Minnesota 2025-2026 Regular Session

Minnesota Senate Bill SF2131

Introduced
3/3/25  

Caption

Ranked choice voting jurisdictional authorization for local offices provision, local jurisdictions ranked choice voting adoption, implementation, and usage procedures establishment, and appropriation

Impact

If enacted, S.F. 2131 would amend current election laws to include provisions for ranked choice voting in Minnesota, enabling local jurisdictions, such as cities and school districts, to decide when and how to implement this voting method. The bill establishes guidelines for the adoption of ranked choice voting, requiring local officials to communicate any changes to voting systems and ensure that the necessary infrastructure is in place for effective implementation. This change could potentially enhance the electoral landscape by promoting more competitive and nuanced elections at the local level.

Summary

S.F. No. 2131 introduces ranked choice voting as an option for local offices in Minnesota. This bill enables jurisdictions to adopt ranked choice voting for their elections, seeking to improve voter engagement and satisfaction by allowing voters to rank candidates in order of preference. The legislation provides a structured approach to implementing and utilizing ranked choice voting, outlining procedures for conducting elections, tabulating votes, and reporting results. The aim is to foster a more representative electoral process that better reflects the preferences of voters compared to traditional voting methods.

Contention

There are expected to be discussions regarding the implications of this new voting method, with there being both proponents and critics. Supporters argue that ranked choice voting can reduce negative campaigning and promote more civil political discourse by encouraging candidates to appeal to a wider range of voters. However, critics may raise concerns about the complexity of tabulating ranked choice votes and whether voters are adequately educated on how to participate in such a system, suggesting it could lead to confusion and potential disenfranchisement.

Companion Bills

No companion bills found.

Previously Filed As

MN SF3868

Ranked choice voting for local offices authorization and procedures establishment provisions

MN SF2270

Ranked voting in elections for federal and state offices establishment; jurisdiction adoption of ranked choice voting for local offices authorization

MN HF3276

Ranked choice voting provided; jurisdictions authorized to adopt ranked choice voting for local offices; procedures established for adoption, implementation, and use of ranked choice voting for local jurisdictions; local jurisdictions allowed to use electronic voting systems with a reallocation feature; rulemaking authorized; and money appropriated.

MN HF2486

Ranked choice voting in elections for federal and state offices provided; Ranked Choice Voting Task Force established; jurisdictions authorized to adopt ranked choice voting for local offices; procedures established for adoption, implementation, and use of ranked choice voting; use of electronic voting systems with a reallocation feature allowed; report required; and money appropriated.

MN HF4411

Elections, campaign finance, and secretary of state funding provided and policy modified; voting rights act cost sharing account established; transfers and appropriations modified; and money appropriated.

MN SF4432

Local election and certain absentee voting provisions modifications

MN SF510

Ranked-choice voting establishment and enforcement prohibition

MN HF4243

Local election provisions modified, and absentee voting provisions modified.

MN SF1434

Early voting provision

MN SF3

Voter registration provisions modifications and appropriations

Similar Bills

MN SF1804

Ranked choice voting authorization provision; Procedures for adoption, implementation, and use of ranked choice voting for local jurisdictions establishment provision; appropriation

MN SF1815

Ranked choice voting for local offices authorization, establishment of procedures for adoption, implementation, and usage of ranked choice voting for local jurisdictions, and appropriation

MN SF1892

Ranked choice voting provision

MN SF1071

Ranked choice voting provision

MN SF1912

Ranked choice voting provision

MN SF3868

Ranked choice voting for local offices authorization and procedures establishment provisions

MN SF2270

Ranked voting in elections for federal and state offices establishment; jurisdiction adoption of ranked choice voting for local offices authorization

MN HF683

Ranked choice voting provided; jurisdictions allowed to adopt ranked choice voting for local offices; adoption, implementation, and use of ranked choice voting established; electronic voting systems with a reallocation feature allowed; and money appropriated.