1.1 A bill for an act
1.2 relating to elections; requiring photo ID to register to vote and to vote; creating a
1.3 voter identification card; establishing provisional ballots; requiring reports;
1.4 appropriating money; amending Minnesota Statutes 2024, sections 5B.06; 13.6905,
1.5 by adding a subdivision; 142A.412, subdivision 1; 144.226, by adding subdivisions;
1.6 171.06, subdivisions 1, 2, by adding a subdivision; 171.061, subdivisions 1, 3, 4;
1.7 171.07, subdivisions 1a, 4, 14, by adding a subdivision; 171.071, subdivisions 1,
1.8 2; 171.10, subdivision 1; 171.11; 171.12, subdivision 3c; 171.121; 171.14; 201.022,
1.9 subdivision 1; 201.061, subdivisions 1, 1a, 3; 201.071, subdivisions 1, 2, 3; 201.091,
1.10 subdivision 9; 201.121, subdivision 1; 201.13, subdivision 3; 201.14; 201.145,
1.11 subdivisions 2, 3, 4, 5; 201.161, subdivision 3; 201.221, subdivision 3; 201.225,
1.12 subdivision 2; 203B.04, subdivisions 1, 4; 203B.065; 203B.07, subdivision 3;
1.13 203B.08, subdivision 1; 203B.121, subdivision 2; 203B.17, subdivision 2; 203B.19;
1.14 203B.21, subdivision 3; 203B.24, subdivision 1; 203B.30, subdivision 2; 204B.45,
1.15 subdivision 2; 204B.46; 204C.08, subdivision 1d; 204C.10; 204C.32; 204C.33,
1.16 subdivision 1; 204C.37; 205.065, subdivision 5; 205.185, subdivision 3; 205A.03,
1.17 subdivision 4; 205A.10, subdivision 3; proposing coding for new law in Minnesota
1.18 Statutes, chapters 200; 201; 204C; 357; repealing Minnesota Statutes 2024, section
1.19 201.061, subdivision 7.
1.20BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF MINNESOTA:
1.21 ARTICLE 1
1.22 VOTER ID
1.23 Section 1. Minnesota Statutes 2024, section 5B.06, is amended to read:
1.24 5B.06 VOTING BY PROGRAM PARTICIPANT; ABSENTEE BALLOT.
1.25 Notwithstanding any law to the contrary, a program participant who is otherwise eligible
1.26to vote may vote pursuant to this section and may register with the secretary of state as a
1.27permanent absentee voter. Notwithstanding section 203B.04, subdivision 5, the secretary
1.28of state is not required to send an absentee ballot application prior to each election to a
1.29program participant registered as a permanent absentee voter under this section. As soon
1Article 1 Section 1.
25-01034 as introduced02/03/25 REVISOR JFK/KR
SENATE
STATE OF MINNESOTA
S.F. No. 1166NINETY-FOURTH SESSION
(SENATE AUTHORS: KORAN, Mathews, Limmer and Lucero)
OFFICIAL STATUSD-PGDATE
Introduction and first reading02/10/2025
Referred to Elections 2.1as practicable before each election, the secretary of state shall determine the precinct in
2.2which the residential address of a program participant is located. Upon making a precinct
2.3determination, the secretary of state shall either (1) request from and receive from the county
2.4auditor or other election official the ballot for that precinct and mail the absentee ballot to
2.5the program participant, or (2) using the Minnesota statewide voter registration system,
2.6prepare the program participant's ballot for that precinct and mail the absentee ballot to the
2.7program participant. The secretary of state shall include with each mailed absentee ballot
2.8all corresponding materials for absentee balloting as required by Minnesota law. The program
2.9participant shall complete the ballot and return it to the secretary of state, who shall review
2.10the ballot in the manner provided by section 203B.121, subdivision 2. If the ballot and ballot
2.11materials comply with the requirements of that section, the ballot must be certified by the
2.12secretary of state as the ballot of a program participant, and must be forwarded to the
2.13appropriate electoral jurisdiction for tabulation along with all other ballots. The name and
2.14address of a program participant must not be listed in the statewide voter registration system.
2.15 Sec. 2. Minnesota Statutes 2024, section 13.6905, is amended by adding a subdivision to
2.16read:
2.17 Subd. 39.Voter identification card.Applicant data related to a voter identification
2.18card is governed by section 171.06, subdivision 3c.
