This bill proposes amendments to Minnesota Statutes 2024, section 206.83, which governs the testing of voting systems before elections. The key changes in the bill include:

1. Extended Testing Timeline:

   • Currently, voting system testing must take place at least three days before the election.
   • The bill extends this period to ten days before voting equipment (including for absentee ballots) is used.

2. Increased Public Notice Requirement:

   • Presently, notice of the testing must be published at least two days in advance.
   • The bill increases the required notice period to at least five days before the test.

3. More Comprehensive Testing Procedures:

   • Testing must ensure that the voting system correctly marks and counts ballots, including through assistive technology.
   • The test must be observed by at least two election judges from different political parties and be open to the public, political parties, candidates, and the press.
   • The test must include:
     • A preaudited group of ballots marked with predetermined votes to check accuracy.
     • Ballots with excessive votes to verify that the system correctly rejects invalid ballots.
     • An additional test deck of ballots marked using electronic ballot markers, including assistive voting technology.

4. Error Correction & Record Keeping:

   • If errors are found, they must be corrected before the voting system can be used.
   • A detailed precinct report must be made available for public review within 24 hours of testing.
   • Programs and ballot cards used for testing must be sealed, retained, and disposed of under the same procedures as paper ballots.

Summary

This bill enhances the transparency and reliability of voting system testing by extending the testing period, increasing public notification, requiring more rigorous testing procedures (especially for assistive technology), and expanding public access to testing records.