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Key: (1) language to be deleted (2) new language

CHAPTER 92--S.F.No. 514

An act

relating to elections; making policy, technical, and conforming changes to various provisions related to elections and elections administration including provisions related to special elections, registration, voting, voters, election judges, voting systems, data, and elected officials; providing uniform election dates; authorizing the appointment of certain county offices; requiring reports;

amending Minnesota Statutes 2016, sections 3.088, subdivisions 1, 2, 3; 13.15, subdivision 4; 13.6905, subdivision 33; 13.841, subdivision 3; 13.851, subdivision 10; 103B.545, subdivision 2; 123A.46, subdivision 12; 123A.48, subdivision 14; 123B.09, subdivision 5b; 123B.63, subdivision 3; 126C.17, subdivision 11; 128D.05, subdivision 2; 200.02, subdivision 4, by adding a subdivision; 201.121, subdivisions 1, 3; 204B.09, subdivision 3; 204B.16, subdivisions 1, 1a; 204B.21; 204B.31, subdivision 2; 204C.10; 204C.12, subdivision 1; 204C.32, subdivision 2; 204C.33, subdivision 3; 205.065, subdivision 5; 205.07, subdivisions 1, 3; 205.10, subdivision 4, by adding a subdivision; 205A.05, subdivisions 1, 2, by adding a subdivision; 205A.11, subdivision 2; 206.805, subdivision 1; 208.04, subdivision 1; 211B.11, subdivision 1; 216B.46; 241.065, subdivision 2; 365A.06, subdivision 2; 367.33, subdivision 1; 375.101, subdivision 1; 375B.07, subdivision 2; 375B.10; 383B.031, subdivision 1; 383E.24, subdivision 7; 410.10, subdivision 1; 447.32, subdivision 2; 475.59; proposing coding for new law in Minnesota Statutes, chapters 201; 204B; repealing Minnesota Statutes 2016, sections 201.15; 201.155; 201.157; 201.158; 205.10, subdivision 3.

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

ARTICLE 1

ELECTION ADMINISTRATION

Section 1.

Minnesota Statutes 2016, section 3.088, subdivision 1, is amended to read:

Subdivision 1.

Leave of absence without pay.

Subject to this section, any appointed officer or employee of a political subdivision, municipal corporation, or school district of the state or an institution of learning maintained by the state who serves as a legislator or is elected to a full-time city or county officenew text begin or to an Indian tribal councilnew text end in Minnesota is entitled to a leave of absence from the public office or to employment without pay when on the business of the office, with right of reinstatement as provided in this section.

Sec. 2.

Minnesota Statutes 2016, section 3.088, subdivision 2, is amended to read:

Subd. 2.

Reinstatement.

Except as provided in this section, upon the completion of the last legislative day in each calendar year, or, in the case of an elected city deleted text begin ordeleted text end new text begin ,new text end countynew text begin , or tribal councilnew text end official, on the completion of the final day of the term to which the official was elected, the officer or employee shall be reinstated in the public position held at the time of entry into the legislature or taking city deleted text begin ordeleted text end new text begin ,new text end countynew text begin , or tribal councilnew text end office, or be placed in a public position of like seniority, status, and pay if it is available at the same salary which would have been received if the leave had not been taken, upon the following conditions:

(1) that the position has not been abolished or that its term, if limited, has not expired;

(2) that the legislator makes a written application for reinstatement to the appointing authority within 30 days after the last legislative day in a calendar year or, in the case of an elected city deleted text begin ordeleted text end new text begin ,new text end countynew text begin , or tribal councilnew text end official, within 30 days after the expiration of the elected term; and

(3) that the request for reinstatement is made not later than ten years after the granting of the leave.

Upon reinstatement, the officer or employee shall have the same rights with respect to accrued and future seniority status, efficiency rating, vacation, insurance benefits, sick leave, and other benefits as if actually employed during the time of the leave. No public employer is required to compensate a reinstated employee or officer for time spent by that employee or officer away from work for the employer and on the business of the state legislature during the period between the first and last legislative day in each calendar year or on the business of an elected city deleted text begin ordeleted text end new text begin ,new text end countynew text begin , or tribal councilnew text end office. No officer or employee reinstated shall be removed or discharged within one year after reinstatement except for cause and after notice and hearing, but this does not extend a term of service limited by law.

Sec. 3.

Minnesota Statutes 2016, section 3.088, subdivision 3, is amended to read:

Subd. 3.

Pension and retirement rights.

A public officer or employee who receives leave of absence under this section or is elected as a state constitutional officer and has rights in a state, municipal, or other public pension, retirement, or relief system shall retain all the rights accrued up to the time of taking leave. Time spent by the employee as a member of the legislature or as an elected city deleted text begin ordeleted text end new text begin ,new text end countynew text begin , or tribal councilnew text end official or state constitutional officer shall be calculated in the same manner as if the employee had spent that time in the service of the public employer for the purpose of determining vesting of the employee's rights in the employer's pension, retirement, or relief system. Under no circumstances shall two governmental units pay the employee's share of pension contributions when the employee is on leave of absence to serve in the legislature or as an elected city deleted text begin ordeleted text end new text begin ,new text end countynew text begin , or tribal councilnew text end official.

Sec. 4.

Minnesota Statutes 2016, section 13.15, subdivision 4, is amended to read:

Subd. 4.

Use of electronic access data.

Electronic access data may be disseminated:

(1) to the commissioner for the purpose of evaluating electronic government services;

(2) to another government entity new text begin or a federal law enforcement agency new text end to prevent new text begin or report new text end unlawful intrusions into government electronic systems; or

(3) as otherwise provided by law.

Sec. 5.

Minnesota Statutes 2016, section 13.6905, subdivision 33, is amended to read:

Subd. 33.

Citizenship data; voter registration.

The use of citizenship data reported to the secretary of state is governed by section deleted text begin 201.158deleted text end new text begin 201.145new text end .

Sec. 6.

Minnesota Statutes 2016, section 13.841, subdivision 3, is amended to read:

Subd. 3.

Felony conviction data; voter registration.

Felony conviction data reported to the secretary of state is governed by section deleted text begin 201.155deleted text end new text begin 201.145new text end .

Sec. 7.

Minnesota Statutes 2016, section 13.851, subdivision 10, is amended to read:

Subd. 10.

Felony offender data; voter registration.

The use of felony offender data made available to the secretary of state is governed by section deleted text begin 201.157deleted text end new text begin 201.145new text end .

Sec. 8.

Minnesota Statutes 2016, section 123B.09, subdivision 5b, is amended to read:

Subd. 5b.

Appointments to fill vacancies; special elections.

(a) Any vacancy on the board, other than a vacancy described in subdivision 4, must be filled by board appointment at a regular or special meeting. The appointment shall be evidenced by a resolution entered in the minutes and shall be effective 30 days following adoption of the resolution, subject to paragraph (b). If the appointment becomes effective, it shall continue until an election is held under this subdivision. All elections to fill vacancies shall be for the unexpired term. A special election to fill the vacancy must be held no later than the first Tuesday after the first Monday in November following the vacancy. If the vacancy occurs less than 90 days prior to the first Tuesday after the first Monday in November in the year in which the vacancy occurs, the special election must be held no later than the first Tuesday after the first Monday in November of the following calendar year. If the vacancy occurs less than 90 days prior to the first Tuesday after the first Monday in November in the third year of the term, no special election is required.new text begin If the vacancy is filled by a special election, the person elected at that election for the ensuing term shall take office immediately after receiving the certificate of election, filing the bond, and taking the oath of office.new text end

(b) An appointment made under paragraph (a) shall not be effective if a petition to reject the appointee is filed with the school district clerk. To be valid, a petition to reject an appointee must be signed by a number of eligible voters residing in the district equal to at least five percent of the total number of voters voting in the district at the most recent state general election, and must be filed within 30 days of the board's adoption of the resolution making the appointment. If a valid petition is filed according to the requirements of this paragraph, the appointment by the school board is ineffective and the board must name a new appointee as provided in paragraph (a).

Sec. 9.

Minnesota Statutes 2016, section 200.02, is amended by adding a subdivision to read:

new text begin Subd. 29. new text end

new text begin Original signature. new text end

new text begin "Original signature" does not include an electronic signature. new text end

Sec. 10.

Minnesota Statutes 2016, section 201.121, subdivision 1, is amended to read:

Subdivision 1.

Entry of registration information.

(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 shall enter 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 deleted text begin 42-daydeleted text end deadline has expired that the deadline will not be met.new text begin 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.new text end

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

(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 into 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 information from a voter registration application into the statewide registration system, the secretary of state shall 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 shall 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 shall 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 shall send a notice of incomplete registration to any voter whose name appears on the list and change the voter's status to "incomplete." A voter who receives a notice of incomplete registration from the county auditor may either provide the information required to complete the registration at least 21 days before the next election or at the polling place on election day.

Sec. 11.

Minnesota Statutes 2016, section 201.121, subdivision 3, is amended to read:

Subd. 3.

