Minnesota 2023-2024 Regular Session

Minnesota House Bill HF640

Introduced
1/23/23  

Caption

Ballot reconciliation and postelection review duties required to be completed before canvassing board may certify its report on results of an election.

Impact

The implications of HF640 on state laws revolve around election administration and the certification process. By requiring these additional steps, the bill aims to mitigate errors and discrepancies that may arise during the vote counting and certification stages. Furthermore, it aligns the state's election laws with modern best practices for electoral integrity, potentially influencing the operations of local election authorities who will need to adapt to these new requirements. Adopting these measures could provide greater assurance to voters that election results are legitimately arrived at and properly verified.

Summary

House File 640 (HF640) aims to enhance the integrity of Minnesota's electoral process by mandating that certain vital tasks related to ballot reconciliation and postelection review are completed before a canvassing board can certify its report on election results. Specifically, it amends Minnesota Statutes to establish explicit duties that must be fulfilled, ensuring that all ballots are thoroughly reconciled and that the review process is comprehensive before any official certification occurs. This initiative seeks to bolster public confidence in electoral outcomes by promoting transparency and accuracy in the voting process.

Contention

Debate surrounding HF640 may stem from concerns related to the additional burdens placed on election officials and the resources required to comply with these new requirements. Opponents might argue that such mandates could delay the certification process or increase the complexity of election operations, possibly leading to administrative challenges. Proponents, however, are likely to advocate for the bill as a necessary safeguard against fraud and mismanagement, emphasizing the importance of maintaining electoral integrity to uphold democracy in the state.

Companion Bills

MN SF140

Similar To Certain duties related to ballot reconciliation and post election review requirement to be completed before a canvassing board may certify its report on the results of an election

Previously Filed As

MN SF1094

Duties related to ballot reconciliation and postelection review to be completed before a canvassing board may certify the results of an election requirement

MN HF913

Certain duties related to ballot reconciliation and postelection review required to be completed before a canvassing board may certify its report on the results of an election.

MN SF140

Certain duties related to ballot reconciliation and post election review requirement to be completed before a canvassing board may certify its report on the results of an election

MN HF1800

Voting administration provisions modified, including candidate filing, registration, vouching, election judges, polling places, ballots, and postelection review; reports required; criminal penalties provided; and money appropriated.

MN A2236

Allows county boards of elections to begin canvassing early votes and mail-in ballots before election day under certain conditions.

MN A1393

Allows county boards of elections to begin canvassing early votes and mail-in ballots before election day under certain conditions.

MN S1399

Allows canvassing of early votes and mail-in ballots before election day under certain conditions.

MN HF1053

Voters who register on election day required to cast provisional ballots, and conforming changes made.

MN S856

Allows canvassing of early votes and mail-in ballots before election day under certain conditions.

MN A2490

Permits county board of elections to begin canvassing early votes before election day under certain conditions; permits county board of elections to begin counting mail-in ballots as mail-in ballots are received by county board.

Similar Bills

No similar bills found.