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

CHAPTER 70--S.F.No. 455

An act

relating to elections; modifying various provisions related to the administration of elections, including provisions related to school boards, voters, ballots, registration, violations, absentee ballots, candidates, vacancies, election judges, recounts, precincts, and filing fees; modifying military and overseas absentee voting provisions; providing and modifying definitions; establishing the Election Emergency Planning Task Force; providing the Uniform Faithful Presidential Electors Act; making various technical and conforming changes; appropriating money;

amending Minnesota Statutes 2014, sections 123B.09, subdivision 1, by adding a subdivision; 200.02, subdivisions 7, 23, by adding subdivisions; 201.071, subdivision 1; 201.158; 201.275; 203B.01, subdivision 3; 203B.07, subdivision 1; 203B.08, subdivisions 1, 3; 203B.121, subdivision 2; 203B.16, subdivisions 1, 2; 203B.17, subdivisions 1, 2; 204B.06, subdivision 1b; 204B.07, subdivision 2; 204B.13, subdivisions 1, 2, 5; 204B.131, subdivision 1; 204B.19, subdivisions 2, 6; 204B.36, subdivisions 1, 2, 3, 4; 204B.44; 204B.45, subdivision 2; 204C.04, subdivision 2; 204C.08, subdivision 1d; 204C.13, subdivisions 2, 3, 5; 204C.22, subdivisions 3, 4, 7, 10; 204C.35, subdivisions 1, 2; 204C.36, subdivisions 1, 2; 204C.40, subdivision 2; 204D.11, subdivision 4; 204D.27, subdivision 11; 205.13, subdivision 3; 205A.05, subdivision 1; 206.90, subdivision 6; 208.02; 208.03; 208.06; 209.01, subdivision 2; 209.021, subdivisions 2, 3; 209.09, subdivision 2; 365.22, subdivisions 2, 3; 367.31, subdivision 4; 368.85, subdivision 4; 376.04; 412.551, subdivision 2; proposing coding for new law in Minnesota Statutes, chapters 123B; 208; repealing Minnesota Statutes 2014, sections 123B.09, subdivision 5; 204B.14, subdivision 6; 204C.13, subdivision 4; 204C.30, subdivision 1; 208.07; 208.08; 383A.555.

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

ARTICLE 1

ELECTION ADMINISTRATION

Section 1.

Minnesota Statutes 2014, section 123B.09, subdivision 1, is amended to read:

Subdivision 1.

School board membership.

The care, management, and control of independent districts is vested in a board of directors, to be known as the school board. The term of office of a member shall be four years commencing on the first Monday in January and until a successor qualifies. The membership of the board shall consist of six elected directors together with such ex officio member as may be provided by law. The board may submit to the electors at any school election the question whether the board shall consist of seven members. If a majority of those voting on the proposition favor a seven-member board, a seventh member shall be elected at the next election of directors for a four-year term and thereafter the board shall consist of seven members.

Those districts with a seven-member board may submit to the electors at any school election at least 150 days before the next election of three members of the board the question whether the board shall consist of six members. If a majority of those voting on the proposition favor a six-member board instead of a seven-member board, deleted text begin twodeleted text end new text begin three new text end members instead of deleted text begin threedeleted text end new text begin fournew text end members shall be elected at the next election of the board of directors and thereafter the board shall consist of six members.

Sec. 2.

Minnesota Statutes 2014, section 123B.09, is amended by adding a subdivision to read:

new text begin Subd. 5a. new text end

new text begin Vacancies. new text end

new text begin A vacancy other than a vacancy described in subdivision 4 must be filled pursuant to section 123B.095. new text end

Sec. 3.

new text begin [123B.095] VACANCY IN OFFICE OF SCHOOL BOARD MEMBER. new text end

new text begin Subdivision 1. new text end

new text begin Option for filling vacancies; special election. new text end

new text begin (a) Except as provided in section 123B.09, subdivision 4, a vacancy in the office of school board may be filled as provided in this subdivision and subdivision 2, or as provided in subdivision 3. If the vacancy is to be filled under this subdivision and subdivision 2, it must be filled at a special election. The school board may by resolution call for a special election to be held according to the earliest of the following time schedules: new text end

new 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; new text end

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

new text begin (3) no sooner than 120 days following the next regularly scheduled general election. new text end

new text begin (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. new text end

new text begin Subd. 2. new text end

new text begin When victor seated immediately. new text end

new text begin If a vacancy for which a special election is required occurs less than 120 days before the general election preceding the end of the term, the vacancy shall be filled by the person elected at that election for the ensuing term who shall take office immediately after receiving the certificate of election, filing the bond and taking the oath of office. new text end

new text begin Subd. 3. new text end

new text begin Vacancies of less than one year; appointment option. new text end

new text begin Except as provided in section 123B.09, subdivision 4, and as an alternative to the procedure provided in subdivisions 1 and 2, any other vacancy in the office of school board member may 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 continue until an election is held under this subdivision. All elections to fill vacancies shall be for the unexpired term. If one year or more remains in the unexpired term, a special election must be held under subdivision 1. If less than one year remains in the unexpired term, the school board may appoint a person to fill the vacancy for the remainder of the unexpired term, unless the vacancy occurs within 90 days of the next school district general election, in which case an appointment shall not be made and the vacancy must be filled at the general election. The person elected to fill a vacancy at the general election takes office immediately in the same manner as for a special election under subdivision 1, and serves the remainder of the unexpired term and the new term for which the election was otherwise held. new text end

new text begin Subd. 4. new text end

new text begin School board vacancy appointment; public hearing. new text end

new text begin Before making an appointment to fill a vacancy under subdivision 3, the school board must hold a public hearing not more than 30 days after the vacancy occurs with public notice given in the same manner as for a special meeting of the school board. At the public hearing, the board must invite public testimony from persons residing in the district in which the vacancy occurs relating to the qualifications of prospective appointees to fill the vacancy. Before making an appointment, the board also must notify public officials in the school district on the appointment, including county commissioners, town supervisors, and city council members, and must enter into the record at the board meeting in which the appointment is made the names and addresses of the public officials notified. If, after the public hearing, the board is unable or decides not to make an appointment under subdivision 3, it must hold a special election under subdivision 1, but the time period in which the election must be held begins to run from the date of the public hearing. new text end

Sec. 4.

Minnesota Statutes 2014, section 200.02, subdivision 7, is amended to read:

Subd. 7.

Major political party.

(a) "Major political party" means a political party that maintains a party organization in the state, political division or precinct in question and that has presented at least one candidate for election to the office of:

(1) governor and lieutenant governor, secretary of state, state auditor, or attorney general at the last preceding state general election for those offices; or

(2) presidential elector or U.S. senator at the last preceding state general election for presidential electors; and

whose candidate received votes in each county in that election and received votes from not less than five percent of the total number of individuals who voted in that election.

(b) "Major political party" also means a political party that maintains a party organization in the state, political subdivision, or precinct in question and that has presented at least 45 candidates for election to the office of state representative, 23 candidates for election to the office of state senator, four candidates for election to the office of representative in Congress, and one candidate for election to each of the following offices: governor and lieutenant governor, attorney general, secretary of state, and state auditor, at the last preceding state general election for those offices.

(c) "Major political party" also means a political party that maintains a party organization in the state, political subdivision, or precinct in question and whose members present to the secretary of state at any time before the close of filing for the state partisan primary ballot a petition for a place on the state partisan primary ballot, which petition contains new text begin valid new text end signatures of a number of the party members equal to at least five percent of the total number of individuals who voted in the preceding state general election.new text begin A signature is valid only if signed no more than one year prior to the date the petition was filed.new text end

(d) A political party whose candidate receives a sufficient number of votes at a state general election described in paragraph (a) or a political party that presents candidates at an election as required by paragraph (b) becomes a major political party as of January 1 following that election and retains its major party status for at least two state general elections even if the party fails to present a candidate who receives the number and percentage of votes required under paragraph (a) or fails to present candidates as required by paragraph (b) at subsequent state general elections.

(e) A major political party whose candidates fail to receive the number and percentage of votes required under paragraph (a) and that fails to present candidates as required by paragraph (b) at each of two consecutive state general elections described by paragraph (a) or (b), respectively, loses major party status as of December 31 following the later of the two consecutive state general elections.

Sec. 5.

Minnesota Statutes 2014, section 200.02, subdivision 23, is amended to read:

Subd. 23.

Minor political party.

(a) "Minor political party" means a political party that has adopted a state constitution, designated a state party chair, held a state convention in the last two years, filed with the secretary of state no later than December 31 following the most recent state general election a certification that the party has met the foregoing requirements, and met the requirements of paragraph (b) or (e), as applicable.

(b) To be considered a minor party in all elections statewide, the political party must have presented at least one candidate for election to the office of:

(1) governor and lieutenant governor, secretary of state, state auditor, or attorney general, at the last preceding state general election for those offices; or

(2) presidential elector or U.S. senator at the preceding state general election for presidential electors; and

new text begin (3) new text end who received votes in each county that in the aggregate equal at least one percent of the total number of individuals who voted in the election, or its members must have presented to the secretary of state at any time before the close of filing for the state partisan primary ballot a nominating petition in a form prescribed by the secretary of state containing the new text begin valid new text end signatures of party members in a number equal to at least one percent of the total number of individuals who voted in the preceding state general election.new text begin A signature is valid only if signed no more than one year prior to the date the petition was filed.new text end

(c) A political party whose candidate receives a sufficient number of votes at a state general election described in paragraph (b) becomes a minor political party as of January 1 following that election and retains its minor party status for at least two state general elections even if the party fails to present a candidate who receives the number and percentage of votes required under paragraph (b) at subsequent state general elections.

(d) A minor political party whose candidates fail to receive the number and percentage of votes required under paragraph (b) at each of two consecutive state general elections described by paragraph (b) loses minor party status as of December 31 following the later of the two consecutive state general elections.

(e) A minor party that qualifies to be a major party loses its status as a minor party at the time it becomes a major party. Votes received by the candidates of a major party must be counted in determining whether the party received sufficient votes to qualify as a minor party, notwithstanding that the party does not receive sufficient votes to retain its major party status. To be considered a minor party in an election in a legislative district, the political party must have presented at least one candidate for a legislative office in that district who received votes from at least ten percent of the total number of individuals who voted for that office, or its members must have presented to the secretary of state a nominating petition in a form prescribed by the secretary of state containing the new text begin valid new text end signatures of party members in a number equal to at least ten percent of the total number of individuals who voted in the preceding state general election for that legislative office.new text begin A signature is valid only if signed no more than one year prior to the date the petition was filed.new text end

Sec. 6.