Postelection sampling.

new text begin (a) new text end Within ten days after an election, the county auditor shall send the notice required by subdivision 2 to a random sampling of the individuals registered on election day. The random sampling shall be determined in accordance with the rules of the secretary of state. As soon as practicable after the election, the county auditor shall mail the notice required by subdivision 2 to all other individuals registered on election day. If a notice is returned as not deliverable, the county auditor shall 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 shall immediately notify the county attorney of all of the relevant information deleted text begin and the secretary of state of the numbers by precinctdeleted text end .new text begin The county auditor must notify the secretary of state of the following information by each precinct:new text end

new text begin (1) the total number of all notices that were returned as nondeliverable; new text end

new text begin (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 new text end

new text begin (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. new text end

new text begin (b)new text end By March 1 of every odd-numbered year, the secretary of state shall report to the chair and ranking minority members of the legislative committees with jurisdiction over elections the deleted text begin number of notices reported under this subdivision to the secretary of state for the previous state general election by county and precinct.deleted text end new text begin following information by each precinct and each county:new text end

new text begin (1) the total number of all notices that were returned as nondeliverable; new text end

new text begin (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 new text end

new text begin (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. new text end

Sec. 12.

new text begin [201.145] REPORTS ON GUARDIANSHIPS, LEGAL INCOMPETENCE, FELONY CONVICTIONS, AND CITIZENSHIP; STATUS CHANGES. new text end

new text begin Subdivision 1. new text end

new text begin Report requirements. new text end

new text begin Reports required by this section must be submitted to the secretary of state as provided in this section. Reports from the state court administrator that are required under this section must be made on a daily basis, excluding weekends and holidays. Reports from the commissioner of corrections and the commissioner of public safety that are required under this section must be made to the secretary of state at least monthly. Reports must be submitted by electronic means. Reports from the commissioner of corrections and the commissioner of public safety must include a complete list of each individual under the reporting entity's jurisdiction and must not provide only the changes since the last report. new text end

new text begin Subd. 2. new text end

new text begin State court administrator report. new text end

new text begin (a) The state court administrator must report on individuals 17 years of age or older who are under a guardianship in which a court order revokes the ward's right to vote or where the court has found the individual to be legally incompetent to vote. new text end

new text begin (b) The state court administrator must report on individuals transferred to the jurisdiction of the court who meet a condition specified in paragraph (a). new text end

new text begin (c) Each report required under this subdivision must include the following information for each individual in the report: name, address, date of birth, and, if available, last four digits of the Social Security number and driver's license or state identification card number. new text end

new text begin (d) No later than seven calendar days after receiving a report under this subdivision, the secretary of state must determine if a person identified under paragraphs (a) and (b) is registered to vote and must prepare a list of those registrants for the county auditor. No later than seven calendar days after receiving the list from the secretary of state, the county auditor must challenge the status on the record in the statewide voter registration system of each individual named in the list. new text end

new text begin Subd. 3. new text end

new text begin Commissioner of corrections report; state court administrator report. new text end

new text begin (a) The state court administrator must report on individuals 17 years of age or older who have been convicted of a felony. new text end

new text begin (b) The commissioner of corrections must report on individuals 17 years of age or older who are currently: new text end

new text begin (1) serving felony sentences under the commissioner's jurisdiction; or new text end

new text begin (2) on probation for felony offenses that resulted in the loss of civil rights, as indicated by the statewide supervision system established under section 241.065. new text end

new text begin (c) Each report under this subdivision must include the following information for each individual: name, address or last known residential address that is not a correctional facility, and date of birth. If available, each report must also include the individual's: corrections' state identification number, last four digits of the Social Security number, driver's license or state identification card number, date of sentence, effective date of the sentence, county in which the conviction occurred, and date of discharge. new text end

new text begin (d) No later than seven calendar days after receiving a report under this subdivision, the secretary of state must determine if a person identified under paragraph (a) is registered to vote and must prepare a list of those registrants for the county auditor. No later than seven calendar days after receiving a report under this subdivision, the secretary of state must determine if any data newly indicates that a person identified under paragraph (b) is registered to vote and must prepare a list of those registrants for the county auditor. No later than seven calendar days after receiving the list from the secretary of state, the county auditor must challenge the status on the record in the statewide voter registration system of each individual named in the list. new text end

new text begin (e) The county auditor must identify an individual who registered to vote or voted while serving a felony sentence under the commissioner's jurisdiction or while on probation for a felony offense that resulted in the loss of civil rights during a period when the individual's civil rights were revoked. The county auditor must immediately send notice to the county attorney. The notice must include the name of the individual and any other identifying information as well as the evidence that shows the individual registered to vote or voted during the period when the individual's civil rights were revoked. new text end

new text begin Subd. 4. new text end

new text begin Reports; restoration of right to vote. new text end

new text begin (a) The state court administrator must report on each individual whose guardianship was modified to restore the ward's right to vote or whose guardianship was terminated by order of the court under section 524.5-317 after being ineligible to vote for any of the reasons specified in subdivision 2, paragraph (a). new text end

new text begin (b) The state court administrator must report on individuals previously convicted of a felony whose civil rights have been restored. new text end

new text begin (c) The commissioner of corrections must report on individuals who were serving a felony sentence under the commissioner's jurisdiction or who were on probation for a felony offense under the commissioner's jurisdiction that resulted in the loss of civil rights but who have been discharged from the sentence. new text end

new text begin (d) Each report under this subdivision must include the following information for each individual: name, address, date of birth, and, if available, the last four digits of the Social Security number. For reports required by paragraphs (b) and (c), each report must also include the individual's, if available: corrections' state identification number, driver's license or state identification card number, date of sentence, effective date of the sentence, county in which the conviction occurred, and date of discharge. new text end

new text begin (e) No later than seven calendar days after receiving a report under this subdivision, the secretary of state must determine if a person identified under paragraph (a) or (b) is registered to vote and must prepare a list of those registrants for the county auditor. No later than seven calendar days after receiving a report under this subdivision, the secretary of state must determine if any data newly indicates that a person identified under paragraph (c) is registered to vote and must prepare a list of those registrants for the county auditor. No later than seven calendar days after receiving the list from the secretary of state, the county auditor must remove the challenge status on the record in the statewide voter registration system of each individual named in the list. new text end

new text begin Subd. 5. new text end

new text begin Commissioner of public safety report. new text end

new text begin (a) The commissioner of public safety must report on individuals identified by department data as having temporary lawful status in the United States. new text end

new text begin (b) The report under this section must include the following information for each individual: name, address, date of birth, driver's license or state identification card number, and, if available, last four digits of the Social Security number. new text end

new text begin (c) No later than seven calendar days after receiving a report under this subdivision, the secretary of state must determine if any data newly indicates that a person identified under paragraph (a) is registered to vote and prepare a list of those voters for the county auditor. Within seven calendar days of receiving the list from the secretary of state, the county auditor must challenge the status on the record in the statewide voter registration system of each individual named in the list. new text end

new text begin (d) The county auditor must also immediately send notice to the county attorney of each individual identified in paragraph (c). The notice must include the name of the individual and any other identifying information as well as the evidence that shows the individual registered to vote or voted and is not a citizen. new text end

new text begin EFFECTIVE DATE. new text end

new text begin This section is effective July 1, 2017, and applies to reports received by the secretary of state on or after that date. new text end

Sec. 13.

Minnesota Statutes 2016, section 204B.09, subdivision 3, is amended to read:

Subd. 3.

Write-in candidates.

(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 seventh day before the general election. The filing officer shall provide copies of the form to make the request.new text begin No written request shall be accepted later than 5:00 p.m. on the last day for filing a written request.new text end

(b) 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.

(c) A candidate for governor who files a request under this subdivision must include the name of a candidate for lieutenant governor.

Sec. 14.

Minnesota Statutes 2016, section 204B.16, subdivision 1a, is amended to read:

Subd. 1a.

Notice to voters.

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 deleted text begin 204B.17deleted text end new text begin 204B.175new text end .

Sec. 15.

Minnesota Statutes 2016, section 204B.21, is amended to read:

204B.21 APPOINTMENT OF ELECTION JUDGES.

Subdivision 1.

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

On May 1 in a year in which there is an election for a partisan political office, each major political party shall prepare a list of eligible voters to act as election judges in each election precinct.new text begin The list provided by the party must indicate 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 purpose.new text end The political parties shall 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 precinct, the associated name must not appear in any list forwarded to an appointing authority under this subdivision. The secretary of state shall notify political parties of any proposed election judges with addresses that could not be located in a precinct.

By May 15, the secretary of state shall furnish electronically to the county auditor a list of the appropriate names for each election precinct in the jurisdiction of the appointing authority, new text begin 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, new text end noting the political party affiliation of each individual on the list. The county auditor must promptly forward the appropriate names to the appropriate municipal clerk.

Subd. 2.

Appointing authority; powers and duties.

Election judges for precincts in a municipality shall be appointed by the governing body of the municipality. Election judges for precincts in unorganized territory and for performing election-related duties assigned by the county auditor shall 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. Except as otherwise provided in this section, appointments shall be made from deleted text begin listsdeleted text end new text begin the list of voters who reside in each precinct,new text end furnished pursuant to subdivision 1new text begin ,new text end 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 new text begin on the list furnished pursuant to subdivision 1 who indicated a willingness to travel to the municipality, and persons new text end who are not affiliated with a major political party. new text begin 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 end The appointments shall 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 Subd. 3. new text end

new text begin Access to election judge party affiliation. new text end

new text begin Notwithstanding section 13.43, the major political party affiliation of an election judge or a statement that the judge does not affiliate with a major political party may be shared with other election judges assigned to the precinct at the same election, to verify compliance with party balance requirements. This data may not be disclosed or used by the election judges for any other purpose. new text end

Sec. 16.

Minnesota Statutes 2016, section 204B.31, subdivision 2, is amended to read:

Subd. 2.

Volunteer servicenew text begin ; election judge travelnew text end .

new text begin (a) new text end Any person appointed to serve as an election judge may elect to serve without payment by submitting a written statement to the appropriate governing body no later than ten days before the election.

new text begin (b) Subdivision 1 does not require the payment of mileage or other travel expenses to an election judge residing in another jurisdiction, if the election judge's name was included on the list of individuals who indicated a willingness to travel to another jurisdiction provided under section 204B.21, subdivision 1. new text end

Sec. 17.

new text begin [204B.49] "I VOTED" STICKERS. new text end

new text begin The secretary of state, county auditor, municipal clerk, school district clerk, or an election judge may provide a sticker containing the words "I VOTED," and nothing more, to an individual who: new text end

new text begin (1) has successfully deposited a ballot into a ballot box, under section 203B.081, subdivision 3, or 204C.13, subdivision 5; new text end

new text begin (2) is provided an absentee ballot under section 203B.07, subdivision 1, or 203B.21, subdivision 2; or new text end

new text begin (3) is provided a ballot by mail under section 204B.45 or 204B.46. new text end

Sec. 18.

Minnesota Statutes 2016, section 204C.10, is amended to read:

204C.10 PERMANENT REGISTRATION; VERIFICATION OF REGISTRATION.

