AI Generated Summary
Purpose of the Bill
The purpose of this bill is to modify existing rules related to the procedures election judges must follow regarding the handling of ballots before voting begins in Minnesota.
Main Provisions
- The bill changes how election judges are to count and verify the ballots delivered to a voting precinct.
- It allows election judges to assume that the count of prepackaged ballots is correct but still requires them to verify the count by opening each package and counting the ballots within.
- If there is any discrepancy between the provided count and the actual count, it must be recorded in an incident log.
- Election judges are also required to initial the backs of all ballots either before voting starts or as soon as possible after it begins, ensuring the ballots are not otherwise marked.
Significant Changes to Existing Law
- Previously, election judges had to certify the number of ballots without necessarily presuming the prepackaged count was correct. This bill introduces the ability to trust the prepackaged count as a starting point before conducting the actual count.
- Recording any discrepancies in an incident log is now explicitly required, ensuring greater transparency and documentation of any irregularities.
Relevant Terms
election judge, ballots, precinct, prepackaged ballots, discrepancy, incident log, initialing ballots
Bill text versions
- Introduction PDF file
Actions
| Date | Chamber | Where | Type | Name | Committee Name |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| March 19, 2025 | House | Floor | Action | Introduction and first reading, referred to | Elections Finance and Government Operations |
| March 31, 2025 | House | Floor | Action | Committee report, to adopt | |
| March 31, 2025 | House | Floor | Action | Second reading |
Citations
[
{
"analysis": {
"added": [
"Allows election judges to presume the total count provided for prepackaged ballots is correct."
],
"removed": [
""
],
"summary": "The bill modifies certain election judge provisions under section 204C.09, subdivision 1.",
"modified": [
"Clarifies the roles of election judges in the initial counting and initialing of ballots."
]
},
"citation": "204C.09",
"subdivision": "subdivision 1"
}
]