Voter verification requirement before mail delivery of an absentee ballot
Impact
If passed, SF2695 would have significant implications for the absentee voting process in Minnesota. It amends existing statutes to include stricter verification requirements that county auditors and municipal clerks would need to follow. The bill also includes provisions for the secretary of state to maintain a secure online platform for verifying voter information, which could streamline the application process but also introduces new layers of complexity for local officials responsible for elections.
Summary
SF2695 is proposed legislation aimed at modifying the process for requesting absentee ballots in Minnesota. The bill mandates voter verification before the delivery of absentee ballots, requiring applicants to provide verifiable identification information such as a Minnesota driver's license number, state ID number, or the last four digits of their Social Security number. This measure is positioned to enhance the integrity of the absentee voting process and is reflective of broader national discussions on election security.
Contention
There are notable points of contention surrounding SF2695, primarily revolving around the balance between election security and accessibility. Proponents argue that the bill is necessary to prevent potential voter fraud and ensure that only eligible voters can cast ballots. However, opponents express concerns that the requirements may disenfranchise eligible voters who may have difficulty providing the required identification or who may be deterred by the more complex application process. This debate mirrors a larger national conversation about voter ID laws and their implications for voter turnout.
Voters allowed to join permanent absentee voter list, and absentee ballots required to automatically be sent before election to voters on permanent absentee voter list.
Photo ID required to register to vote and to vote; voter ID card created; provisional ballots established; compensation methods prohibited; identification of individuals acting as agent for absentee voter or providing assistance to voter required; counties, municipalities, and school districts prohibited from accepting contributions; absentee voting requirements amended; and money appropriated.
Photo ID required to register to vote and to vote; voter ID card created; provisional ballots established; compensation methods prohibited; identification of individuals acting as agent for absentee voter or providing assistance to voter required; counties, municipalities, and school districts prohibited from accepting contributions; absentee voting requirements amended; and money appropriated.
Photo ID required to register to vote and to vote; voter ID card created; provisional ballots established; compensation methods prohibited; identification of individuals acting as agent for absentee voter or providing assistance to voter required; counties, municipalities, and school districts prohibited from accepting contributions; absentee voting requirements amended; and money appropriated.
Conditions under which a voter may vote by absentee ballot provided, state general election day established as official state holiday, early voting provisions repealed, and use of absentee ballot drop boxes provisions repealed.
Noncompliant driver's license or Minnesota ID card requirements modified and related changes made, including on eligibility, proof of lawful presence, primary and secondary documentation, and data practices; and money appropriated.
Voter registration and absentee voting provisions modified; voting instructions and sample ballot required to be multilingual and interpreters required to be provided; intimidation, deceptive practices, and interference regulated; campaign finance provisions modified; and money appropriated.