(a) An individual seeking to vote shall sign a polling place roster or voter signature certificate which states that the individual is at least 18 years of age, a citizen of the United States, has resided in Minnesota for 20 days immediately preceding the election, maintains residence at the address shown, is not under a guardianship in which the court order revokes the individual's right to vote, has not been found by a court of law to be legally incompetent to vote or has the right to vote because, if the individual was convicted of a felony, the felony sentence has expired or been completed or the individual has been discharged from the sentence, is registered and 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, and I understand that my choice of a party's ballot will be public information." 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.

new text begin (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 end

Sec. 19.

Minnesota Statutes 2016, section 204C.12, subdivision 1, is amended to read:

Subdivision 1.

Manner of challenging.

An election judge shall, and an authorized challenger or other voter may, challenge an individual deleted text begin whom the person knows or reasonably believesdeleted text end new text begin based on personal knowledge that the individual new text end is not an eligible voter.

Sec. 20.

Minnesota Statutes 2016, section 204C.32, subdivision 2, is amended to read:

Subd. 2.

State canvass.

The State Canvassing Board shall meet deleted text begin at the secretary of state's officedeleted text end new text begin at a public meeting space located in the Capitol complex areanew text end seven days after the state primary to canvass the certified copies of the county canvassing board reports received from the county auditors. Immediately after the canvassing board declares the results, the secretary of state shall certify the names of the nominees to the county auditors. The secretary of state shall mail to each nominee a notice of nomination.

Sec. 21.

Minnesota Statutes 2016, section 204C.33, subdivision 3, is amended to read:

Subd. 3.

State canvass.

The State Canvassing Board shall meet deleted text begin at the secretary of state's officedeleted text end new text begin at a public meeting space located in the Capitol complex areanew text end on the third Tuesday following the state general election to canvass the certified copies of the county canvassing board reports received from the county auditors and shall prepare a report that states:

deleted text begin (a)deleted text end new text begin (1)new text end the number of individuals voting in the state and in each county;

deleted text begin (b)deleted text end new text begin (2)new text end the number of votes received by each of the candidates, specifying the counties in which they were cast; and

deleted text begin (c)deleted text end new text begin (3)new text end the number of votes counted for and against each constitutional amendment, specifying the counties in which they were cast.

All members of the State Canvassing Board shall sign the report and certify its correctness. The State Canvassing Board shall declare the result within three days after completing the canvass.

Sec. 22.

Minnesota Statutes 2016, section 205.065, subdivision 5, is amended to read:

Subd. 5.

Results.

deleted text begin (a)deleted text end The municipal primary shall be conducted and the returns made in the manner provided for the state primary so far as practicable. deleted text begin If the primary is conducted:deleted text end

deleted text begin (1) only within that municipality, adeleted text end new text begin The new text end canvass may be conducted on either the second or third day after the primarydeleted text begin ; ordeleted text end

deleted text begin (2) in conjunction with the state primary, the canvass must be conducted on the third day after the primary, except as otherwise provided in paragraph (b)deleted text end .

The governing body of the municipality shall canvass the returns, and the two candidates for each office who receive the highest number of votes, or a number of candidates equal to twice the number of individuals to be elected to the office, who receive the highest number of votes, shall be the nominees for the office named. Their names shall be certified to the municipal clerk who shall place them on the municipal general election ballot without partisan designation and without payment of an additional fee.

deleted text begin (b) Following a municipal primary as described in paragraph (a), clause (2), a canvass may be conducted on the second day after the primary if the county auditor of each county in which the municipality is located agrees to administratively review the municipality's primary voting statistics for accuracy and completeness within a time that permits the canvass to be conducted on that day. deleted text end

Sec. 23.

Minnesota Statutes 2016, section 205.07, subdivision 1, is amended to read:

Subdivision 1.

Date of election.

The municipal general election in each city shall be held on the first Tuesday after the first Monday in November in every even-numbered year. Notwithstanding any provision of law to the contrary and subject to the provisions of this section, the governing body of a city may, by ordinance passed at a regular meeting held deleted text begin before June 1 of any year, elect todeleted text end new text begin at least 180 calendar days before the first day to file for candidacy in the next municipal election, decide tonew text end hold the election on the first Tuesday after the first Monday in November in deleted text begin eachdeleted text end new text begin either an even- or new text end odd-numbered year. A city may hold elections in either the even-numbered year or the odd-numbered year, but not both. When a city changes its elections from one year to another, and does not provide for the expiration of terms by ordinance, the term of an incumbent expiring at a time when no municipal election is held in the months immediately prior to expiration is extended until the date for taking office following the next scheduled municipal election. If the change results in having three council members to be elected at a succeeding election, the two individuals receiving the highest vote shall serve for terms of four years and the individual receiving the third highest number of votes shall serve for a term of two years. To provide an orderly transition to the odd or even year election plan, the governing body of the city may adopt supplementary ordinances regulating initial elections and officers to be chosen at the elections and shortening or lengthening the terms of incumbents and those elected at the initial election. The term of office for the mayor may be either two or four years. The term of office of council members is four years. Whenever the time of the municipal election is changed, the city clerk immediately shall notify in writing the county auditor and secretary of state of the change of date. Thereafter the municipal general election shall be held on the first Tuesday after the first Monday in November in each odd-numbered or even-numbered year until the ordinance is revoked and notification of the change is made. A municipal general election scheduled to be held in an odd-numbered year may be postponed for inclement weather as provided in section 205.105.

Sec. 24.

Minnesota Statutes 2016, section 205A.05, subdivision 2, is amended to read:

Subd. 2.

Vacancies in school district offices.

Special elections to fill vacancies in elective school district offices shall be held in school districts pursuant to section deleted text begin 123B.095deleted text end new text begin 123B.09, subdivision 5bnew text end . When more than one vacancy exists in an office elected at-large, voters must be instructed to vote for up to the number of vacancies to be filled.

Sec. 25.

Minnesota Statutes 2016, section 206.805, subdivision 1, is amended to read:

Subdivision 1.

Contracts required.

(a) The secretary of state, with the assistance of the commissioner of administration, deleted text begin shalldeleted text end new text begin must new text end establish one or more state voting systems contracts. The contracts should, if practical, include provisions for maintenance of the equipment purchased. The voting systems contracts must address precinct-based optical scan voting equipment, deleted text begin and ballot marking equipment for persons with disabilities and other votersdeleted text end new text begin assistive voting technology, automatic tabulating equipment, and electronic roster equipmentnew text end . The contracts must give the state a perpetual license to use and modify the software. The contracts must include provisions to escrow the software source code, as provided in subdivision 2. Bids for voting systems and related election services must be solicited from each vendor selling or leasing voting systems that have been certified for use by the secretary of state. new text begin Bids for electronic roster equipment, software, and related services must be solicited from each vendor selling or leasing electronic roster equipment that meets the requirements of section 201.225, subdivision 2. new text end The contracts must be renewed from time to time.

(b) Counties and municipalities may purchase or lease voting systems and obtain related election services from the state contracts. All counties and municipalities are members of the cooperative purchasing venture of the Department of Administration for the purpose of this section. For the purpose of township elections, counties must aggregate orders under contracts negotiated under this section for products and services and may apportion the costs of those products and services proportionally among the townships receiving the products and services. The county is not liable for the timely or accurate delivery of those products or services.

Sec. 26.

Minnesota Statutes 2016, section 208.04, subdivision 1, is amended to read:

Subdivision 1.

Form of presidential ballots.

When presidential electors and alternates are to be voted for, a vote cast for the party candidates for president and vice president shall be deemed a vote for that party's electors and alternates as filed with the secretary of state. The secretary of state shall certify the names of all duly nominated presidential and vice presidential candidates to the county auditors of the counties of the state. Each county auditor, subject to the rules of the secretary of state, shall cause the names of the candidates of each major political party and the candidates nominated by petition to be deleted text begin printed in capital letters,deleted text end set in type of the same size and style as for candidates on the state general election ballot, before the party designation. To the left of, and on the same line with the names of the candidates for president and vice president, near the margin, shall be placed deleted text begin a square or boxdeleted text end new text begin an oval or similar target shapenew text end , in which the voters may indicate their choice deleted text begin by marking an "X."deleted text end new text begin .new text end

The form for the presidential ballot and the relative position of the several candidates shall be determined by the rules applicable to other state officers. The state ballot, with the required heading, shall be printed on the same piece of paper and shall be below the presidential ballot with a blank space between one inch in width.

Sec. 27.

Minnesota Statutes 2016, section 211B.11, subdivision 1, is amended to read:

Subdivision 1.

Soliciting near polling places.

A person may not display campaign material, post signs, ask, solicit, or in any manner try to induce or persuade a voter within a polling place or within 100 feet of the building in which a polling place is situated, or anywhere on the public property on which a polling place is situated, on primary or election day to vote for or refrain from voting for a candidate or ballot question. A person may not provide political badges, political buttons, or other political insignia to be worn at or about the polling place on the day of a primary or election. A political badge, political button, or other political insignia may not be worn at or about the polling place on primary or election day. This section applies to areas established by the county auditor or municipal clerk for absentee voting as provided in chapter 203B.

deleted text begin The secretary of state, county auditor, municipal clerk, or school district clerk may provide stickers which contain the words "I VOTED" and nothing more. Election judges may offer a sticker of this type to each voter who has signed the polling place roster or voter signature certificatedeleted text end new text begin Nothing in this subdivision prohibits the distribution of "I VOTED" stickers as provided in section 204B.49new text end .

Sec. 28.

Minnesota Statutes 2016, section 241.065, subdivision 2, is amended to read:

Subd. 2.

Establishment.

