1.1 	A bill for an act
1.2 	relating to elections; modifying and clarifying the absentee ballot voting period 
1.3 	and ballot delivery schedule in certain circumstances;amending Minnesota Statutes 
1.4 	2018, sections 203B.081, subdivision 1; 204B.35, subdivision 4; 204D.22, 
1.5 	subdivision 1.
1.6 	BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF MINNESOTA:

1.7 	Section 1. Minnesota Statutes 2018, section 203B.081, subdivision 1, is amended to read:
1.8 		Subdivision 1.Location; timing. An eligible voter may vote by absentee ballot in the 
1.9 	office of the county auditor and at any other polling place designated by the county auditor 
1.10 	during the 46 days before the election, except as provided in this section, section 204B.35, 
1.11 	subdivision 4, or as provided by writ calling for a special election under section 204D.22, 
1.12 	subdivision 1.

1.13 	Sec. 2. Minnesota Statutes 2018, section 204B.35, subdivision 4, is amended to read:
1.14 		Subd. 4.Absentee ballots; preparation; delivery. (a) At least 46 days before an election, 
1.15 	ballots necessary to fill applications of absentee voters shall be prepared and delivered to 
1.16 	the officials who administer the provisions of chapter 203B, except as provided in this 
1.17 	subdivision. Ballots necessary to fill applications of absentee voters for a town general 
1.18 	election held in March shall be prepared and delivered to the town clerk at least 30 days 
1.19 	before the election.
1.20 	(b) This section applies to school district elections held on the same day as a statewide 
1.21 	election or an election for a county or municipality located partially or wholly within the 
1.22 	school district.
2.1 	(c) For a special election for a local office or question conducted on a date provided 
2.2 	under section 205A.05, subdivision 1a, a county auditor may waive the 46-day requirement 
2.3 	under paragraph (a) and under section 203B.081, subdivision 1, if the county auditor (1) 
2.4 	employs adequate measures to notify voters of information related to the special election, 
2.5 	including the notices required under section 204B.34, and (2) provides voters with a 
2.6 	reasonable time period to vote by absentee ballot. Notices required under this subdivision 
2.7 	must be made available or posted at least 14 days before a special primary and at least 21 
2.8 	days before a special election and must include the time period available for voting by 
2.9 	absentee ballot.

2.10 	Sec. 3. Minnesota Statutes 2018, section 204D.22, subdivision 1, is amended to read:
2.11 		Subdivision 1.Filing with secretary of state. A writ calling for a special election shall 
2.12 	state the office to be filled, the opening and closing dates of filing for candidacy, the 
2.13 	beginning date for voting by absentee ballot, and the dates of the special primary and special 
2.14 	election. The writ shall be filed with the secretary of state immediately upon issuance.