision 26, is amended to read:

(a) "Noncampaign disbursement" means a
purchase or payment of money or anything of value made, or an advance of credit incurred,
or a donation in kind received, by a principal campaign committee for any of the following
purposes:

(1) payment for accounting and legal services related to operating the candidate's
campaign committee, serving in office, or security for the candidate or the candidate's
immediate family, including but not limited to seeking and obtaining a harassment restraining
order;

(2) return of a contribution to the source;

(3) repayment of a loan made to the principal campaign committee by that committee;

(4) return of a public subsidy;

(5) payment for food, beverages, and necessary utensils and supplies, entertainment,
and facility rental for a fundraising event;

(6) services for a constituent by a member of the legislature or a constitutional officer
in the executive branch as provided in section 10A.173, subdivision 1;

(7) payment for food and beverages consumed by a candidate or volunteers while they
are engaged in campaign activities;

(8) payment for food or a beverage consumed while attending a reception or meeting
directly related to legislative duties;

(9) payment of expenses incurred by elected or appointed leaders of a legislative caucus
in carrying out their leadership responsibilities;

(10) payment by a principal campaign committee of the candidate's expenses for serving
in public office, other than for personal uses;

(11) costs of child care for the candidate's children when campaigning;

(12) fees paid to attend a campaign school;

(13) costs of a postelection party during the election year when a candidate's name will
no longer appear on a ballot or the general election is concluded, whichever occurs first;

(14) interest on loans paid by a principal campaign committee on outstanding loans;

(15) filing fees;

(16) post-general election holiday or seasonal cards, thank-you notes, or advertisements
in the news media mailed or published prior to the end of the election cycle;

(17) the cost of campaign material purchased to replace defective campaign material, if
the defective material is destroyed without being used;

(18) contributions to a party unit;

(19) payments for funeral gifts or memorials;

(20) the cost of a magnet less than six inches in diameter containing legislator contact
information and distributed to constituents;

(21) costs associated with a candidate attending a political party state or national
convention in this state;

(22) other purchases or payments specified in board rules or advisory opinions as being
for any purpose other than to influence the nomination or election of a candidate or to
promote or defeat a ballot question;

(23) costs paid to a third party for processing contributions made by a credit card, debit
card, or electronic check;

(24) costs paid by a candidate's principal campaign committee to support the candidate's
participation in a recount of ballots affecting the candidate's election;

(25) a contribution to a fund established to support a candidate's participation in a recount
of ballots affecting that candidate's election;

(26) costs paid by a candidate's principal campaign committee for a single reception
given in honor of the candidate's retirement from public office after the filing period for
affidavits of candidacy for that office has closed;

(27) a donation from a terminating principal campaign committee to the state general
fund;

(28) a donation from a terminating principal campaign committee to a county obligated
to incur special election expenses due to that candidate's resignation from state office;

(29) during a period starting January 1 in the year following a general election and ending
on December 31 of the year of general election, total payments of up to $3,000 for
detection-related security monitoring expenses for a candidate, including home security
hardware, maintenance of home security monitoring hardware, identity theft monitoring
services, and credit monitoring services; deleted text begin and
deleted text end

(30) costs paid to repair or replace campaign property that was: (i) lost or stolen, or (ii)
damaged or defaced to such a degree that the property no longer serves its intended purpose.
For purposes of this clause, campaign property includes but is not limited to campaign lawn
signs. The candidate must document the need for these costs in writing or with photographsnew text begin ;
and
new text end

new text begin (31) transition expenses and inaugural event expenses as defined in section 10A.174new text end .

(b) The board must determine whether an activity involves a noncampaign disbursement
within the meaning of this subdivision.

(c) A noncampaign disbursement is considered to be made in the year in which the
candidate made the purchase of goods or services or incurred an obligation to pay for goods
or services.

Minnesota Statutes 2024, section 10A.01, subdivision 35, is amended to read:

"Public official" means any:

(1) member of the legislature;

(2) individual employed by the legislature as secretary of the senate, legislative auditor,
director of the Legislative Budget Office, chief clerk of the house of representatives, revisor
of statutes, or researcher, legislative analyst, fiscal analyst, or attorney in the Office of
Senate Counsel, Research and Fiscal Analysis, House Research, or the House Fiscal Analysis
Department;

(3) constitutional officer in the executive branch and the officer's chief administrative
deputy;

(4) solicitor general or deputy, assistant, or special assistant attorney general;

(5) commissioner, deputy commissioner, or assistant commissioner of any state
department or agency as listed in section 15.01 or 15.06, or the state chief information
officer;

(6) member, chief administrative officer, or deputy chief administrative officer of a state
board or commission that has either the power to adopt, amend, or repeal rules under chapter
14, or the power to adjudicate contested cases or appeals under chapter 14;

(7) individual employed in the executive branch who is authorized to adopt, amend, or
repeal rules under chapter 14 or adjudicate contested cases under chapter 14;

(8) executive director of the State Board of Investment;

(9) deputy of any official listed in clauses (7) and (8);

(10) judge of the Workers' Compensation Court of Appeals;

(11) administrative law judge or compensation judge in the State Office of Administrative
Hearings or unemployment law judge in the Department of Employment and Economic
Development;

(12) member, regional administrator, division director, general counsel, or operations
manager of the Metropolitan Council;

(13) member or chief administrator of a metropolitan agency;

(14) director of the Division of Alcohol and Gambling Enforcement in the Department
of Public Safety;

(15) member or executive director of the Higher Education Facilities Authority;

(16) member of the board of directors or president of Enterprise Minnesota, Inc.;

(17) member of the board of directors or executive director of the Minnesota State High
School League;

(18) member of the Minnesota Ballpark Authority established in section 473.755;

(19) citizen member of the Legislative-Citizen Commission on Minnesota Resources;

deleted text begin (20) manager of a watershed district, or member of a watershed management organization
as defined under section 103B.205, subdivision 13;
deleted text end

deleted text begin (21) supervisor of a soil and water conservation district;
deleted text end

deleted text begin (22)deleted text end new text begin (20)new text end director of Explore Minnesota Tourism;

deleted text begin (23)deleted text end new text begin (21)new text end citizen member of the Lessard-Sams Outdoor Heritage Council established in
section 97A.056;

deleted text begin (24)deleted text end new text begin (22)new text end citizen member of the Clean Water Council established in section 114D.30;

deleted text begin (25)deleted text end new text begin (23)new text end member or chief executive of the Minnesota Sports Facilities Authority
established in section 473J.07;

deleted text begin (26)deleted text end new text begin (24)new text end district court judge, appeals court judge, or supreme court justice;

deleted text begin (27) county commissioner;
deleted text end

deleted text begin (28)deleted text end new text begin (25)new text end member of the Greater Minnesota Regional Parks and Trails Commission;

deleted text begin (29)deleted text end new text begin (26)new text end member of the Destination Medical Center Corporation established in section
469.41; or

deleted text begin (30)deleted text end new text begin (27)new text end chancellor or member of the Board of Trustees of the Minnesota State Colleges
and Universities.

Minnesota Statutes 2024, section 10A.04, subdivision 4, is amended to read:

(a) A report under this section must include information the board
requires from the registration form and the information required by this subdivision for the
reporting period.

(b) A lobbyist must report the specific subjects of interest for an entity represented by
the lobbyist on each report submitted under this section. A lobbyist must describe a specific
subject of interest in the report with enough information to show the particular issue of
importance to the entity represented.

(c) A lobbyist must report every state agency that had administrative action that the
represented entity sought to influence during the reporting period. The lobbyist must report
the specific subjects of interest for each administrative action and the revisor of statutes
rule draft number assigned to the administrative rulemaking.

(d) A lobbyist must report every political subdivision that considered official action that
the represented entity sought to influence during the reporting period. The lobbyist must
report the specific subjects of interest for each action.

(e) A lobbyist must report general lobbying categories and up to four specific subjects
of interest related to each general lobbying category on which the lobbyist attempted to
influence legislative action during the reporting period. If the lobbyist attempted to influence
legislative action on more than four specific subjects of interest for a general lobbying
category, the lobbyist, in consultation with the represented entity, must determine which
four specific subjects of interest were the entity's highest priorities during the reporting
period and report only those four subjects.

(f) A lobbyist must report the Public Utilities Commission project name for each rate
setting, power plant and powerline siting, or granting of certification of need before the
Public Utilities Commission that the represented entity sought to influence during the
reporting period.

(g) A lobbyist must report the amount and nature of each gift, item, or benefit, excluding
contributions to a candidate, equal in value to $5 or more, given or paid to any official, as
defined in section 10A.071, subdivision 1, by the lobbyist or an employer or employee of
the lobbyist. The list must include the name and address of each official to whom the gift,
item, or benefit was given or paid and the date it was given or paid.

(h) A lobbyist must report each original source of money in excess of $500 in any year
used for the purpose of lobbying to influence legislative action, administrative action, or
the official action of a political subdivision. The list must include the name, address, and
employer, or, if self-employed, the occupation and principal place of business, of each payer
of money in excess of $500.

(i) On each report, a lobbyist must disclose the general lobbying categories that were
lobbied on in the reporting period.

new text begin (j) A lobbyist must report each expert witness that the lobbyist requested to communicate
with public or local officials as described in section 10A.01, subdivision 21, paragraph (b),
clause (8). The lobbyist must report the name of the expert witness; the employer, if any,
of the expert witness; the government entity that received the communication from the
expert witness; and the specific subject on which the expert witness communicated. The
designated lobbyist must also report this information if the expert witness is requested to
communicate by the principal or association that the lobbyist represents.
new text end

new text begin (a) The board must publish on the board's website a handbook for lobbying written in
plain language. At a minimum, the handbook must clearly explain:
new text end

new text begin (1) lobbyist registration requirements, including:
new text end

new text begin (i) an explanation of when a person is required to register as a lobbyist and what specific
types of activities count toward reaching the dollar amount thresholds in section 10A.01,
subdivision 21; and
new text end

new text begin (ii) how registration requirements apply if a person is employed by a government entity;
new text end

new text begin (2) which activities and expenses do not count toward the dollar amount thresholds in
section 10A.01, subdivision 21, but are required to be reported as lobbying disbursements
on a principal's report; and
new text end

new text begin (3) any differences between lobbying the legislature, the executive branch, a political
subdivision, and the Public Utilities Commission.
new text end

new text begin (b) The board must regularly update the handbook to reflect changes to statutes and
rules. In developing and updating the handbook, the board must consult individuals who
are registered lobbyists but who are not full-time professional lobbyists, including lobbyists
for nonprofit organizations, small organizations, and organizations led by individuals who
are Black, Indigenous, and people of color.
new text end

new text begin This section is effective the day following final enactment, except
that the board is not required to publish the handbook until January 15, 2026.
new text end

Minnesota Statutes 2024, section 10A.07, subdivision 1, is amended to read:

(a) A public official or a local official
elected to or appointed by a metropolitan governmental unitnew text begin or by a political subdivision new text end
who in the discharge of official duties would be required to take an action or make a decision
that would substantially affect the official's financial interests or those of an associated
business, unless the effect on the official is no greater than on other members of the official's
business classification, profession, or occupation, must take the following actions:

(1) prepare a written statement describing the matter requiring action or decision and
the nature of the potential conflict of interest;

(2) deliver copies of the statement to the official's immediate superior, if any; and

(3) if a member of the legislature deleted text begin or of thedeleted text end new text begin , anew text end governing body of a metropolitan
governmental unitnew text begin , or a political subdivisionnew text end , deliver a copy of the statement to the presiding
officer of the body of service.

If a potential conflict of interest presents itself and there is insufficient time to comply
with clauses (1) to (3), the public or local official must orally inform the superior or the
official body of service or committee of the body of the potential conflict.

(b) For purposes of this section, "financial interest" means any ownership or control in
an asset that has the potential to produce a monetary return.

Minnesota Statutes 2024, section 10A.07, subdivision 2, is amended to read:

(a) If the official is not a member of the legislature or of the
governing body of a metropolitan governmental unitnew text begin or by a political subdivisionnew text end , the superior
must assign the matter, if possible, to another employee who does not have a potential
conflict of interest.

(b) If there is no immediate superior, the official must abstain, if possible, by assigning
the matter to a subordinate for disposition or requesting the appointing authority to designate
another to determine the matter. The official shall not chair a meeting, participate in any
vote, or offer any motion or discussion on the matter giving rise to the potential conflict of
interest.

(c) If the official is a member of the legislature, the house of service may, at the member's
request, excuse the member from taking part in the action or decision in question.

(d) If an official is not permitted or is otherwise unable to abstain from action in
connection with the matter, the official must file a statement describing the potential conflict
and the action taken. A public official must file the statement with the board and a local
official must file the statement with the governing body of the official's political subdivision.
The statement must be filed within a week of the action taken.

Minnesota Statutes 2024, section 10A.08, subdivision 1, is amended to read:

(a) A public official new text begin or elected local official new text end who
represents a client for a fee before an individual, board, commission, or agency that has
rulemaking authority in a hearing conducted under chapter 14, must disclose the official's
participation in the action to the board within 14 days after the public official's initial
appearance at a hearing. If the public official fails to disclose the participation by the date
that the disclosure was due, the board may impose a late filing fee of $25 per day, not to
exceed $1,000, starting on the day after the disclosure was due. The board must send notice
by certified mail to a public official who fails to disclose the participation within ten business
days after the disclosure was due that the public official may be subject to a civil penalty
for failure to disclose the participation. A public official who fails to disclose the participation
within seven days after the certified mail notice was sent by the board is subject to a civil
penalty imposed by the board of up to $1,000.

(b) A public official new text begin or elected local official new text end required to disclose representation under
this section shall provide the following information: name, address, and office held; name
and address of each client represented at the hearing; the name of the individual, board,
commission, or agency conducting the hearing and the date and location of the initial
appearance at the hearing; and a general description of the subject or subjects on which the
public official represented the client in the hearing.

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

An individual must file a statement of economic interest:

(1) within 60 days of deleted text begin accepting employment as a public official or a local official in a
metropolitan governmental unitdeleted text end new text begin undertaking the duties of office or accepting employment
as a public official or as a local official in a political subdivision or metropolitan
governmental unitnew text end ;

(2)new text begin within 60 days of accepting employment by a charter school in a position in which
the person has authority to make or recommend major decisions regarding the expenditure
or investment of public money;
new text end

new text begin (3)new text end within 60 days of assuming office as a district court judge, appeals court judge,
supreme court justice, deleted text begin or county commissionerdeleted text end new text begin or member of a watershed management
organization as defined in section 103B.205, subdivision 13new text end ;

deleted text begin (3)deleted text end new text begin (4)new text end within 14 days after deleted text begin filingdeleted text end new text begin the end of the filing period for a candidate who filednew 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 deleted text begin in a metropolitan governmental unit other
than county commissionerdeleted text end ;

new text begin (5) in the case of an individual running for a charter school board, at least 14 days before
the election;
new text end

new text begin (6) in the case of an initial member of a charter school board, within 14 days of taking
office;
new text end

deleted text begin (4)deleted text end new text begin (7)new text end 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

deleted text begin (5)deleted text end new text begin (8)new text end 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.

Minnesota Statutes 2024, section 10A.09, subdivision 5, is amended to read:

(a) A statement of economic interest required
by this section must be on a form prescribed by the board. Except as provided in subdivision
5b, the individual filing must provide the following information:

(1) the individual's name, address, occupation, and principal place of business;

(2) a listing of the name of each associated business and the nature of that association;

(3) a listing of all real property within the state, excluding homestead property, in which
the individual or the individual's spouse holds: (i) a fee simple interest, a mortgage, a contract
for deed as buyer or seller, or an option to buy, whether direct or indirect, if the interest is
valued in excess of $2,500; or (ii) an option to buy, if the property has a fair market value
of more than $50,000;

(4) a listing of all real property within the state in which a partnership of which the
individual or the individual's spouse is a member holds: (i) a fee simple interest, a mortgage,
a contract for deed as buyer or seller, or an option to buy, whether direct or indirect, if the
individual's share of the partnership interest is valued in excess of $2,500; or (ii) an option
to buy, if the property has a fair market value of more than $50,000. A listing under this
clause or clause (3) must indicate the street address and the municipality or the section,
township, range and approximate acreage, whichever applies, and the county in which the
property is located;

(5) a listing of any investments, ownership, or interests in property connected with
pari-mutuel horse racing in the United States and Canada, including a racehorse, in which
the individual directly or indirectly holds a partial or full interest or an immediate family
member holds a partial or full interest;

(6) a listing of the principal business or professional activity category of each business
from which the individual or the individual's spouse receives more than $250 in any month
during the reporting period as an employee, if the individual or the individual's spouse has
an ownership interest of 25 percent or more in the business;

(7) a listing of each principal business or professional activity category from which the
individual or the individual's spouse received compensation of more than $2,500 in the past
12 months as an independent contractor;

(8) a listing of the full name of each security with a value of more than $10,000 owned
in part or in full by the individual or the individual's spouse, at any time during the reporting
period; deleted text begin and
deleted text end

(9) new text begin for each stock or stock option reported under clause (8), a listing of the date or dates
and value as provided in paragraph (h) of each purchase or sale of stock or exercise, sale,
or transaction involving the stock option in that entity during the reporting period, regardless
of the value of the transaction;
new text end

new text begin (10) a listing of the full name of each virtual currency with a value of more than $10,000
owned in part or in full by the individual or the individual's spouse at any time during the
reporting period;
new text end

new text begin (11) for each virtual currency reported under clause (10), a listing of the date or dates
and value as provided in paragraph (h) of each purchase or sale of that virtual currency
during the reporting period, regardless of the value of the purchase or sale; and
new text end

new text begin (12) new text end a listing of any contract, professional license, lease, or franchise that:

(i) is held by the individual or the individual's spouse or any business in which the
individual has an ownership interest of 25 percent or more; and

(ii) is entered into with, or issued by, the government agency on which the individual
serves as a public or local official.

(b) The business or professional categories for purposes of paragraph (a), clauses (6)
and (7), must be the general topic headings used by the federal Internal Revenue Service
for purposes of reporting self-employment income on Schedule C. This paragraph does not
require an individual to report any specific code number from that schedule. Any additional
principal business or professional activity category may only be adopted if the category is
enacted by law.

(c) For the purpose of calculating the amount of compensation received from any single
source in a single month, the amount shall include the total amount received from the source
during the month, whether or not the amount covers compensation for more than one month.

(d) For the purpose of determining the value of an individual's interest in real property,
the value of the property is the market value shown on the property tax statement.

(e) For the purpose of this section, "date of appointment" means the effective date of
appointment to a position.

(f) For the purpose of this section, "accepting employment as a public official" means
the effective date of the appointment to the position, as stated in the appointing authority's
notice to the board.