The Department of Corrections shall administer and maintain a computerized data system for the purpose of assisting criminal justice agencies in monitoring and enforcing the conditions of conditional release imposed on criminal offenders by a sentencing court or the commissioner of corrections. The adult data and juvenile data as defined in section 260B.171 in the statewide supervision system are private data as defined in section 13.02, subdivision 12, but are accessible to criminal justice agencies as defined in section 13.02, subdivision 3a, to the Minnesota sex offender program as provided in section 246B.04, subdivision 3, to public defenders as provided in section 611.272, to all trial courts and appellate courts, and to criminal justice agencies in other states in the conduct of their official duties. Adult data in the statewide supervision system are accessible to the secretary of state for the purposes described in section deleted text begin 201.157deleted text end new text begin 201.145new text end .

Sec. 29.

new text begin REPEALER. new text end

new text begin Minnesota Statutes 2016, sections 201.15; 201.155; 201.157; and 201.158, new text end new text begin are repealed. new text end

Sec. 30.

new text begin EFFECTIVE DATE. new text end

new text begin This article is effective July 1, 2017. new text end

ARTICLE 2

UNIFORM ELECTION DATES

Section 1.

Minnesota Statutes 2016, section 103B.545, subdivision 2, is amended to read:

Subd. 2.

Election.

The county board or joint county authority shall conduct a special election deleted text begin in July or August after receiving the referendum petitiondeleted text end new text begin on a date authorized in section 205.10, subdivision 3anew text end . The special election must be held within the proposed lake improvement district. The county auditor shall administer the special election.

Sec. 2.

Minnesota Statutes 2016, section 123A.46, subdivision 12, is amended to read:

Subd. 12.

Election date.

If an election is required under subdivision 11, then before the expiration of a 45 day period after the date of the order for dissolution and attachment, the auditor shall set a date and call the election by filing a written order for the election and serving a copy of the order personally or by mail on the clerk of the district in which the election is to be held. The deleted text begin date shall be not less than 15 nor more than 30 days after the date of the order, upon which date adeleted text end special election shall be held in the district proposed for dissolutionnew text begin and must be held on a date authorized in section 205A.05, subdivision 1anew text end . The auditor shall post and publish notice of the election according to law. Upon receipt of the notice, the board shall conduct the election.

Sec. 3.

Minnesota Statutes 2016, section 123A.48, subdivision 14, is amended to read:

Subd. 14.

Election.

The board shall determine the date of the electionnew text begin as authorized by section 205A.05, subdivision 1anew text end , the number of boundaries of voting precincts, and the location of the polling places where voting shall be conducted, and the hours the polls will be open. The board shall also provide official ballots which must be used exclusively and shall be in the following form: "Shall the (name of school district) and the (name of school district) be consolidated as proposed? Yes .... No ...."

The board must appoint election judges who shall act as clerks of election. The ballots and results must be certified to the board who shall canvass and tabulate the total vote cast for and against the proposal.

Sec. 4.

Minnesota Statutes 2016, section 123B.63, subdivision 3, is amended to read:

Subd. 3.

Capital project levy referendum.

(a) A district may levy the local tax rate approved by a majority of the electors voting on the question to provide funds for an approved project. The election must take place no more than five years before the estimated date of commencement of the project. The referendum must be held on a date deleted text begin set by the boarddeleted text end new text begin authorized by section 205A.05, subdivision 1anew text end . A district must meet the requirements of section 123B.71 for projects funded under this section. If a review and comment is required under section 123B.71, subdivision 8, a referendum for a project not receiving a positive review and comment by the commissioner must be approved by at least 60 percent of the voters at the election.

(b) The referendum may be called by the school board and may be held:

(1) separately, before an election for the issuance of obligations for the project under chapter 475; or

(2) in conjunction with an election for the issuance of obligations for the project under chapter 475; or

(3) notwithstanding section 475.59, as a conjunctive question authorizing both the capital project levy and the issuance of obligations for the project under chapter 475. Any obligations authorized for a project may be issued within five years of the date of the election.

(c) The ballot must provide a general description of the proposed project, state the estimated total cost of the project, state whether the project has received a positive or negative review and comment from the commissioner, state the maximum amount of the capital project levy as a percentage of net tax capacity, state the amount that will be raised by that local tax rate in the first year it is to be levied, and state the maximum number of years that the levy authorization will apply.

The ballot must contain a textual portion with the information required in this section and a question stating substantially the following:

"Shall the capital project levy proposed by the board of .......... School District No. .......... be approved?"

If approved, the amount provided by the approved local tax rate applied to the net tax capacity for the year preceding the year the levy is certified may be certified for the number of years, not to exceed ten, approved.

(d) If the district proposes a new capital project to begin at the time the existing capital project expires and at the same maximum tax rate, the general description on the ballot may state that the capital project levy is being renewed and that the tax rate is not being increased from the previous year's rate. An election to renew authority under this paragraph may be called at any time that is otherwise authorized by this subdivision. The ballot notice required under section 275.60 may be modified to read:

"BY VOTING YES ON THIS BALLOT QUESTION, YOU ARE VOTING TO RENEW AN EXISTING CAPITAL PROJECTS REFERENDUM THAT IS SCHEDULED TO EXPIRE."

(e) In the event a conjunctive question proposes to authorize both the capital project levy and the issuance of obligations for the project, appropriate language authorizing the issuance of obligations must also be included in the question.

(f) The district must notify the commissioner of the results of the referendum.

Sec. 5.

Minnesota Statutes 2016, section 126C.17, subdivision 11, is amended to read:

Subd. 11.

Referendum date.

(a) Except for a referendum held under paragraph (b), any referendum under this section held on a day other than the first Tuesday after the first Monday in November must be conducted by mail in accordance with section 204B.46. Notwithstanding subdivision 9, paragraph (b), to the contrary, in the case of a referendum conducted by mail under this paragraph, the notice required by subdivision 9, paragraph (b), must be prepared and delivered by first-class mail at least 20 days before the referendum.

(b) In addition to the referenda allowed in subdivision 9, deleted text begin clausedeleted text end new text begin paragraphnew text end (a), the commissioner may grant authority to a district to hold a referendum on a different day if the district is in statutory operating debt and has an approved plan or has received an extension from the department to file a plan to eliminate the statutory operating debt.

(c) The commissioner must approve, deny, or modify each district's request for a referendum levy on a different day within 60 days of receiving the request from a district.

Sec. 6.

Minnesota Statutes 2016, section 128D.05, subdivision 2, is amended to read:

Subd. 2.

Time of change.

A proposed change in election years adopted under subdivision 1 is effective 240 days after passage and publication or at a later date fixed in the proposal. Within 180 days after passage and publication of the proposal, a petition requesting a referendum on the proposal may be filed with the school district clerk. The petition must be signed by eligible voters equal in number to five percent of the total number of votes cast in the city of Minneapolis at the most recent state general election. If the requisite petition is filed within the prescribed period, the proposal does not become effective until it is approved by a majority of the voters voting on the question at a general or special election held deleted text begin at least 60 days after submission of the petitiondeleted text end new text begin on a date authorized by section 205A.05, subdivision 1anew text end . If the petition is filed, the governing body may reconsider its action in adopting the proposal.

Sec. 7.

Minnesota Statutes 2016, section 200.02, subdivision 4, is amended to read:

Subd. 4.

Special election.

"Special election" means:

deleted text begin (a)deleted text end new text begin (1)new text end an election held at any time to fill vacancies in deleted text begin publicdeleted text end new text begin state or federalnew text end offices; or

deleted text begin (b)deleted text end new text begin (2)new text end an election deleted text begin held by a subdivision of the statedeleted text end for a special purposenew text begin held by a subdivision of the state on a date authorized by section 205.10, subdivision 3a, or 205A.05, subdivision 1anew text end .

Sec. 8.

Minnesota Statutes 2016, section 204B.16, subdivision 1, is amended to read:

Subdivision 1.

Authority; location.

new text begin By December 31 of each year, new text end the governing body of each municipality and of each county with precincts in unorganized territory deleted text begin shalldeleted text end new text begin must new text end designate by ordinance or resolution a polling place for each election precinct. new text begin The polling places designated in the ordinance or resolution are the polling places for the following calendar year, unless a change is made:new text end

new text begin (1) pursuant to section 204B.175; new text end

new text begin (2) because a polling place has become unavailable; or new text end

new text begin (3) because a township designates one location for all state and federal elections and one location for all township only elections. new text end

Polling places must be designated and ballots must be distributed so that no one is required to go to more than one polling place to vote in a school district and municipal election held on the same day. The polling place for a precinct in a city or in a school district located in whole or in part in the metropolitan area defined by section 200.02, subdivision 24, shall be located within the boundaries of the precinct or within one mile of one of those boundaries unless a single polling place is designated for a city pursuant to section 204B.14, subdivision 2, or a school district pursuant to section 205A.11. The polling place for a precinct in unorganized territory may be located outside the precinct at a place which is convenient to the voters of the precinct. If no suitable place is available within a town or within a school district located outside the metropolitan area defined by section 200.02, subdivision 24, then the polling place for a town or school district may be located outside the town or school district within five miles of one of the boundaries of the town or school district.

Sec. 9.

Minnesota Statutes 2016, section 205.07, subdivision 3, is amended to read:

Subd. 3.

Effect of ordinance; referendum.

An ordinance changing the year of the municipal election is effective 240 days after passage and publication or at a later date fixed in the ordinance. Within 180 days after passage and publication of the ordinance, a petition requesting a referendum on the ordinance may be filed with the city clerk. The petition shall be signed by eligible voters equal in number to ten percent of the total number of votes cast in the city at the last municipal general election. If the requisite petition is filed within the prescribed period, the ordinance shall not become effective until it is approved by a majority of the voters voting on the question at a general or special election held deleted text begin at least 60 days after submission of the petitiondeleted text end new text begin on a date authorized by section 205.10, subdivision 3anew text end . If the petition is filed, the governing body may reconsider its action in adopting the ordinance.

Sec. 10.

