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SF1815 (Legislative Session 94 (2025-2026))

Ranked choice voting for local offices authorization, establishment of procedures for adoption, implementation, and usage of ranked choice voting for local jurisdictions, and appropriation

AI Generated Summary

This bill proposes the implementation of ranked choice voting (RCV) for local elections in Minnesota, allowing jurisdictions such as cities, school districts, and counties to adopt it through a ballot question. It establishes procedures for adopting, implementing, and using RCV, including ballot formatting, vote tabulation, reporting, and recounts. The bill also requires voting systems used for RCV to meet specific certification standards and provides for post-election reviews to ensure accuracy. Additionally, it permits jurisdictions to use electronic voting systems with a reallocation feature and authorizes rulemaking by the Secretary of State to facilitate the process. The bill sets various deadlines and conditions for jurisdictions adopting or repealing RCV, ensuring a structured transition to the voting method.

Bill text versions

Actions

DateChamberWhereTypeNameCommittee Name
February 23, 2025HouseFloorActionIntroduction and first reading
February 23, 2025SenateFloorActionIntroduction and first reading
February 23, 2025HouseFloorActionReferred toElections
February 23, 2025SenateFloorActionReferred toElections

Citations

 
[
  {
    "analysis": {
      "added": [
        "Ranked choice voting elections must adhere to the new chapter 204E."
      ],
      "removed": [
        ""
      ],
      "summary": "This section is amended to include ranked choice voting procedures and ballot preparation requirements.",
      "modified": [
        "Clarifies that all ballots must be prepared in accordance with sections 204B.35 to 204B.44 and chapter 204E."
      ]
    },
    "citation": "204B.35",
    "subdivision": "subdivision 1"
  },
  {
    "analysis": {
      "added": [
        "Provisions for ranked choice voting election processes are included."
      ],
      "removed": [
        ""
      ],
      "summary": "This section is updated to add procedures for counting votes in ranked choice voting elections.",
      "modified": [
        "Specifies that ranked choice voting elections must be counted according to procedures in chapter 204E."
      ]
    },
    "citation": "204C.21",
    "subdivision": ""
  },
  {
    "analysis": {
      "added": [
        "Includes language for ranked choice voting nonpartisan candidates."
      ],
      "removed": [
        ""
      ],
      "summary": "Amends exceptions for candidate omission from the nonpartisan primary ballot.",
      "modified": [
        "Clarifies procedures for omitting certain candidates from ballots in ranked choice voting elections."
      ]
    },
    "citation": "204D.07",
    "subdivision": "subdivision 3"
  },
  {
    "analysis": {
      "added": [
        "New certification requirements for voting systems used in ranked choice voting."
      ],
      "removed": [
        ""
      ],
      "summary": "Adds requirements for certification of electronic voting systems for ranked choice voting.",
      "modified": [
        "Ensures compliance with federal guidelines for ranked choice voting systems."
      ]
    },
    "citation": "206.57",
    "subdivision": ""
  }
]

Sponsors