Minneslate Logo

SF3069 (Legislative Session 94 (2025-2026))

Absentee voting provisions modification

Related bill: HF2474

AI Generated Summary

Purpose of the Bill

This legislative bill is designed to modify existing provisions related to absentee voting administration in Minnesota. It aims to clarify responsibilities and requirements for city or town clerks who manage absentee voting and the associated systems.

Main Provisions

  • Clerk Responsibilities: The bill specifies that a full-time city or town clerk will administer absentee voting if designated by the county auditor, or if the clerk has notified the county auditor of their intention to do so. This includes managing tasks such as the administration of ballot boards and designating absentee voting locations.

  • Technical Requirements: Clerks must possess the technical capacity to securely access the statewide voter registration system. The bill mandates that the secretary of state will define the necessary technical infrastructure and ensure only trained clerks use the system.

  • Multi-County Cities: For cities that stretch across multiple counties, the clerk must either be approved by the auditors of all relevant counties or notify them of the city's intention to administer absentee voting.

  • Training and Notification: Clerks are required to complete training approved by the secretary of state before accessing or using the statewide voter registration system. County auditors need to inform the secretary of state about any municipal clerks who are responsible for administering these duties.

Significant Changes to Existing Law

The bill proposes several specific modifications: - Establishes clear conditions under which a city or town clerk can administer absentee voting, including technical requirements and security measures. - Introduces mandatory training for clerks on the use of the statewide voter registration system. - Requires notification to the secretary of state about clerks’ responsibilities from the county auditor.

Relevant Terms

  • Absentee voting
  • Ballot board
  • Statewide voter registration system
  • County auditor
  • Secretary of state
  • Voting security
  • Clerk training

Bill text versions

Actions

DateChamberWhereTypeNameCommittee Name
March 26, 2025SenateFloorActionIntroduction and first reading
March 26, 2025SenateFloorActionReferred toElections

Citations

 
[
  {
    "analysis": {
      "added": [
        "A clerk must now receive training approved by the secretary of state before using the statewide voter registration system."
      ],
      "removed": [
        ""
      ],
      "summary": "This bill amends provisions related to the administration of absentee voting by city or town clerks.",
      "modified": [
        "Specification of responsibilities for administering ballot boards and absentee voting locations have been amended."
      ]
    },
    "citation": "203B.05",
    "subdivision": "subdivision 1"
  },
  {
    "analysis": {
      "added": [
        ""
      ],
      "removed": [
        ""
      ],
      "summary": "Amendments are made to the administration and responsibilities of ballot boards under section 203B.121.",
      "modified": [
        "Revisions to the rules governing absentee ballot counting procedures."
      ]
    },
    "citation": "203B.121",
    "subdivision": "subdivisions 4, 5"
  },
  {
    "analysis": {
      "added": [
        ""
      ],
      "removed": [
        ""
      ],
      "summary": "Amendments to section 203B.30 regarding absentee voting procedures.",
      "modified": [
        "Changes the procedures for absentee ballot rejection notifications."
      ]
    },
    "citation": "203B.30",
    "subdivision": "subdivision 3"
  }
]

Sponsors