Minnesota Statutes 2016, section 205.10, is amended by adding a subdivision to read:

new text begin Subd. 3a. new text end

new text begin Uniform election dates. new text end

new text begin (a) Except as allowed in paragraph (b) and subdivision 4, a special election held in a city or town must be held on one of the following dates: the second Tuesday in February, the second Tuesday in April, the second Tuesday in May, the second Tuesday in August, or the first Tuesday after the first Monday in November. A home rule charter city must not designate additional dates in its charter. new text end

new text begin (b) A special election may be held on a date other than those designated in paragraph (a) if the special election is held in response to an emergency or disaster. "Emergency" means an unforeseen combination of circumstances that calls for immediate action to prevent a disaster from developing or occurring. "Disaster" means a situation that creates an actual or imminent serious threat to the health and safety of persons or a situation that has resulted or is likely to result in catastrophic loss to property or the environment. new text end

Sec. 11.

Minnesota Statutes 2016, section 205.10, subdivision 4, is amended to read:

Subd. 4.

Vacancies in town offices.

Special elections deleted text begin must be held with the town general electiondeleted text end to fill vacancies in town offices as provided in section 367.03, subdivision 6new text begin , must be held with the town general election or on a date authorized by subdivision 3anew text end .

Sec. 12.

Minnesota Statutes 2016, section 205A.05, subdivision 1, is amended to read:

Subdivision 1.

Questions.

deleted text begin (a)deleted text end Special elections must be held for a school district on a question on which the voters are authorized by law to pass judgment. The school board may on its own motion call a special election to vote on any matter requiring approval of the voters of a district. Upon petition filed with the school board of 50 or more voters of the school district or five percent of the number of voters voting at the preceding school district general election, whichever is greater, the school board shall by resolution call a special election to vote on any matter requiring approval of the voters of a district. A question is carried only with the majority in its favor required by law. The election officials for a special election are the same as for the most recent school district general election unless changed according to law. Otherwise, special elections must be conducted and the returns made in the manner provided for the school district general election.

deleted text begin (b) A special election may not be held: deleted text end

deleted text begin (1) during the 56 days before and the 56 days after a regularly scheduled primary or general election conducted wholly or partially within the school district; deleted text end

deleted text begin (2) on the date of a regularly scheduled town election or annual meeting in March conducted wholly or partially within the school district; or deleted text end

deleted text begin (3) during the 30 days before or the 30 days after a regularly scheduled town election in March conducted wholly or partially within the school district. deleted text end

deleted text begin (c) Notwithstanding any other law to the contrary, the time period in which a special election must be conducted under any other law may be extended by the school board to conform with the requirements of this subdivision. deleted text end

Sec. 13.

Minnesota Statutes 2016, section 205A.05, is amended by adding a subdivision to read:

new text begin Subd. 1a. new text end

new text begin Uniform election dates. new text end

new text begin (a) Except as allowed in paragraph (b), a special election held in a school district must be held on one of the following dates: the second Tuesday in February, the second Tuesday in April, the second Tuesday in May, the second Tuesday in August, or the first Tuesday after the first Monday in November. new text end

new text begin (b) A special election may be held on a date other than those designated in paragraph (a) if the special election is held in response to an emergency or disaster. "Emergency" means an unforeseen combination of circumstances that calls for immediate action to prevent a disaster from developing or occurring. "Disaster" means a situation that creates an actual or imminent serious threat to the health and safety of persons or a situation that has resulted or is likely to result in catastrophic loss to property or the environment. new text end

Sec. 14.

Minnesota Statutes 2016, section 205A.11, subdivision 2, is amended to read:

Subd. 2.

Combined polling place.

new text begin (a) new text end When no other election is being held in deleted text begin two or more precincts on the day ofdeleted text end a school district deleted text begin electiondeleted text end , the school board may designate deleted text begin one or moredeleted text end combined polling places at which the voters in those precincts may vote in the school district election.

new text begin (b) By December 31 of each year, the school board must designate, by resolution, combined polling places. The combined polling places designated in the resolution are the polling places for the following calendar year, unless a change is made: new text end

new text begin (1) pursuant to section 204B.175; or new text end

new text begin (2) because a polling place has become unavailable. new text end

new text begin (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 municipality. new text end

new text begin (d) new text end 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.

Sec. 15.

Minnesota Statutes 2016, section 216B.46, is amended to read:

216B.46 MUNICIPAL ACQUISITION PROCEDURES; NOTICE; ELECTION.

Any municipality which desires to acquire the property of a public utility as authorized under the provisions of section 216B.45 may determine to do so by resolution of the governing body of the municipality taken after a public hearing of which at least 30 days' published notice shall be given as determined by the governing body. The determination shall become effective when ratified by a majority of the qualified electors voting on the question at a special election to be held deleted text begin for that purpose, not less than 60 nor more than 120 days after the resolution of the governing body of the municipalitydeleted text end new text begin on a date authorized by section 205.10, subdivision 3anew text end .

Sec. 16.

Minnesota Statutes 2016, section 365A.06, subdivision 2, is amended to read:

Subd. 2.

Election.

The town board shall hold a special election within the boundaries of the proposed district deleted text begin not less than 30 nor more than 90 days after receipt of the petitiondeleted text end new text begin on a date authorized by section 205.10, subdivision 3anew text end . The question submitted and voted upon by the property owners within the territory of the proposed district must be phrased substantially as follows:

"Shall a subordinate service district be established to provide (service or services to be provided) financed by (revenue sources)?"

If a majority of those voting on the question favor creation of the district, the district shall begin upon certification of the vote by the town clerk. The town clerk shall administer the election.

Sec. 17.

Minnesota Statutes 2016, section 367.33, subdivision 1, is amended to read:

Subdivision 1.

Election at annual election or special election.

Following the adoption of option A in a town, except a town exercising the powers of a statutory city, the town board may call a special town election to be held deleted text begin not less than 30 nor more than 60 days after the annual town election at which the option is adopteddeleted text end new text begin on a date authorized by section 205.10, subdivision 3anew text end , to elect two additional members to the board of supervisors. In lieu of a special election, the town board may determine to elect the additional members at the next annual town election.

If the town is exercising the powers of a statutory city under section 368.01 or a special law granting substantially similar powers, the town board shall call a special election to be held deleted text begin not less than 30 nor more than 60 days after the annual electiondeleted text end new text begin on a date authorized by section 205.10, subdivision 3a, new text end at which option A is adopted to elect the two additional supervisors.

Sec. 18.

Minnesota Statutes 2016, section 375.101, subdivision 1, is amended to read:

Subdivision 1.

Option for filling vacancies; special election.

(a) Except as provided in subdivision 3, a vacancy in the office of county commissioner may be filled as provided in this subdivision and subdivision 2, or as provided in subdivision 4. If the vacancy is to be filled under this subdivision and subdivision 2, it must be filled at a special election. The county board may by resolution call for a special election to be held deleted text begin according to the earliest of the following time schedules:deleted text end

deleted text begin (1) not less than 120 days following the date the vacancy is declared, but no later than 12 weeks prior to the date of the next regularly scheduled primary election; deleted text end

deleted text begin (2) concurrently with the next regularly scheduled primary election and general election; or deleted text end

deleted text begin (3) no sooner than 120 days following the next regularly scheduled general electiondeleted text end new text begin on a date authorized by section 205.10, subdivision 3anew text end .

(b) The person elected at the special election shall take office immediately after receipt of the certificate of election and upon filing the bond and taking the oath of office and shall serve the remainder of the unexpired term. If the county has been reapportioned since the commencement of the term of the vacant office, the election shall be based on the district as reapportioned.

Sec. 19.

Minnesota Statutes 2016, section 375B.07, subdivision 2, is amended to read:

Subd. 2.

Election.

The county board shall make arrangements for the holding of a special election deleted text begin not less than 30 nor more than 90 days after receipt of the petitiondeleted text end new text begin on a date authorized by section 205.10, subdivision 3a,new text end within the boundaries of the proposed district. The question to be submitted and voted upon by the qualified voters within the territory of the proposed district shall be phrased substantially as follows:

"Shall a subordinate service district be established in order to provide (service or services to be provided) financed by (revenue sources)?"

If a majority of those voting on the question favor creation of the proposed district, the district shall be deemed created upon certification of the vote by the county auditor. The county auditor shall administer the election.

Sec. 20.

Minnesota Statutes 2016, section 375B.10, is amended to read:

375B.10 WITHDRAWAL; ELECTION.

Upon receipt of a petition signed by ten percent of the qualified voters within the territory of the subordinate service district requesting the removal of the district, or pursuant to its own resolution, the county board shall make arrangements for the holding of a special election within the boundaries of the service district deleted text begin not less than 30 nor more than 90 days after the resolution or receipt of the petitiondeleted text end new text begin on a date authorized by section 205.10, subdivision 3anew text end . The question to be submitted and voted upon by the qualified voters within the territory of the district shall be phrased substantially as follows:

"Shall the subordinate service district presently established be removed and the service or services of the county as provided for the service district be discontinued?"

If a majority of those voting on the question favor the removal and discontinuance of the services, the service district shall be removed and the services shall be discontinued upon certification of the vote by the county auditor. The county auditor shall administer the election.

Sec. 21.

Minnesota Statutes 2016, section 383B.031, subdivision 1, is amended to read:

Subdivision 1.

More than six months; special election.

Notwithstanding the provisions of section 375.101, if a vacancy occurs in a seat on the Board of County Commissioners of Hennepin County more than six months before the general election in which a commissioner will next be selected to occupy such seat the county auditor shall, within seven days after the vacancy occurs, call a special election within the affected district to fill such vacancy. The auditor shall specify a date for the election deleted text begin which shall be between 56 and 77 days after the vacancy occurreddeleted text end new text begin to be held on a date authorized by section 205.10, subdivision 3anew text end . Candidates shall file with the county auditor prior to the 35th day before the election. The primary election shall be held 14 days before the election. If no more than two candidates file for the office, the primary election shall be canceled and the date of the general election advanced 14 days.

Sec. 22.

Minnesota Statutes 2016, section 383E.24, subdivision 7, is amended to read:

Subd. 7.

Referendum.

(a) Upon receipt of a petition signed by five percent of the qualified voters within the territory of the proposed service district prior to the effective date of its creation as specified in subdivision 6, the creation shall be held in abeyance pending a referendum vote of all qualified electors residing within the boundaries of the proposed service district.