(g) The listings required in paragraph (a), clauses (3) to deleted text begin (9)deleted text end new text begin (12)new text end , must not identify
whether the individual or the individual's spouse is associated with or owns the listed item.

new text begin (h) For the purposes of paragraph (a), clauses (9) and (11), the statement must allow the
filer to select one of the following ranges for each reported purchase, sale, exercise, or
transaction:
new text end

new text begin (1) $1 to $10,000;
new text end

new text begin (2) $10,001 to $50,000;
new text end

new text begin (3) $50,001 to $100,000;
new text end

new text begin (4) $100,001 to $250,000;
new text end

new text begin (5) $250,001 to $500,000;
new text end

new text begin (6) $500,001 to $1,000,000;
new text end

new text begin (7) $1,000,001 to $5,000,000;
new text end

new text begin (8) $5,000,001 to $25,000,000;
new text end

new text begin (9) $25,000,001 to $50,000,000; and
new text end

new text begin (10) over $50,000,000.
new text end

Minnesota Statutes 2024, section 10A.09, subdivision 5a, is amended to read:

deleted text begin (a)deleted text end An original statement of economic
interest required under subdivision 1, clause deleted text begin (1), must cover the calendar month before the
month in which the individual accepted employment as a public official or a local official
in a metropolitan governmental unit.deleted text end new text begin (4), must cover the calendar month before the month
in which the candidate filed the affidavit of candidacy. An original statement of economic
interest required under subdivision 1, clause (5), must cover the month before the month in
which the candidates' names are provided to eligible voters in accordance with section
124E.07, subdivision 5, paragraph (d). In all other cases an original statement of economic
interest must cover the calendar month before the month in which the individual assumed
the duties of office or accepted the position that required the filing of the statement.
new text end

deleted text begin (b) An original statement of economic interest required under subdivision 1, clauses (2),
(4), and (5), must cover the calendar month before the month in which the individual assumed
or undertook the duties of office.
deleted text end

deleted text begin (c) An original statement of economic interest required under subdivision 1, clause (3),
must cover the calendar month before the month in which the candidate filed the affidavit
of candidacy.
deleted text end

Minnesota Statutes 2024, section 10A.09, subdivision 6a, is amended to read:

A public official required to file a statement under this section
must file it with the board. new text begin A county commissioner, soil and water conservation district
supervisor, manager of a watershed district, or member of a watershed management
organization as defined in section 103B.205, subdivision 13, must file the statement with
the board. new text end A new text begin local candidate or new text end local official required to file a statement under this section
must file it with the governing body of the official's political subdivision. The governing
body must maintain statements filed with it under this subdivision as public data. If an
official position is defined as both a public official and as a local official deleted text begin of a metropolitan
governmental unitdeleted text end under this chapter, the official must file the statement with the board.

new text begin (a) For purposes of this section, the following terms have
the meanings given.
new text end

new text begin (b) "Inaugural event expenses" means expenses incurred for any event related to the
individual's inauguration held between the date of the general election at which an individual
is elected to a statewide office and January 31 of the year in which the officeholder takes
office. In the event that an individual fills a vacancy in a constitutional office, "inaugural
event expenses" means expenses incurred for any event related to the individual's
inauguration between the time that it was confirmed that the individual would assume the
constitutional office and the date four weeks after the individual is sworn into office.
new text end

new text begin (c) "Transition expenses" means expenses incurred in preparing for the assumption of
official duties as governor, lieutenant governor, secretary of state, state auditor, or attorney
general. Expenses include but are not limited to establishment of a transition office, the
dissolution of the office, office space and equipment, communications and technology
support, consulting services, compensation and travel costs, and other reasonable expenses.
Transition expenses do not include expenses that are incurred after the officeholder takes
office.
new text end

new text begin A candidate or a
candidate's principal campaign committee must not solicit or accept any contributions for
or make any expenditure for inaugural event expenses or transition expenses except through
the candidate's principal campaign committee or as otherwise prescribed by law.
new text end

Minnesota Statutes 2024, section 10A.175, is amended by adding a subdivision
to read:

new text begin "Disbursement" means a purchase or payment subject to this
chapter made by any person.
new text end

Minnesota Statutes 2024, section 10A.176, is amended to read:

deleted text begin An expenditure described in this section that expressly
advocates for the election of the candidate or the defeat of the candidate's opponent is a
coordinated expenditure and is not independent under section 10A.01, subdivision 18. deleted text end new text begin A
disbursement is a coordinated expenditure and is not independent under section 10A.01,
subdivision 18, where it:
new text end

new text begin (1) satisfies at least one of the content standards in subdivision 1a; and
new text end

new text begin (2) satisfies at least one of the conduct standards in subdivisions 2 to 8.
new text end

new text begin A disbursement for any of the content outlined in this
subdivision satisfies the content standard of this section if it is:
new text end

new text begin (1) a communication that expressly advocates for the election or defeat of the candidate,
as defined under section 10A.01, subdivision 16a;
new text end

new text begin (2) a communication that promotes, supports, attacks, or opposes the nomination, election,
or defeat of the clearly identified candidate; or
new text end

new text begin (3) an electioneering communication, as defined under section 10A.201.
new text end

(a) deleted text begin An expenditure is a coordinated
expendituredeleted text end new text begin A disbursement satisfies the conduct standard of this sectionnew text end if the deleted text begin expendituredeleted text end new text begin
disbursementnew text end is made on or after January 1 of the year the office will appear on the ballot
by a spender for which the candidate, on or after January 1 of the year the office will appear
on the ballot, has engaged in fundraising of money that is not general treasury money, as
defined in section 10A.01, subdivision 17c, of the spender.

(b) For purposes of this subdivision, candidate fundraising includes:

(1) soliciting or collecting money for or to the spender that is not general treasury money;
and

(2) appearing for the spender as a speaker at an event raising money that is not general
treasury money.

deleted text begin An expenditure is a coordinated
expendituredeleted text end new text begin A disbursement satisfies the conduct standard of this sectionnew text end if the deleted text begin expendituredeleted text end new text begin
disbursementnew text end is made on or after January 1 of the year the office will appear on the ballot
by a spender that:

(1) is not a party unit; and

(2) is an association, political committee, political fund, independent expenditure political
committee, or independent expenditure political fund, in which the candidate was a
chairperson, deputy chairperson, treasurer, or deputy treasurer on or after January 1 of the
year the office will appear on the ballot.

(a) deleted text begin An expenditure is a coordinated
expendituredeleted text end new text begin A disbursement satisfies the conduct standard of this sectionnew text end if the deleted text begin expendituredeleted text end new text begin
disbursementnew text end is made during an election segment for consulting services from a consultant
who has also provided consulting services to the candidate or the candidate's opponent
during that same election segment.

(b) This subdivision does not apply when the following conditions are met:

(1) the consultant assigns separate personnel to the spender and the candidate;

(2) the consultant has a written policy that describes the measures that the consultant
has taken to prohibit the flow of information between the personnel providing services to
the spender and the personnel providing services to the candidate;

(3) the written policy has been distributed to all personnel and clients covered by the
policy, including the candidate and the spender;

(4) the consultant has implemented the measures described in the written policy; and

(5) no information has been shared between the spender and the personnel that provided
services to the spender and the candidate and the personnel providing services to the
candidate.

deleted text begin An
expenditure is a coordinated expendituredeleted text end new text begin A disbursement satisfies the conduct standard of
this sectionnew text end if the deleted text begin expendituredeleted text end new text begin disbursementnew text end is made after the spender receives from the
candidate information that is not publicly available regarding the candidate's campaign
plans, strategy, or needs.

(1) the spender provides information to the candidate regarding the deleted text begin expenditure'sdeleted text end new text begin
disbursement'snew text end contents, intended audience, timing, location or mode, volume, or frequency;
and

(2) the information is provided to the candidate before the deleted text begin expendituredeleted text end new text begin disbursementnew text end is
communicated to the public.

deleted text begin An expenditure is a coordinated
expendituredeleted text end new text begin A disbursement satisfies the conduct standard of this sectionnew text end if the deleted text begin expendituredeleted text end new text begin
disbursementnew text end is made with the candidate's participation in the following:

(1) any of the processes required for the creation and development of the deleted text begin expendituredeleted text end new text begin
disbursementnew text end , including budgeting decisions, media design, acquisition of graphics and
text, production, and distribution of the final product; or

(2) any decision regarding the content, timing, location, intended audience, volume of
distribution, or frequency of the deleted text begin expendituredeleted text end new text begin disbursementnew text end .

new text begin A disbursement
satisfies the conduct standard of this section if the disbursement is materially consistent
with instructions or directions from a candidate regarding the making of disbursements,
regardless of whether the instructions or directions are publicly available. The factors the
board must consider in determining whether a disbursement is consistent with instructions
or directions from a candidate under this clause include but are not limited to:
new text end

new text begin (1) noticeable placement of instructions or directions on a discrete webpage or portion
of a webpage containing one or more other factors identified in this paragraph;
new text end

new text begin (2) whether the instructions or directions include language indicating that information
should be communicated to others or indicates information is intended for voters, including
but not limited to the phrase "voters need to know";
new text end

new text begin (3) whether the instructions or directions include targeted audience information, such
as specific demographics or the location of intended or suggested recipients;
new text end

new text begin (4) whether the instructions or directions include suggested methods of communication,
including indications that recipients need to hear, see, see on the go, or receive information
in other similar manners; and
new text end

new text begin (5) whether there are additional documents linked to the instructions or directions to
provide verification that the recommended messaging would be effective.
new text end

Minnesota Statutes 2024, section 10A.177, is amended to read:

new text begin (a) new text end Any of the following actions, taken alone, do not establish that deleted text begin an expendituredeleted text end new text begin a
disbursementnew text end made by the spender is coordinated with the candidate:

(1) a candidate asks a spender not to make any expenditure to support the candidate or
oppose the candidate's opponentnew text begin or any disbursement for an electioneering communication
that references the candidate or the candidate's opponentnew text end ;

(2) a candidate provides to a spender names of potential donors, as long as the spender
does not state or suggest to the candidate that funds received from use of the donor list will
be used for independent expenditures to benefit the candidate;

(3) deleted text begin an expendituredeleted text end new text begin a disbursementnew text end uses a photograph, video, or audio recording obtained
from a publicly available source or public event;

(4) deleted text begin an expendituredeleted text end new text begin a disbursementnew text end uses information obtained from a biography, position
paper, press release, or similar material about the candidate from a publicly available source
or public event;

(5) the spender contributes to the candidate, makes an in-kind donation to the candidate,
or endorses the candidate;

(6) deleted text begin an expendituredeleted text end new text begin a disbursementnew text end includes a hyperlink to the candidate's website or
social media page;

(7) deleted text begin an expendituredeleted text end new text begin a disbursementnew text end appears in a news story, commentary, or editorial
distributed deleted text begin through the facilities of any broadcasting station, newspaper, magazine, or other
periodical publicationdeleted text end new text begin by any broadcasting station, including a cable or streaming television
operator, programmer, or producer; website; newspaper; magazine; or other periodical
publication, including any Internet or electronic publication. If the facility is owned or
controlled by any political party, political committee, or candidate, the news story must:
new text end

new text begin (i) represent a bona fide news account communicated in a publication of general
circulation or on a licensed broadcasting facility; and
new text end

new text begin (ii) be part of a general pattern of campaign-related news accounts that give reasonably
equal coverage to all opposing candidates in the circulation or listening areanew text end ;

(8) the spender discusses the candidate's position on a legislative or policy matter with
the candidate. This clause includes the sending, completion, and return of a survey conducted
by the spender to determine whether to endorse the candidate; or

(9) the spender invites the candidate to appear before the spender's members, employees,
or shareholders, including the candidate's participation in the event, unless the event promotes
the election of the candidate or the defeat of the candidate's opponent, or the candidate
requests or accepts campaign contributions at the event.

new text begin (b) Paragraph (a), clause (4), does not apply to publicly available instructions or directions
from a candidate regarding the making of expenditures under section 10A.176, subdivision
8.
new text end

Minnesota Statutes 2024, section 10A.20, is amended by adding a subdivision to
read:

new text begin A candidate for constitutional or legislative
office that makes a contribution or loan to the candidate's principal campaign committee
that, in aggregate, exceeds the amount permitted by section 10A.27, subdivision 10, must
report the contribution or loan to the board by the next business day. A candidate must file
a new report each time that the reporting threshold is exceeded during an election cycle
segment.
new text end

Minnesota Statutes 2024, section 10A.201, subdivision 6, is amended to read:

(a) "Electioneering communication" means
any broadcast, cable, satellite, telephone, or digital communication that:

(1) refers to a clearly identified candidate for state office;

(2) is publicly distributed deleted text begin within 60 days before a general election for the office sought
by the candidate, within 30 days before adeleted text end new text begin after the start of the absentee voting period prior
to the state or specialnew text end primary election deleted text begin for the office sought by the candidatedeleted text end new text begin when the office
sought will be on the general or special election ballot through the date of the general or
special election for that officenew text end , or within 30 days before a convention of a political party
unit that has authority to endorse a candidate for the office sought by the candidate; and

(3) is targeted to the relevant electorate.

(b) A communication is not an electioneering communication if it:

(1) is publicly disseminated through a means of communication other than a broadcast,
cable, satellite television, or radio station, by telephone, in a digital format online, or by
other electronic means;

(2) appears in a news story, commentary, or editorial distributed through the facilities
of any broadcast, cable, or satellite television or radio station, unless such facilities are
owned or controlled by any political party, political committee, or candidate, provided that
a news story distributed through a broadcast, cable, or satellite television or radio station
owned or controlled by any political party, political committee, or candidate is not an
electioneering communication if the news story meets the requirements described in Code
of Federal Regulations, title 11, section 100.132 (a) and (b);

(3) constitutes an expenditure or independent expenditure, provided that the expenditure
or independent expenditure is required to be reported under this chapter;

(4) constitutes a candidate debate or forum, or that solely promotes such a debate or
forum and is made by or on behalf of the person sponsoring the debate or forum;

(5) is paid for by a candidate;

(6) is a noncommercial solicitation for the purposes of opinion research, including but
not limited to opinion research designed for understanding the impact of exposure to political
messages and content, provided that the solicitation is not designed to influence respondents'
views by presenting biased or manipulative content under the guise of it being an opinion
poll, survey, or other form of scientific data collection; or

(7) is a communication disseminated by telephone, in a digital format online, or by other
electronic means that the recipient has affirmatively and voluntarily consented to receive
from the sender.

Minnesota Statutes 2024, section 10A.202, subdivision 4, is amended to read:

An electioneering communication must include a
disclaimer deleted text begin in the same manner as required for campaign material underdeleted text end new text begin as required bynew text end
section 211B.04, subdivision deleted text begin 1, paragraph (c)deleted text end new text begin 2anew text end .

Minnesota Statutes 2024, section 10A.36, is amended to read:

new text begin (a) new text end An new text begin employer, new text end individualnew text begin ,new text end or association must not engage in economic reprisals or
threaten loss of employment or physical coercion against an individual or association because
of that individual's or association'snew text begin :
new text end

new text begin (1)new text end political contributions or political activitynew text begin including for becoming a candidate or
local candidate for elected public office, unless precluded by other law; or
new text end

new text begin (2) refusal to communicate with public or local officials to influence a decision about a
legislative or administrative action or the official action of a political subdivisionnew text end .

new text begin (b)new text end This deleted text begin subdivisiondeleted text end new text begin sectionnew text end does not apply to compensation for employment deleted text begin ordeleted text end new text begin ,new text end loss of
employment deleted text begin ifdeleted text end new text begin , or economic reprisals:
new text end

new text begin (1) ifnew text end the political affiliation or viewpoint of the employee is a bona fide occupational
qualification of the employmentnew text begin ; or
new text end

new text begin (2) for communications described in paragraph (a), clause (2), if the individual's
responsibilities, through employment or contract, include communicating with public or
local officialsnew text end .

new text begin (c) An individual or association injured by a violation of this section may bring a civil
action in district court for damages, injunctive relief, costs and reasonable attorney fees,
and any other relief the court deems just and equitable, including reinstatement of
employment.
new text end

new text begin (d)new text end An new text begin employer, new text end individualnew text begin ,new text end or association that violates this section is guilty of a gross
misdemeanor.new text begin The board may refer a violation of this section to the appropriate county
attorney.
new text end

new text begin (e) For purposes of this section, "employer" means a person or entity that employs one
or more employees and includes an individual, corporation, partnership, association, business,
trust, nonprofit organization, group of persons, legislature, judicial branch, state, county,
town, city, school district, or other governmental subdivision.
new text end

new text begin This section is effective August 1, 2025, and applies to violations
committed on or after that date and to causes of action accruing on or after that date.
new text end

new text begin (a)
Attempting to influence a nonelected local official is lobbying if the nonelected local official
may make, recommend, or vote on as a member of the political subdivision's governing
body, a major decision regarding an expenditure or investment of public money.
new text end

new text begin (b) The mere act of submitting an application for a grant or responding to a request for
proposals is not lobbying. Communications of a purely administerial or technical nature
regarding the submission of a grant application or response to requests for proposals are
not lobbying.
new text end

new text begin A major decision
regarding the expenditure or investment of public money includes but is not limited to a
decision on:
new text end

new text begin (1) the development and ratification of operating and capital budgets of a political
subdivision, including development of the budget request for an office or department within
the political subdivision;
new text end

new text begin (2) whether to apply for or accept state, federal, or private grant funding;
new text end

new text begin (3) selecting recipients for government grants from the political subdivision; or
new text end

new text begin (4) tax abatement, tax increment financing, or expenditures on public infrastructure used
to support private housing or business developments.
new text end

new text begin A major decision regarding the
expenditure of public money does not include:
new text end

new text begin (1) the purchase of goods or services with public funds in the operating or capital budget
of a political subdivision;
new text end

new text begin (2) collective bargaining of a labor contract on behalf of a political subdivision; or
new text end

new text begin (3) participating in discussions with a party or a party's representative regarding litigation
between the party and the political subdivision of the local official.
new text end

Minnesota Statutes 2024, section 124E.03, is amended by adding a subdivision
to read:

new text begin Members of charter school boards and
persons employed as charter school directors and chief administrators are subject to the
requirements of section 10A.09.
new text end

Minnesota Statutes 2024, section 211A.02, subdivision 1, is amended to read:

(a) A committee
or a candidate who receives contributions or makes disbursements of more than $750 in a
calendar year shall submit an initial report to the filing officer within 14 days after the
candidate or committee receives or makes disbursements of more than $750 and must
continue to make the reports required by this subdivision until a final report is filed.

(b) In a year in which deleted text begin a candidate receives contributions or makes disbursements of
more than $750 ordeleted text end the candidate's name appears on the ballot, the candidate must file a
report:

(1) ten days before the primary or special primary if a primary is held in the jurisdiction,
regardless of whether the candidate is on the primary ballot. If a primary is not conducted,
the report is due ten days before the primary date specified in section 205.065;

(2) ten days before the general election or special election; and

(3) 30 days after a general or special election.

deleted text begin The reporting obligations in this paragraph begin with the first report due after the reporting
period in which the candidate reaches the spending threshold specified in paragraph (a).deleted text end A
candidate who did not file for office is not required to file reports required by this paragraph
that are due after the end of the filing period. A candidate whose name will not be on the
general election ballot is not required to file the reports required by clauses (2) and (3).

(c) Until a final report is filed, a candidate must file a report by January 31 of each year.
Notwithstanding subdivision 2, clause (4), the report required by this subdivision must only
include the information from the previous calendar year.

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

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 addressdeleted text begin , if available,deleted text end
of the person responsible for filing the reportnew text begin . If the person responsible for filing the report
does not have an email address, the person must include an attestation to that effectnew text end ;

(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.