Minnesota Statutes 2014, section 200.02, is amended by adding a subdivision to read:

new text begin Subd. 27. new text end

new text begin Partisan offices. new text end

new text begin "Partisan offices" means federal offices, presidential electors, constitutional offices, and legislative offices. new text end

Sec. 7.

Minnesota Statutes 2014, section 200.02, is amended by adding a subdivision to read:

new text begin Subd. 28. new text end

new text begin Nonpartisan offices. new text end

new text begin "Nonpartisan offices" means all judicial, county, municipal, school district, and special district offices. new text end

Sec. 8.

Minnesota Statutes 2014, section 201.071, subdivision 1, is amended to read:

Subdivision 1.

Form.

Both paper and electronic voter registration applications must contain the same information unless otherwise provided by law. A voter registration application must contain spaces for the following required information: voter's first name, middle name, and last name; voter's previous name, if any; voter's current address; voter's previous address, if any; voter's date of birth; voter's municipality and county of residence; voter's telephone number, if provided by the voter; date of registration; current and valid Minnesota driver's license number or Minnesota state identification number, or if the voter has no current and valid Minnesota driver's license or Minnesota state identification, the last four digits of the voter's Social Security number; and voter's signature. The paper registration application may include the voter's e-mail address, if provided by the voter. The electronic voter registration application must include the voter's e-mail address. The registration application may include the voter's interest in serving as an election judge, if indicated by the voter. The application must also contain the following certification of voter eligibility:

"I certify that I:

(1) will be at least 18 years old on election day;

(2) am a citizen of the United States;

(3) will have resided in Minnesota for 20 days immediately preceding election day;

(4) maintain residence at the address given on the registration form;

(5) am not under court-ordered guardianship in which the court order revokes my right to vote;

(6) have not been found by a court to be legally incompetent to vote;

(7) have the right to vote because, if I have been convicted of a felony, my felony sentence has expired (been completed) or I have been discharged from my sentence; and

(8) have read and understand the following statement: that giving false information is a felony punishable by not more than five years imprisonment or a fine of not more than $10,000, or both."

The certification must include boxes for the voter to respond to the following questions:

"(1) Are you a citizen of the United States?" and

"(2) Will you be 18 years old on or before election day?"

And the instruction:

"If you checked 'no' to either of these questions, do not complete this form."

deleted text begin A paper voter registration application must be of suitable size and weight for mailing.deleted text end The form of the voter registration application and the certification of voter eligibility must be as provided in this subdivision and approved by the secretary of state. Voter registration forms authorized by the National Voter Registration Act must also be accepted as valid. The federal postcard application form must also be accepted as valid if it is not deficient and the voter is eligible to register in Minnesota.

An individual may use a voter registration application to apply to register to vote in Minnesota or to change information on an existing registration.

Sec. 9.

Minnesota Statutes 2014, section 201.158, is amended to read:

201.158 USE OF DEPARTMENT OF PUBLIC SAFETY DATA.

As required by the Help America Vote Act of 2002, Public Law 107-252, the commissioner of public safety shall make electronic data on citizenship available to the secretary of state. The secretary of state must determine whether the data newly indicates that any individuals who have active records in the statewide voter registration system are not citizens. The secretary of state shall prepare a list of those voters for each county auditornew text begin at least monthlynew text end . The county auditor shall change the status of those registrants in the statewide voter registration system to reflect that they are challenged based upon their citizenship and must notify the county attorney.

deleted text begin In 2010, the secretary of state must make the determination and provide lists to the county auditors between 30 and 60 days before the general election and again between six and ten weeks after the election. In 2011, the secretary of state must make this determination again as part of the annual list maintenance. By August 1, 2012, the secretary of state must provide electronic lists to the counties at least monthly. deleted text end

Sec. 10.

Minnesota Statutes 2014, section 201.275, is amended to read:

201.275 INVESTIGATIONS; PROSECUTIONS.

new text begin (a) new text end A law enforcement agency that is notified by affidavit of an alleged violation of this chapter shall promptly investigate. Upon receiving an affidavit alleging a violation of this chapter, a county attorney shall promptly forward it to a law enforcement agency with jurisdiction for investigation. If there is probable cause for instituting a prosecution, the county attorney shall proceed deleted text begin by complaint or present the charge, with whatever evidence has been found, to the grand jurydeleted text end new text begin according to the generally applicable standards regarding the prosecutorial functions and duties of a county attorney, provided that the county attorney is not required to proceed with the prosecution if the complainant withdraws the allegationnew text end . A county attorney who refuses or intentionally fails to faithfully perform this or any other duty imposed by this chapter is guilty of a misdemeanor and upon conviction shall forfeit office. deleted text begin The county attorney, under the penalty of forfeiture of office, shall prosecute all violations of this chapter except violations of this section; if, however, a complainant withdraws an allegation under this chapter, the county attorney is not required to proceed with the prosecution.deleted text end

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

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

new text begin EFFECTIVE DATE. new text end

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

Sec. 11.

Minnesota Statutes 2014, section 203B.01, subdivision 3, is amended to read:

Subd. 3.

Military.

"Military" means the Army, Navy, Air Force, Marine Corps, Coast Guard or Merchant Marine of the United States, deleted text begin anddeleted text end all other uniformed services as defined in United States Code, title deleted text begin 42, section 1973ff-6deleted text end new text begin 52, section 20310, and military forces as defined by section 190.05, subdivision 3new text end .

Sec. 12.

Minnesota Statutes 2014, section 203B.07, subdivision 1, is amended to read:

Subdivision 1.

Delivery of envelopes, directions.

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

When a voter registration application is sent to the applicant as provided in section 203B.06, subdivision 4, the directions or registration application shall include instructions for registering to vote.

Sec. 13.

Minnesota Statutes 2014, section 203B.08, subdivision 1, is amended to read:

Subdivision 1.

Marking and return by voter.

An eligible voter who receives absentee ballots as provided in this chapter shall mark them in the manner specified in the directions for casting the absentee ballots. The return envelope containing marked ballots may be mailed as provided in the directions for casting the absentee ballots or may be left with the county auditor or municipal clerk who transmitted the absentee ballots to the voter. If delivered in person deleted text begin by an agentdeleted text end , the return envelope must be submitted to the county auditor or municipal clerk by 3:00 p.m. on election day.

The voter may designate an agent to deliver in person the sealed absentee ballot return envelope to the county auditor or municipal clerk or to deposit the return envelope in the mail. An agent may deliver or mail the return envelopes of not more than three voters in any election. Any person designated as an agent who tampers with either the return envelope or the voted ballots or does not immediately mail or deliver the return envelope to the county auditor or municipal clerk is guilty of a misdemeanor.

Sec. 14.

Minnesota Statutes 2014, section 203B.08, subdivision 3, is amended to read:

Subd. 3.

Procedures on receipt of ballots.

When absentee ballots are returned to a county auditor or municipal clerk, that official shall stamp or initial and date the return envelope and place it in a secure location with other return envelopes received by that office. Within five days after receipt, the county auditor or municipal clerk shall deliver to the ballot board all ballots received, except that during the 14 days immediately preceding an election, the county auditor or municipal clerk shall deliver all ballots received to the ballot board within three days. Ballots received on election day either (1) after 3:00 p.m., if delivered deleted text begin by an agentdeleted text end new text begin in personnew text end ; or (2) after deleted text begin the last mail deliverydeleted text end new text begin 8 p.m.new text end , if delivered by deleted text begin another methoddeleted text end new text begin mail or a package delivery servicenew text end , shall be marked as received late by the county auditor or municipal clerk, and must not be delivered to the ballot board.

Sec. 15.

Minnesota Statutes 2014, section 203B.121, subdivision 2, is amended to read:

Subd. 2.

Duties of ballot board; absentee ballots.

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

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

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

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

(3) the voter's Minnesota driver's license, state identification number, or the last four digits of the voter's Social Security number are the same as deleted text begin thedeleted text end new text begin anew text end number deleted text begin provideddeleted text end on the voter's new text begin absentee ballot new text end application deleted text begin for ballotsdeleted text end new text begin or voter recordnew text end . If the number does not match deleted text begin the number as submitted on the application, or if a number was not submitted on deleted text end deleted text begin the applicationdeleted text end , the election judges must compare the signature provided by the applicant to determine whether the ballots were returned by the same person to whom they were transmitted;

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

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

(6) the voter has not already voted at that election, either in person or, if it is after the close of business on the seventh day before the election, by absentee ballot.

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

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

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

(3) If an envelope is rejected within five days of the election, the envelope must remain sealed and the official in charge of the ballot board must attempt to contact the voter by telephone or e-mail to notify the voter that the voter's ballot has been rejected. The official must document the attempts made to contact the voter.

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

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

(2) the reason for rejection; and

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

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

Sec. 16.

Minnesota Statutes 2014, section 203B.16, subdivision 1, is amended to read:

Subdivision 1.

Military service; temporary residence outside United States.

Sections 203B.16 to 203B.27 provide alternative voting procedures for eligible voters who are absent from the precinct where they maintain residence because they are:

(1) either in the military or the spouses or dependents of individuals serving in the military; or

(2) temporarily outside the territorial limits of the United States.

Sections 203B.16 to 203B.27 are intended to implement the federal Uniformed and Overseas Citizens Absentee Voting Act, United States Code, title deleted text begin 42, section 1973ffdeleted text end new text begin 52, sections 20301 to 20310new text end .

Sec. 17.

Minnesota Statutes 2014, section 203B.16, subdivision 2, is amended to read:

Subd. 2.

Indefinite residence outside United States.

Sections 203B.16 to 203B.27 provide the exclusive voting procedure for United States citizens who are living indefinitely outside the territorial limits of the United States who meet all the qualifications of an eligible voter except residence in Minnesota, but who are authorized by federal law to vote in Minnesota because theynew text begin or, if they have never resided in the United States, a parentnew text end maintained residence in Minnesota for at least 20 days immediately prior to their departure from the United States. Individuals described in this subdivision shall be permitted to vote only for the offices of president, vice-president, senator in Congress, and representative in Congress.

Sec. 18.

Minnesota Statutes 2014, section 203B.17, subdivision 1, is amended to read:

Subdivision 1.

Submission of application.

