Minnesota House Bill HF2671

Minnesota 2023-2024 Regular Session

• Introduced: 3/6/23
• Refer: 3/6/23

Caption

Authorization of absentee ballot drop boxes repealed.

Impact

The repeal of absentee ballot drop boxes is intended to change how voters can submit their absentee ballots. Prior to this bill, voters had several options for returning their absentee ballots, including secure drop boxes provided across various locations. The removal of these drop boxes will likely shift the responsibility back to more traditional methods, such as mailing ballots or delivering them directly to election officials within set timeframes. This change could impact voter turnout, especially among those who rely on drop boxes for convenience and accessibility.

Summary

House File 2671 (HF2671) seeks to amend existing election laws in Minnesota by repealing the authorization for absentee ballot drop boxes. The bill directly repeals Minnesota Statutes 2022, section 203B.082, which had established specific security and integrity guidelines for absentee ballot drop boxes. These guidelines included provisions for securing the drop boxes, ensuring they were monitored, and requiring the collection of ballots by election officials at least once per business day during the absentee voting period.

Contention

The primary contention surrounding HF2671 revolves around the balance between election security and voter accessibility. Proponents of the repeal argue that drop boxes could pose a risk of tampering and fraudulent activity, emphasizing the need to tighten security measures surrounding ballot submissions. Conversely, opponents argue that eliminating drop boxes could disenfranchise voters, particularly in communities where access to polling places or county offices may be limited. This push and pull reflects broader national debates on voting rights and election integrity.

Final_summary

In summary, HF2671 serves as a significant legislative shift in Minnesota's election law landscape, particularly affecting how absentee ballots are handled. While it aims to address concerns regarding ballot security, it raises important questions about voter accessibility and the potential impact on participation in the electoral process.