2.19 EFFECTIVE DATE.This section is effective June 1, 2026.
2.20 Sec. 3. Minnesota Statutes 2024, section 142A.412, subdivision 1, is amended to read:
2.21 Subdivision 1.Creation of trust fund.A children's trust fund for the prevention of child
2.22abuse is established as an account in the state treasury. The commissioner of management
2.23and budget shall credit to the trust fund all amounts received under sections 142A.415 and
2.24144.226, subdivision subdivisions 3 and 10, paragraph (c), and shall ensure that trust fund
2.25money is invested under section 11A.25. All money earned by the trust fund must be credited
2.26to the trust fund. The trust fund earns its proportionate share of the total annual state
2.27investment income.
2.28 EFFECTIVE DATE.This section is effective June 1, 2026.
2.29 Sec. 4. Minnesota Statutes 2024, section 144.226, is amended by adding a subdivision to
2.30read:
2.31 Subd. 9.Documents required for voter identification card.(a) Notwithstanding
2.32provisions to the contrary in this section, no fee or surcharge shall be charged by the state
2Article 1 Sec. 4.
25-01034 as introduced02/03/25 REVISOR JFK/KR 3.1registrar or local issuance office for a certified vital record if the applicant attests that the
3.2record is needed to obtain a voter identification card issued pursuant to section 171.07,
3.3subdivision 3c.
3.4 (b) The state registrar and local issuance offices shall report annually to the commissioner
3.5of management and budget the number of records requested and the number of records
3.6issued under this subdivision for which no fee or surcharge was charged.
3.7 EFFECTIVE DATE.This section is effective June 1, 2026.
3.8 Sec. 5. Minnesota Statutes 2024, section 144.226, is amended by adding a subdivision to
3.9read:
3.10 Subd. 10.Appropriations and transfers.(a) An amount equal to the total number of
3.11records requested and reported to the commissioner of management and budget under
3.12subdivision 9, paragraph (b), for the previous fiscal year times the amount of the surcharge
3.13under subdivision 3, paragraph (b), is appropriated from the general fund to the commissioner
3.14of health for the administration of this section.
3.15 (b) An amount equal to the total number of records requested and reported to the
3.16commissioner of management and budget under subdivision 9, paragraph (b), for the previous
3.17fiscal year times the amount of the surcharge under subdivision 4, is transferred from the
3.18general fund to the state government special revenue fund. This amount is appropriated
3.19from the state government special revenue fund to the commissioner of health for the
3.20administration of this section.
3.21 (c) An amount equal to the total number of records issued and reported to the
3.22commissioner of management and budget under subdivision 9, paragraph (b), for the previous
3.23fiscal year times the amount of the surcharge under subdivision 3, paragraph (a), is transferred
3.24from the general fund to the account for the children's trust fund for the prevention of child
3.25abuse established under section 142A.412.
3.26 (d) An amount equal to the number of records requested and reported to the commissioner
3.27of management and budget by the state registrar under subdivision 9, paragraph (b), for the
3.28previous fiscal year times the amount of the fee under subdivision 1, paragraph (b), is
3.29transferred from the general fund to the state government special revenue fund. This amount
3.30is appropriated from the state government special revenue fund to the commissioner of
3.31health for the administration of this section.
3.32 (e) The commissioner of health must transmit payment of $9 to a local issuance office
3.33for each certified vital record requested for no charge under subdivision 9, paragraph (a).
3Article 1 Sec. 5.
25-01034 as introduced02/03/25 REVISOR JFK/KR 4.1An amount equal to the number of records requested and reported to the commissioner of
4.2management and budget by local issuance offices under subdivision 9, paragraph (b), for
4.3the previous fiscal year times the amount of the fee under subdivision 1, paragraph (b), is
4.4appropriated from the general fund to the commissioner of health to make payments under
4.5this paragraph.