Minnesota Statutes 2024, section 211B.04, subdivision 1, is amended to read:

(a) A person who participates in the preparation or
dissemination of campaign material deleted text begin other than as provided in section 211B.05, subdivision
1,deleted text end that does not prominently include the name and address of the person or committee
causing the material to be prepared or disseminated in a disclaimer substantially in the form
provided in paragraph (b) or (c) is guilty of a misdemeanor.

(b) Except in cases covered by paragraph (c), the required form of disclaimer is: "deleted text begin Prepared
anddeleted text end Paid for by the ....... committee, ....... (address)" for material prepared and paid for by
a principal campaign committee, or "deleted text begin Prepared anddeleted text end Paid for by the ....... committee, .......
(address)" for material prepared and paid for by a person or committee other than a principal
campaign committee. The address must be either the committee's mailing address or the
committee's website, if the website includes the committee's mailing address. If the material
is produced and disseminated without cost, the words deleted text begin "paid for" may be omitted fromdeleted text end new text begin
"Prepared by" may be used in place of "Paid for by" innew text end the disclaimer.new text begin Except as required
by paragraph (c), in the case of a candidate's or committee's website or social media page,
the requirements of this subdivision are satisfied for the entire website or social media page
when the disclaimer appears once on the website or social media home page.
new text end

(c) In the case of deleted text begin broadcastdeleted text end new text begin audio or videonew text end media, new text begin including audio or video media posted
on a candidate or principal campaign committee's website, new text end the required form of disclaimer
is: "Paid for by the ....... committee." If the material is produced and broadcast without cost,
the required form of the disclaimer is: "The ....... committee is responsible for the content
of this message."

Minnesota Statutes 2024, section 211B.04, subdivision 2, is amended to read:

(a) deleted text begin The required form of the disclaimer on a writtendeleted text end new text begin
Except in cases covered by paragraph (b), the required form of disclaimer for annew text end independent
expenditure is: "This is an independent expenditure prepared and paid for by ....... (name
of entity participating in the expenditure), ....... (address). It is not coordinated with or
approved by any candidate nor is any candidate responsible for it." The address must be
either the entity's mailing address or the entity's website, if the website includes the entity's
mailing address. When a written independent expenditure is produced and disseminated
without cost, the words "and paid for" may be omitted from the disclaimer.

(b) The required form of the disclaimer on deleted text begin a broadcastdeleted text end new text begin an audio or video medianew text end
independent expenditure is: "This independent expenditure is paid for by ....... (name of
entity participating in the expenditure). It is not coordinated with or approved by any
candidate nor is any candidate responsible for it." When deleted text begin a broadcastdeleted text end new text begin an audio or video medianew text end
independent expenditure is produced and disseminated without cost, the following disclaimer
may be used: "....... (name of entity participating in the expenditure) is responsible for the
contents of this independent expenditure. It is not coordinated with or approved by any
candidate nor is any candidate responsible for it."

Minnesota Statutes 2024, section 211B.04, is amended by adding a subdivision
to read:

new text begin (a) Except in cases covered by paragraph
(b), the required form of disclaimer for an electioneering communication is: "Paid for by
....... (name of entity participating in the communication), ....... (address). It is not coordinated
with or approved by any candidate nor is any candidate responsible for it." The address
must be either the entity's mailing address or the entity's website, if the website includes
the entity's mailing address. When an electioneering communication is produced and
disseminated without cost, the words "Prepared by" may be used in place of "Paid for by"
in the disclaimer.
new text end

new text begin (b) The required form of the disclaimer on an audio or video media electioneering
communication is: " paid for by ....... (name of entity participating in the communication).
It is not coordinated with or approved by any candidate nor is any candidate responsible
for it." When an audio or video media electioneering communication is produced and
disseminated without cost, the following disclaimer may be used: "....... (name of entity
participating in the expenditure) is responsible for the contents of this communication. It is
not coordinated with or approved by any candidate nor is any candidate responsible for it."
new text end

Minnesota Statutes 2024, section 211B.04, subdivision 3, is amended to read:

(a) This section does not apply to
fundraising tickets, business cards, personal letters, or similar items that are clearly being
distributed by the candidate.

(b) This section does not apply to an individual or association that is not required to
register or report under chapter 10A or 211A.

(1) bumper stickers, pins, buttons, pens, or similar small items on which the disclaimer
cannot be conveniently printed;

(2) skywriting, wearing apparel, or other means of displaying an advertisement of such
a nature that the inclusion of a disclaimer would be impracticable; and

(3) deleted text begin online banner ads and similardeleted text end electronic communications deleted text begin thatdeleted text end new text begin for which it would be
technologically infeasible. In this case, the communication must state the name of the person
who paid for, or in the case of a communication that is produced and disseminated without
cost, who is responsible for the communication andnew text end link directly to an online page that
includes new text begin only new text end the disclaimer. new text begin The person who paid for or is responsible for the communication
must, at the request of the Campaign Finance and Public Disclosure Board or the Office of
Administrative Hearings, demonstrate why it was technologically infeasible to include a
disclaimer in the form required by subdivision 1, 2, or 2a.
new text end

deleted text begin (d) This section does not modify or repeal section 211B.06.
deleted text end

Minnesota Statutes 2024, section 211B.04, subdivision 5, is amended to read:

deleted text begin For written communications other than an outdoor sign, website, or
social media page,deleted text end new text begin (a) Except as provided in paragraphs (b) and (c),new text end the disclaimer must be
printed in 8-point font or largernew text begin with sufficient color contrast to be reasonably legiblenew text end .

new text begin (b) For an outdoor sign, the font of the disclaimer must be a height of at least five percent
of the vertical height of the sign with sufficient color contrast to be reasonably legible.
new text end

new text begin (c) For websites and social media, the font of the disclaimer must be displayed large
enough and with sufficient color contrast to be reasonably legible.
new text end

new text begin Paragraph (b) applies to outdoor signs printed
on or after January 1, 2026.
new text end

new text begin (a) A person must not:
new text end

new text begin (1) misrepresent the person or any committee or organization as speaking or writing or
otherwise acting for or on behalf of any real, potential, spurious, or nonexistent candidate,
political party, committee, fund, or organization with the intent to defraud; or
new text end

new text begin (2) willfully and knowingly participate in or conspire to participate in any plan, scheme,
or design to violate clause (1).
new text end

new text begin (b) A person must not:
new text end

new text begin (1) misrepresent the person as speaking, writing, or otherwise acting for or on behalf of
any real, potential, spurious, or nonexistent candidate, political party, committee, fund, or
organization or employee or agent of any such candidate, political party, or political
committee or organization when soliciting money or any other thing of value with the intent
to defraud; or
new text end

new text begin (2) willfully and knowingly participate in or conspire to participate in any plan, scheme,
or design to violate clause (1).
new text end

new text begin (a) Except as otherwise provided, a person
who violates this section is guilty of a gross misdemeanor.
new text end

new text begin (b) The attorney general, a county attorney, or a party injured by a violation of subdivision
1 may bring a civil action pursuant to section 8.31 to recover damages, together with costs
of investigation and reasonable attorney fees, and receive other equitable relief as determined
by the court. An action brought by an injured party under section 8.31, subdivision 3a,
benefits the public. In addition to all other damages, the court may impose a civil penalty
of up to $1,000 for each violation.
new text end

new text begin (c) Civil remedies allowable under this section are cumulative and do not restrict any
other right or remedy otherwise available. The complaint process provided in sections
211B.31 to 211B.36 does not apply to violations of this section.
new text end

new text begin This section is effective August 1, 2025, and applies to crimes
committed on or after that date and causes of action accruing on or after that date.
new text end

new text begin (a) For purposes of this section, the following terms have
the meanings given.
new text end

new text begin (b) "Person or entity" means any individual, committee, or association as defined in
section 10A.01, subdivision 6.
new text end

new text begin (c) "Sample ballot" means a document that is formatted and printed in a manner that so
closely resembles an official ballot that it could lead a reasonable person to believe the
document is an official ballot. A document that contains the names of particular candidates
or ballot questions alongside illustrations of a generic ballot or common ballot markings is
not a sample ballot as long as the document does not closely resemble an official ballot and
would not lead a reasonable person to believe the document is an official ballot.
new text end

new text begin (a) Except as otherwise provided in this paragraph, any person
or entity that mails an absentee ballot application or sample ballot to anyone in the state
must comply with this section. This section does not apply to a unit of government or
employee of that unit of government when discharging official election duties.
new text end

new text begin (b) The person or entity mailing the absentee ballot application or sample ballot must
include the following statement: "This mailing is not an official election communication
from a unit of government. This [absentee ballot application or sample ballot] has not been
included at the request of a government official." If a sample ballot is enclosed, the statement
must also include the following: "This is a sample ballot, not an official ballot. You cannot
cast the enclosed sample ballot."
new text end

new text begin (c) The statement required in paragraph (b) must be printed in a typeface and format
designed to be clearly visible at the time the mailing is opened. The person or entity sending
the sample ballot or absentee ballot application must include the person or entity's name
and street address in the return address position on the mailing envelope.
new text end

new text begin (d) If an absentee ballot application is included, the application fields must be blank and
must not include the voter's name, address, or any other required information.
Notwithstanding this subdivision, the county auditor or municipal clerk must not reject an
absentee ballot application solely because of the inclusion of printed information on the
application.
new text end

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

Minnesota Statutes 2024, section 211B.13, is amended to read:

new text begin (a) new text end A person deleted text begin whodeleted text end new text begin
is guilty of a felony if the personnew text end willfully, directly or indirectly, advances, pays, gives,
promises, new text begin provides a chance to win, new text end or lends any money, food, liquor, clothing, entertainment,
or other thing of monetary value, or who offers, promises, or endeavors to obtain any money,
position, appointment, employment, or other valuable consideration, to or for a person, in
order to inducenew text begin :
new text end

new text begin (1)new text end a voter new text begin to vote,new text end to refrain from voting, or to vote in a particular way, at an electiondeleted text begin ,
is guilty of a felonydeleted text end new text begin ;
new text end

new text begin (2) an individual to register to vote; or
new text end

new text begin (3) a registered or eligible voter to sign a petition that is directly related to an election
during the period beginning on the first day of the absentee voting period for that election
and ending on election daynew text end .

new text begin (b)new text end This section does not prevent a candidate from stating publicly preference for or
support of another candidate to be voted for at the same primary or election. deleted text begin Refreshments
ofdeleted text end Food deleted text begin ordeleted text end new text begin ,new text end nonalcoholic beveragesnew text begin , or itemsnew text end having a value up to $5new text begin are not prohibited
under this section ifnew text end consumed on the premises at a private gathering or public meeting deleted text begin are
not prohibited under this sectiondeleted text end new text begin or if offered on equal terms to individuals without regard
to whether the recipient takes a specified actionnew text end .

A person may not knowingly solicit, receive,
or accept any money, property, or other thing of monetary value, or a promise deleted text begin ordeleted text end new text begin ,new text end pledgenew text begin ,
or opportunity to win anynew text end of these that is a disbursement prohibited by this section or section
211B.15.

new text begin In addition to other remedies, the attorney general or county
attorney may enforce this section pursuant to section 8.31.
new text end

new text begin This section is effective August 1, 2025, and applies to crimes
committed on or after that date.
new text end

Minnesota Statutes 2024, section 211B.32, subdivision 1, is amended to read:

(a) Except as provided in paragraphs
(b) and (c), a complaint alleging a violation of chapter 211A or 211B must be filed with the
office. The complaint must be finally disposed of by the office before the alleged violation
may be prosecuted by a county attorney.

(b) Complaints arising under those sections and related to those individuals and
associations specified in section 10A.022, subdivision 3, must be filed with the Campaign
Finance and Public Disclosure Board.

(c) Violations of sections new text begin 211B.065, new text end 211B.075new text begin ,new text end and 211B.076 may be enforced as
provided in those sections.

Minnesota Statutes 2024, section 211B.32, subdivision 4, is amended to read:

The burden of proving the allegations in the complaint is on
the complainant. deleted text begin The standard of proof of a violation of section 211B.06, relating to false
statements in paid political advertising or campaign material, is clear and convincing
evidence.deleted text end The standard of proof of deleted text begin any otherdeleted text end new text begin anew text end violation of chapter 211A or 211B is a
preponderance of the evidence.

Minnesota Statutes 2024, section 211B.35, subdivision 2, is amended to read:

The panel must determine whether the violation
alleged in the complaint occurred and must make at least one of the following dispositions:

(a) The panel may dismiss the complaint.

(b) The panel may issue a reprimand.

(c) deleted text begin The panel may find that a statement made in a paid advertisement or campaign
material violated section 211B.06.
deleted text end

deleted text begin (d)deleted text end The panel may impose a civil penalty of up to $5,000 for any violation of chapter
211A or 211B.

deleted text begin (e)deleted text end new text begin (d)new text end The panel may refer the complaint to the appropriate county attorney.

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

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 of deleted text begin the filing of an affidavit or
petition to appear on the ballotdeleted text end new text begin the end of the candidate filing periodnew 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 The Campaign Finance and Public Disclosure Board must study the voluntary campaign
spending limits as provided in this section. By January 15, 2026, the board must report to
the chairs and ranking minority members of the legislative committees with jurisdiction
over the board with its findings and recommendations. At a minimum, the board must study
and report on:
new text end

new text begin (1) the number of candidates that participate in the public subsidy program, broken down
by office;
new text end

new text begin (2) the number of candidates that do not participate in the public subsidy program, broken
down by office;
new text end

new text begin (3) historic trend data for the past ten years for the information in clauses (1) and (2);
new text end

new text begin (4) for candidates that do not participate in the public subsidy program, how much the
candidate and the candidate's opponent spent and how much is spent on independent
expenditures in the race;
new text end

new text begin (5) how other states set voluntary campaign spending limits, including:
new text end

new text begin (i) if other states distinguish between highly contested races and other races in the amount
of funding provided or spending allowed;
new text end

new text begin (ii) if other states have an automatic inflator on the subsidies and limits; and
new text end

new text begin (iii) the level of candidate participation over time in the programs; and
new text end

new text begin (6) any recommendations the board has regarding the current public subsidy program
in Minnesota and whether the current spending limits are appropriate.
new text end

new text begin This section is effective the day following final enactment.
new text end

new text begin The Campaign Finance and Public Disclosure Board must amend Minnesota Rules, part
4503.0900, to conform to the requirements of Minnesota Statutes, section 10A.174, regarding
transition expenses. The board may use the good cause exemption under Minnesota Statutes,
section 14.388, for purposes of this section.
new text end

new text begin (a) new text end new text begin Minnesota Statutes 2024, sections 211B.04, subdivision 4; 211B.06; and 211B.08, new text end new text begin
are repealed.
new text end

new text begin (b) new text end new text begin Minnesota Rules, part 4503.2000, subpart 2, new text end new text begin is repealed.
new text end

new text begin (c) new text end new text begin Minnesota Rules, part 4511.1100, new text end new text begin is repealed.
new text end

new text begin Paragraph (b) is effective the day following final enactment.
new text end

new text begin Unless otherwise provided, this article is effective January 1, 2026.
new text end

Minnesota Statutes 2024, section 201.054, subdivision 1, is amended to read:

(a) An individual may register to votenew text begin or update a voter
registrationnew text end :

(1) at any time before the 20th day preceding any election as provided in section 201.061,
subdivision 1;

(2) on the day of an election as provided in section 201.061, subdivision 3; or

(3) when submitting an absentee ballot, by enclosing a completed registration application
as provided in section 203B.04, subdivision 4.

(b) An individual who is under the age of 18, but who is at least 16 years of age and
otherwise eligible, may submit a voter registration application as provided in section 201.061,
subdivisions 1 and 1b.

Minnesota Statutes 2024, section 201.054, subdivision 2, is amended to read:

deleted text begin Nodeleted text end new text begin Annew text end individual deleted text begin shalldeleted text end new text begin must notnew text end intentionally:

(1) cause or attempt to cause the individual's name to be registered in any precinct if the
individual is not eligible to vote, except as permitted by section 201.061, subdivision 1b;

(2) cause or attempt to cause the individual's name to be registered for the purpose of
voting in more than one precinct;

(3) misrepresent the individual's identity when attempting to register to votenew text begin or to update
a registrationnew text end ; or

(4) aid, abet, counsel, or procure any other individual to violate this subdivision.

A violation of this subdivision is a felony.

Minnesota Statutes 2024, section 201.056, is amended to read:

An individual who is unable to write the individual's name deleted text begin shall be required todeleted text end new text begin mustnew text end
sign a registration application in the manner provided by section 645.44, subdivision 14. If
the individual registers in person and signs by making a mark, the clerk or election judge
accepting the registration deleted text begin shalldeleted text end new text begin or update mustnew text end certify the mark by signing the individual's
name. If the individual registers new text begin or updates a registration new text end by mail and signs by making a
mark, the mark deleted text begin shalldeleted text end new text begin mustnew text end be certified by having a voter registered in the individual's precinct
sign the individual's name and the voter's own name and give the voter's own address.

Minnesota Statutes 2024, section 201.061, subdivision 1, is amended to read:

(a) At any time except during the 20 days
immediately preceding any regularly scheduled election, an eligible voter or any individual
who will be an eligible voter at the time of the next election may register new text begin or update a
registration new text end to vote in the precinct in which the voter maintains residence by completing a
voter registration application as described in section 201.071, subdivision 1. A completed
application may be submitted:

(1) in person or by mail to the county auditor of that county or to the Secretary of State's
Office; or

(2) electronically through a secure website that deleted text begin shalldeleted text end new text begin mustnew text end be maintained by the secretary
of state for this purpose, if the applicant has an email address and provides the applicant's
verifiable Minnesota driver's license number, Minnesota state identification card number,
or the last four digits of the applicant's Social Security number.

(b) A registration new text begin or update to a registration new text end that is received in person or by mail no later
than 5:00 p.m. on the 21st day preceding any election, or a registration new text begin or update to a
registration new text end received electronically through the secretary of state's secure website no later
than 11:59 p.m. on the 21st day preceding any election, deleted text begin shalldeleted text end new text begin mustnew text end be accepted. An
improperly addressed or delivered registration application deleted text begin shalldeleted text end new text begin mustnew text end be forwarded within
two working days after receipt to the county auditor of the county where the voter maintains
residence. A state or local agency or an individual that accepts completed voter registration
applications from a voter must submit the completed applications to the secretary of state
or the appropriate county auditor within ten calendar days after the applications are dated
by the voter.

(c) An application submitted electronically under paragraph (a), clause (2), 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 voter registration applications
submitted electronically for evidence of suspicious activity and must forward any such
application to an appropriate law enforcement agency for investigation.

(d) An individual may not electronically submit a voter registration application on behalf
of any other individual, except that the secretary of state may provide features on the secure
website established under paragraph (a), clause (2), that allow third parties to connect
application programming interfaces that facilitate an individual's submission of voter
registration information while interacting with the third party.

(e) For purposes of this section, mail registration is defined as a voter registration
application delivered to the secretary of state, county auditor, or municipal clerk by the
United States Postal Service or a commercial carrier.

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

(a) An individual who is eligible to vote may register
new text begin or update a registrationnew text end 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 new text begin or updating a
registrationnew text end 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. 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.

deleted text begin (b) 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

deleted text begin (c)deleted text end new text begin (b)new text end "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.

deleted text begin (d)deleted text end new text begin (c)new text end For tribal band members, an individual may prove residence for purposes of
registering new text begin or updating a registrationnew text end 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.

