SF2493 (Legislative Session 94 (2025-2026))
Absentee ballots return on election day requirements provisions modifications and certain voters absentee voting period modifications provision
Related bill: HF1253
AI Generated Summary
This bill proposes several modifications to Minnesota's election laws, particularly concerning absentee voting procedures. The key changes include:
Shortening the Absentee Voting Period – The absentee voting period is reduced from 46 days to 28 days before a regularly scheduled primary, general, or special election.
Deadline for Returning Absentee Ballots – Absentee ballots returned in person must be submitted by 3:00 p.m. on election day, rather than the previous 8:00 p.m. deadline.
Processing Absentee Ballots for Incarcerated Individuals – The bill clarifies that incarcerated individuals cannot receive absentee ballots and directs the Department of Corrections to ensure this rule is enforced.
Absentee Ballot Delivery Methods – Voters may receive ballots via mail, commercial shipping (at their own expense), or person-to-person delivery through an agent in specific circumstances, such as residents of care facilities.
Establishment of Temporary Polling Places – County auditors or municipal clerks may establish temporary polling places at postsecondary institutions or on Indian reservations upon request.
Mail Ballot Election Procedures – For certain local elections conducted entirely by mail, ballots must be sent between 14 and 28 days before the election, with ballots being accepted until 8:00 p.m. on election day.
Release of Unofficial Election Results – Election officials cannot publicly disclose unofficial precinct results unless all votes, including absentee ballots, have been counted.
Sample Ballot Posting and Publication – County auditors must post sample ballots at least 28 days (previously 46 days) before an election, and they must publish a voting notice in newspapers 10 to 20 days before an election.
Overall, these changes aim to streamline election administration while maintaining security and accessibility for voters.
Bill text versions
- Introduction PDF file
Actions
| Date | Chamber | Where | Type | Name | Committee Name |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| March 12, 2025 | House | Floor | Action | Introduction and first reading | |
| March 12, 2025 | Senate | Floor | Action | Introduction and first reading | |
| March 12, 2025 | House | Floor | Action | Referred to | Elections |
| March 12, 2025 | Senate | Floor | Action | Referred to | Elections |
Citations
[
{
"analysis": {
"added": [
"New provisions for the role of the commissioner of corrections in absentee ballot distribution."
],
"removed": [
"Requirement to mail ballots 46 days before each regularly scheduled election."
],
"summary": "This bill amends the delivery timelines and procedures for absentee ballots under section 203B.06.",
"modified": [
"The time frame for mailing absentee ballots changed from 46 to 28 days before elections."
]
},
"citation": "203B.06",
"subdivision": "subdivision 3"
},
{
"analysis": {
"added": [
""
],
"removed": [
""
],
"summary": "This legislation changes the deadline for in-person return of absentee ballots.",
"modified": [
"Deadline for in-person submission changed from 8:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m. on election day."
]
},
"citation": "203B.08",
"subdivision": "subdivision 1"
},
{
"analysis": {
"added": [
""
],
"removed": [
""
],
"summary": "The timeline for absentee voting in designated polling locations is modified.",
"modified": [
"Voting period starts 28 days before the election instead of 46 days."
]
},
"citation": "203B.081",
"subdivision": "subdivision 1"
},
{
"analysis": {
"added": [
"Provision for establishing polling places requested by Indian Tribes and postsecondary institutions."
],
"removed": [
""
],
"summary": "Expands rules for establishing temporary polling locations for absentee voting",
"modified": [
"Timeline for designating additional polling places changed to at least 29 days before the election."
]
},
"citation": "203B.081",
"subdivision": "subdivision 4"
},
{
"analysis": {
"added": [
""
],
"removed": [
""
],
"summary": "This section amends the mailing and return provisions for absentee ballots.",
"modified": [
"Time frame for sending ballots changed from 46 to 28 days before election."
]
},
"citation": "203B.21",
"subdivision": "subdivision 2"
},
{
"analysis": {
"added": [
"New applicants for absentee ballots allowed as specified in chapter 203B."
],
"removed": [
""
],
"summary": "Amendment regarding absentee voters for special elections.",
"modified": [
"Time frame for transmitting absentee ballots changed from 46 to 28 days."
]
},
"citation": "204B.13",
"subdivision": "subdivision 8"
},
{
"analysis": {
"added": [
""
],
"removed": [
""
],
"summary": "Specifies preparations and delivery of absentee ballots for elections.",
"modified": [
"Period for preparation and delivery of ballots is now at least 28 days before the election, down from 46 days."
]
},
"citation": "204B.35",
"subdivision": "subdivision 4"
},
{
"analysis": {
"added": [
""
],
"removed": [
""
],
"summary": "Procedure and timeline modifications for voting prior to election day.",
"modified": [
"Mailing of ballots timeline adjusted to no more than 28 days before regularly scheduled elections, reduced from 46 days."
]
},
"citation": "204B.45",
"subdivision": "subdivision 2"
},
{
"analysis": {
"added": [
""
],
"removed": [
""
],
"summary": "Requirements regarding the preparation and posting of sample ballots.",
"modified": [
"County auditors must prepare sample ballots at least 28 days before the state primary, changed from 46 days."
]
},
"citation": "204D.09",
"subdivision": "subdivision 2"
},
{
"analysis": {
"added": [
""
],
"removed": [
""
],
"summary": "Sample ballot posting and publication procedures before the general election.",
"modified": [
"Sample ballots posting changed to 28 days before the general election, differing from previous 46 days beforehand."
]
},
"citation": "204D.16",
"subdivision": ""
}
]