4.6 EFFECTIVE DATE.This section is effective June 1, 2026.
4.7 Sec. 6. Minnesota Statutes 2024, section 171.06, subdivision 1, is amended to read:
4.8 Subdivision 1.Application format and requirements.Every application for a Minnesota
4.9identification card, including an enhanced identification card, or; for a driver's license,
4.10including an instruction permit, a provisional license, a noncompliant driver's license, a
4.11REAL ID driver's license, and an enhanced driver's license; or for a voter identification
4.12card, must be made in a format approved by the department. Every application must be
4.13accompanied by payment of the proper fee except for an application for a voter identification
4.14card issued pursuant to section 171.07, subdivision 3c. All applicants must sign the
4.15application and declare, under penalty of perjury, that the information and documentation
4.16presented in the application is true and correct. All applications requiring evidence of legal
4.17presence in the United States or United States citizenship must be signed in the presence
4.18of the person authorized to accept the application, or the signature on the application may
4.19be verified by a notary public.
4.20 EFFECTIVE DATE.This section is effective June 1, 2026.
4.21 Sec. 7. Minnesota Statutes 2024, section 171.06, subdivision 2, is amended to read:
4.22 Subd. 2.Fees.(a) The fees for a license and Minnesota identification card are as follows:
A-$46.75B-$38.75C-$31.75D-$27.75
4.23REAL ID Compliant or
4.24Noncompliant Classified
4.25Driver's License
A-$26.75B-$38.75C-$31.75D-$27.75
4.26REAL ID Compliant or
4.27Noncompliant Classified
4.28Under-21 D.L.
A-$61.75B-$53.75C-$46.75D-$42.754.29Enhanced Driver's License
$11.25
4.30REAL ID Compliant or
4.31Noncompliant Instruction
4.32Permit
$26.25
4.33Enhanced Instruction
4.34Permit
$8.50
4.35Commercial Learner's
4.36Permit
4Article 1 Sec. 7.
25-01034 as introduced02/03/25 REVISOR JFK/KR $14.25
5.1REAL ID Compliant or
5.2Noncompliant Provisional
5.3License
$29.25
5.4Enhanced Provisional
5.5License
$12.75
5.6Duplicate REAL ID
5.7Compliant or Noncompliant
5.8License or duplicate REAL
5.9ID Compliant or
5.10Noncompliant
5.11identification card
$27.75
5.12Enhanced Duplicate
5.13License or enhanced
5.14duplicate identification card
$17.25
5.15REAL ID Compliant or
5.16Noncompliant Minnesota
5.17identification card or REAL
5.18ID Compliant or
5.19Noncompliant Under-21
5.20Minnesota identification
5.21card, other than duplicate,
5.22except as otherwise
5.23provided in section 171.07,
5.24subdivisions 3 and 3a
$32.25
5.25Enhanced Minnesota
5.26identification card
5.27 (b) In addition to each fee required in paragraph (a), the commissioner must collect a
5.28surcharge of $2.25. Surcharges collected under this paragraph must be credited to the driver
5.29and vehicle services technology account under section 299A.705.
5.30 (c) Notwithstanding paragraph (a), an individual who holds a provisional license and
5.31has a driving record free of (1) convictions for a violation of section 169A.20, 169A.33,
5.32169A.35, sections 169A.50 to 169A.53, or section 171.177, (2) convictions for crash-related
5.33moving violations, and (3) convictions for moving violations that are not crash related, has
5.34a $3.50 credit toward the fee for any classified under-21 driver's license. "Moving violation"
5.35has the meaning given it in section 171.04, subdivision 1.
5.36 (d) In addition to the driver's license fee required under paragraph (a), the commissioner
5.37must collect an additional $4 processing fee from each new applicant or individual renewing
5.38a license with a school bus endorsement to cover the costs for processing an applicant's
5.39initial and biennial physical examination certificate. The department must not charge these
5.40applicants any other fee to receive or renew the endorsement.
5.41 (e) In addition to the fee required under paragraph (a), a driver's license agent may charge
5.42and retain a filing fee as provided under section 171.061, subdivision 4.
5Article 1 Sec. 7.
25-01034 as introduced02/03/25 REVISOR JFK/KR 6.1 (f) In addition to the fee required under paragraph (a), the commissioner must charge a
6.2filing fee at the same amount as a driver's license agent under section 171.061, subdivision
6.34. Revenue collected under this paragraph must be deposited in the driver and vehicle
6.4services operating account under section 299A.705.
6.5 (g) An application for a Minnesota identification card, instruction permit, provisional
6.6license, or driver's license, including an application for renewal, must contain a provision
6.7that allows the applicant to add to the fee under paragraph (a), a $2 donation for the purposes
6.8of public information and education on anatomical gifts under section 171.075.