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

new text begin This section is effective the day following final enactment.
new text end

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

(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 deleted text begin (d)deleted text end new text begin (c)new text end , 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 deleted text begin 20deleted text end new text begin 35new text end 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 precinctdeleted 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 precinctdeleted text end .

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

new text begin This section is effective January 1, 2026, and applies to elections
held on or after February 6, 2026.
new text end

Minnesota Statutes 2024, section 201.061, subdivision 4, is amended to read:

Registration new text begin and updates to
registrations new text end at the polling place on election day deleted text begin shalldeleted text end new text begin mustnew text end be conducted by the election
judges. Before registering an individual to vote new text begin or updating an individual's registration new text end at
the polling place, the election judge must review any list of new text begin voters who registered or updated
a registration with an new text end absentee deleted text begin election day registrantsdeleted text end new text begin ballotnew text end provided by the county auditor
or municipal clerk to see if the deleted text begin persondeleted text end new text begin individualnew text end has already voted by absentee ballot. If
the deleted text begin person'sdeleted text end new text begin individual'snew text end name appears on the list, the election judge must not allow the
individual to registernew text begin , to update the individual's registration,new text end or to vote in the polling place.
The election judge who registers an individual new text begin or updates an individual's registration new text end at the
polling place on election day deleted text begin shalldeleted text end new text begin mustnew text end not handle that voter's ballots at any time prior to
the opening of the ballot box after the voting ends. Registration applications and forms for
oaths deleted text begin shalldeleted text end new text begin mustnew text end be available at each polling place. If an individual who registers new text begin or updates
a registration new text end on election day proves residence by oath of a registered voter, the form
containing the oath deleted text begin shalldeleted text end new text begin mustnew text end be attached to the individual's registration application.
Registration applications completed on election day deleted text begin shalldeleted text end new text begin mustnew text end be forwarded to the county
auditor who deleted text begin shalldeleted text end new text begin mustnew text end add the name of each voter to the registration system new text begin or update the
voter's registration new text end unless the information forwarded is substantially deficient. A county
auditor who finds an election day registration new text begin or update new text end substantially deficient deleted text begin shalldeleted text end new text begin mustnew text end
give written notice to the individual whose registration is found deficient. An election day
registration deleted text begin shalldeleted text end new text begin or update mustnew text end not be found deficient solely because the individual who
provided proof of residence was ineligible to do so.

Minnesota Statutes 2024, section 201.061, subdivision 5, is amended to read:

No election judge in any precinct deleted text begin in which
registration is requireddeleted text end may receive the vote at any election of any individual whose name
is not registered in a manner specified in section 201.054, subdivision 1 or not recorded
under section 203B.19. A violation of this subdivision is a felony.

Minnesota Statutes 2024, section 201.061, subdivision 7, is amended to read:

The election judge responsible for election
day registration deleted text begin shalldeleted text end new text begin mustnew text end attempt to keep a record of the number of individuals who attempt
to register new text begin or update a registration new text end on election day but who cannot provide proof of residence
as required by this section. The record deleted text begin shalldeleted text end new text begin mustnew text end be forwarded to the county auditor with
the election returns for that precinct.

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

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 deleted text begin changedeleted text end new text begin updatenew text end information on an existing registration.

new text begin This section is effective July 1, 2025, except that this section is
effective January 1, 2026, for the secretary of state's online voter registration application.
new text end

Minnesota Statutes 2024, section 201.071, subdivision 4, is amended to read:

A county auditor who receives a registration application
indicating that an individual was previously registered in a different county in Minnesota
deleted text begin shalldeleted text end new text begin mustnew text end update the voter's record electronically through the statewide registration system
in the manner prescribed by the secretary of state. A county auditor who receives a
registration application or notification requiring deleted text begin a changedeleted text end new text begin an updatenew text end of registration records
under this subdivision as a result of deleted text begin andeleted text end new text begin a voter updating the voter's registration onnew text end election
day deleted text begin registration shalldeleted text end new text begin mustnew text end also check the statewide registration system to determine whether
the individual voted in more than one precinct in the most recent election.

Minnesota Statutes 2024, section 201.091, subdivision 5, is amended to read:

The county auditors and the secretary of state
deleted text begin shalldeleted text end new text begin mustnew text end provide copies of the public information lists in electronic or other media to any
voter registered in Minnesota within deleted text begin tendeleted text end new text begin five businessnew text end days of receiving a new text begin complete new text end written
or electronic request accompanied by payment of the cost of reproduction. The county
auditors and the secretary of state deleted text begin shalldeleted text end new text begin mustnew text end make a copy of the list available for public
inspection without cost. An individual who inspects or acquires a copy of a public information
list deleted text begin maydeleted text end new text begin mustnew text end not use any information contained in it for purposes unrelated to elections,
political activities, or law enforcement.

new text begin This section is effective the day following final enactment.
new text end

Minnesota Statutes 2024, section 201.091, subdivision 8, is amended to read:

new text begin (a) new text end Each county auditor deleted text begin shalldeleted text end new text begin mustnew text end designate a number of
public buildings in those political subdivisions of the county where deleted text begin preregistration of voters
is allowed as provided in section 201.061, subdivision 1, wheredeleted text end eligible voters may register
to votenew text begin or update the voter's registration as provided in section 201.061, subdivision 1new text end .

new text begin (b) new text end An adequate supply of registration applications and instructions must be maintained
at each designated location, and a designated individual must be available there to accept
registration applications and transmit them to the county auditor.

new text begin (c) new text end A person who, because of disability, needs assistance deleted text begin in orderdeleted text end to determine eligibility
deleted text begin ordeleted text end new text begin ,new text end to register deleted text begin mustdeleted text end new text begin , or to update a voter registration maynew text end be assisted by a designated
individual. Assistance includes but is not limited to reading the registration form and
instructions and filling out the registration form as directed by the eligible voter.

Minnesota Statutes 2024, section 201.121, subdivision 1, is amended to read:

(a) At the time a voter registration
application is properly completed, submitted, and received in accordance with sections
201.061 and 201.071, the county auditor deleted text begin shalldeleted text end new text begin mustnew text end enter new text begin or update new text end the information contained
on it into the statewide registration system. Voter registration applications completed before
election day must be entered into the statewide registration system within ten days after
they have been submitted to the county auditor. Voter registration applications completed
on election day must be entered into the statewide registration system within 42 days after
the election, unless the county auditor notifies the secretary of state before the deadline has
expired that the deadline will not be met. Upon receipt of a notification under this paragraph,
the secretary of state must extend the deadline for that county auditor by an additional 28
days. The secretary of state may waive a county's obligations under this paragraph if, on
good cause shown, the county demonstrates its permanent inability to comply.

The secretary of state must post data on each county's compliance with this paragraph on
the secretary of state's website including, as applicable, the date each county fully complied
or the deadline by which a county's compliance must be complete.

(b) Upon receiving a completed voter registration application, the secretary of state may
electronically transmit the information on the application to the appropriate county auditor
as soon as possible for review by the county auditor before final entry deleted text begin intodeleted text end new text begin or update innew text end the
statewide registration system. The secretary of state may mail the voter registration
application to the county auditor.

(c) Within ten days after the county auditor has entered new text begin or updated new text end information from a
voter registration application deleted text begin intodeleted text end new text begin innew text end the statewide registration system, the secretary of state
deleted text begin shalldeleted text end new text begin mustnew text end compare the voter's name, date of birth, and driver's license number, state
identification number, or the last four digits of the Social Security number with the same
information contained in the Department of Public Safety database.

(d) The secretary of state deleted text begin shalldeleted text end new text begin mustnew text end provide a report to the county auditor on a weekly
basis that includes a list of voters whose name, date of birth, or identification number have
been compared with the same information in the Department of Public Safety database and
cannot be verified as provided in this subdivision. The report must list separately those
voters who have submitted a voter registration application by mail and have not voted in a
federal election in this state.

(e) The county auditor deleted text begin shalldeleted text end new text begin mustnew text end compile a list of voters for whom the county auditor
and the secretary of state are unable to conclude that information on the voter registration
application and the corresponding information in the Department of Public Safety database
relate to the same person.

(f) The county auditor deleted text begin shalldeleted text end new text begin mustnew text end send a notice of incomplete registration to any voter
whose name appears on the list and change the voter's status to "challenged." A voter who
receives a notice of incomplete registration from the county auditor may either provide the
information required to clear the challenge at least 21 days before the next election or at
the polling place on election day.

Minnesota Statutes 2024, section 201.121, subdivision 3, is amended to read:

(a) Within ten days after an election, the county auditor
deleted text begin shalldeleted text end new text begin mustnew text end send the notice required by subdivision 2 to a random sampling of the individuals
new text begin who new text end registered new text begin or updated voter registration information new text end on election day. The random
sampling deleted text begin shalldeleted text end new text begin mustnew text end be determined in accordance with the rules of the secretary of state.
As soon as practicable after the election, the county auditor deleted text begin shalldeleted text end new text begin mustnew text end mail the notice
required by subdivision 2 to all other individuals new text begin who new text end registered new text begin or updated voter registration
information new text end on election day. If a notice is returned as not deliverable, the county auditor
deleted text begin shalldeleted text end new text begin mustnew text end attempt to determine the reason for the return. A county auditor who does not
receive or obtain satisfactory proof of an individual's eligibility to vote deleted text begin shalldeleted text end new text begin mustnew text end
immediately notify the county attorney of all of the relevant information. By February 15
of each year, the county auditor must notify the secretary of state of the following information
for each election held in the previous year by each precinct:

(1) the total number of all notices that were returned as nondeliverable;

(2) the total number of nondeliverable notices that the county auditor was able to
determine the reason for the return along with the reason for each return; and

(3) the total number of individuals for whom the county auditor does not receive or
obtain satisfactory proof of an individual's eligibility to vote.

(b) By March 1 of every year, the secretary of state deleted text begin shalldeleted text end new text begin mustnew text end report to the chair and
ranking minority members of the legislative committees with jurisdiction over elections the
following information for each election held in the previous year by each precinct and each
county:

(1) the total number of all notices that were returned as nondeliverable;

(2) the total number of nondeliverable notices that a county auditor was able to determine
the reason for the return along with the reason for each return; and

(3) the total number of individuals for whom the county auditor does not receive or
obtain satisfactory proof of an individual's eligibility to vote.

Minnesota Statutes 2024, section 201.13, subdivision 3, is amended to read:

(a) At least once each month the secretary
of state deleted text begin shalldeleted text end new text begin mustnew text end obtain a list of individuals registered to vote in this state who have filed
with the United States Postal Service a change of their permanent address. The secretary
of state may also periodically obtain a list of individuals with driver's licenses or state
identification cards to identify those who are registered to vote who have applied to the
Department of Public Safety for a replacement driver's license or state identification card
with a different address, and a list of individuals for whom the Department of Public Safety
received notification of a driver's license or state identification card cancellation due to a
change of residency out of state. However, the secretary of state deleted text begin shalldeleted text end new text begin mustnew text end not load data
derived from these lists into the statewide voter registration system within the 47 days before
the state primary or 47 days before a November general election.

(b) If the address is changed to another address in this state, the secretary of state deleted text begin shalldeleted text end new text begin
mustnew text end locate the precinct in which the voter maintains residence, if possible. If the secretary
of state is able to locate the precinct in which the voter maintains residence, the secretary
must transmit the information about the changed address by electronic means to the county
auditor of the county in which the new address is located. For addresses for which the
secretary of state is unable to determine the precinct, the secretary may forward information
to the appropriate county auditors for individual review. If the voter has not voted or
submitted a voter registration application since the address change, upon receipt of the
information, the county auditor deleted text begin shalldeleted text end new text begin mustnew text end update the voter's address in the statewide voter
registration system. The county auditor deleted text begin shalldeleted text end new text begin mustnew text end mail to the voter a notice stating the
voter's name, address, precinct, and polling place, unless the voter's record is challenged
due to a felony conviction, noncitizenship, name change, incompetence, or a court's
revocation of voting rights of individuals under guardianship, in which case the auditor
must not mail the notice. The notice must advise the voter that the voter's voting address
has been deleted text begin changeddeleted text end new text begin updatednew text end and that the voter must notify the county auditor within 21 days
if the new address is not the voter's address of residence. The notice must state that it must
be returned if it is not deliverable to the voter at the named address.

(c) If the change of permanent address is to an address outside this state, the secretary
of state deleted text begin shalldeleted text end new text begin mustnew text end notify by electronic means the auditor of the county where the voter
formerly maintained residence that the voter has moved to another state. If the voter has
not voted or submitted a voter registration application since the address change, the county
auditor deleted text begin shalldeleted text end new text begin mustnew text end promptly mail to the voter at the voter's new address a notice advising
the voter that the voter's status in the statewide voter registration system will be changed to
"inactive" unless the voter notifies the county auditor within 21 days that the voter is retaining
the former address as the voter's address of residence, except that if the voter's record is
challenged due to a felony conviction, noncitizenship, name change, incompetence, or a
court's revocation of voting rights of individuals under guardianship, the auditor must not
mail the notice. If the notice is not received by the deadline, the county auditor deleted text begin shalldeleted text end new text begin mustnew text end
change the voter's status to "inactive" in the statewide voter registration system.

(d) If, in order to maintain voter registration records, the secretary of state enters an
agreement to share information or data with an organization governed exclusively by a
group of states, the secretary must first determine that the data security protocols are sufficient
to safeguard the information or data shared. If required by such an agreement, the secretary
of state may share the following data from the statewide voter registration system and data
released to the secretary of state under section 171.12, subdivision 7a:

(1) name;

(2) date of birth;

(3) address;

(4) driver's license or state identification card number;

(5) the last four digits of an individual's Social Security number; and

(6) the date that an individual's record was last updated.

If the secretary of state enters into such an agreement, the secretary and county auditors
must process deleted text begin changesdeleted text end new text begin updatesnew text end to voter records based upon that data in accordance with this
section. Except as otherwise provided in this subdivision, when data is shared with the
secretary of state by another state, the secretary of state must maintain the same data
classification that the data had while it was in the possession of the state providing the data.

Minnesota Statutes 2024, section 201.14, is amended to read:

The state court administrator deleted text begin shalldeleted text end new text begin mustnew text end regularly report by electronic means to the
secretary of state the name, address, and, if available, driver's license or state identification
card number of each individual, 18 years of age or over, whose name was changed since
the last report, by marriage, divorce, or any order or decree of the court. The secretary of
state deleted text begin shalldeleted text end new text begin mustnew text end determine if any of the deleted text begin personsdeleted text end new text begin individualsnew text end in the report are registered to
vote under their previous name and deleted text begin shalldeleted text end new text begin mustnew text end prepare a list of those registrants for each
county auditor. Upon receipt of the list, the county auditor deleted text begin shall make the change indeleted text end new text begin must
updatenew text end the voter's record new text begin with this information new text end and mail to the voter the notice of registration
required by section 201.121, subdivision 2. A notice must not be mailed if the voter's record
is challenged due to a felony conviction, lack of United States citizenship, legal
incompetence, or court-ordered revocation of voting rights of persons under guardianship.

Minnesota Statutes 2024, section 201.161, subdivision 4, is amended to read:

(a) If permitted by the federal government,
the commissioner of human services, in consultation with the secretary of state, must ensure
the applications described in subdivision 1, paragraph (a), clause (2), also serve as voter
registration applications for applicants 18 years of age or older whose United States
citizenship has been verified as part of the application. The commissioner must transmit
information required to register to vote, as prescribed by the secretary of state, daily by
electronic means to the secretary of state for an individual whose United States citizenship
has been verified. The commissioner must submit data to the secretary of state identifying
the total number of individuals who completed qualifying transactions under this section
and the total number of individuals whose records were ultimately transferred for registrationnew text begin
or updates to registrationsnew text end . At a minimum, the commissioner must submit the data to the
secretary of state on the same day each month.

(b) No applicant may be registered to vote new text begin or have a registration updated new text end under this
subdivision until (1) the commissioner of human services has certified that the department's
systems have been tested and can accurately provide the required data and accurately exclude
from transmission data on individuals who have not provided documentary evidence of
United States citizenship, and (2) the secretary of state has certified that the system for
automatic registration of those applicants has been tested and is capable of properly
determining whether an applicant is eligible to vote. The department's systems must be
tested and accurately provide the necessary data no later than September 30 of the year
following the year in which federal approval or permission is given, contingent on
appropriations being available for this purpose.

Minnesota Statutes 2024, section 201.161, subdivision 5, is amended to read:

(a) The commissioner of management
and budget must, in consultation with the secretary of state, identify any other state agency
that is eligible to implement automatic voter registration. The commissioner must consider
a state agency eligible if the agency collects, processes, or stores the following information
as part of providing assistance or services: name, residential address, date of birth, and
citizenship verification. An eligible agency must submit a report to the governor and secretary
of state no later than December 1, 2024, describing steps needed to implement automatic
voter registration, barriers to implementation and ways to mitigate them, and applicable
federal and state privacy protections for the data under consideration. By June 1, 2025, the
governor, at the governor's sole discretion, must make final decisions, as to which agencies
will implement automatic voter registration by December 31, 2025, and which agencies
could implement automatic voter registration if provided with additional resources or if the
legislature changed the law to allow data to be used for automatic voter registration. The
governor must notify the commissioner of management and budget of the governor's
decisions related to automatic voter registration. By October 1, 2025, the commissioner of
management and budget must report to the chairs and ranking minority members of the
legislative committees with jurisdiction over election policy and finance. The report must
include:

(1) the agencies that will implement automatic voter registration by December 31, 2025;

(2) the agencies which could implement automatic voter registration if provided with
additional resources and recommendations on the necessary additional resources; and

(3) the agencies that could implement automatic voter registration if the legislature
changed the law to allow data to be used for voter registration and recommendations on
how the law could be changed to allow the use of the data for this purpose.

(b) An agency may not begin verifying citizenship as part of an agency transaction for
the sole purpose of providing automatic voter registration. Once an agency has implemented
automatic voter registration, it must continue to provide automatic voter registration unless
otherwise expressly required by law. For each individual whose United States citizenship
has been verified, the commissioner or agency head must transmit information required to
register to vote, as prescribed by the secretary of state, to the secretary of state by electronic
means. The governor must determine the frequency of the transmissions for each agency.

(c) No applicant may be registered to vote new text begin or have a registration updated new text end under this
subdivision until (1) the agency's commissioner or agency head has certified that the
necessary systems have been tested and can accurately provide the required data and
accurately exclude from transmission data on individuals whose United States citizenship
has not been verified, and (2) the secretary of state has certified that the system for automatic
registration of those applicants has been tested and is capable of properly determining
whether an applicant is eligible to vote.

Minnesota Statutes 2024, section 201.161, subdivision 8, is amended to read:

Unless the applicant declines registration, the
effective date new text begin for the voter registration or update to a voter registration new text end is the date that the
county auditor processes the application. This subdivision does not limit the ability of a
person to register to vote new text begin or update their registration new text end on election day as provided in section
201.061, subdivision 3. Any person who submits a qualifying application under subdivision
1 that is dated during the 20 days before an election must be provided, at the time of
application, with a notice advising the applicant of the procedures to register to vote new text begin or
update a voter registration new text end on election day.