(b) The county board shall make arrangements for the holding of a special election deleted text begin not less than 30 or more than 90 days after receipt of such petitiondeleted text end new text begin on a date authorized by section 205.10, subdivision 3a, and new text end within the boundaries of the proposed taxing district. The question to be submitted and voted upon by the qualified voters within the territory of the proposed service district shall be phrased substantially as follows:

"Shall a subordinate service district be established in order to provide (service or services to be provided) financed by (revenue sources)?"

(c) If a majority of those voting on the question favor creation of the proposed subordinate service district, the district shall be deemed created upon certification of the vote by the county auditor. The county auditor shall administer the election.

Sec. 23.

Minnesota Statutes 2016, section 410.10, subdivision 1, is amended to read:

Subdivision 1.

Timing; procedure; recall.

Upon delivery of such draft, the council or other governing body of the city shall cause the proposed charter to be submitted at the next general election thereafter occurring in the city within six months after the delivery of such draft, and if there is no general city election occurring in the city within six months after the delivery of such draft, then the council or other governing body of the city shall cause the proposed charter to be submitted at a special election to be held deleted text begin within 90 days after the delivery of such draftdeleted text end new text begin on a date authorized by section 205.10, subdivision 3anew text end . The council or other governing body may call a special election for that purpose only at any time. If the election is held at the same time with the general election, the voting places and election officers shall be the same for both elections. At any time before the council has fixed the date of the election upon the proposed charter, the charter commission may recall it for further action; and the council may authorize recall of the charter by the commission at any later date prior to the first publication of the proposed charter.

Sec. 24.

Minnesota Statutes 2016, section 447.32, subdivision 2, is amended to read:

Subd. 2.

Elections.

Except as provided in this chapter, the Minnesota Election Law applies to hospital district elections, as far as practicable. Regular elections must be held in each hospital district at the same time, in the same election precincts, and at the same polling places as general elections of state and county officers. It may establish the whole district as a single election precinct or establish two or more different election precincts and polling places for the elections. If there is more than one precinct, the boundaries of the election precincts and the locations of the polling places must be defined in the notice of election, either in full or by reference to a description or map on file in the office of the clerk.

Special elections may be called by the hospital board to vote on any matter required by law to be submitted to the voters. A special election deleted text begin may not be conducted either during the 56 days before or the 56 days after a regularly scheduled primary or general election, conducted wholly or partially within the hospital districtdeleted text end new text begin must be held on a date authorized by section 205.10, subdivision 3anew text end . Special elections must be held within the election precinct or precincts and at the polling place or places designated by the board. In the case of the first election of officers of a new district, precincts and polling places must be set by the governing body of the most populous city or town included in the district.

Advisory ballots may be submitted by the hospital board on any question it wishes, concerning the affairs of the district, but only at a regular election or at a special election required for another purpose.

Sec. 25.

Minnesota Statutes 2016, section 475.59, is amended to read:

475.59 MANNER OF SUBMISSION; NOTICE.

new text begin Subdivision 1. new text end

new text begin Generally; notice. new text end

When the governing body of a municipality resolves to issue bonds for any purpose requiring the approval of the electors, it shall provide for submission of the proposition of their issuance at a general or special election or town or school district meeting. Notice of such election or meeting shall be given in the manner required by law and shall state the maximum amount and the purpose of the proposed issue. In any school district, the school board or board of education may, according to its judgment and discretion, submit as a single ballot question or as two or more separate questions in the notice of election and ballots the proposition of their issuance for any one or more of the following, stated conjunctively or in the alternative: acquisition or enlargement of sites, acquisition, betterment, erection, furnishing, equipping of one or more new schoolhouses, remodeling, repairing, improving, adding to, betterment, furnishing, equipping of one or more existing schoolhouses. In any city, town, or county, the governing body may, according to its judgment and discretion, submit as a single ballot question or as two or more separate questions in the notice of election and ballots the proposition of their issuance, stated conjunctively or in the alternative, for the acquisition, construction, or improvement of any facilities at one or more locations.

new text begin Subd. 2. new text end

new text begin Election date. new text end

new text begin An election to approve issuance of bonds under this section held by a municipality or school district must be held on a date authorized in section 205.10, subdivision 3a, or 205A.05, subdivision 1a. new text end

Sec. 26.

new text begin REPEALER. new text end

new text begin Minnesota Statutes 2016, section 205.10, subdivision 3, new text end new text begin is repealed. new text end

Sec. 27.

new text begin EFFECTIVE DATE. new text end

new text begin This article is effective January 1, 2018, and applies to any special election held on or after that date. new text end

ARTICLE 3

COUNTY OFFICES

Section 1.

new text begin MORRISON COUNTY RECORDER MAY BE APPOINTED. new text end

new text begin Subdivision 1. new text end

new text begin Authorization to make office appointive. new text end

new text begin Notwithstanding Minnesota Statutes, section 382.01, upon adoption of a resolution by the Morrison County Board of Commissioners, the office of county recorder is not elective but must be filled by appointment by the county board as provided in the resolution. new text end

new text begin Subd. 2. new text end

new text begin Board controls; may change as long as duties done. new text end

new text begin Upon adoption of a resolution by the county board of commissioners, and subject to subdivisions 3 and 4, the duties of an elected official required by statute whose office is made appointive as authorized by this section must be discharged by the county board of commissioners acting through a department head appointed by the board for that purpose. Reorganization, reallocation, delegation, or other administrative change or transfer does not diminish, prohibit, or avoid the discharge of duties required by statute. new text end

new text begin Subd. 3. new text end

new text begin Incumbents to complete term. new text end

new text begin The person elected at the last general election to an office made appointive under this section must serve in that capacity and perform the duties, functions, and responsibilities required by statute until the completion of the term of office to which the person was elected or until a vacancy occurs in the office, whichever occurs earlier. new text end

new text begin Subd. 4. new text end

new text begin Publishing resolution; petition; referendum. new text end

new text begin (a) Before the adoption of a resolution to provide for the appointment of the county recorder, the county board must publish a proposed resolution notifying the public of its intent to consider the issue once each week for two consecutive weeks in the official publication of the county and in the official publication of each city located wholly or partly in the county. Following publication and prior to formally adopting the resolution, the county board shall provide an opportunity at two separate meetings for public comment relating to the issue. One meeting must be held between the hours of 8:00 a.m. and 5:00 p.m. and the other meeting must be held between the hours of 5:00 p.m. and 9:00 p.m. The meetings may be regular or special meetings. After the public comment opportunity at the second meeting, at the same meeting or a subsequent meeting, the county board of commissioners may adopt a resolution that provides for the appointment of the county recorder as permitted in this section. The resolution must be approved by at least 80 percent of the members of the county board. The resolution may take effect 60 days after it is adopted, or at a later date stated in the resolution, unless a petition is filed as provided in paragraph (b). new text end

new text begin (b) Within 60 days after the county board adopts the resolution, a petition requesting a referendum may be filed with the county auditor-treasurer. The petition must be signed by at least ten percent of the registered voters of the county. The petition must meet the requirements of the secretary of state, as provided in Minnesota Statutes, section 204B.071, and any rules adopted to implement that section. If the petition is sufficient, the question of appointing the county recorder must be placed on the ballot at a regular or special election. If a majority of the voters of the county voting on the question vote in favor of appointment, the resolution may be implemented. new text end

new text begin Subd. 5. new text end

new text begin Reverting to elected offices. new text end

new text begin (a) The county board may adopt a resolution to provide for the election of an office made an appointed position under this section, but not until at least three years after the office was made an appointed position. The county board must publish a proposed resolution notifying the public of its intent to consider the issue once each week for two consecutive weeks in the official publication of the county. Following publication and before formally adopting the resolution, the county board must provide an opportunity at its next regular meeting for public comment relating to the issue. After the public comment hearing, the county board may adopt the resolution. The resolution must be approved by at least 60 percent of the members of the county board and is effective August 1 following adoption of the resolution. new text end

new text begin (b) The question of whether an office made an appointed position under this section must be made an elected office must be placed on the ballot at the next general election if: new text end

new text begin (1) the position has been an appointed position for at least three years; new text end

new text begin (2) a petition signed by at least five percent of the registered voters of the county is filed with the office of the county auditor-treasurer by August 1 of the year in which the general election is held; and new text end

new text begin (3) the petition meets the requirements of the secretary of state, as provided in Minnesota Statutes, section 204B.071, and any rules adopted to implement that section. If a majority of the voters of the county voting on the question vote in favor of making the office an elected position, the election for the office must be held at the next regular or special election. new text end

new text begin EFFECTIVE DATE. new text end

new text begin This section is effective the day after the Morrison County Board of Commissioners and its chief clerical officer timely complete their compliance with Minnesota Statutes, section 645.021, subdivisions 2 and 3. new text end

Sec. 2.

