Purpose of the Bill

This bill seeks to modify various provisions related to the administration of elections in Minnesota. It aims to streamline processes related to voter registration, enhance the integrity of election practices, and update the election-related compliance and reporting requirements.

Main Provisions

• Election Day Registration: The bill outlines specific documentation requirements for proof of residency. It allows voters to register on election day by presenting a driver's license, state ID, approved documents, student fee statements, or through vouching by other registered voters or facility employees. Vouching limitations are set to ensure accountability.

• Master Voter List Maintenance: The Secretary of State is tasked with updating and certifying precinct master lists in alignment with federal Help America Vote Act requirements. A detailed list of ineligible voters who are removed must be maintained and reported.

• Name and Citizenship Updates: The bill requires regular updates to voter registration records based on name changes due to marriage, divorce, or court orders. Additionally, anyone identified as non-citizen responding to jury duty will have their voter registration status reviewed and potentially revoked.

• Electronic Rosters and Absentee Voting: Guidelines for usage of electronic rosters in elections are established, with provisions that prevent mandatory adoption by municipalities or school districts that vote against it. The bill also standardizes procedures for absentee ballot distribution, particularly to ensure they are not mailed to correctional facilities and to rectify address and presence mismatches promptly.

• Candidate Affidavit of Candidacy: Candidates must provide a contact telephone number, an email address, and proof of residence address on their affidavits. Private addresses can be protected on request and with proper certification. The bill details penalties for false information in candidacy affidavits.

Significant Changes to Existing Law

• The bill clarifies the process and limits for vouching on election day, allowing only those who are registered or facility employees in that precinct to vouch, with caps on how many individuals one person may vouch for.
• Expands the use and governance of electronic voter rosters, and adds specific requirements for absentee voting processes, including clear prohibitions on mailing ballots to incarcerated individuals.
• It creates a detailed procedure for removing non-citizens from voter rolls upon discovery during jury summons responses.

Relevant Terms

• Election Day Registration
• Voter Registration
• Vouching
• Master Voter List
• Absentee Ballots
• Electronic Rosters
• Affidavit of Candidacy
• Non-citizen Voting Status

The reforms and additions made by the bill aim to enhance transparency, accountability, and accuracy in the election process across Minnesota.