Minnesota Statutes 2024, section 201.162, is amended to read:

The commissioner or chief administrative officer of each state agency or
community-based public agency or nonprofit corporation that contracts with the state agency
to carry out obligations of the state agency deleted text begin shalldeleted text end new text begin mustnew text end provide voter registration services
for employees and the public, including, as applicable, automatic voter registration or
information on voter eligibility deleted text begin anddeleted text end new text begin ,new text end registration deleted text begin proceduresdeleted text end new text begin , and updating registrationsnew text end as
required under section 201.161. deleted text begin A persondeleted text end new text begin An individualnew text end may complete a voter registration
application or apply to deleted text begin changedeleted text end new text begin updatenew text end a voter registration name or address if the deleted text begin persondeleted text end new text begin
individualnew text end has the proper qualifications on the date of application. Nonpartisan voter
registration assistance, including routinely asking members of the public served by the
agency whether they would like to register to vote new text begin or update a voter registration new text end and, if
necessary, assisting them in preparing the registration forms must be part of the job of
appropriate agency employees.

Minnesota Statutes 2024, section 201.225, subdivision 2, is amended to read:

An electronic roster must:

(1) be able to be loaded with a data file that includes voter registration data in a file
format prescribed by the secretary of state;

(2) allow for data to be exported in a file format prescribed by the secretary of state;

(3) allow for data to be entered manually or by scanning a Minnesota driver's license or
identification card to locate a voter record or populate a voter registration application that
would be printed and signed and dated by the voter. The printed registration application
can be a printed form, a label printed with voter information to be affixed to a preprinted
form, a combination of a form and label, or an electronic record that the voter signs
electronically and is printed following its completion at the polling place;

(4) allow an election judge to update data that was populated from a scanned driver's
license or identification card;

(5) cue an election judge to ask for and input data that is not populated from a scanned
driver's license or identification card that is otherwise required to be collected from the voter
or an election judge;

(6) immediately alert the election judge if the voter has provided information that indicates
that the voter is not eligible to vote;

(7) immediately alert the election judge if the electronic roster indicates that a voter has
already voted in that precinct, the voter's registration status is challenged, or it appears the
voter maintains residence in a different precinct;

(8) provide immediate instructions on how to resolve a particular type of challenge when
a voter's record is challenged;

(9) provide for a printed voter signature certificate, containing the voter's name, address
of residence, date of birth, voter identification number, the oath required by section 204C.10,
and a space for the voter's original signature. The printed voter signature certificate can be
a printed form, a label printed with the voter's information to be affixed to the oath, or an
electronic record that the voter signs electronically and is printed following its completion
at the polling place;

(10) contain only deleted text begin preregistereddeleted text end new text begin registerednew text end voters within the precinct, and not contain
deleted text begin preregistereddeleted text end new text begin registerednew text end voter data on voters registered outside of the precinct, unless being
utilized for new text begin a combined polling place pursuant to section 204B.14, subdivision 2, new text end absentee
or early voting under chapter 203B or for mail balloting on election day pursuant to section
204B.45, subdivision 2a;

(11) be only networked within the polling location on election day, except for the purpose
of updating absentee ballot records;

(12) meet minimum security, reliability, and networking standards established by the
Office of the Secretary of State in consultation with the Department of Information
Technology Services;

(13) be capable of providing a voter's correct polling place; and

(14) perform any other functions necessary for the efficient and secure administration
of the participating election, as determined by the secretary of state.

Electronic rosters used only for deleted text begin election day registrationdeleted text end new text begin registering voters and updating
voters' registrationnew text end do not need to comply with clauses (1), (8), and (10). Electronic rosters
used only for deleted text begin preregistered voterdeleted text end processing new text begin voters who are registered and do not need to
update a registrationnew text end do not need to comply with clauses (4) and (5).

new text begin This section is effective on June 1, 2025.
new text end

Minnesota Statutes 2024, section 201.225, subdivision 5, is amended to read:

(a) Precincts may use electronic rosters for new text begin registering voters
and updating registrations on new text end election day deleted text begin registrationdeleted text end , to process deleted text begin preregistereddeleted text end new text begin registerednew text end
voters, or both. The printed election day registration applications must be reviewed when
electronic records are processed in the statewide voter registration system. The election
judges deleted text begin shalldeleted text end new text begin mustnew text end determine the number of ballots to be counted by counting the number
of original voter signature certificates or the number of voter receipts.

(b) Each precinct using electronic rosters deleted text begin shalldeleted text end new text begin mustnew text end have a paper backup system approved
by the secretary of state present at the polling place to use in the event that the election
judges are unable to use the electronic roster.

Minnesota Statutes 2024, section 201.275, is amended to read:

(a) A law enforcement agency that is notified by affidavit of an alleged violation of this
chapter deleted text begin shalldeleted text end new text begin mustnew text end promptly investigate. Upon receiving an affidavit alleging a violation of
this chapter, a county attorney deleted text begin shalldeleted text end new text begin mustnew text end promptly forward it to a law enforcement agency
with jurisdiction for investigation. If there is probable cause for instituting a prosecution,
the county attorney deleted text begin shalldeleted text end new text begin mustnew text end proceed according to the generally applicable standards
regarding the prosecutorial functions and duties of a county attorney, provided that the
county attorney is not required to proceed with the prosecution if the complainant withdraws
the allegation. A county attorney who refuses or intentionally fails to faithfully perform this
or any other duty imposed by this chapter is guilty of a misdemeanor and upon conviction
deleted text begin shalldeleted text end new text begin mustnew text end forfeit office.

(b) Willful violation of this chapter by any public employee constitutes just cause for
suspension without pay or dismissal of the public employee.

(c) Where the matter relates to a voter registration application submitted electronically
through the secure website established in section 201.061, subdivision 1, alleged violations
of this chapter may be investigated and prosecuted in the county in which the individual
registerednew text begin , updated a voter registration,new text end or attempted to register.

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

(a) Except as otherwise allowed by subdivision
2 or by section new text begin 203B.06, subdivision 3, paragraph (c), clause (4);new text end 203B.11, subdivision 4deleted text begin ,deleted text end new text begin ;new text end
new text begin or 203B.29, new text end an application for absentee ballots for any electionnew 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) must be received by electronic facsimile device, by email, by mail, or by an individual
delivering an application on behalf of another voter new text end at any time not less than deleted text begin one daydeleted text end new text begin five
daysnew text end before the day of that election.

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.

(b) 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 a primary, general, or special 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 (d), 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 numberdeleted text begin ,deleted text end new text begin ornew text end Minnesota state identification card
numberdeleted text begin , ordeleted 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.

(c) An application submitted electronically under deleted text begin thisdeleted text end paragraph new text begin (b) 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.

(d) 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 The county auditor or the municipal clerk or school district clerk, if applicable, must retain
all applications. For an application received after the deadline in paragraph (a), 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

(e) 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.

(f) 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 tendeleted text end new text begin sevennew text end days after it has been dated by the voter andnew text begin the application
must be receivednew text end no later than deleted text begin six days before the electiondeleted text end new text begin the deadline in paragraph (a)new text end .

(g) An application under this subdivision deleted text begin maydeleted text end new text begin mustnew text end contain deleted text begin an application under
subdivision 5deleted text end new text begin a space to applynew text end to automatically receive an absentee ballotnew text begin under subdivision
5new text end .

new text begin (h) For purposes of this section, "mail" means an absentee ballot application delivered
to the secretary of state, county auditor, or municipal clerk by the United States Postal
Service or a commercial carrier.
new text end

new text begin Paragraph (g) is effective on January 1, 2026, as it applies to the
secretary of state's online absentee ballot website. Paragraph (g) is effective July 1, 2025,
as it applies to all other absentee ballot applications. The remainder of this section is effective
July 1, 2025.
new text end

Minnesota Statutes 2024, section 203B.04, subdivision 4, is amended to read:

An eligible voter
who is not registered to vote new text begin or needs to update the voter's registration new text end but who is otherwise
eligible to vote by absentee ballot may register new text begin or update a registration new text end by including a
completed voter registration application with the absentee ballot. The individual deleted text begin shalldeleted text end new text begin mustnew text end
present proof of residence as required by section 201.061, subdivision 3, to the individual
who witnesses the marking of the absentee ballots. A military voter, as defined in section
203B.01, may register in this manner if voting pursuant to sections 203B.04 to 203B.15, or
may register pursuant to sections 203B.16 to 203B.27.

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

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; 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.121new 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, or the alternative procedure pursuant to section 203B.081, subdivision 3new 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.

Minnesota Statutes 2024, section 203B.06, subdivision 4, is amended to read:

Upon receipt of an application for ballots, the county
auditor, municipal clerk, or election judge acting pursuant to section 203B.11, who receives
the application deleted text begin shalldeleted text end new text begin mustnew text end determine whether the applicant is a registered voter. If the
applicant is not registered to votenew text begin or needs to update the voter's registrationnew text end , the county
auditor, municipal clerk, or election judge deleted text begin shalldeleted text end new text begin mustnew text end include a voter registration application
among the election materials provided to the applicant.

Minnesota Statutes 2024, section 203B.07, subdivision 1, is amended to read:

The county auditor or the municipal
clerk deleted text begin shalldeleted text end new text begin mustnew text end prepare, print, and transmit a return envelope, a signature envelope, a ballot
envelope, and a copy of the directions for casting an absentee ballot to each applicant whose
application for absentee ballots is accepted pursuant to section 203B.04. The county auditor
or municipal clerk deleted text begin shalldeleted text end new text begin mustnew text end provide first class postage for the return envelope. The
directions for casting an absentee ballot deleted text begin shalldeleted text end new text begin mustnew text end be printed in at least 14-point bold type
with heavy leading and may be printed on the ballot envelope. When a person requests the
directions in Braille or on audio file, the county auditor or municipal clerk deleted text begin shalldeleted text end new text begin mustnew text end provide
them in the form requested. The secretary of state deleted text begin shalldeleted text end new text begin mustnew text end prepare Braille and audio file
copies and make them available.

When a voter registration application is sent to the applicant as provided in section
203B.06, subdivision 4, the directions or registration application deleted text begin shalldeleted text end new text begin mustnew text end include
instructions for registering to votenew text begin or updating a voter's registrationnew text end .

Minnesota Statutes 2024, section 203B.07, subdivision 3, is amended to read:

A certificate of eligibility to vote by absentee ballot
deleted text begin shalldeleted text end new text begin mustnew text end be printed on the back of the signature envelope. The certificate deleted text begin shalldeleted text end new text begin mustnew text end contain
space for the voter's Minnesota driver's license number, state identification number, or the
last four digits of the voter's Social Security number, or to indicate that the voter does not
have one of these numbers. The space must be designed to ensure that the voter provides
the same type of identification as provided on the voter's absentee ballot application for
purposes of comparison. The certificate must also contain a statement to be signed and
sworn by the voter indicating that the voter meets all of the requirements established by law
for voting by absentee ballot and space for a statement signed by a person who is at least
18 years of age on or before the day of the election and a citizen of the United States or by
a notary public or other individual authorized to administer oaths stating that:

(1) the ballots were displayed to that individual unmarked;

(2) the voter marked the ballots in that individual's presence without showing how they
were marked, or, if the voter was physically unable to mark them, that the voter directed
another individual to mark them; and

(3) if the voter was not previously registerednew text begin or needed to update the voter's registrationnew text end ,
the voter has provided proof of residence as required by section 201.061, subdivision 3.

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

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

(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 returndeleted text end new text begin signaturenew 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 returndeleted text end new text begin signaturenew 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
returndeleted text end new text begin signaturenew text end envelope to the county auditor or municipal clerk or to deposit the deleted text begin returndeleted text end new text begin
signaturenew text end envelope in the mail. An agent may deliver or mail the deleted text begin returndeleted text end new text begin signaturenew 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 returndeleted text end new text begin signaturenew text end envelope or the voted ballots or does not immediately mail
or deliver the deleted text begin returndeleted text end new text begin signaturenew text end envelope to the county auditor or municipal clerk is guilty
of a misdemeanor.

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

When absentee ballots are returned to a
county auditor or municipal clerk, that official shall stamp or initial and date the deleted text begin returndeleted text end new text begin
signaturenew text end envelope and place it in a locked ballot container or other secured and locked
space with other deleted text begin returndeleted text end new text begin signaturenew 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 ballotsdeleted text end new text begin
signature envelopesnew 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 ballotsdeleted text end new text begin signature envelopesnew text end
received to the ballot board within three days. deleted text begin Ballotsdeleted text end new text begin Signature envelopesnew 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.

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

(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. new text begin As soon
as practicable and no later than five business days after 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. new text end The county auditor or municipal clerk must provide notice
to the secretary of state at the time that the designations are made.new text begin As soon as practicable
and no later than five business days after receiving the notice, 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.
new text end

(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 This section is effective September 1, 2025.
new text end

Minnesota Statutes 2024, section 203B.11, subdivision 1, is amended to read:

(a) Each full-time municipal clerk or school district clerk
who has authority under section 203B.05 to administer absentee voting laws must designate
election judges to deliver absentee ballots in accordance with this section. The county auditor
must also designate election judges to perform the duties in this section. A ballot may be
delivered only to an eligible voter who is a temporary or permanent resident or patient in
one of the following facilities located in the municipality in which the voter maintains
residence: a health care facility, hospital, or veterans home operated by the board of directors
of the Minnesota veterans homes under chapter 198. The ballots must be delivered by two
election judges, each of whom is affiliated with a different major political party. When the
election judges deliver or return ballots as provided in this section, they must travel together
in the same vehicle. Both election judges must be present when an applicant completes the
certificate of eligibility and marks the absentee ballots, and may assist an applicant as
provided in section 204C.15. The election judges must deposit the return envelopes containing
the marked absentee ballots in a sealed container and return them to the clerk on the same
day that they are delivered and marked.

new text begin (b) If a health care professional at the facility or hospital determines it is necessary to
ensure the health and safety of election judges, the voter, or others at the facility or hospital,
two employees of the facility or hospital may receive a ballot from the election judges and
deliver the ballot to an individual voter in place of election judges, notwithstanding other
requirements of this section. The employees must not in any manner request, persuade,
induce, or attempt to persuade or induce the voter to vote for any particular political party
or candidate. Both employees must be present when an applicant completes the certificate
of eligibility and marks the absentee ballots, and may assist an applicant as provided in
section 204C.15. The employees must return the ballot to the election judges immediately
after the voter has finished voting.
new text end

deleted text begin (b)deleted text end new text begin (c)new text end At the discretion of a full-time municipal clerk, school district clerk, or county
auditor, absentee ballots may be delivered in the same manner as prescribed in paragraph
(a) to a shelter for battered women as defined in section 611A.37, subdivision 4, or to an
assisted living facility licensed under chapter 144G.

new text begin This section is effective September 1, 2025.
new text end

Minnesota Statutes 2024, section 203B.121, subdivision 2, is amended to read:

(a) The members of the ballot board
shall take possession of all signature envelopes delivered to them in accordance with section
203B.08. Upon receipt from the county auditor, municipal clerk, or school district clerk,
two or more members of the ballot board shall examine each signature envelope and shall
mark it accepted or rejected in the manner provided in this subdivision. Election judges
performing the duties in this section must be of different major political parties, unless they
are exempt from that requirement under new text begin section 204B.21, subdivision 2a; section 205.07,
subdivision 4; new text end section 205.075, subdivision 4deleted text begin ,deleted text end new text begin ;new text end or section 205A.10, subdivision 2.

(b) The members of the ballot board shall mark the signature envelope "Accepted" and
initial or sign the signature envelope below the word "Accepted" if a majority of the members
of the ballot board examining the envelope are satisfied that:

(1) the voter's name and address on the signature envelope are the same as the information
provided on the absentee ballot application or voter record;

(2) the voter signed the certification on the envelope;

(3) the voter's Minnesota driver's license, state identification number, or the last four
digits of the voter's Social Security number are the same as a number on the voter's absentee
ballot application or voter record. If the number does not match, the election judges must
compare the signature provided by the applicant to determine whether the ballots were
returned by the same person to whom they were transmitted;

(4) the voter is registered and eligible to vote in the precinct or has included a properly
completed voter registration application in the signature envelope;

(5) the certificate has been completed as prescribed in the directions for casting an
absentee ballot; and

(6) the voter has not already voted at that election, either in person or, if it is after the
close of business on the 19th day before the election, as provided by section 203B.081.

The signature envelope from accepted ballots must be preserved and returned to the
county auditor.

(c)(1) If a majority of the members of the ballot board examining a signature envelope
find that an absentee voter has failed to meet one of the requirements provided in paragraph
(b), they shall mark the signature envelope "Rejected," initial or sign it below the word
"Rejected," list the reason for the rejection on the envelope, and return it to the county
auditor. There is no other reason for rejecting an absentee ballot beyond those permitted by
this section. Failure to place the ballot within the ballot envelope before placing it in the
outer white envelope is not a reason to reject an absentee ballot.

(2) If an envelope has been rejected at least five days before the election, the envelope
must remain sealed and the official in charge of the ballot board shall provide the voter with
a replacement absentee ballot and signature envelope in place of the rejected ballot.

(3) If an envelope 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 to
notify the voter that the voter's ballot has been rejected by the method or methods of
communication provided by the voter on the voter's application for an absentee ballot or
voter registration. The official must document the attempts made to contact the voter.

(d) The official in charge of the absentee ballot board must mail the voter a written notice
of absentee ballot rejection between six and ten weeks following the election. If the official
determines that the voter has otherwise cast a ballot in the election, no notice is required.
If an absentee ballot arrives after the deadline for submission provided by this chapter, the
notice must be provided between six to ten weeks after receipt of the ballot. A notice of
absentee ballot rejection must contain the following information:

(1) the date on which the absentee ballot was rejected or, if the ballot was received after
the required deadline for submission, the date on which the ballot was received;

(2) the reason for rejection; and

(3) the name of the appropriate election official to whom the voter may direct further
questions, along with appropriate contact information.

(e) An absentee ballot signature envelope marked "Rejected" may not be opened or
subject to further review except in an election contest filed pursuant to chapter 209.

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

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 secrecydeleted text end new text begin ballotnew 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 combined
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 retain all ballot envelopes through
the contest period of that election.
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

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

(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 whosedeleted text end absentee ballots deleted text begin were accepteddeleted text end new text begin from the
tally in subdivision 4 that were to be inserted into the ballot boxnew 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 shalldeleted text end new text begin mustnew 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 shalldeleted text end new text begin mustnew 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 shalldeleted text end new text begin mustnew 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 openednew 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 3new 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).

Minnesota Statutes 2024, section 203B.17, subdivision 3, is amended to read:

(a) The secretary of state shall maintain a log of each Internet
Protocol address used to submit an absentee ballot application electronically under this
section, and must monitor the log, volume of website use, and other appropriate indicators
for suspicious activity. Evidence of suspicious activity that cannot be resolved by the
secretary of state must be forwarded to an appropriate law enforcement agency for
investigation.

(b) The electronic absentee ballot application system must be secure. The website shall
maintain the confidentiality of all users and preserve the integrity of the data submitted.
The secretary of state shall employ security measures to ensure the accuracy and integrity
of absentee ballot applications submitted electronically pursuant to this section. All data
sent and received through the website must be encrypted.