(a) An application for absentee ballots for a voter described in section 203B.16 must be in writing and may be submitted in person, by mail, by electronic facsimile device, by electronic mail, or electronically through a secure Web site that shall be maintained by the secretary of state for this purpose, upon determination by the secretary of state that security concerns have been adequately addressed. An application for absentee ballots for a voter described in section 203B.16 may be submitted by that voter or by that voter's parent, spouse, sister, brother, or child over the age of 18 years. deleted text begin For purposes of an application under this subdivision, a person's Social Security number, no matter how it is designated, qualifies as the person's military identification number if the person is in the military.deleted text end

(b) An application for a voter described in section 203B.16, subdivision 1, shall be submitted to the county auditor of the county where the voter maintains residence or through the secure Web site maintained by the secretary of state.

(c) An application for a voter described in section 203B.16, subdivision 2, shall be submitted to the county auditor of the county where the voter new text begin or the voter's parent new text end last maintained residence in Minnesota or through the secure Web site maintained by the secretary of state.

(d) An application for absentee ballots shall be valid for any primary, special primary, general election, or special election from the time the application is received through the end of that calendar year.

(e) There shall be no limitation of time for filing and receiving applications for ballots under sections 203B.16 to 203B.27.

Sec. 19.

Minnesota Statutes 2014, section 203B.17, subdivision 2, is amended to read:

Subd. 2.

Required information.

An application shall be accepted if it contains the following information stated under oath:

(a) the voter's name, birthdate, and present address of residence in Minnesota, or former address of residence new text begin or parent's former address of residence new text end in Minnesota if the voter is living permanently outside the United States;

(b) a statement indicating that the voter is in the military, or is the spouse or dependent of an individual serving in the military, or is temporarily outside the territorial limits of the United States, or is living permanently outside the territorial limits of the United States and voting under federal law;

(c) a statement that the voter expects to be absent from the precinct at the time of the election;

(d) the address to which absentee ballots are to be mailed;

(e) the voter's signature or the signature and relationship of the individual authorized to apply on the voter's behalf;

(f) the voter's passport number, Minnesota driver's license or state identification card number, or the last four digits of the voter's Social Security number; if the voter does not have access to any of these documents, the voter or other individual requesting absentee ballots may attest to the truthfulness of the contents of the application under penalty of perjury; and

(g) the voter's e-mail address, if the application was submitted electronically through the secure Web site maintained by the secretary of state.

Notwithstanding paragraph (f), an application submitted through the secretary of state's Web site must include the voter's verifiable Minnesota driver's license number, Minnesota state identification card number, or the last four digits of the voter's Social Security number, and may only be transmitted to the county auditor for processing if the secretary of state has verified the application information matches the information in a government database associated with the applicant's driver's license number, state identification card number, or Social Security number. The secretary of state must review all unverifiable applications for evidence of suspicious activity and must forward any such application to an appropriate law enforcement agency for investigation.

Sec. 20.

Minnesota Statutes 2014, section 204B.06, subdivision 1b, is amended to read:

Subd. 1b.

Address and telephone number.

(a) An affidavit of candidacy must state a telephone number where the candidate can be contacted. An affidavit must also state the candidate's address of residence as determined under section 200.031, or at the candidate's request in accordance with paragraph (c), the candidate's campaign contact address. The form for the affidavit of candidacy must allow the candidate to request, if eligible, that the candidate's address of residence be classified as private data, and to provide the certification required under paragraph (c) for classification of that address.

(b) For an office whose residency requirement must be satisfied by the close of the filing period, a registered voter in this state may request in writing that the filing officer receiving the affidavit of candidacy review the address as provided in this paragraph, at any time up to one day after the last day for filing for office. If requested, the filing officer must determine whether the address provided in the affidavit of candidacy is within the area represented by the office the candidate is seeking. If the filing officer determines that the address is not within the area represented by the office, the filing officer must immediately notify the candidate and the candidate's name must be removed from the ballot for that office. A determination made by a filing officer under this paragraph is subject to judicial review under section 204B.44.

(c) If the candidate requests that the candidate's address of residence be classified as private data, the candidate must list the candidate's address of residence on a separate form to be attached to the affidavit. The candidate must also certify on the affidavit that a police report has been submitted or an order for protection has been issued in regard to the safety of the candidate or the candidate's familynew text begin , or that the candidate's address is otherwise private pursuant to Minnesota lawnew text end . The address of residence provided by a candidate who makes a request for classification on the candidate's affidavit of candidacy and provides the certification required by this paragraph is classified as private data, as defined in section 13.02, subdivision 12, but may be reviewed by the filing officer as provided in this subdivision.

(d) The requirements of this subdivision do not apply to affidavits of candidacy for a candidate for: (1) judicial office; (2) the office of county attorney; or (3) county sheriff.

Sec. 21.

Minnesota Statutes 2014, section 204B.13, subdivision 1, is amended to read:

Subdivision 1.

Partisan office.

(a) A vacancy in nomination for a partisan office must be filled in the manner provided by this section. A vacancy in nomination exists for a partisan office when a major political party candidate who has been nominated in accordance with section 204D.03, subdivision 3, or 204D.10, subdivision 1:

(1) dies;

(2) deleted text begin withdraws as provided in section 204B.12, subdivision 1; ordeleted text end

deleted text begin (3)deleted text end withdraws by filing an affidavit of withdrawal, as provided in paragraph (b), at least one day prior to the general election with the same official who received the affidavit of candidacynew text begin ; ornew text end

new text begin (3) is determined to be ineligible to hold the office the candidate is seeking, pursuant to a court order issued under section 204B.44new text end .

(b) An affidavit of withdrawal filed under paragraph (a), clause (3), must state that the candidate has been diagnosed with a catastrophic illness that will permanently and continuously incapacitate the candidate and prevent the candidate from performing the duties of the office sought, if elected. The affidavit must be accompanied by a certificate verifying the candidate's illness meets the requirements of this paragraph, signed by at least two licensed physicians. The affidavit and certificate may be filed by the candidate or the candidate's legal guardian.

new text begin EFFECTIVE DATE. new text end

new text begin This section is effective the day following final enactment, and applies to elections for which the candidate withdrawal period under section 204B.12, subdivision 1, occurs on or after that date. new text end

Sec. 22.

Minnesota Statutes 2014, section 204B.13, subdivision 2, is amended to read:

Subd. 2.

Partisan office; nomination by party; special election.

(a) Except as provided in subdivision 5, a major political party may fill a vacancy in nomination of that party's candidate as defined in subdivision 1, clause (1) deleted text begin ordeleted text end new text begin , (2), ornew text end (3), by filing one nomination certificate with the same official who received the affidavits of candidacy for that office.

A major political party may provide in its governing rules a procedure, including designation of an appropriate committee, to fill a vacancy in nomination for any federal or state partisan office. The nomination certificate shall be prepared under the direction of and executed by the chair and secretary of the political party and filed within the timelines established in this section. When filing the certificate the chair and secretary shall attach an affidavit stating that the newly nominated candidate has been selected under the rules of the party and that the individuals signing the certificate and making the affidavit are the chair and secretary of the party.

(b) In the case of a vacancy in nomination for partisan office that occurs on or before the 79th day before the general election, the major political party must file the nomination certificate no later than 71 days before the general election. The name of the candidate nominated by the party must appear on the general election ballot.

(c) Except as provided in subdivision 5, in the case of a vacancy in nomination for a partisan office that occurs after the 79th day before the general election, the general election ballot shall remain unchanged, but the county and state canvassing boards must not certify the vote totals for that office from the general election, and the office must be filled at a special election held in accordance with this section. Except for the vacancy in nomination, all other candidates whose names appeared on the general election ballot for the office must appear on the special election ballot for the office. New affidavits of candidacy or nominating petitions may not be accepted, and there must not be a primary to fill the vacancy in nomination. The major political party may file a nomination certificate as provided in paragraph (a) no later than seven days after the general election. On the date of the general election, the county auditor or municipal clerk shall post a notice in each precinct affected by a vacancy in nomination under this paragraph, informing voters of the reason for the vacancy in nomination and the procedures for filling the vacancy in nomination and conducting a special election as required by this section. The secretary of state shall prepare and electronically distribute the notice to county auditors in each county affected by a vacancy in nomination.

new text begin EFFECTIVE DATE. new text end

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

Sec. 23.

Minnesota Statutes 2014, section 204B.13, subdivision 5, is amended to read:

Subd. 5.

Candidates for governor and lieutenant governor.

(a) If a vacancy in nomination for a major political party occurs in the race for governor, the political party must nominate the candidates for both governor and lieutenant governor. If a vacancy in nomination for a major political party occurs in the race for lieutenant governor, the candidate for governor shall select the candidate for lieutenant governor.

(b) For a vacancy in nomination for lieutenant governor that occurs on or before the 79th day before the general election, the name of the lieutenant governor candidate must be submitted by the governor candidate to the filing officer no later than 71 days before the general election. If the vacancy in nomination for lieutenant governor occurs after the 79th day before the general election, the candidate for governor shall submit the name of the new lieutenant governor candidate to the secretary of state within seven days after the vacancy in nomination occurs, but no changes may be made to the general election ballots.

(c) When a vacancy in nomination for lieutenant governor occurs after the 79th day before the general election, the county auditor or municipal clerk shall post a notice in each precinct affected by the vacancy in nomination. The secretary of state shall prepare and electronically distribute the notice to county auditors. The county auditor must ensure that each precinct in the county receives the notice prior to the opening of the polls on election day. The notice must include:

(1) a statement that there is a vacancy in nomination for lieutenant governor and the statutory reason for the vacancy in nomination as provided in subdivision 1, paragraph (a), clauses (1) deleted text begin anddeleted text end new text begin , (2), ornew text end (3);

(2) a statement that the results for the governor and lieutenant governor will be counted and that no special election will be held for that race; and

(3) a list of all candidates in the governor and lieutenant governor's race, listed in order of the base rotation. The listing of candidates shall include the name of the candidate to fill the vacancy in nomination for lieutenant governor. If the name of the candidate has not yet been named, then the list must include the date by which the candidate will be named.

new text begin EFFECTIVE DATE. new text end

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

Sec. 24.

Minnesota Statutes 2014, section 204B.131, subdivision 1, is amended to read:

Subdivision 1.

Applicability.

A vacancy in nomination for a nonpartisan office must be filled in the manner provided by this section. A vacancy in nomination for a nonpartisan office exists when:

(1) a candidate for any nonpartisan office, for which one or two candidates filed, withdraws as provided in section 204B.12, subdivision 1; deleted text begin ordeleted text end

new text begin (2) a candidate for any nonpartisan office, for which one or two candidates filed, is determined to be ineligible to hold the office the candidate is seeking, pursuant to a court order issued under section 204B.44; or new text end

deleted text begin (2)deleted text end new text begin (3)new text end a candidate for any nonjudicial nonpartisan office, for which only one or two candidates filed or who was nominated at a primary, dies on or before the 79th day before the date of the general election.

new text begin EFFECTIVE DATE. new text end

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

Sec. 25.

