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HF2474 (Legislative Session 94 (2025-2026))

Absentee voting provisions modified.

Related bill: SF3069

AI Generated Summary

Purpose of the Bill

The purpose of this bill is to update and clarify the rules surrounding absentee voting in Minnesota. It aims to define the roles and responsibilities of city and town clerks in administering absentee voting processes.

Main Provisions

  • Designation of Clerks: The bill requires a city or town clerk to either be designated by the county auditor or notify the county auditor of their intent to administer the absentee voting process. This applies to clerks in cities spanning multiple counties, which need approval or notice submission to all respective county auditors.

  • Technical and Security Requirements: Clerks must demonstrate technical capability to securely access the statewide voter registration system before they can administer absentee voting. This includes following security measures outlined by the secretary of state.

  • Training Requirements: Clerks must complete approved training on using the statewide voter registration system before they begin overseeing absentee voting.

  • Notification to Secretary of State: County auditors are required to inform the secretary of state about any municipal clerk responsible for administering absentee voting, along with the specific duties assigned to them.

Significant Changes

The bill specifies the requirement for clerks to have both the technical infrastructure and formal training before managing absentee voting. This is a shift toward ensuring higher security and competence in handling voter registration data.

Relevant Terms

  • Absentee voting
  • City and town clerk
  • County auditor
  • Statewide voter registration system
  • Secretary of state
  • Technical capability
  • Election security
  • Training requirements

Bill text versions

Actions

DateChamberWhereTypeNameCommittee Name
March 16, 2025HouseFloorActionIntroduction and first reading, referred toElections Finance and Government Operations
March 25, 2025HouseFloorActionCommittee report, to adopt as amended
March 25, 2025HouseFloorActionSecond reading

Citations

 
[
  {
    "analysis": {
      "added": [
        "Provisions for a clerk's notification to administer absentee voting."
      ],
      "removed": [
        ""
      ],
      "summary": "This bill modifies provisions related to absentee voting under section 203B.05.",
      "modified": [
        "Clarifies conditions under which a clerk can administer voting provisions."
      ]
    },
    "citation": "203B.05",
    "subdivision": "subdivision 1"
  },
  {
    "analysis": {
      "added": [
        ""
      ],
      "removed": [
        ""
      ],
      "summary": "The bill modifies provisions related to absentee ballot board administration in sections 203B.121.",
      "modified": [
        "Details the responsibilities and specifics for the absentee ballot board."
      ]
    },
    "citation": "203B.121",
    "subdivision": "subdivisions 4, 5"
  },
  {
    "analysis": {
      "added": [
        ""
      ],
      "removed": [
        ""
      ],
      "summary": "This bill amends provisions under section 203B.30 related to absentee voting.",
      "modified": [
        "Adjusts limitations on clerks administering absentee voting provisions."
      ]
    },
    "citation": "203B.30",
    "subdivision": "subdivision 3"
  }
]

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