(c) The secretary of state must provide ongoing testing and monitoring to ensure continued
security. The secretary of state must work with the chief information officer as defined in
section 16E.01, subdivision 1, or another security expert to annually assess the security of
the system. The security assessment must include a certification signed by the secretary of
state that states that adequate security measures are in place. The certification must also be
signed by the chief information officer or another security expert affirming that the
assessment is accurate. The secretary of state must submit the security assessment to the
legislative auditor and to the chairs and ranking minority members of the committees in the
senate and house of representatives with primary jurisdiction over elections by January 1
of each yeardeleted text begin , except that the first annual security assessment must be submitted by September
30, 2014, and no report is required for January 1, 2015deleted text end .

(d) In developing the electronic absentee ballot application system, the secretary of state
must consult with the chief information officer or the chief's designee to ensure the site is
secure.

Minnesota Statutes 2024, section 203B.23, subdivision 2, is amended to read:

(a) The absentee ballot board must examine all returned absentee ballot
envelopes for ballots issued under sections 203B.16 to 203B.27 and accept or reject the
absentee ballots in the manner provided in section 203B.24. If the certificate of voter
eligibility is not printed on the signature envelope, the certificate must be attached to the
ballot envelope.

(b) The absentee ballot board must immediately examine the signature envelopes or
certificates of voter eligibility that are attached to the ballot envelopes and mark them
"accepted" or "rejected" during the 45 days before the election. If an envelope has been
rejected at least five days before the election, the ballots in the envelope must be considered
spoiled ballots and the official in charge of the absentee ballot board must provide the voter
with a replacement absentee ballot and envelopes in place of the spoiled ballot.

(c) If a county has delegated the responsibility for administering absentee balloting to
a municipality under section 203B.05, accepted absentee ballots must be delivered to the
appropriate municipality's absentee ballot boardnew text begin , except as otherwise provided in this
paragraph. If a municipality and county agree that the county's ballot board retains
responsibility for ballots issued pursuant to sections 203B.16 to 203B.27, absentee ballots
issued pursuant to these sections that are accepted must be opened, counted, and retained
by the county's absentee ballot boardnew text end . The absentee ballot board with the authority to open
and count the ballots must do so in accordance with section 203B.121, subdivisions 4 and
5.

new text begin This section is effective the day following final enactment.
new text end

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

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.

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

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.

Minnesota Statutes 2024, section 203B.30, subdivision 2, is amended to read:

(a) When a voter appears in an early voting polling place,
the voter must state the voter's name, address, and, if requested, the voter's date of birth to
the early voting official. The early voting official must confirm that the voter's registration
is current in the statewide voter registration system and that the voter has not already cast
a ballot in the election. If the voter's status is challenged, the voter may resolve the challenge
as provided in section 204C.12. An individual who is not registered to vote deleted text begin ordeleted text end new text begin must register
and a voternew text end whose name or address has changed must deleted text begin registerdeleted text end new text begin update the voter's registrationnew text end
in the manner provided in section 201.061, subdivision 3. A voter who has already cast a
ballot in the election must not be provided with a ballot.

(b) Each voter must sign the certification provided in section 204C.10. The signature of
an individual on the voter's certificate and the issuance of a ballot to the individual is evidence
of the intent of the individual to vote at that election. After the voter signs the certification,
two early voting officials must initial the ballot and issue it to the voter. The voter must
immediately retire to a voting station or other designated location in the polling place to
mark the ballot. The voter must not take a ballot from the polling place. If the voter spoils
the ballot, the voter may return it to the early voting official in exchange for a new ballot.
After completing the ballot, the voter must deposit the ballot into the ballot counter and
ballot box. The early voting official must immediately record that the voter has voted in the
manner provided in section 203B.121, subdivision 3.

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

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

new text begin Each day when early voting occurs, new text end the early voting
officials mustnew 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 absenteedeleted 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).

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

new text begin (a) new text end An affidavit of candidacy shall state the name of
the office sought and, except as provided in subdivision 4, shall state that the candidate:

(1) is an eligible voter;

(2) has no other affidavit on file as a candidate for any office at the same primary or
next ensuing general election, except as authorized by subdivision 9; and

(3) is, or will be on assuming the office, 21 years of age or more, and will have maintained
residence in the district from which the candidate seeks election for 30 days before the
general election.

new text begin (b) new text end An affidavit of candidacy must include a statement that the candidate's name as
written on the affidavit for ballot designation is the candidate's true name or the name by
which the candidate is commonly and generally known in the communitydeleted text begin .deleted text end new text begin and:
new text end

new text begin (1) the phonetic spelling or an explanation for the pronunciation of the full name
designated for the ballot; or
new text end

new text begin (2) a certification that the candidate is directing the official responsible for programming
materials for the election to use the applicable technology's default pronunciation of the
candidate's name.
new text end

new text begin (c) new text end An affidavit of candidacy for partisan office shall also state the name of the candidate's
political party or political principle, stated in three words or less.

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

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

(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

new text begin This section is effective the day following final enactment.
new text end

Minnesota Statutes 2024, section 204B.07, subdivision 2, is amended to read:

new text begin (a) new text end This deleted text begin subdivisiondeleted text end new text begin sectionnew text end
does not apply to candidates for presidential elector or alternate nominated by major political
parties. Major party candidates for presidential elector or alternate are certified under section
208.03. Other presidential electors or alternates are nominated by petition pursuant to this
section.

new text begin (b) new text end On petitions nominating presidential electors or alternates, the names of the candidates
for president and vice-president shall be added to the political party or political principle
stated on the petition. One petition may be filed to nominate a slate of presidential electors
equal in number to the number of electors to which the state is entitled and an alternate for
each elector nominee.

new text begin (c) In addition to the petition, each nominated candidate must submit a signed, notarized
affidavit of candidacy for president or vice president that includes the following information:
new text end

new text begin (1) the candidate's name in the form as it should appear on the ballot;
new text end

new text begin (2) the candidate's campaign address, website, phone number, and email address;
new text end

new text begin (3) the name of the political party or political principle stated on the petition;
new text end

new text begin (4) the office sought by the candidate; and
new text end

new text begin (5) a declaration that the candidate is aware of and will follow all applicable election
laws and campaign finance laws.
new text end

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

(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 affidavitnew 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 on individuals, as defined in section 13.02, subdivision 12.
new text end

new text begin This section is effective the day following final enactment.
new text end

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

new text begin (a) new text end 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 candidacynew 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 on individuals, as defined in section 13.02,
subdivision 12.
new text end

new text begin (b) The official receiving the filing shall notify the official responsible for preparing the
ballot of the names of the candidates placed on the ballot, any changes to candidates, or
other information necessary to prepare the ballot. The notification must be made within one
business day of receiving the filing or change or immediately following the close of the
filing period, whichever is sooner, unless the clerk and official agree to an alternative
notification timeline.
new text end

new text begin This section is effective the day following final enactment.
new text end

Minnesota Statutes 2024, section 204B.09, subdivision 3, is amended to read:

(a) A candidate for county, state, or federal office who
wants write-in votes for the candidate to be counted must file a written request with the
filing office for the office sought not more than 84 days before the primary and no later
than the deleted text begin seventhdeleted text end new text begin 19thnew text end day before the general election. The filing officer shall provide copies
of the form to make the request. The filing officer shall not accept a written request later
than 5:00 p.m. on the last day for filing a written request.

(b) The governing body of a statutory or home rule charter city may adopt a resolution
governing the counting of write-in votes for local elective office. The resolution may:

(1) require the candidate to file a written request with the chief election official no later
than the deleted text begin seventhdeleted text end new text begin 19thnew text end day before the city election if the candidate wants to have the
candidate's write-in votes individually recorded; or

(2) require that write-in votes for an individual candidate only be individually recorded
if the total number of write-in votes for that office is equal to or greater than the fewest
number of non-write-in votes for a ballot candidate.

If the governing body of the statutory or home rule charter city adopts a resolution authorized
by this paragraph, the resolution must be adopted and the city clerk must notify the county
auditor before the first day of filing for office. A resolution adopted under this paragraph
remains in effect until a subsequent resolution on the same subject is adopted by the
governing body of the statutory or home rule charter city.

(c) The governing body of a township, school district, hospital district, park district, soil
and water district, or other ancillary elected district may adopt a resolution governing the
counting of write-in votes for local elective office. The resolution may require that write-in
votes for an individual candidate only be individually recorded if the total number of write-in
votes for that office is equal to or greater than the fewest number of non-write-in votes for
a ballot candidate. If a governing body adopts a resolution authorized by this paragraph,
the resolution must be adopted and the clerk must notify the county auditor before the first
day of filing for office. A resolution adopted under this paragraph remains in effect until a
subsequent resolution on the same subject is adopted by the governing body.

(d) A candidate for president of the United States who files a request under this
subdivision must include the name of a candidate for vice president of the United States.
The request must also include the name of at least one candidate for presidential elector.
The total number of names of candidates for presidential elector on the request may not
exceed the total number of electoral votes to be cast by Minnesota in the presidential election.

(e) A candidate for governor who files a request under this subdivision must file jointly
with another individual seeking nomination as a candidate for lieutenant governor. A
candidate for lieutenant governor who files a request under this subdivision must file jointly
with another individual seeking nomination as a candidate for governor.

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

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

(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 placedeleted text begin , except thatdeleted text end new text begin .new text end In a precinct that uses electronic rostersnew text begin ,new text end
the secretary of state shall provide separate data files for each precinctnew text begin and the election
official responsible for the electronic rosters may combine the files as necessary to be loaded
onto one or more electronic rosters, provided that the requirements under section 201.225,
subdivision 2, are metnew 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.

(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.

new text begin This section is effective June 1, 2025.
new text end

Minnesota Statutes 2024, section 204B.14, subdivision 4a, is amended to read:

A change in the boundary of
an election precinct that has occurred as a result of a municipal boundary adjustment made
under chapter 414 that is effective more than deleted text begin 21deleted text end new text begin 46new text end days before a regularly scheduled election
takes effect at the scheduled election.

A change in the boundary of an election precinct that has occurred as a result of a
municipal boundary adjustment made under chapter 414 that is effective deleted text begin less than 21deleted text end new text begin 46 or
fewernew text end days before a regularly scheduled election takes effect the day after the scheduled
election.

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

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 subdivision 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 practical, stating the location of the new 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.
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 November
presidential election or redistricting has occurred. The secretary of state shall prepare a
sample of this notice.
new text end

Minnesota Statutes 2024, section 204B.175, subdivision 3, is amended to read:

(a) Upon making the determination to relocate a polling place, the local
election official must immediately notify the county auditor and the secretary of state. The
notice must include the reason for the relocation and the reason for the location of the new
polling place. As soon as possible, the local election official must also post a notice stating
the reason for the relocation and the location of the new polling place. The notice must also
be posted on the website of the public body, if there is one. The local election official must
also notify the election judges and request that local media outlets publicly announce the
reason for the relocation and the location of the polling place. If the relocation occurs more
than 14 days prior to the election, the local election official must mail a notice to the impacted
voters of the reason for the relocation and the location of the polling place.

(b) On election day, the local election 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 new 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 new polling place will be extended
until the specified time.new text begin Notices required by this paragraph must be in all languages required
under section 204B.295 for that precinct.
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 must utilize either
the county chain of custody plan or 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 and the county auditor 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 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
June 1, 2026.
new text end

Minnesota Statutes 2024, section 204B.21, subdivision 1, is amended to read:

new text begin (a)
new text end On deleted text begin Maydeleted text end new text begin Marchnew text end 1 in a year in which there is an election for a partisan political office, each
major political party deleted text begin shalldeleted text end new text begin mustnew text end prepare a list of eligible voters new text begin who have indicated within
the last 24 months they are willing new text end to act as election judges in each election precinct. The
list provided by the party must indicatenew text begin :
new text end

new text begin (1)new text end which eligible voters are willing to travel to a precinct outside of their home
jurisdiction to act as an election judge, and the jurisdictions to which each eligible voter is
willing to travel for that purposenew text begin ;
new text end

new text begin (2) which eligible voters are willing to serve on a ballot board; and
new text end

new text begin (3) each eligible voter's residential address, telephone number, and email address, along
with the date the eligible voter indicated their willingness to act as an election judgenew text end .

new text begin (b)new text end The political parties deleted text begin shalldeleted text end new text begin mustnew text end furnish the lists electronically to the secretary of state,
in a format specified by the secretary of state. The secretary of state must combine the data
received from each political party under this subdivision and must process the data to locate
the precinct in which the address provided for each potential election judge is located. If
the data submitted by a political party is insufficient for the secretary of state to locate the
proper precinctnew text begin or does not include the eligible voter's telephone number, email address,
and date the eligible voter indicated their willingness to act as an election judgenew text end , the
associated name must not appear in any list forwarded to an appointing authority under this
subdivision. The secretary of state deleted text begin shalldeleted text end new text begin mustnew text end notify political parties of any proposed election
judges with addresses that could not be located in a precinct.

new text begin (c) new text end By deleted text begin Maydeleted text end new text begin Marchnew text end 15, the secretary of state deleted text begin shalldeleted text end new text begin mustnew text end furnish electronically to the
county auditor a list of the appropriate names for each election precinct new text begin and ballot board new text end in
the jurisdiction of the appointing authority, and a list of the names of individuals residing
outside of the jurisdiction who indicated a willingness to travel to that jurisdiction to act as
an election judge, noting the political party affiliation of each individual on the list. The
county auditor must promptly forward the appropriate names to the appropriate municipal
clerknew text begin within seven days of receiptnew text end .

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

Minnesota Statutes 2024, section 204B.21, subdivision 2, is amended to read:

new text begin (a) new text end Election judges for precincts
in a municipality deleted text begin shalldeleted text end new text begin and for a municipality's ballot board mustnew text end be appointed by the
governing body of the municipality. Election judges new text begin for a county ballot board, new text end for precincts
in unorganized territorynew text begin ,new text end and for performing new text begin other new text end election-related duties assigned by the
county auditor deleted text begin shalldeleted text end new text begin mustnew text end be appointed by the county board. Election judges for a precinct
composed of two or more municipalities must be appointed by the governing body of the
municipality or municipalities responsible for appointing election judges as provided in the
agreement to combine for election purposes. deleted text begin Except as otherwise provided in this section,
appointments shall be made from the list of voters who maintain residence in each precinct,
furnished pursuant to subdivision 1, subject to the eligibility requirements and other
qualifications established or authorized under section 204B.19. At least two election judges
in each precinct must be affiliated with different major political parties. If no lists have been
furnished or if additional election judges are required after all listed names in that
municipality have been exhausted, the appointing authority may appoint other individuals
who meet the qualifications to serve as an election judge, including persons on the list
furnished pursuant to subdivision 1 who indicated a willingness to travel to the municipality,
and persons who are not affiliated with a major political party.deleted text end new text begin Election judges must meet
all eligibility requirements and other qualifications established or authorized under section
204B.19.
new text end

new text begin (b) At least two election judges in each precinct and serving on the ballot board must
be affiliated with different major political parties.
new text end

new text begin (c) Within 30 days of receipt of the list furnished pursuant to this section, the appointing
authority must contact each voter who maintains residence in the jurisdiction about their
interest in serving as an election judge in the next 24 months. The communication must:
new text end

new text begin (1) identify the opportunities available for the person to serve as an election judge;
new text end

new text begin (2) include the qualifications necessary to serve as an election judge, information about
the required training, and the dates and times at which the person must be available to
perform those duties; and
new text end

new text begin (3) explain how the person may apply for appointment as an election judge.
new text end

new text begin Any person on the list furnished pursuant to subdivision 1 who does not respond to the
appointing authority within 14 days or does not apply to become an election judge and
complete election judge training before the next state general election is deemed to have
waived their interest in appointment to any election judge position.
new text end

new text begin (d) Prior to each election, when appointing election judges, an appointing authority must
first exhaust the list of individuals who responded to the communication in paragraph (c)
who maintain residence in each precinct or, for appointment to a ballot board, who maintain
residence in a jurisdiction covered by the ballot board. An appointing authority may exhaust
the list furnished pursuant to subdivision 1 by contacting each person once who appears on
the list. This communication must include the specific dates, times, and locations at which
the person must be available to perform the various duties. Any individual from the list who
does not respond within seven days to express an availability to serve is deemed to have
waived interest in serving for that election. For legislative special elections, this period is
shortened to three days.
new text end

new text begin (e) If no lists have been furnished, or when lists have been furnished, after the processes
in paragraphs (c) and (d) are complete, an appointing authority may appoint other individuals
who meet the qualifications to serve as an election judge.
new text end

new text begin (f)new text end An individual who is appointed from a source other than the list furnished pursuant
to subdivision 1 must provide to the appointing authority the individual's major political
party affiliation or a statement that the individual does not affiliate with any major political
party. An individual who refuses to provide the individual's major political party affiliation
or a statement that the individual does not affiliate with a major political party must not be
appointed as an election judge.

new text begin (g)new text end The appointments deleted text begin shalldeleted text end new text begin mustnew text end be made at least 25 days before the election at which
the election judges will serve, except that the appointing authority may pass a resolution
authorizing the appointment of additional election judges within the 25 days before the
election if the appointing authority determines that additional election judges will be required.

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

Minnesota Statutes 2024, section 204B.21, is amended by adding a subdivision
to read:

new text begin The provisions of sections 204B.19,
subdivision 5; 204B.21, subdivision 2, paragraphs (b) to (f); 204C.15; 204C.19; 206.83;
and 206.86, subdivision 2, relating to party balance in the appointment of judges and to
duties to be performed by judges of different major political parties do not apply to a county
election not held in conjunction with a state or federal election.
new text end

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

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

"I .......... solemnly swear (or affirm) thatnew 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 accordance with Minnesota Statutes, section 211B.075, 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.

new text begin This section is effective June 1, 2025.
new text end

Minnesota Statutes 2024, section 204B.25, subdivision 3, is amended to read:

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. deleted text begin In every other election precinct,deleted text end No individual may serve
as an election judge who has not received training as required by subdivision 1.

new text begin This section is effective the day following final enactment.
new text end

new text begin "Election reporting system" means the computerized central
statewide database for offices, candidates, ballot questions, and unofficial results developed
and maintained by the secretary of state. The system facilitates the collection, aggregation,
reporting, and secure sharing of unofficial election results to the public.
new text end

new text begin The secretary of state must maintain an election reporting system
as provided in this section.
new text end

new text begin (a) For federal and state elections, the county auditor must
enter in the election reporting system the names of all candidates who have filed for office
with the county auditor no later than one day after the filing is received. Within one day of
receiving notification and no later than one day after the withdrawal period closes, the
county auditor must enter in the election reporting system the names of candidates for city,
town, school district, or other elective office for which the county auditor has been notified.
For any candidate who files by nominating petition or a petition in place of filing fee, the
county auditor must enter in the election reporting system the name of the candidate within
one day after the petition has been reviewed and determined to meet all legal requirements.
new text end

new text begin (b) The secretary of state must enter in the election reporting system the names of all
candidates who have filed for office with the secretary of state no later than one day after
the filing is received. For any candidate who files by nominating petition or a petition in
place of filing fee, the secretary of state must enter in the election reporting system the name
of the candidate within one day after the petition has been reviewed and determined to meet
all legal requirements.
new text end

new text begin At least seven days prior to any federal or state
primary, general, or special election, the county auditor must test the results reporting
functions in the election reporting system maintained by the secretary of state. The test must
include the entry of vote totals for all candidates or ballot question responses within each
contest or ballot question, and the county auditor must verify that the predetermined test
results are displayed. The county auditor must report to the secretary of state that the test
has been conducted, and no errors are apparent. If errors occur during the test, the county
auditor must work with the secretary of state to resolve all issues and retest until resolved.
new text end

new text begin For federal and state elections, as soon as practicable after
delivery of the returns, the county auditor must report all unofficial election results in the
elections reporting system.
new text end

new text begin Results reported to the election reporting system are unofficial
results. Election results are not official until after the canvassing board certifies the result
of the election.
new text end

new text begin This section is effective on June 1, 2025.
new text end

Minnesota Statutes 2024, section 204B.28, subdivision 2, is amended to read:

(a) Except as
otherwise provided in this section and for absentee ballots in section 204B.35, subdivision
4, the county auditor shall complete the preparation of the election materials for which the
auditor is responsible at least four days before every state primary and state general election.
At any time after all election materials are available from the county auditor but not later
than deleted text begin four daysdeleted text end new text begin the daynew text end before the election each municipal clerk shall secure from the county
auditor:

(1) the forms that are required for the conduct of the election;

(2) any printed voter instruction materials furnished by the secretary of state;

(3) any other instructions for election officers; and

(4) a sufficient quantity of the official ballots, registration files, envelopes for ballot
returns, and other supplies and materials required for each precinct in order to comply with
the provisions of the Minnesota Election Law. The county auditor may furnish the election
supplies to the municipal clerks in the same manner as the supplies are furnished to precincts
in unorganized territory pursuant to section 204B.29, subdivision 1.