Minnesota Statutes 2014, section 204B.19, subdivision 2, is amended to read:

Subd. 2.

Individuals not qualified to be election judges.

(a) Except as provided in paragraph (b), no individual shall be appointed as an election judge for any precinct if that individual:

(1) is unable to read, write, or speak the English language;

(2) is the spouse; parent, including a stepparent; child, including a stepchild; or sibling, including a stepsibling; of any election judge serving in the same precinct or of any candidate at that election; deleted text begin ordeleted text end

(3)new text begin is domiciled, either permanently or temporarily, with any candidate on the ballot at that election; ornew text end

new text begin (4)new text end is a candidate at that election.

(b) Individuals who are related to each other as provided in paragraph (a), clause (2), may serve as election judges in the same precinct, provided that they serve on separate shifts that do not run concurrently.

Sec. 26.

Minnesota Statutes 2014, section 204B.19, subdivision 6, is amended to read:

Subd. 6.

High school students.

Notwithstanding any other requirements of this section, a student enrolled in a high school in Minnesota or who is in a home school in compliance with sections 120A.22 and 120A.24, who has attained the age of 16 is eligible to be appointed as a without party affiliation trainee election judge in the county in which the student residesnew text begin , or a county adjacent to the county in which the student residesnew text end . The student must meet qualifications for trainee election judges specified in rules of the secretary of state. A student appointed as a trainee election judge may be excused from school attendance during the hours that the student is serving as a trainee election judge if the student submits a written request signed and approved by the student's parent or guardian to be absent from school and a certificate from the appointing authority stating the hours during which the student will serve as a trainee election judge to the principal of the school at least ten days prior to the election. Students shall not serve as trainee election judges after 10:00 p.m. Notwithstanding section 177.24 to the contrary, trainee election judges may be paid not less than two-thirds of the minimum wage for a large employer. The principal of the school may approve a request to be absent from school conditioned on acceptable academic performance at the time of service as a trainee election judge.

Sec. 27.

Minnesota Statutes 2014, section 204B.36, subdivision 1, is amended to read:

Subdivision 1.

Type.

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

Sec. 28.

Minnesota Statutes 2014, section 204B.36, subdivision 2, is amended to read:

Subd. 2.

Candidates and offices.

The name of each candidate shall be printed at a right angle to the length of the ballot. At a general election the name of the political party or the political principle of each candidate for partisan office shall be printed above or below the name of the candidate. The name of a political party or a political principle shall be printed in capital and lowercase letters of the same type, with the capital letters at least one-half the height of the capital letters used for names of the candidates. At a general election, blank lines containing the words "write-in, if any" shall be printed below the name of the last candidate for each office, or below the title of the office if no candidate has filed for that office, so that a voter may write in the names of individuals whose names are not on the ballot. One blank line shall be printed for each officer of that kind to be elected. At a primary election, no blank lines shall be provided for writing in the names of individuals whose names do not appear on the primary ballot.

On the left side of the ballot at the same level with the name of each candidate and each blank line shall be printed deleted text begin a squaredeleted text end new text begin an oval or similar target shape new text end in which the voter may designate a vote by deleted text begin a mark (X)deleted text end new text begin filling in the oval or similar mark if a different target shape is usednew text end . Each deleted text begin squaredeleted text end new text begin oval or target shapenew text end shall be the same size. Above the first name on each ballot shall be deleted text begin printed the words, "Put an (X) in the square opposite the name of each candidate you wish to vote for." At the same level with these words and directly above the squares shall be printed a small arrow pointing downwarddeleted text end new text begin instructions for votingnew text end . Directly underneath the official title of each office shall be printed the words "Vote for one" or "Vote for up to ..." (any greater number to be elected).

Sec. 29.

Minnesota Statutes 2014, section 204B.36, subdivision 3, is amended to read:

Subd. 3.

Question; form of ballot.

When a question is to be submitted to a vote, a concise statement of the nature of the question shall be printed on the ballot. The words, deleted text begin "YES"deleted text end new text begin "Yes" new text end and deleted text begin "NO"deleted text end new text begin "No" new text end shall be printed to the left of this statement, with deleted text begin a square deleted text end new text begin an oval or similar target shape new text end to the left of each word so that the voter may indicate by a mark deleted text begin (X)deleted text end either a negative or affirmative vote. The ballot shall include instructions directing the voter to deleted text begin put an (X) in the squaredeleted text end new text begin fill in the oval or similar mark if a different target shape is used, new text end before the word deleted text begin "YES"deleted text end new text begin "Yes" new text end if the voter desires to vote for the question, or to deleted text begin put an (X)deleted text end new text begin fill in the oval or similar mark if a different target shape is used, new text end before the word deleted text begin "NO"deleted text end new text begin "No" new text end if the voter desires to vote against the question.

Sec. 30.

Minnesota Statutes 2014, section 204B.36, subdivision 4, is amended to read:

Subd. 4.

Judicial candidates.

The official ballot shall contain the names of all candidates for each judicial office and shall state the number of those candidates for whom a voter may vote. Each seat for an associate justice, associate judge, or judge of the district court must be numbered. The words deleted text begin "SUPREME COURT," "COURT OF APPEALS,"deleted text end new text begin "Supreme Court," "Court of Appeals," new text end and deleted text begin "(number) DISTRICT COURT" deleted text end new text begin "(number) District Court" new text end must be printed above the respective judicial office groups on the ballot. The title of each judicial office shall be printed on the official primary and general election ballot as follows:

(a) In the case of the Supreme Court:

"Chief justice";

"Associate justice (number)";

(b) In the case of the Court of Appeals:

"Judge (number)"; or

(c) In the case of the district court:

"Judge (number)."

Sec. 31.

Minnesota Statutes 2014, section 204B.44, is amended to read:

204B.44 ERRORS AND OMISSIONS; REMEDY.

Any individual may file a petition in the manner provided in this section for the correction of any of the following errors, omissions, or wrongful acts which have occurred or are about to occur:

(a) an error or omission in the placement or printing of the name or description of any candidate or any question on any official ballotnew text begin , including the placement of a candidate on the official ballot who is not eligible to hold the office for which the candidate has filednew text end ;

(b) any other error in preparing or printing any official ballot;

(c) failure of the chair or secretary of the proper committee of a major political party to execute or file a certificate of nomination;

(d) any wrongful act, omission, or error of any election judge, municipal clerk, county auditor, canvassing board or any of its members, the secretary of state, or any other individual charged with any duty concerning an election.

The petition shall describe the error, omission, or wrongful act and the correction sought by the petitioner. The petition shall be filed with any judge of the Supreme Court in the case of an election for state or federal office or any judge of the district court in that county in the case of an election for county, municipal, or school district office. The petitioner shall serve a copy of the petition on the officer, board or individual charged with the error, omission, or wrongful act, on all candidates for the office in the case of an election for state, federal, county, municipal, or school district office, and on any other party as required by the court. Upon receipt of the petition the court shall immediately set a time for a hearing on the matter and order the officer, board or individual charged with the error, omission or wrongful act to correct the error or wrongful act or perform the duty or show cause for not doing so.new text begin In the case of a review of a candidate's eligibility to hold office, the court may order the candidate to appear and present sufficient evidence of the candidate's eligibility.new text end The court shall issue its findings and a final order for appropriate relief as soon as possible after the hearing. Failure to obey the order is contempt of court.

new text begin EFFECTIVE DATE. new text end

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

Sec. 32.

Minnesota Statutes 2014, section 204B.45, subdivision 2, is amended to read:

Subd. 2.

Procedure.

Notice of the election and the special mail procedure must be given at least ten weeks prior to the election. Not more than 46 days nor later than 14 days before a regularly scheduled election and not more than 30 days nor later than 14 days before any other election, the auditor shall mail ballots by nonforwardable mail to all voters registered in the town or unorganized territory. No later than 14 days before the election, the auditor must make a subsequent mailing of ballots to those voters who register to vote after the initial mailing but before the 20th day before the election. Eligible voters not registered at the time the ballots are mailed may apply for ballots as provided in chapter 203B. Ballot return envelopes, with return postage provided, must be preaddressed to the auditor or clerk and the voter may return the ballot by mail or in person to the office of the auditor or clerk. The auditor or clerk must appoint a ballot board to examine the mail and absentee ballot return envelopes and mark them "accepted" or "rejected" within three days of receipt if there are 14 or fewer days before election day, or within five days of receipt if there are more than 14 days before election day. The board may consist of deputy county auditors or deputy municipal clerks who have received training in the processing and counting of mail ballots, who need not be affiliated with a major political party. Election judges performing the duties in this section must be of different major political parties, unless they are exempt from that requirement under section 205.075, subdivision 4, or section 205A.10. If an envelope has been rejected at least five days before the election, the ballots in the envelope must remain sealed and the auditor or clerk shall provide the voter with a replacement ballot and return envelope in place of the spoiled ballot. If the ballot is rejected within five days of the election, the envelope must remain sealed and the official in charge of the ballot board must attempt to contact the voter by telephone or e-mail to notify the voter that the voter's ballot has been rejected. The official must document the attempts made to contact the voter.

If the ballot is accepted, the county auditor or municipal clerk must mark the roster to indicate that the voter has already cast a ballot in that election. After the close of business on the deleted text begin fourthdeleted text end new text begin seventhnew text end day before the election, the ballots from return envelopes marked "Accepted" may be opened, duplicated as needed in the manner provided by section 206.86, subdivision 5, initialed by the members of the ballot board, and deposited in the ballot box.

In all other respects, the provisions of the Minnesota Election Law governing deposit and counting of ballots apply.

The mail and absentee ballots for a precinct must be counted together and reported as one vote total. No vote totals from mail or absentee ballots may be made public before the close of voting on election day.

The costs of the mailing shall be paid by the election jurisdiction in which the voter resides. Any ballot received by 8:00 p.m. on the day of the election must be counted.

Sec. 33.

Minnesota Statutes 2014, section 204C.04, subdivision 2, is amended to read:

Subd. 2.

Elections covered.

For purposes of this section, "election" means a regularly scheduled deleted text begin state primary or generaldeleted text end election, an election to fill a vacancy in the office of United States senator or United States representative,new text begin an election to fill a vacancy in nomination for a constitutional office,new text end or an election to fill a vacancy in the office of state senator or state representative.

Sec. 34.

