HF2870

HF2870 (Legislative Session 94 (2025-2026))

Elections; various changes made related to election administration, absentee voting provisions modified, and terminology clarified.

AI Generated Summary

Purpose of the Bill

This bill aims to make changes to how elections are conducted in Minnesota by updating rules around election administration, absentee voting, and candidate filing procedures. It also seeks to clarify certain terminologies and processes in election-related statutes.

Main Provisions

Absentee Voting Changes:
- Ballots from absentee voters can now be opened and processed 19 days before the election. If multiple ballots are in a single envelope, they are returned and not counted.
- Precinct-based processing is required, with specific steps outlined for verification and handling discrepancies during ballot counting.
Candidate Filing for Office:
- Candidates must provide contact information, including a non-governmental email address, or declare if they do not have one, on their affidavit of candidacy.
- An option is available to keep a candidate's home address private for safety reasons, provided certain conditions are met, such as filing police reports or orders of protection.
- Procedures are defined for candidates who are absent from the state during filing periods, allowing them to submit necessary documents electronically under specific circumstances.
Errors and Omissions:
- Provides a mechanism for filing petitions to correct errors, omissions, or wrongful acts in election processes.
- Describes how candidates and officials can agree to corrections without court orders and under what conditions disputes over election errors are resolved.
Repeal of Ballot Inspection Statute:
- Repeals a statute that allowed for ballot inspection in the event of a contest, thus eliminating specific procedures and requirements that were previously in place for such inspections.

Significant Changes

The bill repeals Minnesota Statutes section 209.06, which detailed the procedure for ballot inspections during election contests. This indicates a move away from the judicial inspection of ballots during disputes.
Introducing electronic submission of candidacy documents for candidates unable to file in person due to emergencies, modernizes and simplifies the process.
Updates and clarifications aim to improve the security, transparency, and efficiency of election administration.

Relevant Terms

Absentee voting
Affidavit of Candidacy
Ballot board
Election administration
Judicial review
Private data classification
Ballot inspection repeal
Error correction in election processes

Bill text versions

Introduction PDF file
1st Engrossment PDF file

Actions

Date	Chamber	Where	Type	Name	Committee Name
March 25, 2025	House	Floor	Action	Introduction and first reading, referred to	Judiciary Finance and Civil Law
April 06, 2025	House	Floor	Action	Committee report, to adopt as amended and re-refer to	Elections Finance and Government Operations

Citations

[
  {
    "analysis": {
      "added": [
        "Clarifies the process for handling multiple voted ballots in a single envelope."
      ],
      "removed": [
        "N/A"
      ],
      "summary": "This bill modifies election administration procedures specifically focusing on the opening and processing of absentee ballots as outlined in section 203B.121, subdivision 4.",
      "modified": [
        "Updated rules for segregating accepted signature envelopes and procedures for ballot board discrepancies."
      ]
    },
    "citation": "203B.121",
    "subdivision": "subdivision 4"
  },
  {
    "analysis": {
      "added": [
        "A provision allowing candidates to classify their residence as private data under certain conditions."
      ],
      "removed": [
        "Restrictions on the types of addresses candidates must provide were modified."
      ],
      "summary": "The legislation updates candidate affidavit requirements under section 204B.06, subdivision 1b, including changes to address privacy and contact information.",
      "modified": [
        "Broadens types of proof of residence documents accepted for candidacy filings."
      ]
    },
    "citation": "204B.06",
    "subdivision": "subdivision 1b"
  },
  {
    "analysis": {
      "added": [
        "Provision allowing candidates to file affidavits while absent from the state under unforeseen emergencies."
      ],
      "removed": [
        ""
      ],
      "summary": "Adjustments in section 204B.09, subdivision 1a relate to filing procedures for absentee candidates.",
      "modified": [
        "Clarified submission timelines for necessary affidavits and petitions while candidates are absent."
      ]
    },
    "citation": "204B.09",
    "subdivision": "subdivision 1a"
  },
  {
    "analysis": {
      "added": [
        "Emphasis on the mailing or hand submission of affidavits and petitions."
      ],
      "removed": [
        ""
      ],
      "summary": "Revisions to filing rules for local elections as stated in section 204B.09, subdivision 2.",
      "modified": [
        "Clarifies timelines and recipient officials for affidavits of candidacy and nominating petitions."
      ]
    },
    "citation": "204B.09",
    "subdivision": "subdivision 2"
  },
  {
    "analysis": {
      "added": [
        "New provisions for electronic service of documents to candidates."
      ],
      "removed": [
        "Old procedures for correction without court involvement if all parties agree."
      ],
      "summary": "Section 204B.44 is amended to clarify the process for rectifying errors and omissions in election processes.",
      "modified": [
        "Clarified filing procedures and court involvement for election discrepancies."
      ]
    },
    "citation": "204B.44",
    "subdivision": ""
  }
]