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SF2693 (Legislative Session 94 (2025-2026))

Requirements modification for identifying and verifying a candidate's residence on an affidavit of candidacy

Related bill: HF1872

AI Generated Summary

Purpose of the Bill

The purpose of this Minnesota legislative bill is to modify the requirements for identifying and verifying a candidate's residence on an affidavit of candidacy in elections. It aims to provide clarity and security regarding residency information for election candidates while imposing penalties for false information.

Main Provisions

  • Addition of Contact Information: Candidates must include a telephone number and a non-government email address on their affidavit or attest that no email address exists.
  • Address Verification: Candidates must state their current residence address, which now must be verified by at least two district residents who are not related to the candidate. These witnesses will need to sign under oath.
  • Documentation: Candidates must present a valid driver's license or state ID with their current address or use election day registration documentation to prove residence.
  • Private Address Request: Candidates can request to classify their residence address as private data if they have safety concerns or if the address is legally private. In this case, they must provide their address separately and certify either a police report has been made, an order for protection exists, or there is a reasonable safety threat.
  • Filing Officer's Role: Officers must verify whether the candidate's stated address falls within the represented area. If the address is incorrect, the candidate is removed from the ballot. This determination can be challenged in court.
  • Exemptions: These requirements do not apply to candidates for judicial office, county attorney, or sheriff positions.

Significant Changes to Existing Law

  • The bill introduces a criminal penalty for false statements on the affidavit of candidacy. If a candidate or their witnesses falsify information, they may face up to 90 days in prison, a fine of up to $10,000, or both.
  • It formalizes a process for candidates to keep their residence private under specific safety concerns, expanding privacy protections in the election process.

Relevant Terms

  • Affidavit of Candidacy
  • Residence Verification
  • Private Data Classification
  • Election Security
  • Criminal Penalty for False Statements

Bill text versions

Actions

DateChamberWhereTypeNameCommittee Name
March 19, 2025SenateFloorActionIntroduction and first reading
March 19, 2025SenateFloorActionReferred toElections

Citations

 
[
  {
    "analysis": {
      "added": [
        "Requirement for candidates to provide a statement signed under oath by two residents attesting to residency.",
        "Provision for classifying a candidate's address as private data if certain conditions are met."
      ],
      "removed": [],
      "summary": "This bill modifies requirements for a candidate's affidavit of candidacy.",
      "modified": [
        "Specifies the inclusion of electronic mail address and contact details in the affidavit.",
        "Clarifies the procedure for validating a candidate's residency through filing officers."
      ]
    },
    "citation": "204B.06",
    "subdivision": "subdivision 1b"
  },
  {
    "analysis": {
      "added": [],
      "removed": [],
      "summary": "This section is referenced to define how a candidate's current address of residence should be determined.",
      "modified": []
    },
    "citation": "200.031",
    "subdivision": ""
  },
  {
    "analysis": {
      "added": [],
      "removed": [],
      "summary": "This section is referenced for specifying the documentation required for election day registration.",
      "modified": []
    },
    "citation": "201.061",
    "subdivision": "subdivision 3"
  },
  {
    "analysis": {
      "added": [],
      "removed": [],
      "summary": "This section is referenced for the definition of private data as it pertains to candidate residency information.",
      "modified": []
    },
    "citation": "13.02",
    "subdivision": "subdivision 12"
  },
  {
    "analysis": {
      "added": [],
      "removed": [],
      "summary": "This section is referenced regarding the judicial review process for filing officer determinations.",
      "modified": []
    },
    "citation": "204B.44",
    "subdivision": ""
  }
]

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