Minnesota 2023-2024 Regular Session

Minnesota Senate Bill SF3230

Introduced

4/11/23

Refer

4/11/23

Caption

Major party candidates requirement to be certified by a major party before being placed on the ballot

Impact

The impact of this legislation on state laws is significant as it alters the current laws regarding candidate nominations. By enforcing a certification requirement, the bill aims to reinforce party structures and reduce the possibility of unaffiliated candidates or those lacking formal endorsement from appearing on the ballot. This could have a profound effect on the political landscape in Minnesota, potentially removing some candidates' ability to access the ballot, which may influence election competitiveness and voter choice.

Summary

SF3230 is a legislative bill that seeks to amend statutes regarding the certification of candidates representing major political parties in Minnesota elections. This bill establishes that candidates for partisan office must be certified by their respective major political party before their names can appear on the ballot. Specifically, it mandates that party chairs must submit a list of candidates who have secured at least 30% of the votes at their party conventions to the secretary of state. This change aims to streamline the nomination process and ensure that only officially endorsed candidates can compete in elections for partisan offices.

Contention

Notable points of contention surrounding SF3230 include concerns regarding voter access and the implications of restricting candidate nominations to only those endorsed by major parties. Critics argue that this requirement could disenfranchise voters desiring to see a broader array of candidates on the ballot and limit opportunities for individuals who may not align with the major parties yet have significant public support. The debate centers around the balance between maintaining party integrity and ensuring democratic representation for all potential candidates.

Latest SF3230 Activity

Companion Bills

MN HF3255

Similar To Major party candidates required to be certified by major party before being placed on ballot, ballot placement requirements amended, and petition requirements amended.

Similar Bills

MN HF2119

Elections integrity act established requiring photo ID to register and to vote, ID cards and provisional ballots established, and criminal penalties increased.

MN HF2392

Photo ID required to register to vote and to vote, voter identification card created, provisional ballots established, identification of individuals providing assistance to a voter in a polling place required, certain voter registration and absentee voting activities prohibited, and money appropriated.

MN HF2177

Photo ID required to register to vote and to vote, voter identification card created, provisional ballots established, identification required of individuals providing assistance to a voter in a polling place, voter registration and absentee voting activities prohibited, criminal penalties increased, reports required, and money appropriated.

MN HF1369

Photo ID required to register to vote and to vote, voter ID card created, provisional ballots established, ID of individuals acting as an agent for an absentee voter required, ID of individuals providing assistance at a polling place required, criminal penalties increased, and money appropriated.

MN HF1251

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.