SF1804

SF1804 (Legislative Session 94 (2025-2026))

Ranked choice voting authorization provision; Procedures for adoption, implementation, and use of ranked choice voting for local jurisdictions establishment provision; appropriation

AI Generated Summary

This bill introduces ranked choice voting (RCV) for local elections in Minnesota. It allows cities, school districts, and counties to adopt RCV starting in 2026 after rulemaking procedures are completed. The bill outlines how RCV elections must be conducted, including ballot formatting, vote tabulation procedures for single- and multi-seat elections, and the use of electronic voting machines with RCV capabilities. It also mandates clear reporting of election results, procedures for recounts, and a post-election review process. The Secretary of State is authorized to establish rules for implementation, and funds are appropriated for the initiative.

Bill text versions

Introduction PDF file

Actions

Date	Chamber	Where	Type	Name	Committee Name
February 23, 2025	House	Floor	Action	Introduction and first reading
February 23, 2025	Senate	Floor	Action	Introduction and first reading
February 23, 2025	House	Floor	Action	Referred to	Elections
February 23, 2025	Senate	Floor	Action	Referred to	Elections

Citations

[
  {
    "analysis": {
      "added": [
        "Inclusion of chapter 204E in the applicable election law chapters for ballot preparation."
      ],
      "removed": [],
      "summary": "Modification to election ballot preparation and requirements under section 204B.35.",
      "modified": [
        "Updated references to ensure compliance with ranked choice voting procedures."
      ]
    },
    "citation": "204B.35",
    "subdivision": "subdivision 1"
  },
  {
    "analysis": {
      "added": [
        "Allows for recount requests by candidates in ranked choice voting, specifying conditions and who covers costs."
      ],
      "removed": [],
      "summary": "Rules for recounts in ranked choice elections are aligned with standards set by section 204C.36.",
      "modified": [
        "Integrates recount procedures with additional specifications for ranked choice voting contexts."
      ]
    },
    "citation": "204C.36",
    "subdivision": "subdivision 4"
  },
  {
    "analysis": {
      "added": [
        "Notices must separately list special elections for vacancies."
      ],
      "removed": [],
      "summary": "Amendment related to vacancy fillings in municipal elections as covered under section 412.02.",
      "modified": [
        "Clarification on how vacancies in term positions are communicated in the context of ranked choice voting."
      ]
    },
    "citation": "412.02",
    "subdivision": "subdivision 2a"
  },
  {
    "analysis": {
      "added": [
        "Details on comparative analyses for voting system performance against hand counts."
      ],
      "removed": [],
      "summary": "Post-election review processes now consider standards under section 206.89.",
      "modified": [
        "Establishes acceptable performance variance for voting systems in ranked choice elections."
      ]
    },
    "citation": "206.89",
    "subdivision": "subdivision 4"
  }
]