Minnesota Legislature
HF 1617
as introduced - 94th Legislature (2025 - 2026) Posted on 03/03/2025 06:12pm
Bill Text Versions
| Engrossments | ||
|---|---|---|
| Introduction | Posted on 02/26/2025 |
Current Version - as introduced
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A bill for an act
relating to elections; improving the testing of voting systems; amending Minnesota
Statutes 2024, section 206.83.
BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF MINNESOTA:
Section 1.
Minnesota Statutes 2024, section 206.83, is amended to read:
206.83 TESTING OF VOTING SYSTEMS.
At least deleted text begin threedeleted text end new text begin tennew text end days before deleted text begin voting equipment isdeleted text end new text begin absentee ballots arenew text end 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 ofnew text begin
uniquelynew text end 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,new text begin a copy of the detailed precinct report by ballot style shall be made
available for public inspection within 24 hours of testing,new text end the programs used and ballot cards
must be sealed, retained, and disposed of as provided for paper ballots.
new text begin EFFECTIVE DATE. new text end
new text begin
This section is effective the day following final enactment.
new text end