Minnesota Statutes 2014, section 204C.08, subdivision 1d, is amended to read:

Subd. 1d.

Voter's Bill of Rights.

The county auditor shall prepare and provide to each polling place sufficient copies of a poster setting forth the Voter's Bill of Rights as set forth in this section. Before the hours of voting are scheduled to begin, the election judges shall post it in a conspicuous location or locations in the polling place. The Voter's Bill of Rights is as follows:

"VOTER'S BILL OF RIGHTS

For all persons residing in this state who meet federal voting eligibility requirements:

(1) You have the right to be absent from work for the purpose of voting in a state deleted text begin ordeleted text end new text begin ,new text end federalnew text begin , or regularly schedulednew text end election without reduction to your pay, personal leave, or vacation time on election day for the time necessary to appear at your polling place, cast a ballot, and return to work.

(2) If you are in line at your polling place any time before 8:00 p.m., you have the right to vote.

(3) If you can provide the required proof of residence, you have the right to register to vote and to vote on election day.

(4) If you are unable to sign your name, you have the right to orally confirm your identity with an election judge and to direct another person to sign your name for you.

(5) You have the right to request special assistance when voting.

(6) If you need assistance, you may be accompanied into the voting booth by a person of your choice, except by an agent of your employer or union or a candidate.

(7) You have the right to bring your minor children into the polling place and into the voting booth with you.

(8) If you have been convicted of a felony but your felony sentence has expired (been completed) or you have been discharged from your sentence, you have the right to vote.

(9) If you are under a guardianship, you have the right to vote, unless the court order revokes your right to vote.

(10) You have the right to vote without anyone in the polling place trying to influence your vote.

(11) If you make a mistake or spoil your ballot before it is submitted, you have the right to receive a replacement ballot and vote.

(12) You have the right to file a written complaint at your polling place if you are dissatisfied with the way an election is being run.

(13) You have the right to take a sample ballot into the voting booth with you.

(14) You have the right to take a copy of this Voter's Bill of Rights into the voting booth with you."

Sec. 35.

Minnesota Statutes 2014, section 204C.13, subdivision 2, is amended to read:

Subd. 2.

Voting booths.

One of the election judges shall explain to the voter the proper method of marking deleted text begin and foldingdeleted text end the ballots and, during a primary election, the effect of attempting to vote in more than one party's primary. Except as otherwise provided in section 204C.15, the voter shall retire alone to an unoccupied voting booth or, at the voter's discretion, the voter may choose to use another writing surface. The voter shall mark the ballots without undue delay. The voter may take sample ballots into the booth to assist in voting. The election judges may adopt and enforce reasonable rules governing the amount of time a voter may spend in the voting booth marking ballots.

Sec. 36.

Minnesota Statutes 2014, section 204C.13, subdivision 3, is amended to read:

Subd. 3.

Marking ballots.

The voter shall mark each ballot in the following manner:

(a) deleted text begin A mark (X) shall be placed in the squaredeleted text end new text begin The voter shall fill in the oval or similar mark if a different target shape is used, new text end opposite the printed name of each candidate for whom the individual desires to vote, and in the deleted text begin squaredeleted text end new text begin oval or other target shape new text end before the deleted text begin "YES"deleted text end new text begin "Yes" new text end or deleted text begin "NO"deleted text end new text begin "No" new text end if the individual desires to vote for or against a question.

(b) The voter may write in other names on the lines provided under the printed names of the candidates, except that no names shall be written in on primary ballots.

(c) At a state primary an individual may vote for candidates of only one major political party on the partisan primary ballot. If a partisan primary ballot contains votes for the candidates of more than one major political party, the ballot is totally defective and no vote on the new text begin partisan section of the new text end ballot shall be counted.

(d) An individual who spoils a ballot may return it to the election judges and receive another.

Sec. 37.

Minnesota Statutes 2014, section 204C.13, subdivision 5, is amended to read:

Subd. 5.

Deposit of ballots in ballot deleted text begin boxesdeleted text end new text begin boxnew text end .

The voter shall then withdraw from the voting booth with the ballots and deleted text begin hand them to the election judge in charge of the ballot boxes. That election judge shalldeleted text end immediately deposit each ballot in the deleted text begin proper deleted text end new text begin ballot new text end box. Ballots that have not been initialed by the election judges as provided in section 204C.09, shall not be deposited in the ballot box.

Sec. 38.

Minnesota Statutes 2014, section 204C.22, subdivision 3, is amended to read:

Subd. 3.

Votes for too many candidates.

If a voter places a mark deleted text begin (X)deleted text end beside the names of more candidates for an office than are to be elected or nominated, the ballot is defective with respect only to that office. No vote shall be counted for any candidate for that office, but the rest of the ballot shall be counted if possible. At a primary, if a voter has not indicated a party preference and places a mark deleted text begin (X)deleted text end beside the names of candidates of more than one party on the partisan ballot, the ballot is totally defective and no votes on it shall be counted. If a voter has indicated a party preference at a primary, only votes cast for candidates of that party shall be counted.

Sec. 39.

Minnesota Statutes 2014, section 204C.22, subdivision 4, is amended to read:

Subd. 4.

Name written in proper place.

If a voter has written the name of an individual in the proper place on a general or special election ballot a vote shall be counted for that individual whether or not the voter makes a mark deleted text begin (X)deleted text end in the deleted text begin squaredeleted text end new text begin oval or other target shape new text end opposite the blank.

Sec. 40.

Minnesota Statutes 2014, section 204C.22, subdivision 7, is amended to read:

Subd. 7.

All written names or marks counted up to limit.

If a number of individuals are to be elected to the same office, the election judges shall count all names written in and all printed names with deleted text begin (X)deleted text end marks in deleted text begin squaresdeleted text end new text begin oval or other target shape new text end opposite them, not exceeding the whole number to be elected. When fewer names than the number to be elected are marked deleted text begin with an (X)deleted text end or written in, only the marked or written in names shall be counted. When more names than the number to be elected are marked or written in, the ballot is defective with respect to that office and no vote shall be counted for that office.

Sec. 41.

Minnesota Statutes 2014, section 204C.22, subdivision 10, is amended to read:

Subd. 10.

Different marks.

If a voter uniformly uses a mark deleted text begin other than (X) which deleted text end new text begin that new text end clearly indicates an intent to mark a name or to mark yes or no on a question, and the voter does not use deleted text begin (X)deleted text end new text begin the more standard mark new text end anywhere else on the ballot, a vote shall be counted for each candidate or response to a question marked. If a voter uses two or more distinct marks, such as (X) and some other mark, a vote shall be counted for each candidate or response to a question marked, unless the ballot is marked by distinguishing characteristics that make the entire ballot defective as provided in subdivision 13.

Sec. 42.

Minnesota Statutes 2014, section 204C.35, subdivision 1, is amended to read:

Subdivision 1.

Publicly funded recounts.

(a) In a state primary when the difference between the votes cast for the candidates for nomination to:

(1) a state legislative office is less than one-half of one percent of the total number of votes counted for that nomination or is ten votes or less and the total number of votes cast for the nomination is 400 votes or less; or

(2) a statewide federal office, state constitutional office, statewide judicial office, congressional office, or district judicial office is less than one-quarter of one percent of the total number of votes counted for that nomination or is ten votes or less and the total number of votes cast for the nomination is 400 votes or less;

and the difference determines the nomination, the canvassing board with responsibility for declaring the results for that office shall manually recount the vote upon receiving a written request from the candidate whose nomination is in question.

Immediately following the meeting of the board that has responsibility for canvassing the results of the nomination, the filing officer must notify the candidate that the candidate has the option to request a recount of the votes at no cost to the candidate. This written request must be received by the filing officer no later than deleted text begin 48 hoursdeleted text end new text begin 5:00 p.m. on the second day new text end after the canvass of the primary for which the recount is being sought.

(b) In a state general election when the difference between the votes of a candidate who would otherwise be declared elected to:

(1) a state legislative office is less than one-half of one percent of the total number of votes counted for that office or is ten votes or less and the total number of votes cast for the office is 400 votes or less; or

(2) a statewide federal office, state constitutional office, statewide judicial office, congressional office, or district judicial office and the votes of any other candidate for that office is less than one-quarter of one percent of the total number of votes counted for that office or is ten votes or less if the total number of votes cast for the office is 400 votes or less,

the canvassing board shall manually recount the votes upon receiving a written request from the candidate whose election is in question.

Immediately following the meeting of the board that has responsibility for canvassing the results of the general election, the filing officer must notify the candidate that the candidate has the option to request a recount of the votes at no cost to the candidate. This written request must be received by the filing officer no later than deleted text begin 48 hoursdeleted text end new text begin 5:00 p.m. on the second day new text end after the canvass of the election for which the recount is being sought.

(c) A recount must not delay any other part of the canvass. The results of the recount must be certified by the canvassing board as soon as possible.

(d) Time for notice of a contest for an office which is recounted pursuant to this section shall begin to run upon certification of the results of the recount by the canvassing board.

Sec. 43.

Minnesota Statutes 2014, section 204C.35, subdivision 2, is amended to read:

Subd. 2.

Discretionary candidate recounts.

(a) A losing candidate whose name was on the ballot for nomination or election to a statewide federal office, state constitutional office, statewide judicial office, congressional office, state legislative office, or district judicial office may request a recount in a manner provided in this section at the candidate's own expense when the vote difference is greater than the difference required by this section. The votes shall be manually recounted as provided in this section if the candidate files a request during the time for filing notice of contest of the primary or election for which a recount is sought.

(b) The requesting candidate shall file with the filing officer a bond, cash, or surety in an amount set by the filing officer for the payment of the recount expenses. The requesting candidate is responsible for the following expenses: the compensation of the secretary of state, or designees, and any election judge, municipal clerk, county auditor, administrator, or other personnel who participate in the recount; necessary supplies and travel related to the recount; the compensation of the appropriate canvassing board and costs of preparing for the canvass of recount results; and any attorney fees incurred in connection with the recount by the governing body responsible for the recount.

(c)new text begin A discretionary recount of a primary must not delay delivery of the notice of nomination to the winning candidate under section 204C.32.new text end

new text begin (d)new text end The requesting candidate may provide the filing officer with a list of up to three precincts that are to be recounted first and may waive the balance of the recount after these precincts have been counted. If the candidate provides a list, the recount official must determine the expenses for those precincts in the manner provided by paragraph (b).

new text begin (e) The results of the recount must be certified by the canvassing board as soon as possible. new text end

deleted text begin (d)deleted text end new text begin (f)new text end If the winner of the race is changed by the optional recount, the cost of the recount must be paid by the jurisdiction conducting the recount.

deleted text begin (e)deleted text end new text begin (g)new text end If a result of the vote counting in the manual recount is different from the result of the vote counting reported on election day by a margin greater than the standard for acceptable performance of voting systems provided in section 206.89, subdivision 4, the cost of the recount must be paid by the jurisdiction conducting the recount.