(b) The county auditor must prepare and make available election materials for early
voting to municipal clerks designated to administer early voting under section 203B.05 on
or before the 19th day before the election.

new text begin This section is effective the day following final enactment.
new text end

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

(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 by this section on a candidate may be accomplished by electronic
mail sent to the address the candidate provided on their 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 all candidates 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. Such agreement
must address, at a minimum, how the correction will take place and, if the correction involves
a change to a ballot, how voters who have received or returned an incomplete ballot will
be notified of the change and what, if any, steps voters who have returned an incorrect ballot
can take to receive a corrected replacement ballot.
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 this notice period. Nothing in this
paragraph shall be construed to preclude any person from filing a petition under this section
alleging that the written agreement constitutes an error, omission, or wrongful act that
requires correction by the court.
new text end

new text begin (e) Any candidate for an office who does not enter into an agreement under paragraph
(d) and who does not prevail at any subsequent proceeding involving a petition filed under
this section must pay the costs and disbursements of the prevailing party or parties unless
the court determines that the candidate's position was substantially justified or such costs
and disbursements would impose undue hardship or otherwise be inequitable.
new text end

new text begin (f) 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

new text begin This section is effective June 1, 2025.
new text end

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

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 14deleted text end new text begin 28new text end days before deleted text begin a regularly scheduleddeleted text end new text begin anynew text end election deleted text begin and not more than 30
days nor later than 14 days before any other electiondeleted 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 new text begin 204B.21,
subdivision 2a; 205.07, subdivision 4;new text end 205.075, subdivision 4deleted text begin ,deleted text end new text begin ;new text end or deleted text begin sectiondeleted text end 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.

new text begin This section is effective November 15, 2025, for elections held
on or after January 1, 2026.
new text end

Minnesota Statutes 2024, section 204C.05, subdivision 2, is amended to read:

(a) At or before the hour when voting is scheduled
to begin, the election judges deleted text begin shalldeleted text end new text begin mustnew text end agree upon the standard of time they will use to
determine when voting will begin and end. Voting deleted text begin shalldeleted text end new text begin mustnew text end not be allowed after the time
when it is scheduled to end, unless individuals are waiting in the polling place or waiting
in line at the door to registernew text begin , to update the voter's registration,new text end or to vote. The voting deleted text begin shalldeleted text end new text begin
mustnew text end continue until those individuals have been allowed to vote. deleted text begin Nodeleted text end new text begin Annew text end individual who
comes to the polling place or to a line outside the polling place after the time when voting
is scheduled to end deleted text begin shalldeleted text end new text begin must notnew text end be allowed to vote.

(b) The local election official may extend polling place hours to accommodate voters
that would have been in line at the regular polling place if the polling place had not been
combined or moved on election day pursuant to section 204B.14, subdivision 2, or 204B.175.
Polling place hours may be extended at the new polling place for one hour. The local election
official must immediately provide notice to the county auditor, secretary of state, and election
judges of the extension in polling place hours. The local election official must also request
that the local media outlets publicly announce the extended polling place hours. Voters in
the polling place or waiting in line at the door to registernew text begin , to update the voter's registration,new text end
or to vote at the end of the extended polling place hours deleted text begin shalldeleted text end new text begin mustnew text end be allowed to vote
pursuant to paragraph (a).

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

An individual deleted text begin shalldeleted text end new text begin mustnew text end be allowed
to go to and from the polling place for the purpose of voting without unlawful interference.
deleted text begin No onedeleted text end Except an election official or an individual who is waiting to registernew text begin , to update the
voter's registration,new text end or to vote or an individual who is conducting exit polling deleted text begin shalldeleted text end new text begin , an
individual must notnew text end stand within 100 feet of the building in which a polling place is located.

Minnesota Statutes 2024, section 204C.06, subdivision 2, is amended to read:

(a) Representatives of
the secretary of state's office, the county auditor's office, and the municipal or school district
clerk's office may be present at the polling place to observe election procedures. Except for
these representatives, election judges, sergeants-at-arms, and challengers, an individual may
remain inside the polling place during voting hours only while voting deleted text begin ordeleted text end new text begin , updating the voter's
registration,new text end registering to vote, providing proof of residence for an individual who is
registering to votenew text begin or updating a registrationnew text end , or assisting a deleted text begin disableddeleted text end voter new text begin with a disability
new text end or a voter who is unable to read English. During voting hours no one except individuals
receiving, marking, or depositing ballots shall approach within six feet of a voting booth,
ballot counter, or electronic voting equipment, unless lawfully authorized to do so by an
election judge or the individual is an election judge monitoring the operation of the ballot
counter or electronic voting equipment.

(b) Teachers and elementary or secondary school students participating in an educational
activity authorized by section 204B.27, subdivision 7, may be present at the polling place
during voting hours.

(c) Each official on duty in the polling place must wear an identification badge that
shows their role in the election process. The badge must not show their party affiliation.

Minnesota Statutes 2024, section 204C.06, subdivision 6, is amended to read:

Except when summoned by an election judge to restore the
peace or when votingnew text begin , updating a registration,new text end or registering to vote, no peace officer shall
enter or remain in a polling place or stand within 50 feet of the entrance of a polling place.

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

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 new text begin or to update your registrationnew text end 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 candidatedeleted 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."

new text begin This section is effective the day following final enactment, except
that the change in clause (3) is effective January 1, 2026.
new text end

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

(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 alldeleted text end the ballots. The election judges shall not otherwise
mark the ballots.

new text begin This section is effective the day following final enactment.
new text end

Minnesota Statutes 2024, section 204C.10, is amended to read:

(a) An individual seeking to vote shall sign a polling place roster or voter signature
certificate which states that the individual:

(1) is at least 18 years old;

(2) is a citizen of the United States;

(3) has maintained residence in Minnesota for 20 days immediately preceding the election;

(4) maintains residence at the address new text begin or location new text end shown;

(5) is not under a guardianship in which the court order revokes the individual's right to
vote;

(6) has not been found by a court of law to be legally incompetent to vote;

(7) has the right to vote because, if the individual was convicted of a felony, the individual
is not currently incarcerated for that conviction;

(8) is registered; and

(9) has not already voted in the election.

The roster must also state: "I understand that deliberately providing false information
is a felony punishable by not more than five years imprisonment and a fine of not more than
$10,000, or both."

(b) At the presidential nomination primary, the polling place roster must also state: "I
am in general agreement with the principles of the party for whose candidate I intend to
vote." This statement must appear separately from the statements required in paragraph (a).
The felony penalty provided for in paragraph (a) does not apply to this paragraph.

(c) A judge may, before the applicant signs the roster or voter signature certificate,
confirm the applicant's name, address, and date of birth.

(d) After the applicant signs the roster or voter signature certificate, the judge shall give
the applicant a voter's receipt. The voter shall deliver the voter's receipt to the judge in
charge of ballots as proof of the voter's right to vote, and thereupon the judge shall hand to
the voter the ballot. The voters' receipts must be maintained during the time for notice of
filing an election contest.

(e) Whenever a challenged status appears on the polling place roster, an election judge
must ensure that the challenge is concealed or hidden from the view of any voter other than
the voter whose status is challenged.

new text begin This section is effective September 1, 2025.
new text end

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

An individual who is unable to enter a polling place
deleted text begin where paper ballots or an electronic voting system are useddeleted text end may registernew text begin or update the voter's
registrationnew text end and vote without leaving a motor vehicle. new text begin Upon request of the voter, new text end two election
judges who are members of different major political parties deleted text begin shalldeleted text end new text begin mustnew text end assist the voter to
register new text begin or to update a registration, as applicable, new text end and to complete a voter's certificate and
deleted text begin shalldeleted text end new text begin mustnew text end provide the necessary ballots. The voter may request additional assistance in
marking ballots as provided in subdivision 1.

Minnesota Statutes 2024, section 204C.15, subdivision 3, is amended to read:

In all polling placesnew text begin , upon request of the voter,new text end two election judges
deleted text begin shalldeleted text end new text begin mustnew text end assist a deleted text begin disableddeleted text end voter new text begin with a disability new text end to enter the polling place and go through
the deleted text begin registration and voting linesdeleted text end new text begin lines to register to vote or update the voter's registration,
as applicable, and to votenew text end . The voter may also request the assistance of election judges or
any other individual in marking ballots, as provided in subdivision 1.

Minnesota Statutes 2024, section 204C.24, subdivision 1, is amended to read:

Precinct summary statements deleted text begin shalldeleted text end new text begin mustnew text end be
submitted by the election judges in every precinct. For all elections, the election judges
deleted text begin shalldeleted text end new text begin mustnew text end complete three or more copies of the summary statements, and each copy deleted text begin shalldeleted text end new text begin
mustnew text end contain the following information for each kind of ballot:

(1) the number of ballots delivered to the precinct as adjusted by the actual count made
by the election judges, the number of unofficial ballots made, and the number of absentee
ballots delivered to the precinct;

(2) the number of votes each candidate received or the number of yes and no votes on
each question, the number of undervotes, the number of overvotes, and the number of
defective ballots with respect to each office or question;

(3) the number of spoiled ballots, the number of duplicate ballots made, the number of
absentee ballots rejected, and the number of unused ballots, presuming that the total count
provided on each package of unopened prepackaged ballots is correct;

(4) the number of voted ballots indicating only a voter's choices as provided by section
206.80, paragraph (b), clause (2), item (ii), in precincts that use an assistive voting device
that produces this type of ballot;

(5) the number of individuals who voted at the election in the precinct which must equal
the total number of ballots cast in the precinct, as required by sections 204C.20 and 206.86,
subdivision 1;

(6) the number of voters registering new text begin or updating registrations new text end on election day in that
precinct;

(7) the signatures of the election judges who counted the ballots certifying that all of the
ballots cast were properly piled, checked, and counted; and that the numbers entered by the
election judges on the summary statements correctly show the number of votes cast for each
candidate and for and against each question;

(8) the number of election judges that worked in that precinct on election day; and

(9) the number of voting booths used in that precinct on election day.

At least two copies of the summary statement must be prepared for elections not held
on the same day as the state elections.

Minnesota Statutes 2024, section 204C.32, subdivision 1, is amended to read:

The county canvassing board deleted text begin shalldeleted text end new text begin mustnew text end meet at the
county auditor's office on either the second or third day following the state primary. After
taking the oath of office, the canvassing board deleted text begin shalldeleted text end new text begin mustnew text end publicly canvass the election
returns delivered to the county auditor. The board deleted text begin shalldeleted text end new text begin mustnew text end complete the canvass by the
third day following the state primary and deleted text begin shalldeleted text end new text begin mustnew text end promptly prepare and file with the
county auditor a report that states:

(a) the number of individuals voting at the election in the county, and in each precinct;

(b) new text begin for each precinct, new text end the number of individuals registering to vote new text begin or updating
registrations new text end on election day and the number of individuals new text begin who were new text end registered before
election day deleted text begin in each precinctdeleted text end new text begin and did not need to update the voter's registrationnew text end ;

(c) for each major political party, the names of the candidates running for each partisan
office and the number of votes received by each candidate in the county and in each precinct;

(d) the names of the candidates of each major political party who are nominated; and

(e) the number of votes received by each of the candidates for nonpartisan office in each
precinct in the county and the names of the candidates nominated for nonpartisan office.

Upon completion of the canvass, the county auditor deleted text begin shalldeleted text end new text begin mustnew text end mail or deliver a notice
of nomination to each nominee for county office voted for only in that county. The county
auditor deleted text begin shalldeleted text end new text begin mustnew text end transmit one of the certified copies of the county canvassing board report
for state and federal offices to the secretary of state by express mail or similar service
immediately upon conclusion of the county canvass. The secretary of state deleted text begin shalldeleted text end new text begin mustnew text end mail
a notice of nomination to each nominee for state or federal office.

Minnesota Statutes 2024, section 204C.33, subdivision 1, is amended to read:

The county canvassing board deleted text begin shalldeleted text end new text begin mustnew text end meet at the
county auditor's office between the third and eighth days following the state general election.
After taking the oath of office, the board deleted text begin shalldeleted text end new text begin mustnew text end promptly and publicly canvass the
general election returns delivered to the county auditor. Upon completion of the canvass,
the board deleted text begin shalldeleted text end new text begin mustnew text end promptly prepare and file with the county auditor a report which states:

(a) the number of individuals voting at the election in the county and in each precinct;

(c) the names of the candidates for each office and the number of votes received by each
candidate in the county and in each precinct;

(d) the number of votes counted for and against a proposed change of county lines or
county seat; and

(e) the number of votes counted for and against a constitutional amendment or other
question in the county and in each precinct.

The result of write-in votes cast on the general election ballots must be compiled by the
county auditor before the county canvass, except that write-in votes for a candidate for
federal, state, or county office must not be counted unless the candidate has timely filed a
request under section 204B.09, subdivision 3. The county auditor deleted text begin shalldeleted text end new text begin mustnew text end arrange for
each municipality to provide an adequate number of election judges to perform this duty or
the county auditor may appoint additional election judges for this purpose. The county
auditor may open the envelopes or containers in which the voted ballots have been sealed
in order to count and record the write-in votes and must reseal the voted ballots at the
conclusion of this process. The county auditor must prepare a separate report of votes
received by precinct for write-in candidates for federal, state, and county offices who have
requested under section 204B.09 that votes for those candidates be tallied.

Upon completion of the canvass, the county canvassing board deleted text begin shalldeleted text end new text begin mustnew text end declare the
candidate duly elected who received the highest number of votes for each county and state
office voted for only within the county. The county auditor deleted text begin shalldeleted text end new text begin mustnew text end transmit a certified
copy of the county canvassing board report for state and federal offices to the secretary of
state by messenger, express mail, or similar service immediately upon conclusion of the
county canvass.

Minnesota Statutes 2024, section 205.07, is amended by adding a subdivision to
read:

new text begin The provisions of sections 204B.19, subdivision
5; 204B.21, subdivision 2, paragraphs (b) to (f); 204C.15; 204C.19; 206.83; and 206.86,
subdivision 2, relating to party balance in the appointment of judges and to duties to be
performed by judges of different major political parties do not apply to a city election not
held in conjunction with a state or federal election.
new text end

Minnesota Statutes 2024, section 205.075, subdivision 4, is amended to read:

The provisions of sections 204B.19, subdivision
5; 204B.21, subdivision 2new text begin , paragraphs (b) to (f)new text end ; 204C.15; 204C.19; 206.83; and 206.86,
subdivision 2, relating to party balance in the appointment of judges and to duties to be
performed by judges of different major political parties do not apply to a town election not
held in conjunction with a deleted text begin statewidedeleted text end new text begin state or federalnew text end election.

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

new text begin (a) new text end An individual who is eligible and desires to
become a candidate for an office to be voted for at the municipal general election shall file
an affidavit of candidacy with the municipal clerk. Candidates for a special election to fill
a vacancy held as provided in section 412.02, subdivision 2a, must file an affidavit of
candidacy for the specific office to fill the unexpired portion of the term. Subject to the
approval of the county auditor, the town clerk may authorize candidates for township offices
to file affidavits of candidacy with the county auditor. The affidavit shall be in the same
form as that in section 204B.06. The municipal clerk shall also accept an application signed
by not less than five voters and filed on behalf of an eligible voter in the municipality whom
they desire to be a candidate, if service of a copy of the application has been made on the
candidate and proof of service is endorsed on the application being filed. Upon receipt of
the proper filing fee, the clerk shall place the name of the candidate on the official ballot
without partisan designation.

new text begin (b) The municipal clerk shall notify the official responsible for preparing the ballot of
the names of the candidates placed on the ballot, any changes to candidates, and other
information necessary to prepare the ballot. The notification must be made within one
business day of receiving the filing or change or immediately following the close of the
filing period, whichever is sooner, unless the clerk and official agree to an alternative
notification timeline.
new text end

new text begin This section is effective the day following final enactment.
new text end

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

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 98deleted text end new text begin 112new text end days nor less than deleted text begin 84deleted text end new text begin 98new 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 This section is effective January 1, 2026.
new text end

Minnesota Statutes 2024, section 205.185, subdivision 3, is amended to read:

(a) Between
the third and deleted text begin tenthdeleted text end new text begin 14thnew text end days after an election, the governing body of a city conducting any
election including a special municipal election, or the governing body of a town conducting
the general election in November shall act as the canvassing board, canvass the returns, and
declare new text begin the candidate duly elected who received the highest number of votes for each
municipal office and new text end the results of deleted text begin the electiondeleted text end new text begin any ballot questionsnew text end . The governing body
of a town conducting the general election in March shall act as the canvassing board, canvass
the returns, and new text begin shall new text end declare new text begin the candidate duly elected who received the highest number
of votes for each town office and new text end the results of deleted text begin the electiondeleted text end new text begin any ballot questionnew text end within two
days after an election.

(b) After the time for contesting elections has passed, the municipal clerk shall issue a
certificate of election to each successful candidate. In case of a contest, the certificate shall
not be issued until the outcome of the contest has been determined by the proper court.

(c) In case of a tie vote, the canvassing board having jurisdiction over the municipality
shall determine the result by lot. The clerk of the canvassing board shall certify the results
of the election to the county auditor, and the clerk shall be the final custodian of the ballots
and the returns of the election.

