Purpose of the Bill

The bill aims to enhance transparency in the election process in Minnesota. It allows candidates, their representatives, and political parties to closely observe activities related to absentee ballot counting and election recounts.

Main Provisions

• Observation of Absentee Ballot Boards: The bill amends the current law to permit candidates, their representatives, and political party representatives to observe the activities of absentee ballot boards. This includes watching the acceptance and rejection of absentee ballot envelopes, as well as when these ballots are opened and counted.

• Observation of Recounts: The bill introduces provisions allowing public observation of election recounts. During a recount, the process of unsealing and resealing voted ballots must be performed in public view. Candidates and their representatives are permitted to observe the sorting and counting of ballots during a recount.

Significant Changes

• Amendment of Statutes: The bill amends Minnesota Statutes 2024, section 203B.121, to incorporate a new provision regarding public and candidate observation of ballot board activities.

• New Provisions for Recounts: A new section is proposed in Minnesota Statutes chapter 204C that outlines the rights of public observation during election recounts, ensuring transparency while maintaining an orderly recount process.

Relevant Terms

open meeting law, ballot board observation, absentee ballots, recount observation, counting of ballots, election transparency, candidate representatives, public observation, election materials, public view during recounts.