Sec. 44.

Minnesota Statutes 2014, section 204C.36, subdivision 1, is amended to read:

Subdivision 1.

Publicly funded recounts.

(a) Except as provided in paragraphs (b) and (c), a losing candidate for nomination or election to a county, municipal, or school district office may request a recount of the votes cast for the nomination or election to that office if the difference between the vote cast for that candidate and for a winning candidate for nomination or election is less than one-quarter of one percent of the total votes counted for that office. In case of offices where two or more seats are being filled from among all the candidates for the office, the one-quarter of one percent difference is between the elected candidate with the fewest votes and the candidate with the most votes from among the candidates who were not elected.

(b) A losing candidate for nomination or election to a county, municipal, or school district office may request a recount of the votes cast for nomination or election to that office if the difference between the votes cast for that candidate and for a winning candidate for nomination or election is less than one-half of one percent, and the total number of votes cast for the nomination or election of all candidates is more than 400 but less than 50,000. In cases of offices where two or more seats are being filled from among all the candidates for the office, the one-half of one percent difference is between the elected candidate with the fewest votes and the candidate with the most votes from among the candidates who were not elected.

(c) A losing candidate for nomination or election to a county, municipal, or school district office may request a recount of the votes cast for nomination or election to that office if the difference between the vote cast for that candidate and for a winning candidate for nomination or election is ten votes or less, and the total number of votes cast for the nomination or election of all candidates is no more than 400. In cases of offices where two or more seats are being filled from among all the candidates for the office, the ten vote difference is between the elected candidate with the fewest votes and the candidate with the most votes from among the candidates who were not elected.

(d) Candidates for county offices shall file a written request for the recount with the county auditor. Candidates for municipal or school district offices shall file a written request with the municipal or school district clerk as appropriate. All requests shall be filed deleted text begin during the time for notice of contest of the primary ordeleted text end new text begin by 5:00 p.m. on the fifth day after the canvass of a primary or special primary or by 5:00 p.m. on the seventh day of the canvass of a special or general new text end election for which a recount is sought.

(e) Upon receipt of a request made pursuant to this section, the county auditor shall recount the votes for a county office at the expense of the county, the governing body of the municipality shall recount the votes for a municipal office at the expense of the municipality, and the school board of the school district shall recount the votes for a school district office at the expense of the school district.

Sec. 45.

Minnesota Statutes 2014, section 204C.36, subdivision 2, is amended to read:

Subd. 2.

Discretionary candidate recounts.

(a) A losing candidate for nomination or election to a county, municipal, or school district office may request a recount in the manner provided in this section at the candidate's own expense when the vote difference is greater than the difference required by subdivision 1, paragraphs (a) to (e). The votes shall be manually recounted as provided in this section if the requesting candidate files with the county auditor, municipal clerk, or school district clerk a bond, cash, or surety in an amount set by the governing body of the jurisdiction or the school board of the school district for the payment of the recount expenses.

(b) The requesting candidate may provide the filing officer with a list of up to three precincts that are to be recounted first and may waive the balance of the recount after these precincts have been counted. If the candidate provides a list, the recount official must determine the expenses for those precincts in the manner provided by paragraph (b).

(c)new text begin A discretionary recount of a primary must not delay delivery of the notice of nomination to the winning candidate under section 204C.32.new text end

new text begin (d) The results of the recount must be certified by the canvassing board as soon as possible. new text end

new text begin (e)new text end If the winner of the race is changed by the optional recount, the cost of the recount must be paid by the jurisdiction conducting the recount.

deleted text begin (d)deleted text end new text begin (f)new text end If a result of the vote counting in the manual recount is different from the result of the vote counting reported on election day by a margin greater than the standard for acceptable performance of voting systems provided in section 206.89, subdivision 4, the cost of the recount must be paid by the jurisdiction conducting the recount.

Sec. 46.

Minnesota Statutes 2014, section 204C.40, subdivision 2, is amended to read:

Subd. 2.

Time of issuance; certain offices.

No certificate of election shall be issued until seven days after the canvassing board has declared the result of the election. deleted text begin In case of a contest, an election certificate shall not be issued until a court of proper jurisdiction has finally determined the contest. This subdivision shall not apply to candidates elected to the office of state senator or representative.deleted text end

Sec. 47.

Minnesota Statutes 2014, section 204D.11, subdivision 4, is amended to read:

Subd. 4.

Special federal ballot.

(a) The names of all candidates for the offices of president and vice-president of the United States and senator and representative in Congress shall be placed on a ballot that shall be known as the "special federal ballot."

(b) This ballot shall be prepared by the county auditor in the same manner as the state general election ballot and shall be subject to the rules adopted by the secretary of state pursuant to subdivision 1. This ballot must be prepared and furnished in accordance with the federal Uniformed and Overseas Citizens Absentee Voting Act, United States Code, title deleted text begin 42, section 1973ffdeleted text end new text begin 52, sections 20301 to 20310new text end .

(c) The special federal ballot shall be the only ballot sent to citizens of the United States who are eligible to vote by absentee ballot for federal candidates in Minnesota.

Sec. 48.

Minnesota Statutes 2014, section 204D.27, subdivision 11, is amended to read:

Subd. 11.

Certificate of legislative election.

A certificate of election in a special election for state senator or state representative shall be issued by the secretary of state to the deleted text begin individual declared elected by the county or state canvassing boarddeleted text end new text begin chief clerk of the house or the secretary of the senatenew text end two days, excluding Sundays and legal holidays, after the appropriate canvassing board finishes canvassing the returns for the election.

In case of a contest the certificate shall not be issued until the district court determines the contest.

Sec. 49.

Minnesota Statutes 2014, section 205.13, subdivision 3, is amended to read:

Subd. 3.

Filing fees.

deleted text begin Unless the charter of a city provides the amount of the fee for filing an application or affidavit of candidacy for city officedeleted text end new text begin (a) Except as otherwise provided in this sectionnew text end , the filing fee for a municipal office is as follows:

deleted text begin (a)deleted text end new text begin (1)new text end in first class cities, $20;

deleted text begin (b)deleted text end new text begin (2) new text end in second and third class cities, $5; and

deleted text begin (c)deleted text end new text begin (3) new text end in fourth class cities and towns, $2.

new text begin (b) A home rule charter or statutory city may adopt, by ordinance, a filing fee of a different amount not to exceed the following: new text end

new text begin (1) in first class cities, $80; new text end

new text begin (2) in second and third class cities, $40; and new text end

new text begin (3) in fourth class cities, $15. new text end

new text begin (c) A home rule charter city that sets filing fees by authority provided in city charter is not subject to the fee limits in this section. new text end

Sec. 50.

Minnesota Statutes 2014, section 205A.05, subdivision 1, is amended to read:

Subdivision 1.

Questions.

(a) 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.

(b) A special election may not be held:

(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;

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

(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.

(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.

Sec. 51.

Minnesota Statutes 2014, section 206.90, subdivision 6, is amended to read:

Subd. 6.

Ballots.

In precincts using optical scan voting systems, a single ballot card on which all ballot information is included must be printed in black ink on white colored material except that marks not to be read by the automatic tabulating equipment may be printed in another color ink. In state elections, a single ballot title must be used, as provided in sections 204D.08, subdivision 6, and 204D.11, subdivision 1. In odd-numbered years when both municipal and school district offices or questions appear on the ballot, the single ballot title "City (or Town) and School District Ballot" must be used.

On the front of the ballot must be printed the words "Official Ballot" and the date of the election and lines for the initials of at least two election judges.

When optical scan ballots are used, the offices to be elected must appear in the following order: federal offices; state legislative offices; constitutional offices; proposed constitutional amendments; county offices and questions; municipal offices and questions; school district offices and questions; special district offices and questions; and judicial offices.

On optical scan ballots, the names of candidates and the words "yes" and "no" for ballot questions must be printed as close to their corresponding vote targets as possible.

The line on an optical scan ballot for write-in votes must contain the words "write-in, if any."

If a primary ballot contains both a partisan ballot and a nonpartisan ballot, the instructions to voters must include a statement that reads substantially as follows: deleted text begin "THIS BALLOT CARD CONTAINS A PARTISAN BALLOT AND A NONPARTISAN BALLOT. ON THE PARTISAN BALLOT YOU ARE PERMITTED TO VOTE FOR CANDIDATES OF ONE POLITICAL PARTY ONLY."deleted text end new text begin "This ballot card contains a partisan ballot and a nonpartisan ballot. On the partisan ballot you are permitted to vote for candidates of one political party only." new text end If a primary ballot contains political party columns on both sides of the ballot, the instructions to voters must include a statement that reads substantially as follows: deleted text begin "ADDITIONAL POLITICAL PARTIES ARE PRINTED ON THE OTHER SIDE OF THIS BALLOT. VOTE FOR ONE POLITICAL PARTY ONLY." deleted text end new text begin "Additional political parties are printed on the other side of this ballot. Vote for one political party only." new text end At the bottom of each political party column on the primary ballot, the ballot must contain a statement that reads substantially as follows: deleted text begin "CONTINUE VOTING ON THE NONPARTISAN BALLOT."deleted text end new text begin "Continue voting on the nonpartisan ballot." new text end The instructions in section 204D.08, subdivision 4, do not apply to optical scan partisan primary ballots. Electronic ballot displays and audio ballot readers must follow the order of offices and questions on the optical scan or paper ballot used in the same precinct, or the sample ballot posted for that precinct.

Sec. 52.

Minnesota Statutes 2014, section 209.021, subdivision 2, is amended to read:

Subd. 2.

Notice filed with court.

If the contest relates to a nomination or election for statewide office, the contestant shall file the notice of contest with the court administrator of District Court in Ramsey County. For contests relating to any other office, the contestant shall file the notice of contest with the court administrator of district court in the county where the contestee resides.

If the contest relates to a constitutional amendment deleted text begin or other question voted on statewidedeleted text end , the contestant shall file the notice of contest with the court administrator of District Court in Ramsey County. If the contest relates to any other question, the contestant shall file the notice of contest with the court administrator of district court for the county or any one of the counties where the question appeared on the ballot.

Sec. 53.

Minnesota Statutes 2014, section 209.021, subdivision 3, is amended to read:

Subd. 3.

Notice served on parties.