6.9 (h) The commissioner or driver's license agent must not collect any fee or surcharge for
6.10a voter identification card issued pursuant to section 171.07, subdivision 3c, or for a duplicate
6.11voter identification card under section 171.11, subdivision 2.
6.12 EFFECTIVE DATE.This section is effective June 1, 2026.
6.13 Sec. 8. Minnesota Statutes 2024, section 171.06, is amended by adding a subdivision to
6.14read:
6.15 Subd. 3c.Application for voter identification card.(a) An application for a voter
6.16identification card, including a renewal or duplicate card, must:
6.17 (1) state the applicant's full legal name, date of birth, sex, residence address, and (i) last
6.18four digits of the applicant's Social Security number, or (ii) certification that the applicant
6.19has not been assigned a Social Security number;
6.20 (2) provide a description of the applicant in the same manner as required on an application
6.21for a Minnesota driver's license;
6.22 (3) state the length of residence at the applicant's current address;
6.23 (4) include a space where the applicant must attest that the applicant does not have any
6.24document sufficient to prove identity and residence as provided in section 200.035; and
6.25 (5) be accompanied by the following documents:
6.26 (i) proof of the applicant's United States citizenship by presenting a document included
6.27in Minnesota Rules, part 7410.0400, subpart 1, item D;
6.28 (ii) proof of name, date of birth, and identity as provided in Minnesota Rules, part
6.297410.0400; and
6.30 (iii) proof of a residence address in Minnesota as provided in Minnesota Rules, part
6.317410.0410, subpart 4a.
6Article 1 Sec. 8.
25-01034 as introduced02/03/25 REVISOR JFK/KR 7.1 (b) Applicant data, submitted pursuant to this subdivision, is private data on individuals,
7.2as defined in section 13.02, subdivision 12.
7.3 EFFECTIVE DATE.This section is effective June 1, 2026.
7.4 Sec. 9. Minnesota Statutes 2024, section 171.061, subdivision 4, is amended to read:
7.5 Subd. 4.Fee; equipment.(a) The agent may charge and retain a filing fee for each
7.6application as follows:
16.00$New application for a noncompliant, REAL ID-compliant, or
7.8 enhanced driver's license or identification card
7.7 (1)
11.00$Renewal application for a noncompliant, REAL ID-compliant, or
7.10 enhanced driver's license or identification card
7.9 (2)
0.00$Voter identification card issued pursuant to section 171.07,
7.12 subdivision 3c
7.11 (3)
7.13 Except as provided in paragraph (c), the fee must cover all expenses involved in receiving,
7.14accepting, or forwarding to the department the applications and fees required under sections
7.15171.02, subdivision 3; 171.06, subdivisions 2 and 2a; and 171.07, subdivisions 3 and 3a.
7.16 (b) The statutory fees and the filing fees imposed under paragraph (a) may be paid by
7.17credit card or debit card. The driver's license agent may collect a convenience fee on the
7.18statutory fees and filing fees not greater than the cost of processing a credit card or debit
7.19card transaction. The convenience fee must be used to pay the cost of processing credit card
7.20and debit card transactions. The commissioner must adopt rules to administer this paragraph
7.21using the exempt procedures of section 14.386, except that section 14.386, paragraph (b),
7.22does not apply.
7.23 (c) The department must maintain the photo identification and vision examination
7.24equipment for all agents. All photo identification and vision examination equipment must
7.25be compatible with standards established by the department.
7.26 (d) A filing fee retained by the agent employed by a county board must be paid into the
7.27county treasury and credited to the general revenue fund of the county. An agent who is not
7.28an employee of the county must retain the filing fee in lieu of county employment or salary
7.29and is considered an independent contractor for pension purposes, coverage under the
7.30Minnesota State Retirement System, or membership in the Public Employees Retirement
7.31Association.
7.32 (e) Before the end of the first working day following the final day of the reporting period
7.33established by the department, the agent must forward to the department all applications
7.34and fees collected during the reporting period except as provided in paragraph (d).
7Article 1 Sec. 9.
25-01034 as introduced02/03/25 REVISOR JFK/KR 8.1 (f) The commissioner must transmit payment to the agent of $8 for each application for
8.2a voter identification card issued pursuant to section 171.07, subdivision 3c. An agent
8.3employed by a county board must remit the payments to the county under paragraph (d).