new text begin BENTON COUNTY RECORDER MAY BE APPOINTED. new text end

new text begin Subdivision 1. new text end

new text begin Authorization to make office appointive. new text end

new text begin Notwithstanding Minnesota Statutes, section 382.01, upon adoption of a resolution by the Benton County Board of Commissioners, the office of county recorder is not elective but must be filled by appointment by the county board as provided in the resolution. new text end

new text begin Subd. 2. new text end

new text begin Board controls; may change as long as duties done. new text end

new text begin Upon adoption of a resolution by the county board of commissioners, and subject to subdivisions 3 and 4, the duties of an elected official required by statute whose office is made appointive as authorized by this section must be discharged by the county board of commissioners acting through a department head appointed by the board for that purpose. Reorganization, reallocation, delegation, or other administrative change or transfer does not diminish, prohibit, or avoid the discharge of duties required by statute. new text end

new text begin Subd. 3. new text end

new text begin Incumbents to complete term. new text end

new text begin The person elected at the last general election to an office made appointive under this section must serve in that capacity and perform the duties, functions, and responsibilities required by statute until the completion of the term of office to which the person was elected or until a vacancy occurs in the office, whichever occurs earlier. new text end

new text begin Subd. 4. new text end

new text begin Publishing resolution; petition; referendum. new text end

new text begin (a) Before the adoption of a resolution to provide for the appointment of the county recorder, the county board must publish a proposed resolution notifying the public of its intent to consider the issue once each week for two consecutive weeks in the official publication of the county and in the official publication of each city located wholly or partly in the county. Following publication and prior to formally adopting the resolution, the county board shall provide an opportunity at two separate meetings for public comment relating to the issue. One meeting must be held between the hours of 8:00 a.m. and 5:00 p.m. and the other meeting must be held between the hours of 5:00 p.m. and 9:00 p.m. The meetings may be regular or special meetings. After the public comment opportunity at the second meeting, at the same meeting or a subsequent meeting, the county board of commissioners may adopt a resolution that provides for the appointment of the county recorder as permitted in this section. The resolution must be approved by at least 80 percent of the members of the county board. The resolution may take effect 60 days after it is adopted, or at a later date stated in the resolution, unless a petition is filed as provided in paragraph (b). new text end

new text begin (b) Within 60 days after the county board adopts the resolution, a petition requesting a referendum may be filed with the county auditor-treasurer. The petition must be signed by at least ten percent of the registered voters of the county. The petition must meet the requirements of the secretary of state, as provided in Minnesota Statutes, section 204B.071, and any rules adopted to implement that section. If the petition is sufficient, the question of appointing the county recorder must be placed on the ballot at a regular or special election. If a majority of the voters of the county voting on the question vote in favor of appointment, the resolution may be implemented. new text end

new text begin Subd. 5. new text end

new text begin Reverting to elected offices. new text end

new text begin (a) The county board may adopt a resolution to provide for the election of an office made an appointed position under this section, but not until at least three years after the office was made an appointed position. The county board must publish a proposed resolution notifying the public of its intent to consider the issue once each week for two consecutive weeks in the official publication of the county. Following publication and before formally adopting the resolution, the county board must provide an opportunity at its next regular meeting for public comment relating to the issue. After the public comment hearing, the county board may adopt the resolution. The resolution must be approved by at least 60 percent of the members of the county board and is effective August 1 following adoption of the resolution. new text end

new text begin (b) The question of whether an office made an appointed position under this section must be made an elected office must be placed on the ballot at the next general election if: new text end

new text begin (1) the position has been an appointed position for at least three years; new text end

new text begin (2) a petition signed by at least five percent of the registered voters of the county is filed with the office of the county auditor-treasurer by August 1 of the year in which the general election is held; and new text end

new text begin (3) the petition meets the requirements of the secretary of state, as provided in Minnesota Statutes, section 204B.071, and any rules adopted to implement that section. If a majority of the voters of the county voting on the question vote in favor of making the office an elected position, the election for the office must be held at the next regular or special election. new text end

new text begin EFFECTIVE DATE. new text end

new text begin This section is effective the day after the Benton County Board of Commissioners and its chief clerical officer timely complete their compliance with Minnesota Statutes, section 645.021, subdivisions 2 and 3. new text end

Sec. 3.

new text begin PINE COUNTY AUDITOR-TREASURER MAY BE APPOINTED. new text end

new text begin Subdivision 1. new text end

new text begin Authorization to make office appointive. new text end

new text begin Notwithstanding Minnesota Statutes, section 382.01, upon adoption of a resolution by the Pine County Board of Commissioners, the office of county auditor-treasurer is not elective but must be filled by appointment by the county board as provided in the resolution. new text end

new text begin Subd. 2. new text end

new text begin Board controls; may change as long as duties done. new text end

new text begin Upon adoption of a resolution by the county board of commissioners and subject to subdivisions 3 and 4, the duties of an elected official required by statute whose office is made appointive as authorized by this section must be discharged by the county board of commissioners acting through a department head appointed by the board for that purpose. Reorganization, reallocation, delegation, or other administrative change or transfer does not diminish, prohibit, or avoid the discharge of duties required by statute. new text end

new text begin Subd. 3. new text end

new text begin Incumbent to complete term. new text end

new text begin The person elected at the last general election to an office made appointive under this section must serve in that capacity and perform the duties, functions, and responsibilities required by statute until the completion of the term of office to which the person was elected or until a vacancy occurs in the office, whichever occurs earlier. new text end

new text begin Subd. 4. new text end

new text begin Publishing resolution; petition; referendum. new text end

new text begin (a) Before the adoption of a resolution to provide for the appointment of the county auditor-treasurer, the county board must publish a proposed resolution notifying the public of its intent to consider the issue once each week for two consecutive weeks in the official publication of the county and in the official publication of each city located wholly or partly in the county. Following publication and prior to formally adopting the resolution, the county board shall provide an opportunity at two separate meetings for public comment relating to the issue. One meeting must be held between the hours of 8:00 a.m. and 5:00 p.m. and the other meeting must be held between the hours of 5:00 p.m. and 9:00 p.m. The meetings may be regular or special meetings. After the public comment opportunity at the second meeting, at the same meeting or a subsequent meeting, the county board of commissioners may adopt a resolution that provides for the appointment of the county auditor-treasurer as permitted in this section. The resolution must be approved by at least 80 percent of the members of the county board. The resolution may take effect 60 days after it is adopted, or at a later date stated in the resolution, unless a petition is filed as provided in paragraph (b). new text end

new text begin (b) Within 60 days after the county board adopts the resolution, a petition requesting a referendum may be filed with the county auditor-treasurer. The petition must be signed by at least ten percent of the registered voters of the county. The petition must meet the requirements of the secretary of state, as provided in Minnesota Statutes, section 204B.071, and any rules adopted to implement that section. If the petition is sufficient, the question of appointing the county auditor-treasurer must be placed on the ballot at a regular or special election. If a majority of the voters of the county voting on the question vote in favor of appointment, the resolution may be implemented. new text end

new text begin Subd. 5. new text end

new text begin Reverting to elected offices. new text end

new text begin (a) The county board may adopt a resolution to provide for the election of an office made an appointed position under this section, but not until at least three years after the office was made an appointed position. The county board must publish a proposed resolution notifying the public of its intent to consider the issue once each week for two consecutive weeks in the official publication of the county. Following publication and before formally adopting the resolution, the county board must provide an opportunity at its next regular meeting for public comment relating to the issue. After the public comment hearing, the county board may adopt the resolution. The resolution must be approved by at least 60 percent of the members of the county board and is effective August 1 following adoption of the resolution. new text end

new text begin (b) The question of whether an office made an appointed position under this section must be made an elected office must be placed on the ballot at the next general election if: new text end

new text begin (1) the position has been an appointed position for at least three years; new text end

new text begin (2) a petition signed by at least five percent of the registered voters of the county is filed with the office of the county auditor-treasurer by August 1 of the year in which the general election is held; and new text end

new text begin (3) the petition meets the requirements of the secretary of state, as provided in Minnesota Statutes, section 204B.071, and any rules adopted to implement that section. If a majority of the voters of the county voting on the question vote in favor of making the office an elected position, the election for the office must be held at the next regular or special election. new text end

new text begin EFFECTIVE DATE. new text end

new text begin This section is effective the day after the Pine County Board of Commissioners and its chief clerical officer timely complete their compliance with Minnesota Statutes, section 645.021, subdivisions 2 and 3. new text end

Sec. 4.

new text begin STEARNS COUNTY RECORDER MAY BE APPOINTED. new text end

new text begin Subdivision 1. new text end

new text begin Authorization to make office appointive. new text end

new text begin Notwithstanding Minnesota Statutes, section 382.01, upon adoption of a resolution by the Stearns County Board of Commissioners, the office of county recorder is not elective but must be filled by appointment by the county board as provided in the resolution. new text end

new text begin Subd. 2. new text end

new text begin Board controls; may change as long as duties done. new text end

new text begin Upon adoption of a resolution by the county board of commissioners, and subject to subdivisions 3 and 4, the duties of an elected official required by statute whose office is made appointive as authorized by this section must be discharged by the county board of commissioners acting through a department head appointed by the board for that purpose. Reorganization, reallocation, delegation, or other administrative change or transfer does not diminish, prohibit, or avoid the discharge of duties required by statute. new text end

new text begin Subd. 3. new text end

new text begin Incumbents to complete term. new text end

new text begin The person elected at the last general election to an office made appointive under this section must serve in that capacity and perform the duties, functions, and responsibilities required by statute until the completion of the term of office to which the person was elected or until a vacancy occurs in the office, whichever occurs earlier. new text end

new text begin Subd. 4. new text end

new text begin Publishing resolution; petition; referendum. new text end

new text begin (a) Before the adoption of a resolution to provide for the appointment of the county recorder, the county board must publish a proposed resolution notifying the public of its intent to consider the issue once each week for two consecutive weeks in the official publication of the county and in the official publication of each city located wholly or partly in the county. Following publication and prior to formally adopting the resolution, the county board shall provide an opportunity at two separate meetings for public comment relating to the issue. One meeting must be held between the hours of 8:00 a.m. and 5:00 p.m. and the other meeting must be held between the hours of 5:00 p.m. and 9:00 p.m. The meetings may be regular or special meetings. After the public comment opportunity at the second meeting, at the same meeting or a subsequent meeting, the county board of commissioners may adopt a resolution that provides for the appointment of the county recorder as permitted in this section. The resolution must be approved by at least 80 percent of the members of the county board. The resolution may take effect 60 days after it is adopted, or at a later date stated in the resolution, unless a petition is filed as provided in paragraph (b). new text end

new text begin (b) Within 60 days after the county board adopts the resolution, a petition requesting a referendum may be filed with the county auditor-treasurer. The petition must be signed by at least ten percent of the registered voters of the county. The petition must meet the requirements of the secretary of state, as provided in Minnesota Statutes, section 204B.071, and any rules adopted to implement that section. If the petition is sufficient, the question of appointing the county recorder must be placed on the ballot at a regular or special election. If a majority of the voters of the county voting on the question vote in favor of appointment, the resolution may be implemented. new text end

new text begin Subd. 5. new text end

new text begin Reverting to elected offices. new text end

new text begin (a) The county board may adopt a resolution to provide for the election of an office made an appointed position under this section, but not until at least three years after the office was made an appointed position. The county board must publish a proposed resolution notifying the public of its intent to consider the issue once each week for two consecutive weeks in the official publication of the county. Following publication and before formally adopting the resolution, the county board must provide an opportunity at its next regular meeting for public comment relating to the issue. After the public comment hearing, the county board may adopt the resolution. The resolution must be approved by at least 60 percent of the members of the county board and is effective August 1 following adoption of the resolution. new text end

new text begin (b) The question of whether an office made an appointed position under this section must be made an elected office must be placed on the ballot at the next general election if: new text end

new text begin (1) the position has been an appointed position for at least three years; new text end

new text begin (2) a petition signed by at least five percent of the registered voters of the county is filed with the office of the county auditor-treasurer by August 1 of the year in which the general election is held; and new text end

new text begin (3) the petition meets the requirements of the secretary of state, as provided in Minnesota Statutes, section 204B.071, and any rules adopted to implement that section. If a majority of the voters of the county voting on the question vote in favor of making the office an elected position, the election for the office must be held at the next regular or special election. new text end

new text begin EFFECTIVE DATE. new text end

new text begin This section is effective the day after the Stearns County Board of Commissioners and its chief clerical officer timely complete their compliance with Minnesota Statutes, section 645.021, subdivisions 2 and 3. new text end

