Purpose of the Bill

The purpose of this bill is to modify the provisions related to absentee voting in Minnesota. It aims to define the roles and responsibilities of city and town clerks and ensure security for the statewide voter registration system.

Main Provisions

• City and Town Clerk Administration: The bill specifies that the full-time clerks of any city or town can oversee certain sections related to absentee voting if they are designated by the county auditor or if they notify the auditor of their intention to do so.

• Ballot Board and Voting Locations: Clerks need to clarify if they will manage a ballot board and whether their offices will serve as absentee voting locations or just for early voting.

• Multi-County Cities: Clerks from cities spanning multiple counties must gain authorization or inform each relevant county auditor to administer absentee voting.

• Technical Capacity and Training: Clerks must have the technical ability to securely access the statewide voter registration system following prescribed security measures defined by the secretary of state. They must also undergo approved training on the use of this system before beginning these duties.

• Notification to the Secretary of State: County auditors are responsible for notifying the secretary of state about clerks administering these voting provisions and what duties they will handle.

Significant Changes to Existing Law

• The bill introduces requirements for clerks to have technical capacity and training before accessing the voter registration system.
• It mandates that city clerks in multi-county areas receive approval from each county or notify them about managing absentee voting.

Relevant Terms

• Absentee voting
• Statewide voter registration system
• Ballot board
• Technical capacity
• Security access controls