In all contests relating to the nomination or election of a candidate, the notice of contest must be served on the candidate who is the contestee, a copy of the notice must be sent to the contestee's last known address by certified mail, and a copy must be furnished to the official authorized to issue the certificate of election. If personal or substituted service on the contestee cannot be made, an affidavit of the attempt by the person attempting to make service and the affidavit of the person who sent a copy of the notice to the contestee by certified mail is sufficient to confer jurisdiction upon the court to decide the contest.

If the contest relates to a constitutional amendment deleted text begin or other question voted on statewide or voted on in more than one countydeleted text end , notice of contest must be served on the secretary of state, who is the contestee. If a contest relates to a question voted on within only one county, school district, or municipality, a copy of the notice of contest must be served on the county auditor, clerk of the school district, or municipal clerk, respectively, who is the contestee. If the contest is upon the question of consolidation or reorganization of a school district, a copy of the notice of contest must be served on the county auditor authorized by law to issue the order.

Sec. 54.

Minnesota Statutes 2014, section 209.09, subdivision 2, is amended to read:

Subd. 2.

Statewide offices and questions.

Section 209.10, subdivision 4, applies to a contest regarding a statewide officedeleted text begin ,deleted text end new text begin ornew text end a constitutional amendmentdeleted text begin , or other question voted on statewidedeleted text end . A copy of the Supreme Court's decision must be forwarded to the contestant and the contestee.

Sec. 55.

Minnesota Statutes 2014, section 365.22, subdivision 2, is amended to read:

Subd. 2.

Questions, ballot details.

The questions to be voted on must be separately stated on the ballots, as worded in section 365.21. Two deleted text begin squaresdeleted text end new text begin ovals or similar target shapesnew text end , one above the other, must be put just below each question with the word "yes" beside the upper deleted text begin squaredeleted text end new text begin target shapenew text end and the word "no" beside the lower deleted text begin squaredeleted text end new text begin target shapenew text end .

Sec. 56.

Minnesota Statutes 2014, section 365.22, subdivision 3, is amended to read:

Subd. 3.

Voting.

An elector must vote separately on each question for the elector's vote to be counted on that question. To vote "yes" on a question, the elector shall deleted text begin mark an "X" in the squaredeleted text end new text begin fill in the oval or similar target shapenew text end beside the word "yes" just below the question. To vote "no" on a question, the elector shall deleted text begin mark an "X" in the squaredeleted text end new text begin fill in the oval or similar target shapenew text end beside the word "no" just below the question.

Sec. 57.

Minnesota Statutes 2014, section 367.31, subdivision 4, is amended to read:

Subd. 4.

Election; form of ballot.

The proposals for adoption of the options shall be stated on the ballot substantially as follows:

"Shall option A, providing for a five-member town board of supervisors, be adopted for the government of the town?"

"Shall option B, providing for the appointment of the clerk and treasurer by the town board, be adopted for the government of the town?"

"Shall option C, providing for the appointment of a town administrator by the town board, be adopted for the government of the town?"

"Shall option D, providing for combining the offices of clerk and treasurer, be adopted for the government of the town?"

If a proposal under option B is to appoint only the clerk or only the treasurer, or if it is to appoint the combined clerk-treasurer following the adoption of option D or when submitted simultaneously with the ballot question for option D, the ballot question shall be varied to read appropriately. If an option B ballot question is submitted for the combined clerk-treasurer office at the same election in which option D is also on the ballot, the ballot must note that the approval of option B is contingent on the simultaneous approval of option D. In any of these cases, the question shall be followed by the words "Yes" and "No" with an appropriate deleted text begin squaredeleted text end new text begin oval or similar target shapenew text end before each in which an elector may record a choice.

Sec. 58.

Minnesota Statutes 2014, section 368.85, subdivision 4, is amended to read:

Subd. 4.

Ballot.

The town board shall provide ballots which shall read "Shall the territory described in the resolution adopted by the town board on the ......... day of ............., ......., constitute a special fire protection district?" The question shall be followed with a line with the word "Yes" and deleted text begin a squaredeleted text end new text begin an oval or similar target shapenew text end after it and another line with the word "No" and deleted text begin a squaredeleted text end new text begin an oval or similar target shapenew text end after it. The voters shall indicate their choice by placing a deleted text begin crossdeleted text end mark in one of the deleted text begin squaresdeleted text end new text begin target shapesnew text end , and a direction to so indicate their choice shall be printed on the ballot.

Sec. 59.

Minnesota Statutes 2014, section 376.04, is amended to read:

376.04 ELECTION, SEPARATE BALLOT.

The question of purchasing and constructing hospital buildings shall be submitted to the voters of any county at a general election deleted text begin and placed upon a separate ballotdeleted text end . This election must be called by a resolution of the county board. The resolution must state the time of the election, that a county hospital is proposed to be established, the proposed location, and the cost, including equipment, for not more than the amount stated in the resolution. When the resolutions are passed, the county auditor shall immediately notify each town or city clerk in the county that the question of constructing hospital buildings will be voted upon at the time stated in the resolution, in the manner provided under the state election laws.

The ballot must be in the following form:

"For the purchase and construction of hospital buildings, including equipment, to be located at ............... (state location), at a cost not more than .............. (state amount), pursuant to the resolution of the board of county commissioners passed .................. (state date).

Yes .
No . "

new text begin To the left of new text end each of the last two words, "yes" and "no," shall be deleted text begin followed by a square in which the voter may indicate by a mark (X) either a negative or affirmative vote deleted text end new text begin printed an oval or similar target shape so that the voter may indicate by a mark either a negative or affirmative votenew text end . These votes shall be cast in the same manner as votes cast at the general election and counted by the same officers. Returns must be made to the county auditor, and canvassed in the same manner as the returns on county officers.

Sec. 60.

Minnesota Statutes 2014, section 412.551, subdivision 2, is amended to read:

Subd. 2.

Form of ballot.

The proposals for the adoption of optional plans shall be stated on the ballot substantially as follows:

"Shall Optional Plan A, modifying the standard plan of city government by providing for the appointment by the council of the clerk and treasurer be adopted for the government of the city?"

"Shall Optional Plan B, providing for the council-manager form of city government, be adopted for the government of the city?"

If the city has combined the offices of clerk and treasurer, the word "clerk-treasurer" shall be substituted for the words "clerk and treasurer" in the question on the ballot on adoption of Optional Plan A. In any of these cases, the question shall be followed by the words, "Yes" and "No" with an deleted text begin appropriate square before each in which a voter may record a choicedeleted text end new text begin oval or similar target shape to the left of each word so that the voter may indicate by a mark either a negative or affirmative votenew text end .

Sec. 61.

new text begin ELECTIONS EMERGENCY PLANNING TASK FORCE. new text end

new text begin Subdivision 1. new text end

new text begin Membership. new text end

new text begin (a) The Elections Emergency Planning Task Force consists of the following members: new text end

new text begin (1) the director of the Department of Public Safety, Division of Homeland Security and Emergency Management, or designee; new text end

new text begin (2) the secretary of state, or designee; new text end

new text begin (3) one individual designated by the secretary of state, from the elections division in the Office of the Secretary of State; new text end

new text begin (4) one individual appointed by the Minnesota State Council on Disability; new text end

new text begin (5) the Minnesota Adjutant General, or designee; new text end

new text begin (6) one county auditor, appointed by the Minnesota Association of County Officers; new text end

new text begin (7) one local professional emergency manager, appointed by the Association of Minnesota Emergency Managers; new text end

new text begin (8) one town election official, appointed by the Minnesota Association of Townships; new text end

new text begin (9) one city election official, appointed by the League of Minnesota Cities; new text end

new text begin (10) one school district election official, appointed by the Minnesota School Boards Association; new text end

new text begin (11) one representative appointed by the speaker of the house of representatives; new text end

new text begin (12) one representative appointed by the minority leader of the house of representatives; new text end

new text begin (13) one senator appointed by the senate majority leader; and new text end

new text begin (14) one senator appointed by the senate minority leader. new text end

new text begin (b) Any vacancy shall be filled by appointment of the appointing authority for the vacating member. new text end

new text begin (c) Members shall be appointed by July 1, 2015. new text end

new text begin Subd. 2. new text end

new text begin Duties. new text end

new text begin The task force must research the following issues: new text end

new text begin (1) potential emergency scenarios that could impact elections; new text end

new text begin (2) current capacity and authority to address emergency situations; new text end

new text begin (3) potential direct and indirect costs of an emergency that disrupts elections; new text end

new text begin (4) maintaining ballot security in event of an emergency; new text end

new text begin (5) continuity of operations procedures; and new text end

new text begin (6) communications plans and key emergency contacts. new text end

new text begin Subd. 3. new text end

new text begin First meeting; chair. new text end

new text begin The secretary of state, or the secretary's designee, must convene the initial meeting of the task force by August 1, 2015. The members of the task force must elect a chair and vice-chair from the members of the task force at the first meeting. new text end

new text begin Subd. 4. new text end

new text begin Compensation. new text end

new text begin Public members of the task force shall be compensated pursuant to Minnesota Statutes, section 15.059, subdivision 3. new text end

new text begin Subd. 5. new text end

new text begin Staff. new text end

new text begin The Legislative Coordinating Commission shall provide staff support, as needed, to facilitate the task force's work. new text end

new text begin Subd. 6. new text end

new text begin Report. new text end

new text begin The task force must submit a report by January 1, 2016, to the chairs and ranking minority members of the committees in the senate and house of representatives with primary jurisdiction over elections, summarizing its findings and listing recommendations for the development of elections emergency plans statewide. The report shall include draft legislation to implement the recommendations of the task force. new text end

new text begin Subd. 7. new text end

new text begin Sunset. new text end

new text begin The task force shall sunset the day following the submission of the report under subdivision 6, or January 1, 2016, whichever is earlier. new text end

new text begin EFFECTIVE DATE. new text end

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

Sec. 62.

new text begin APPROPRIATION. new text end

new text begin $22,000 is appropriated from the general fund to the Legislative Coordinating Commission in fiscal year 2016 for the purposes of the Elections Emergency Planning Task Force established in section 61. new text end

Sec. 63.

new text begin REPEALER. new text end

new text begin Minnesota Statutes 2014, sections 123B.09, subdivision 5; 204B.14, subdivision 6; 204C.13, subdivision 4; 204C.30, subdivision 1; and 383A.555, new text end new text begin are repealed. new text end

ARTICLE 2

UNIFORM FAITHFUL PRESIDENTIAL ELECTORS ACT

Section 1.