Minnesota Statutes 2024, section 205A.06, subdivision 1, is amended to read:

new text begin (a) new text end An individual who is eligible and desires to
become a candidate for an office to be voted on at the election must file an affidavit of
candidacy with the school district clerk. The affidavit must be in the form prescribed by
section 204B.06. The school district clerk shall also accept an application signed by at least
five voters and filed on behalf of an eligible voter in the school district whom they desire
to be a candidate, if service of a copy of the application has been made on the candidate
and proof of service is endorsed on the application being filed. No individual shall be
nominated by nominating petition for a school district elective office. Upon receipt of the
proper filing fee, the clerk shall place the name of the candidate on the official ballot without
partisan designation.

new text begin (b) The school district clerk shall notify the official responsible for preparing the ballot
of the names of the candidates placed on the ballot, any changes to candidates, and other
information necessary to prepare the ballot. The notification must be made within one
business day of receiving the filing or change or immediately following the close of the
filing period, whichever is sooner, unless the clerk and official agree to an alternative
notification timeline.
new text end

new text begin This section is effective the day following final enactment.
new text end

Minnesota Statutes 2024, section 205A.06, subdivision 1a, is amended to read:

In school districts that have adopted a resolution to choose
nominees for school board by a primary election, affidavits of candidacy must be filed with
the school district clerk no earlier than the 84th day and no later than the 70th day before
the second Tuesday in August in the year when the school district general election is held.
In all other school districts, affidavits of candidacy must be filed no earlier than the deleted text begin 98thdeleted text end new text begin
112thnew text end day and no later than the deleted text begin 84thdeleted text end new text begin 98thnew text end day before the school district general election.

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

Minnesota Statutes 2024, section 205A.10, subdivision 2, is amended to read:

A school district election must be by secret ballot and must
be held and the returns made in the manner provided for the state general election, as far as
practicable. The vote totals from a ballot board established pursuant to section 203B.121
may be tabulated and reported by the school district as a whole rather than by precinct. For
school district elections not held in conjunction with a statewide election, the school board
shall appoint election judges as provided in section 204B.21, subdivision 2. The provisions
of sections 204B.19, subdivision 5; 204B.21, subdivision 2new text begin , paragraphs (b) to (f)new text end ; 204C.15;
204C.19; 206.83; and 206.86, subdivision 2, relating to party balance in appointment of
judges and to duties to be performed by judges of different major political parties do not
apply to school district elections not held in conjunction with a deleted text begin statewidedeleted text end new text begin state or federalnew text end
election.

Minnesota Statutes 2024, section 205A.10, subdivision 3, is amended to read:

Between the
third and deleted text begin tenthdeleted text end new text begin 14thnew text end days after a school district election deleted text begin other than a recount of a special
election conducted under section 126C.17, subdivision 9, or 475.59deleted text end , the school board shall
canvass the returns and declare new text begin the candidate duly elected who received the highest number
of votes for each school district office and new text end the results of deleted text begin the electiondeleted text end new text begin any ballot questionnew text end .
new text begin The recounted results of a referendum conducted under section 126C.17, subdivision 9, or
475.59, must be certified by the canvassing board. new text end After the time for contesting elections
has passed, the school district clerk shall issue a certificate of election to each successful
candidate. If there is a contest, the certificate of election to that office must not be issued
until the outcome of the contest has been determined by the proper court. If there is a tie
vote, the school board shall determine the result by lot. The clerk shall deliver the certificate
of election to the successful candidate by personal service or certified mail. The successful
candidate shall file an acceptance and oath of office in writing with the clerk within 30 days
of the date of mailing or personal service. A person who fails to qualify prior to the time
specified shall be deemed to have refused to serve, but that filing may be made at any time
before action to fill the vacancy has been taken. The school district clerk shall certify the
results of the election to the county auditor, and the clerk shall be the final custodian of the
ballots and the returns of the election.

A school district canvassing board shall perform the duties of the school board according
to the requirements of this subdivision for a recount of a special election conducted under
section 126C.17, subdivision 9, or 475.59.

Minnesota Statutes 2024, section 205A.11, subdivision 2, is amended to read:

(a) When no other election is being held in a school
district, the school board may designate combined polling places at which the voters in
those precincts may vote in the school district election.

(b) By December 31 of each year, the school board must designate, by resolution, any
changes to combined polling places. The combined polling places designated in the resolution
are the polling places, unless a change is made in accordance with this paragraph or:

(1) pursuant to section 204B.175; or

(2) because a polling place has become unavailable.

(c) If the school board designates combined polling places pursuant to this subdivision,
polling places must be designated throughout the district, taking into account both
geographical distribution and population distribution. A combined polling place must be at
a location designated for use as a polling place by a county or municipalitynew text begin , except as
provided in this paragraph. If the municipality conducts elections by mail balloting pursuant
to section 204B.45, the school board may designate a polling place not used by the
municipality if the polling place satisfies the requirements in section 204B.16, subdivisions
4 to 7new text end .

(d) In school districts that have organized into separate board member election districts
under section 205A.12, a combined polling place for a school general election must be
arranged so that it does not include more than one board member election district.

Minnesota Statutes 2024, section 206.83, is amended to read:

At least three days before voting equipment is used, the official in charge of elections
shall have the voting system tested to ascertain that the system will correctly mark ballots
using all methods supported by the system, including through assistive technology, and
count the votes cast for all candidates and on all questions. Public notice of the time and
place of the test must be given at least deleted text begin twodeleted text end new text begin fivenew text end days in advance by publication once in
official newspapers. The test must be observed by at least two election judges, who are not
of the same major political party, and must be open to representatives of the political parties,
candidates, the press, and the public. The test must be conducted by (1) processing a
preaudited group of ballots deleted text begin punched ordeleted text end marked to record a predetermined number of valid
votes for each candidate and on each questionnew text begin in the contestnew text end , and must include for each
office one or more ballot cards which have votes in excess of the number allowed by law
in order to test the ability of the voting system tabulator and electronic ballot marker to
reject those votes; and (2) processing an additional test deck of ballots marked using the
electronic ballot marker for the precinct, including ballots marked using the electronic ballot
display, audio ballot reader, and any assistive voting technology used with the electronic
ballot marker. If any error is detected, the cause must be ascertained and corrected and an
errorless count must be made before the voting system may be used in the election. After
the completion of the test, the programs used and ballot cards must be sealed, retained, and
disposed of as provided for paper ballots.

new text begin This section is effective September 1, 2025.
new text end

Minnesota Statutes 2024, section 368.47, is amended to read:

(1) When the voters residing within a town have failed to elect any town officials for
more than ten years continuously;

(2) when a town has failed for a period of ten years to exercise any of the powers and
functions of a town;

(3) when the estimated market value of a town drops to less than $165,000;

(4) when the tax delinquency of a town, exclusive of taxes that are delinquent or unpaid
because they are contested in proceedings for the enforcement of taxes, amounts to 12
percent of its market value; or

(5) when the state or federal government has acquired title to 50 percent of the real estate
of a town,

which facts, or any of them, may be found and determined by the resolution of the county
board of the county in which the town is located, according to the official records in the
office of the county auditor, the county board by resolution may declare the town, naming
it, dissolved and no longer entitled to exercise any of the powers or functions of a town.

In Cass, Itasca, and St. Louis Counties, before the dissolution is effective the voters of
the town shall express their approval or disapproval. The town clerk shall, upon a petition
signed by a majority of the registered voters of the town, filed with the clerk at least deleted text begin 60deleted text end new text begin 84new text end
days before a regular or special town election, give notice at the same time and in the same
manner of the election that the question of dissolution of the town will be submitted for
determination at the election. deleted text begin At the election the question shall be voted upon by a separate
ballot.deleted text end The form of the question under this chapter shall be substantially in the following
form: "Shall the town of ... be dissolved?" deleted text begin The ballot shall be deposited in a separate ballot
box anddeleted text end The result of the voting canvassed, certified, and returned in the same manner and
at the same time as other facts and returns of the election. If a majority of the votes cast at
the election are for dissolution, the town shall be dissolved. If a majority of the votes cast
at the election are against dissolution, the town shall not be dissolved.

When a town is dissolved under sections 368.47 to 368.49 the county shall acquire title
to any telephone company or other business conducted by the town. The business shall be
operated by the board of county commissioners until it can be sold. The subscribers or
patrons of the business shall have the first opportunity of purchase. If the town has any
outstanding indebtedness chargeable to the business, the county auditor shall levy a tax
against the property situated in the dissolved town to pay the indebtedness as it becomes
due.

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

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 74deleted text end new text begin 84new 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.

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

(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 orderdeleted text end new text begin in accordance with the uniform
election dates defined in section 205.10, subdivision 3anew 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.

(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 electiondeleted text end new text begin pursuant to section 205.13new 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.

new text begin This section is effective June 1, 2025.
new text end

Minnesota Statutes 2024, section 447.32, subdivision 4, is amended to read:

new text begin (a) new text end A person who wants to be a
candidate for the hospital board shall file an affidavit of candidacy for the election either
as member at large or as a member representing the city or town where the candidate
maintains residence. The affidavit of candidacy must be filed with the city or town clerk
not more than deleted text begin 98deleted text end new text begin 112new text end days nor less than deleted text begin 84deleted text end new text begin 98new text end days before the first Tuesday after the first
Monday in November of the year in which the general election is held. The city or town
clerk must forward the affidavits of candidacy to the clerk of the hospital district or, for the
first election, the clerk of the most populous city or town immediately after the last day of
the filing period. A candidate may withdraw from the election by filing an affidavit of
withdrawal with the clerk of the district no later than 5:00 p.m. two days after the last day
to file affidavits of candidacy.

new text begin (b) new text end Voting must be by secret ballot. The clerk shall prepare, at the expense of the district,
necessary ballots for the election of officers. Ballots must be prepared as provided in the
rules of the secretary of state. The ballots must be marked and initialed by at least two judges
as official ballots and used exclusively at the election. Any proposition to be voted on may
be printed on the ballot provided for the election of officers. The hospital board may also
authorize the use of voting systems subject to chapter 206. Enough election judges may be
appointed to receive the votes at each polling place. The election judges shall act as clerks
of election, count the ballots cast, and submit them to the board for canvass.

new text begin (c) Between the third and 14th days after an election, the board must act as the canvassing
board, canvass the returns, and declare the candidate duly elected who received the highest
number of votes for each hospital district office and the results of any ballot questions.
new text end

new text begin (d) new text end After canvassing the election, the board shall issue a certificate of election to the
candidate who received the largest number of votes cast for each office. The clerk shall
deliver the certificate to the person entitled to it in person or by certified mail. Each person
certified shall file an acceptance and oath of office in writing with the clerk within 30 days
after the date of delivery or mailing of the certificate. The board may fill any office as
provided in subdivision 1 if the person elected fails to qualify within 30 days, but qualification
is effective if made before the board acts to fill the vacancy.

new text begin Paragraph (a) is effective January 1, 2026.
new text end

new text begin (a) Notwithstanding the requirements of section 10, a completed voter registration
application submitted by a voter is not deficient for purposes of registering that voter if the
application form was printed or provided to the voter prior to July 1, 2025. On or after July
1, 2025, an election official must not print or copy a blank voter registration application
that does not include the modifications required by section 10. An election official may
distribute copies of registration applications that were printed prior to the effective date.
new text end

new text begin (b) Notwithstanding the requirements of section 25, a completed absentee ballot
application submitted by a voter is not deficient for purposes of applying for an absentee
ballot if the application was printed or provided to the voter prior to July 1, 2025. On or
after July 1, 2025, an election official must not print, copy, or distribute a blank absentee
ballot application that does not include the modifications required by section 25.
new text end

new text begin Minnesota Statutes 2024, sections 206.57, subdivision 5b; and 209.06, new text end new text begin are repealed.
new text end

new text begin Unless otherwise provided, this article is effective July 1, 2025.
new text end

Repealed Minnesota Statutes: S3096-1

(a) Beginning in 2009 and at least once every other year until 2016, the secretary of state shall consult with interested parties, including, but not limited to, members of the legislature, town officers, county election officials, the National Federation of the Blind, the Minnesota State Council on Disability, and the Disability Law Center regarding:

(1) options for full compliance with subdivision 5; and

(2) ongoing costs of compliance with subdivision 5 and methods of reducing those costs.

(b) Beginning January 15, 2010, and until January 15, 2017, the secretary of state shall report to the chairs and ranking minority members of the legislative committees and divisions with jurisdiction over elections policy and finance regarding the findings, discussions, and developments under paragraph (a).

A voting equipment grant account is established in the special revenue fund. Funds in the account are appropriated to the secretary of state to provide grants to political subdivisions as authorized by this section. Funds in the account are available until expended.

A political subdivision may apply to receive a grant under this section for the purchase or lease of the following:

(1) an electronic voting system, or any individual components of an electronic voting system as provided in section 206.56, subdivision 8;

(2) assistive voting technology;

(3) an electronic roster system meeting the technology requirements of section 201.225, subdivision 2; and

(4) any other equipment or technology approved by the secretary of state for use in conducting a state or local election in Minnesota consistent with the requirements of law.

(a) The secretary of state may make a grant from the account to a political subdivision only after receiving an application from the political subdivision. The application must contain the following information:

(1) the date the application is submitted;

(2) the name of the political subdivision;

(3) the name and title of the individual who prepared the application;

(4) the type of voting system currently used in each precinct in the political subdivision;

(5) the date the system currently used was acquired and at what cost;

(6) the total number of registered voters, as of the date of the application, in each precinct in the political subdivision;

(7) the total amount of the grant requested;

(8) the total amount and source of the political subdivision's money to be used to match a grant from the account;

(9) the type of voting system to be acquired with the grant money and whether the voting system will permit individuals with disabilities to cast a secret ballot;

(10) the proposed schedule for purchasing and implementing the new voting system and the precincts in which the new voting system would be used;

(11) whether the political subdivision has previously applied for a grant from the account and the disposition of that application;

(12) a certified statement by the political subdivision that the grant will be used only to purchase authorized equipment under subdivision 2 and that the political subdivision has insufficient resources to purchase the voting system without obtaining a grant from the account; and

(13) any other information required by the secretary of state.

(b) The secretary of state must establish a deadline for receipt of grant applications, a procedure for awarding and distributing grants, and a process for verifying the proper use of the grants after distribution.

A political subdivision is eligible to receive a grant of no more than 75 percent of the total cost of electronic roster equipment and 50 percent of the total cost of all other equipment or technology authorized for a grant under subdivision 2. In evaluating the application, the secretary of state shall consider only the information set forth in the application and is not subject to chapter 14. If the secretary of state determines that the application has been fully and properly completed, and that there is a sufficient balance in the account to fund the grant, either in whole or in part, the secretary of state may approve the application.

No later than January 15, 2018, and annually thereafter until the appropriations provided for grants under this section have been exhausted, the secretary of state must submit a report to the legislative committees with jurisdiction over elections policy on grants awarded by this section. The report must detail each grant awarded, including the jurisdiction, the amount of the grant, and the type of equipment purchased.

After a contest has been instituted, either party may have the ballots inspected before preparing for trial. The party requesting an inspection shall file with the district court where the contest is brought a verified petition, stating that the case cannot properly be prepared for trial without an inspection of the ballots and designating the precincts in which an inspection is desired. A judge of the court in which the contest is pending shall then appoint as many sets of three inspectors for a contest of any office or question as are needed to count and inspect the ballots expeditiously. One inspector must be selected by each of the parties to the contest and a third must be chosen by those two inspectors. If either party neglects or refuses to name an inspector, the judge shall appoint the inspector. The compensation of inspectors is the same as for referees, unless otherwise stipulated.

The party applying for the inspection shall file with the court administrator of district court a bond in the sum of $250 if the contest is in a single county. In other cases the bond shall be in a sum set by the court with sureties approved by the court, and conditioned that the party seeking inspection will pay the administrative costs and expenses of the inspection if that party loses the contest.

An inspection must be made in the office and in the presence of the legal custodian of the ballots. The inspectors shall recanvass the votes cast for the parties to the contest or the question in issue in accordance with the rules for counting ballots in the Minnesota Election Law. They shall make a written report of the inspection indicating the number of votes cast for each candidate or each side of the question in each precinct where the ballots were inspected and indicating any disputed ballots upon which the inspectors cannot agree.

The requirements of this section are satisfied for an entire website or social media page when the disclaimer required in subdivision 1 or 2 appears once on the home page of the site.

(a) A person is guilty of a gross misdemeanor who intentionally participates in the preparation, dissemination, or broadcast of paid political advertising or campaign material with respect to the personal or political character or acts of a candidate, or with respect to the effect of a ballot question, that is designed or tends to elect, injure, promote, or defeat a candidate for nomination or election to a public office or to promote or defeat a ballot question, that is false, and that the person knows is false or communicates to others with reckless disregard of whether it is false.

(b) A person is guilty of a misdemeanor who intentionally participates in the drafting of a letter to the editor with respect to the personal or political character or acts of a candidate, or with respect to the effect of a ballot question, that is designed or tends to elect, injure, promote, or defeat any candidate for nomination or election to a public office or to promote or defeat a ballot question, that is false, and that the person knows is false or communicates to others with reckless disregard of whether it is false.

Subdivision 1 does not apply to any person or organization whose sole act is, in the normal course of their business, the printing, manufacturing, or dissemination of the false information.

A religious, charitable, or educational organization may not request a candidate or committee to contribute to the organization, to subscribe for the support of a club or organization, to buy tickets to entertainment, or to pay for space in a publication. This section does not apply to:

(1) the solicitation of a business advertisement in periodicals in which the candidate was a regular contributor, before candidacy;

(2) ordinary business advertisements;

(3) regular payments to a religious, charitable, or educational organization, of which the candidate was a member, or to which the candidate was a contributor for more than six months before candidacy; or

(4) ordinary contributions at church services.

Repealed Minnesota Rule: S3096-1

Minnesota Statutes, section 211B.04, does not apply to the following communications that link directly to an online page that includes a disclaimer in the form required by that section if the communication is made by or on behalf of a candidate, principal campaign committee, political committee, political fund, political party unit, or person who has made an electioneering communication, as those terms are defined in Minnesota Statutes, chapter 10A:

text, images, video, or audio disseminated via a social media platform;

a text or multimedia message disseminated only to telephone numbers;

text, images, video, or audio disseminated using an application accessed primarily via mobile phone, excluding email messages, telephone calls, and voicemail messages; and

paid electronic advertisements disseminated via the internet by a third party, including but not limited to online banner advertisements and advertisements appearing within the electronic version of a newspaper, periodical, or magazine.

The link must be conspicuous and when selected must result in the display of an online page that prominently includes the required disclaimer.

Attempting to influence a nonelected local official is lobbying if the nonelected local official may make, recommend, or vote on as a member of the political subdivision's governing body, a major decision regarding an expenditure or investment of public money.

A major decision regarding the expenditure or investment of public money includes but is not limited to a decision on:

the development and ratification of operating and capital budgets of a political subdivision, including development of the budget request for an office or department within the political subdivision;

whether to apply for or accept state or federal funding or private grant funding;

selecting recipients for government grants from the political subdivision; or

tax abatement, tax increment financing, or expenditures on public infrastructure, used to support private housing or business developments.

A major decision regarding the expenditure of public money does not include:

the purchase of goods or services with public funds in the operating or capital budget of a political subdivision;

collective bargaining of a labor contract on behalf of a political subdivision; or

participating in discussions with a party or a party's representative regarding litigation between the party and the political subdivision of the local official.

new text begin APPROPRIATIONS
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new text begin Available for the Year
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new text begin Ending June 30
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new text begin 2026
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new text begin 2027
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