This bill (S.F. No. 2491) proposes amendments to Minnesota election laws, specifically regarding the livestreaming of ballot board activities. It requires county auditors, municipal clerks, and school district clerks to ensure that all ballot board activities are livestreamed during the absentee voting period, on election day, and on the day following the election if absentee ballots are still being processed.

Key provisions of the bill include:

1. Recorded Activities – The livestream must cover:

   • Examining, accepting, or rejecting absentee ballot envelopes.
   • Opening envelopes and duplicating ballots when necessary.
   • Depositing absentee ballots into the ballot box.
   • Counting and tabulating the ballots.

2. Camera Placement – Cameras must be positioned to capture:

   • Ballot board members performing their tasks.
   • All ballots within the room.
   • All doors in the room where ballot activities take place.

3. Data Protection – Camera placement should minimize the recording of private voter data on absentee ballot envelopes or other documents.

The bill also mandates that the Commissioner of Information Technology Services provide the necessary livestreaming services and retain the recorded data. Additionally, it includes an appropriation of funds to support this initiative.

This measure is intended to enhance transparency in the election process by allowing public monitoring of ballot processing activities via livestream.