HF1619 is expected to have a significant impact on the process of voter registration maintenance in Minnesota. The legislation includes provisions that require the Secretary of State to identify and change the status of registrants who have not voted in the last four years, reclassifying them as 'inactive.' This change aims to streamline the electoral process and ensure that only eligible voters are listed as active participants, thereby strengthening the integrity of the electoral system.
Summary
House File 1619 (HF1619) is legislation aimed at improving the access to voter history in Minnesota. Specifically, the bill mandates that within ten days after every election, county auditors must post the voting history of every individual who participated in the election. This initiative is designed to enhance transparency and ensure that voters' participation records are readily accessible in a timely manner. The bill seeks to update Minnesota Statutes, focusing on improving the management of voter registration data and the maintenance of the statewide registration system.
Contention
While HF1619 has the potential to improve electoral transparency and voter access, there may be concerns regarding its implementation and effects on voter registration. Critics might argue that the automatic change to 'inactive' status could inadvertently disenfranchise eligible voters who may not have voted in recent elections for various reasons. Additionally, the requirement for inactive registrants to re-register before voting in future elections could pose hurdles for some voters, raising questions about accessibility and voter rights.
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.
Election administration provisions modified, voter registration requirements modified, voting instruction and sample ballot requirements amended, tabulation process and equipment requirements amended, notification timeline provided to counties amended, and vacancy in nomination process amended.
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.
People who register on election day required to cast provisional ballots, voters with challenged registration status required to cast provisional ballots, and technical and conforming changes made.
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.