City, town, and school district general elections required to be conducted on first Tuesday after first Monday in November of an even-numbered year, cities of the first class permitted to choose to conduct a general election on odd- or even-numbered year, and orderly transition plan required.
Impact
The enactment of HF3381 will impact existing election laws in Minnesota by amending various sections of the Minnesota Statutes that govern municipal and school district elections. This change is expected to streamline the electoral process, reduce voter fatigue, and potentially improve voter turnout by consolidating elections into a specific time frame. Furthermore, the law's effectiveness starting in July 2024 means that affected entities will need to adapt their governance to comply with the new scheduling before the next election cycle begins in 2025.
Summary
House File 3381 aims to standardize the scheduling of general elections for cities, towns, and school districts in Minnesota. It requires that these elections be held on the first Tuesday after the first Monday in November during even-numbered years. Additionally, the bill allows cities of the first class to elect to conduct their general elections on either even or odd-numbered years, introducing flexibility in election planning. For cities choosing to change their election years, they must develop an orderly transition plan to facilitate this change, ensuring that terms of office for elected officials can be appropriately adjusted to accommodate the new schedule.
Contention
While proponents of HF3381 argue that it enhances the electoral process by creating uniformity in election scheduling, potential points of contention arise regarding how this might limit the discretion of local governments to determine their election dates. Critics may express concerns about the inflexibility this imposes on local elections, particularly in communities that may have adapted their election schedules based on local needs or preferences. Additionally, the transition plan requirement could generate debate over its feasibility and implications for current officeholders and future candidates.
Similar To
City, town, and school district general elections requirement to be conducted on the first Tuesday after the first Monday in November of an even-numbered year
City, town, and school district general elections requirement to be conducted on the first Tuesday after the first Monday in November of an even-numbered year
City, town, and school district general elections required to be conducted on the first Tuesday after the first Monday in November of an even-numbered year; cities of the first class permitted to choose between even-numbered or odd-numbered year; and orderly transition plans required.
Elections; city, town, and school district general elections required to be conducted on the first Tuesday after the first Monday in November of an even-numbered year; cities of the first class permitted to choose to conduct a general election on the first Tuesday after the first Monday in November of either an odd-numbered or even-numbered year; and cities, towns, and school districts required to adopt an orderly transition plan.
Requiring a presidential preference primary election to be held on the first Tuesday following the first Monday in May every fourth year and changing the primary election date for all primary elections to the first Tuesday following the first Monday in May.
Requiring school district bond elections and other tax levy question submitted elections be held only on primary or general election dates and only permitting one such bond election to be conducted each calendar year.
Brooklyn Park; special authority and provisions related to property taxes, tax increment financing, and sales and use taxes for projects provided; special tax increment financing authority provided; special property tax abatement authority provided; value capture district establishment authorized; and money appropriated.