Minnesota 2023-2024 Regular Session

Minnesota House Bill HF1186

Introduced
2/1/23  

Caption

Requirements provided related to mailings containing an absentee ballot application or sample ballot sent by or on behalf of a committee or other private organization.

Impact

If enacted, HF1186 would introduce specific requirements that must be adhered to when sending out absentee ballot applications or sample ballots. This change could potentially alter current mailing practices, aiming to mitigate the risks of misinformation and non-compliance. By clarifying the rules that govern these mailings, the bill seeks to reinforce transparency in the election process and ensure that all materials reaching voters are legitimate and properly vetted.

Summary

House File 1186 pertains to the requirements surrounding mailings that contain absentee ballot applications or sample ballots sent by or on behalf of a committee or other private organization. This bill aims to regulate how such mailings must be handled in order to ensure that voters receive accurate and legally compliant materials related to absentee voting. The intention behind this legislation is to enhance the integrity of mail-in voting processes and to provide a clearer framework for both election committees and the organizations engaged in communication regarding absentee voting.

Contention

However, the proposed bill has generated some points of contention among stakeholders. Critics argue that while the intention to safeguard election integrity is commendable, the additional regulations may pose burdens on committees and organizations that work to inform voters about absentee voting. Concerns have been raised that stricter rules around mailings could limit access to important voting information, especially for voters in underrepresented communities. Proponents, on the other hand, see these measures as essential to maintaining trust in the electoral process.

Companion Bills

MN SF2564

Similar To Requirements provision related to certain mailings containing an absentee ballot application or sample ballot sent by or on behalf of a committee or other private organization

Previously Filed As

MN SF2564

Requirements provision related to certain mailings containing an absentee ballot application or sample ballot sent by or on behalf of a committee or other private organization

MN HF931

Requirements related to certain mailings containing an absentee ballot application or sample ballot sent by or on behalf of a committee or other private organization provided.

MN SF2918

Certain mailings containing an absentee ballot application or sample ballot send on the behalf of a committee or other private organization requirements provision

MN HF2428

Various laws related to election administration modified, absentee voting requirements and procedures modified, timelines modified, notice with absentee ballot applications and sample ballots required, and filing period for certain local offices modified.

MN HF368

Penalties related to the solicitation, collection, acceptance, or delivery of certain absentee ballots or absentee ballot applications modified.

MN HF5483

Penalties related to solicitation, collection, acceptance, or delivery of absentee ballots or absentee ballot applications modified.

MN HB806

Revise requirements for absentee ballots

MN HF1253

Requirements related to the return of absentee ballots on election day modified, and absentee voting period modified for certain voters.

MN HB175

Absentee voting; applications for ballots, annual absentee voter list.

MN HB499

In voting by qualified absentee electors, further providing for applications for official absentee ballots, for date of application for absentee ballot, for envelopes for official absentee ballots and for voting by absentee electors and providing for secure ballot return receptacles; and, in voting by qualified mail-in electors, further providing for applications for official mail-in ballots, for date of application for mail-in ballot, for approval of application for mail-in ballot, for envelopes for official mail-in ballots and for voting by mail-in electors.

Similar Bills

No similar bills found.