SF2131

SF2131 (Legislative Session 94 (2025-2026))

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

AI Generated Summary

This bill proposes the authorization and regulation of ranked choice voting (RCV) for local elections in Minnesota. It establishes guidelines for local jurisdictions (cities, counties, and school districts) to adopt RCV through voter approval and details the process for implementing and conducting RCV elections.

Key provisions include: - Defining terms and processes related to RCV, such as "active candidate," "batch elimination," and "transfer value." - Allowing local jurisdictions to adopt RCV via a ballot question and repeal it through the same method. - Requiring formal agreements between local jurisdictions and counties before using RCV in elections conducted alongside statewide elections. - Setting standards for ballot design, tabulation of votes, and recount procedures. - Authorizing the use of electronic voting systems with a reallocation feature for RCV. - Establishing a process for postelection reviews to ensure the accuracy of results. - Directing the Secretary of State to adopt administrative rules to oversee the implementation of RCV.

The bill amends multiple sections of Minnesota statutes and proposes a new chapter (204E) dedicated to governing ranked choice voting in local elections.

Bill text versions

Introduction PDF file

Actions

Date	Chamber	Where	Type	Name	Committee Name
March 02, 2025	House	Floor	Action	Introduction and first reading
March 02, 2025	Senate	Floor	Action	Introduction and first reading
March 02, 2025	House	Floor	Action	Referred to	Elections
March 02, 2025	Senate	Floor	Action	Referred to	Elections

Citations

[
  {
    "analysis": {
      "added": [
        "Reference to new chapters 204D and 204E related to voting procedures."
      ],
      "removed": [
        ""
      ],
      "summary": "This bill modifies the application of election ballot procedures for all Minnesota elections.",
      "modified": [
        ""
      ]
    },
    "citation": "204B.35",
    "subdivision": "subdivision 1"
  },
  {
    "analysis": {
      "added": [
        "A new subdivision specific to counting votes for ranked choice voting elections."
      ],
      "removed": [
        ""
      ],
      "summary": "This bill amends section 204C.21 to accommodate ranked choice voting procedures.",
      "modified": [
        ""
      ]
    },
    "citation": "204C.21",
    "subdivision": ""
  },
  {
    "analysis": {
      "added": [
        "Adjustments for candidates in a nonpartisan ranked choice voting election."
      ],
      "removed": [
        ""
      ],
      "summary": "This legislation amends the exception process for certain nonpartisan candidates in state and county primary ballots.",
      "modified": [
        "Allows the omission of nonpartisan ranked choice voting candidates from specific primary ballots."
      ]
    },
    "citation": "204D.07",
    "subdivision": "subdivision 3"
  },
  {
    "analysis": {
      "added": [
        "Requirement to indicate the election method, including ranked choice voting, in the notice."
      ],
      "removed": [
        ""
      ],
      "summary": "This bill modifies the notice requirements for filing dates related to municipal offices.",
      "modified": [
        "Specifies the details for notices related to election method and filing dates."
      ]
    },
    "citation": "205.13",
    "subdivision": "subdivision 2"
  },
  {
    "analysis": {
      "added": [
        "Certification requirement from a voting system test lab accredited by the Election Assistance Commission."
      ],
      "removed": [
        ""
      ],
      "summary": "This legislation adds a new certification requirement for voting systems used in ranked choice voting.",
      "modified": [
        ""
      ]
    },
    "citation": "206.57",
    "subdivision": "subdivision 6a"
  }
]