8.4All other agents may retain the payments.
8.5 EFFECTIVE DATE.This section is effective June 1, 2026.
8.6 Sec. 10. Minnesota Statutes 2024, section 171.07, is amended by adding a subdivision to
8.7read:
8.8 Subd. 3c.Voter identification cards.(a) A voter identification card must be issued to
8.9a qualifying applicant who, on the election day next occurring after the date of issuance,
8.10will meet the voter eligibility requirements of the Minnesota Constitution and Minnesota
8.11Statutes, and who does not possess any of the documents sufficient to prove identity and
8.12residence as provided in section 200.035.
8.13 (b) A voter identification card must bear a distinguishing number assigned to the
8.14applicant, the applicant's full name and date of birth, the applicant's address of residence or
8.15designated address under section 5B.05, a description of the applicant in the same manner
8.16as provided on a Minnesota driver's license, the date of the card's expiration, and the usual
8.17signature of the applicant. The card must bear a colored photograph or an electronically
8.18produced image of the applicant, or, for an applicant who has affirmed a religious objection
8.19under section 171.071, subdivision 1, the card must bear the words "Valid without
8.20photograph."
8.21 (c) A voter identification card is not valid identification for any purpose other than
8.22proving identity and residence for voting purposes.
8.23 (d) A voter identification card must be of a different color scheme than a Minnesota
8.24driver's license or state identification card, but must incorporate the same information and
8.25security features as provided in subdivision 9.
8.26 (e) Each voter identification card must be plainly marked: "Voter Identification Card.
8.27Valid Identification Only for Voting."
8.28 EFFECTIVE DATE.This section is effective June 1, 2026.
8.29 Sec. 11. Minnesota Statutes 2024, section 171.07, subdivision 4, is amended to read:
8.30 Subd. 4.Identification card expiration.(a) Except as otherwise provided in this
8.31subdivision, the expiration date of a Minnesota identification card or voter identification
8Article 1 Sec. 11.
25-01034 as introduced02/03/25 REVISOR JFK/KR 9.1card is the birthday of the applicant in the fourth year following the date of issuance of the
9.2card.
9.3 (b) For an applicant age 65 or older:
9.4 (1) the expiration date of a Minnesota identification card or voter identification card is
9.5the birthday of the applicant in the eighth year following the date of issuance of the card;
9.6or
9.7 (2) a noncompliant identification card is valid for the lifetime of the applicant.
9.8 (c) For the purposes of paragraph (b), "Minnesota identification card" does not include
9.9an enhanced identification card issued to an applicant age 65 or older.
9.10 (d) The expiration date for an Under-21 identification card is the cardholder's 21st
9.11birthday. The commissioner shall issue an identification card to a holder of an Under-21
9.12identification card who applies for the card, pays the required fee, and presents proof of
9.13identity and age, unless the commissioner determines that the applicant is not qualified for
9.14the identification card.
9.15 (e) Notwithstanding paragraphs (a) to (d), the expiration date for an identification card
9.16issued to a person with temporary lawful status is the last day of the person's legal stay in
9.17the United States, or one year after issuance if the last day of the person's legal stay is not
9.18identified.
9.19 (f) Notwithstanding paragraphs (a) to (d), a voter identification card issued pursuant to
9.20section 171.07, subdivision 3c, to a person then or subsequently serving outside Minnesota
9.21in active military service, as defined in section 190.05, subdivision 5, in any branch or unit
9.22of the armed forces of the United States, or the person's spouse, continues in full force and
9.23effect without requirement for renewal until the later of the date one year following the
9.24service member's separation or discharge from active military service, or until the cardholder's
9.25birthday in the fourth full year following the person's most recent card renewal.
9.26 EFFECTIVE DATE.This section is effective June 1, 2026.
9.27 Sec. 12. Minnesota Statutes 2024, section 171.11, is amended to read:
9.28 171.11 DUPLICATE LICENSE; CHANGE OF DOMICILE OR NAME.
9.29 Subdivision 1.Duplicate driver's license.When any person, after applying for or
9.30receiving a driver's license, shall change permanent domicile from the address named in
9.31such application or in the license issued to the person, or shall change a name by marriage
9.32or otherwise, such person shall, within 30 days thereafter, apply for a duplicate driver's
9Article 1 Sec. 12.