Minnesota Statutes 2014, section 204B.07, subdivision 2, is amended to read:

Subd. 2.

Petitions for presidential electorsnew text begin and alternatesnew text end .

This subdivision does not apply to candidates for presidential electornew text begin or alternatenew text end nominated by major political parties. Major party candidates for presidential electornew text begin or alternatenew text end are certified under section 208.03. Other presidential electorsnew text begin or alternatesnew text end are nominated by petition pursuant to this section. On petitions nominating presidential electorsnew text begin or alternatesnew text end , the names of the candidates for president and vice-president shall be added to the political party or political principle stated on the petition. One petition may be filed to nominate a slate of presidential electors equal in number to the number of electors to which the state is entitlednew text begin and an alternate for each elector nomineenew text end .

Sec. 2.

Minnesota Statutes 2014, section 208.02, is amended to read:

208.02 ELECTION OF PRESIDENTIAL ELECTORSnew text begin AND ALTERNATESnew text end .

Presidential electorsnew text begin and alternatesnew text end shall be chosen at the state general election held in the year preceding the expiration of the term of the president of the United States.

Sec. 3.

Minnesota Statutes 2014, section 208.03, is amended to read:

208.03 NOMINATION OF PRESIDENTIAL ELECTORSnew text begin AND ALTERNATESnew text end .

Presidential electorsnew text begin and alternatesnew text end for the major political parties of this state shall be nominated by delegate conventions called and held under the supervision of the respective state central committees of the parties of this state. At least 71 days before the general election day the chair of the major political party shall certify to the secretary of state the names of the persons nominated as presidential electors, the names of deleted text begin eightdeleted text end new text begin persons nominated asnew text end alternate presidential electors, and the names of the party candidates for president and vice president. The chair shall also certify that the party candidates for president and vice president have no affidavit on file as a candidate for any office in this state at the ensuing general election.

Sec. 4.

Minnesota Statutes 2014, section 208.06, is amended to read:

208.06 ELECTORSnew text begin AND ALTERNATESnew text end TO MEET AT STATE CAPITOLdeleted text begin ; FILLING OF VACANCIESdeleted text end .

The presidential electors and alternate presidential electors, before 12:00 M. on the day before that fixed by Congress for the electors to vote for president and vice president of the United States, shall notify the governor that they are at the State Capitol and ready at the proper time to fulfill their duties as electors. The governor shall deliver to the electors present a certificate of the names of all the electors. deleted text begin If any elector named therein fails to appear before 9:00 a.m. on the day, and at the place, fixed for voting for president and vice president of the United States, an alternate, chosen from among the alternates by lot, shall be appointed to act for that elector. If more than eight alternates are necessary, the electors present shall, in the presence of the governor, immediately elect by ballot a person to fill the vacancy. If more than the number of persons required have the highest and an equal number of votes, the governor, in the presence of the electors attending, shall decide by lot which of those persons shall be electeddeleted text end new text begin The electors shall meet at 12:00 p.m. in the executive chamber of the State Capitol and shall perform all the duties imposed upon them as electors by the Constitution and laws of the United States and this state in the manner provided in section 208.46new text end .

Sec. 5.

new text begin [208.40] SHORT TITLE. new text end

new text begin Sections 208.40 to 208.48 may be cited as the "Uniform Faithful Presidential Electors Act." new text end

Sec. 6.

new text begin [208.41] DEFINITIONS. new text end

new text begin (a) The definitions in this section apply to sections 208.40 to 208.48. new text end

new text begin (b) "Cast" means accepted by the secretary of state in accordance with section 208.46, paragraph (b). new text end

new text begin (c) "Elector" means an individual selected as a presidential elector under this chapter. new text end

new text begin (d) "President" means the president of the United States. new text end

new text begin (e) "Unaffiliated presidential candidate" means a candidate for president who qualifies for the general election ballot in this state by means other than nomination by a political party. new text end

new text begin (f) "Vice president" means the vice president of the United States. new text end

Sec. 7.

new text begin [208.42] DESIGNATION OF STATE'S ELECTORS. new text end

new text begin For each elector position in this state, a political party contesting the position, or an unaffiliated presidential candidate, shall submit to the secretary of state the names of two qualified individuals. One of the individuals must be designated "elector nominee" and the other "alternate elector nominee." new text end

new text begin Except as otherwise provided in sections 208.44 to 208.47, this state's electors are the winning elector nominees under the laws of this state. new text end

Sec. 8.

new text begin [208.43] PLEDGE. new text end

new text begin Each elector nominee and alternate elector nominee of a political party shall execute the following pledge: "If selected for the position of elector, I agree to serve and to mark my ballots for president and vice president for the nominees for those offices of the party that nominated me." Each elector nominee and alternate elector nominee of an unaffiliated presidential candidate shall execute the following pledge: "If selected for the position of elector as a nominee of an unaffiliated presidential candidate, I agree to serve and to mark my ballots for that candidate and for that candidate's vice-presidential running mate." The executed pledges must accompany the submission of the corresponding names to the secretary of state. new text end

Sec. 9.

new text begin [208.44] CERTIFICATION OF ELECTORS. new text end

new text begin In submitting this state's certificate of ascertainment as required by United States Code, title 3, section 6, the governor shall certify this state's electors and state in the certificate that: new text end

new text begin (1) the electors will serve as electors unless a vacancy occurs in the office of elector before the end of the meeting at which elector votes are cast, in which case a substitute elector will fill the vacancy; and new text end

new text begin (2) if a substitute elector is appointed to fill a vacancy, the governor will submit an amended certificate of ascertainment stating the names on the final list of this state's electors. new text end

Sec. 10.

new text begin [208.45] PRESIDING OFFICER; ELECTOR VACANCY. new text end

new text begin (a) The secretary of state shall preside at the meeting of electors described in section 208.06. new text end

new text begin (b) The position of an elector not present to vote is vacant. The secretary of state shall appoint an individual as a substitute elector to fill a vacancy as follows: new text end

new text begin (1) if the alternate elector is present to vote, by appointing the alternate elector for the vacant position; new text end

new text begin (2) if the alternate elector for the vacant position is not present to vote, by appointing an elector chosen by lot from among the alternate electors present to vote who were nominated by the same political party or unaffiliated presidential candidate; new text end

new text begin (3) if the number of alternate electors present to vote is insufficient to fill any vacant position pursuant to clauses (1) and (2), by appointing any immediately available individual who is qualified to serve as an elector and chosen through nomination by a plurality vote of the remaining electors, including nomination and vote by a single elector if only one remains; new text end

new text begin (4) if there is a tie between at least two nominees for substitute elector in a vote conducted under clause (3), by appointing an elector chosen by lot from among those nominees; or new text end

new text begin (5) if all elector positions are vacant and cannot be filled pursuant to clauses (1) to (4), by appointing a single presidential elector, with remaining vacant positions to be filled under clause (3) and, if necessary, clause (4). new text end

new text begin (c) To qualify as a substitute elector under paragraph (b), an individual who has not executed the pledge required under section 208.43 shall execute the following pledge: "I agree to serve and to mark my ballots for president and vice president consistent with the pledge of the individual to whose elector position I have succeeded." new text end

Sec. 11.

new text begin [208.46] ELECTOR VOTING. new text end

new text begin (a) At the time designated for elector voting in section 208.06, and after all vacant positions have been filled under section 208.45, the secretary of state shall provide each elector with a presidential and a vice-presidential ballot. The elector shall mark the elector's presidential and vice-presidential ballots with the elector's votes for the offices of president and vice president, respectively, along with the elector's signature and the elector's legibly printed name. new text end

new text begin (b) Except as otherwise provided by law of this state other than this chapter, each elector shall present both completed ballots to the secretary of state, who shall examine the ballots and accept as cast all ballots of electors whose votes are consistent with their pledges executed under section 208.43 or 208.45, paragraph (c). Except as otherwise provided by law of this state other than this chapter, the secretary of state may not accept and may not count either an elector's presidential or vice-presidential ballot if the elector has not marked both ballots or has marked a ballot in violation of the elector's pledge. new text end

new text begin (c) An elector who refuses to present a ballot, presents an unmarked ballot, or presents a ballot marked in violation of the elector's pledge executed under section 208.43 or 208.45, paragraph (c), vacates the office of elector, creating a vacant position to be filled under section 208.45. new text end

new text begin (d) The secretary of state shall distribute ballots to and collect ballots from a substitute elector and repeat the process under this section of examining ballots, declaring and filling vacant positions as required, and recording appropriately completed ballots from the substituted electors, until all of this state's electoral votes have been cast and recorded. new text end

Sec. 12.

new text begin [208.47] ELECTOR REPLACEMENT; ASSOCIATED CERTIFICATES. new text end

new text begin (a) After the vote of this state's electors is completed, if the final list of electors differs from any list that the governor previously included on a certificate of ascertainment prepared and transmitted under United States Code, title 3, section 6, the secretary of state immediately shall prepare an amended certificate of ascertainment and transmit it to the governor for the governor's signature. new text end

new text begin (b) The governor immediately shall deliver the signed amended certificate of ascertainment to the secretary of state and a signed duplicate original of the amended certificate of ascertainment to all individuals entitled to receive this state's certificate of ascertainment, indicating that the amended certificate of ascertainment is to be substituted for the certificate of ascertainment previously submitted. new text end

new text begin (c) The secretary of state shall prepare a certificate of vote. The electors on the final list shall sign the certificate. The secretary of state shall process and transmit the signed certificate with the amended certificate of ascertainment under United States Code, title 3, sections 9, 10, and 11. new text end

Sec. 13.

new text begin [208.48] UNIFORMITY OF APPLICATION AND CONSTRUCTION. new text end

new text begin In applying and construing sections 208.40 to 208.48, consideration must be given to the need to promote uniformity of the law with respect to their subject matter among states that enact the Uniform Faithful Presidential Electors Act or similar law. new text end

Sec. 14.

Minnesota Statutes 2014, section 209.01, subdivision 2, is amended to read:

Subd. 2.

Statewide office.

For purposes of this chapternew text begin ,new text end "statewide office" means the office of governor, lieutenant governor, attorney general, state auditor, secretary of state, chief justice or associate justice of the Supreme Court, judge of the Court of Appeals, United States senator, or presidential electornew text begin or alternatenew text end .

Sec. 15.

new text begin REPEALER. new text end

new text begin Minnesota Statutes 2014, sections 208.07; and 208.08, new text end new text begin are repealed. new text end

Presented to the governor May 20, 2015

Signed by the governor May 22, 2015, 3:56 p.m.

Official Publication of the State of Minnesota
Revisor of Statutes