Sec. 5.

new text begin MARSHALL COUNTY RECORDER MAY BE APPOINTED. new text end

new text begin Subdivision 1. new text end

new text begin Authorization to make office appointive. new text end

new text begin Notwithstanding Minnesota Statutes, section 382.01, upon adoption of a resolution by the Marshall County Board of Commissioners, the office of county recorder is not elective but must be filled by appointment by the county board as provided in the resolution. new text end

new text begin Subd. 2. new text end

new text begin Board controls; may change as long as duties done. new text end

new text begin Upon adoption of a resolution by the county board of commissioners, and subject to subdivisions 3 and 4, the duties of an elected official required by statute whose office is made appointive as authorized by this section must be discharged by the county board of commissioners acting through a department head appointed by the board for that purpose. Reorganization, reallocation, delegation, or other administrative change or transfer does not diminish, prohibit, or avoid the discharge of duties required by statute. new text end

new text begin Subd. 3. new text end

new text begin Incumbents to complete term. new text end

new text begin The person elected at the last general election to an office made appointive under this section must serve in that capacity and perform the duties, functions, and responsibilities required by statute until the completion of the term of office to which the person was elected or until a vacancy occurs in the office, whichever occurs earlier. new text end

new text begin Subd. 4. new text end

new text begin Publishing resolution; petition; referendum. new text end

new text begin (a) Before the adoption of a resolution to provide for the appointment of the county recorder, the county board must publish a proposed resolution notifying the public of its intent to consider the issue once each week for two consecutive weeks in the official publication of the county and in the official publication of each city located wholly or partly in the county. Following publication and prior to formally adopting the resolution, the county board shall provide an opportunity at two separate meetings for public comment relating to the issue. One meeting must be held between the hours of 8:00 a.m. and 5:00 p.m. and the other meeting must be held between the hours of 5:00 p.m. and 9:00 p.m. The meetings may be regular or special meetings. After the public comment opportunity at the second meeting, at the same meeting or a subsequent meeting, the county board of commissioners may adopt a resolution that provides for the appointment of the county recorder as permitted in this section. The resolution must be approved by at least 80 percent of the members of the county board. The resolution may take effect 60 days after it is adopted, or at a later date stated in the resolution, unless a petition is filed as provided in paragraph (b). new text end

new text begin (b) Within 60 days after the county board adopts the resolution, a petition requesting a referendum may be filed with the county auditor-treasurer. The petition must be signed by at least ten percent of the registered voters of the county. The petition must meet the requirements of the secretary of state, as provided in Minnesota Statutes, section 204B.071, and any rules adopted to implement that section. If the petition is sufficient, the question of appointing the county recorder must be placed on the ballot at a regular or special election. If a majority of the voters of the county voting on the question vote in favor of appointment, the resolution may be implemented. new text end

new text begin Subd. 5. new text end

new text begin Reverting to elected offices. new text end

new text begin (a) The county board may adopt a resolution to provide for the election of an office made an appointed position under this section, but not until at least three years after the office was made an appointed position. The county board must publish a proposed resolution notifying the public of its intent to consider the issue once each week for two consecutive weeks in the official publication of the county. Following publication and before formally adopting the resolution, the county board must provide an opportunity at its next regular meeting for public comment relating to the issue. After the public comment hearing, the county board may adopt the resolution. The resolution must be approved by at least 60 percent of the members of the county board and is effective August 1 following adoption of the resolution. new text end

new text begin (b) The question of whether an office made an appointed position under this section must be made an elected office must be placed on the ballot at the next general election if: new text end

new text begin (1) the position has been an appointed position for at least three years; new text end

new text begin (2) a petition signed by at least five percent of the registered voters of the county is filed with the office of the county auditor-treasurer by August 1 of the year in which the general election is held; and new text end

new text begin (3) the petition meets the requirements of the secretary of state, as provided in Minnesota Statutes, section 204B.071, and any rules adopted to implement that section. If a majority of the voters of the county voting on the question vote in favor of making the office an elected position, the election for the office must be held at the next regular or special election. new text end

new text begin EFFECTIVE DATE. new text end

new text begin This section is effective the day after the Marshall County Board of Commissioners and its chief clerical officer timely complete their compliance with Minnesota Statutes, section 645.021, subdivisions 2 and 3. new text end

Sec. 6.

new text begin RICE COUNTY AUDITOR-TREASURER AND RECORDER MAY BE APPOINTED. new text end

new text begin Subdivision 1. new text end

new text begin Authorization to make office appointive. new text end

new text begin Notwithstanding Minnesota Statutes, section 382.01, upon adoption of a resolution by the Rice County Board of Commissioners, the offices of county auditor-treasurer and county recorder are not elective but must be filled by appointment by the county board as provided in the resolution. new text end

new text begin Subd. 2. new text end

new text begin Board controls; may change as long as duties done. new text end

new text begin Upon adoption of a resolution by the county board of commissioners, and subject to subdivisions 3 and 4, the duties of an elected official required by statute whose office is made appointive as authorized by this section must be discharged by the county board of commissioners acting through a department head appointed by the board for that purpose. Reorganization, reallocation, delegation, or other administrative change or transfer does not diminish, prohibit, or avoid the discharge of duties required by statute. new text end

new text begin Subd. 3. new text end

new text begin Incumbents to complete term. new text end

new text begin The person elected at the last general election to an office made appointive under this section must serve in that elected capacity and perform the duties, functions, and responsibilities required by statute until the completion of the term of office to which the person was elected or until a vacancy occurs in the office, whichever occurs earlier. new text end

new text begin Subd. 4. new text end

new text begin Publishing resolution; petition; referendum. new text end

new text begin (a) Before the adoption of a resolution to provide for the appointment of the county auditor-treasurer and county recorder, the county board must publish a proposed resolution notifying the public of its intent to consider the issue once each week for two consecutive weeks in the official publication of the county and in the official publication of each city located wholly or partly in the county. Following publication and prior to formally adopting the resolution, the county board shall provide an opportunity at two separate meetings for public comment relating to the issue. One meeting must be held between the hours of 8:00 a.m. and 5:00 p.m. and the other meeting must be held between the hours of 5:00 p.m. and 9:00 p.m. The meetings may be regular or special meetings. After the public comment opportunity at the second meeting, at the same meeting or a subsequent meeting, the county board of commissioners may adopt a resolution that provides for the appointment of the county auditor-treasurer and county recorder as permitted in this section. The resolution must be approved by at least 80 percent of the members of the county board. The resolution may take effect 60 days after it is adopted, or at a later date stated in the resolution, unless a petition is filed as provided in paragraph (b). new text end

new text begin (b) Within 60 days after the county board adopts the resolution, a petition requesting a referendum may be filed with the county auditor-treasurer. The petition must be signed by at least ten percent of the registered voters of the county. The petition must meet the requirements of the secretary of state, as provided in Minnesota Statutes, section 204B.071, and any rules adopted to implement that section. If the petition is sufficient, the question of appointing the county auditor-treasurer and county recorder must be placed on the ballot at a regular or special election. If a majority of the voters of the county voting on the question vote in favor of appointment, the resolution may be implemented. new text end

new text begin Subd. 5. new text end

new text begin Reverting to elected offices. new text end

new text begin (a) The county board may adopt a resolution to provide for the election of an office made an appointed position under this section, but not until at least three years after the office was made an appointed position. The county board must publish a proposed resolution notifying the public of its intent to consider the issue once each week or two consecutive weeks in the official publication of the county. Following publication and before formally adopting the resolution, the county board must provide an opportunity at its next regular meeting for public comment relating to the issue. After the public comment hearing, the county board may adopt the resolution. The resolution must be approved by at least 60 percent of the members of the county board and is effective August 1 following adoption of the resolution. new text end

new text begin (b) The question of whether an office made an appointed position under this section must be made an elected office must be placed on the ballot at the next general election if: new text end

new text begin (1) the position has been an appointed position for at least three years; new text end

new text begin (2) a petition signed by at least five percent of the registered voters of the county is filed with the office of the county auditor-treasurer by August 1 of the year in which the general election is held; and new text end

new text begin (3) the petition meets the requirements of the secretary of state, as provided in Minnesota Statutes, section 204B.071, and any rules adopted to implement that section. If a majority of the voters of the county voting on the question vote in favor of making the office an elected position, the election for the office must be held at the next regular or special election. new text end

new text begin EFFECTIVE DATE. new text end

new text begin This section is effective the day after the Rice County Board of Commissioners and its chief clerical officer timely complete their compliance with Minnesota Statutes, section 645.021, subdivisions 2 and 3. new text end

Presented to the governor May 26, 2017

Signed by the governor May 30, 2017, 6:13 p.m.

Official Publication of the State of Minnesota
Revisor of Statutes