25-01034 as introduced02/03/25 REVISOR JFK/KR 10.1license upon a form furnished by the department and pay the required fee. The application
10.2or duplicate license shall show both the licensee's old address and new address or the former
10.3name and new name as the case may be.
10.4 Subd. 2.Duplicate voter identification card.A voter identification cardholder who
10.5changes a residence address or name from the address or name stated on the card must not
10.6present the card for voting purposes but must apply for a duplicate voter identification card
10.7upon a form furnished by the department. The application for a duplicate voter identification
10.8card must show the cardholder's former address and current address, along with length of
10.9residence at the current address, and the cardholder's former name and current name, as
10.10applicable.
10.11 EFFECTIVE DATE.This section is effective June 1, 2026.
10.12Sec. 13. Minnesota Statutes 2024, section 171.14, is amended to read:
10.13 171.14 CANCELLATION.
10.14 Subdivision 1.Cancellation of driver's license.(a) The commissioner may cancel any
10.15driver's license upon determination that (1) the licensee was not entitled to the issuance of
10.16the license, (2) the licensee failed to give the required or correct information in the
10.17application, (3) the licensee committed any fraud or deceit in making the application, or (4)
10.18the person, at the time of the cancellation, would not have been entitled to receive a license
10.19under section 171.04.
10.20 (b) The commissioner shall cancel the driver's license of a person described in paragraph
10.21(a), clause (3), for 60 days or until the required or correct information has been provided,
10.22whichever is longer.
10.23 Subd. 2.Cancellation of voter identification card.(a) The commissioner must cancel
10.24any voter identification card issued pursuant to section 171.07, subdivision 3c, upon
10.25determination that the cardholder:
10.26 (1) was not entitled to the issuance of the card;
10.27 (2) failed to give the required or correct information in the application;
10.28 (3) committed any fraud or deceit in making the application; or
10.29 (4) at the time of the cancellation, would not have been entitled to receive a voter
10.30identification card under section 171.07, subdivision 3c.
10.31 (b) The commissioner must cancel the voter identification card issued pursuant to section
10.32171.07, subdivision 3c, of a person described in paragraph (a) until the person completes
10Article 1 Sec. 13.
25-01034 as introduced02/03/25 REVISOR JFK/KR 11.1the application process under section 171.07, subdivision 3c, and complies in all respects
11.2with the requirements of the commissioner.
11.3 (c) The commissioner must immediately notify the holder of a voter identification card
11.4issued pursuant to section 171.07, subdivision 3c, of a cancellation of the card. Notification
11.5must be by mail and addressed to the cardholder's last known address.
11.6 EFFECTIVE DATE.This section is effective June 1, 2026.
11.7 Sec. 14. [200.035] DOCUMENTATION OF IDENTITY AND RESIDENCE.
11.8 (a) The following are sufficient proof of identity and residence for purposes of election
11.9day voter registration under section 201.061, subdivision 3; absentee voting under sections
11.10203B.04, 203B.07, and 203B.08; early voting under section 203B.30; photo identification
11.11requirements under section 204C.10; and for determining whether to count a provisional
11.12ballot under section 204C.135, subdivision 2:
11.13 (1) an unexpired driver's license, state identification card, or voter identification card
11.14issued to the voter by the Department of Public Safety that contains the voter's photograph
11.15and current address of residence in the precinct;
11.16 (2) a valid United States military identification card issued to the voter by the Department
11.17of Defense that contains the voter's photograph and current address of residence in the
11.18precinct;
11.19 (3) an unexpired identification card issued to the voter by the tribal government of a
11.20tribe recognized by the Bureau of Indian Affairs that contains a photograph of the voter,
11.21the voter's current address of residence in the precinct, and any other items of data required
11.22to be contained on a Minnesota identification card, as provided in section 171.07, subdivision
11.233c, paragraphs (a) and (b);
11.24 (4) an original receipt for a new, renewed, or duplicate driver's license, state identification
11.25card, or voter identification card issued to the voter under section 171.07 that contains the
11.26voter's photograph and current address of residence in the precinct. If the receipt does not
11.27include a photograph, one of the following documents that contains a photograph of the
11.28voter must be provided:
11.29 (i) a driver's license, identification card, or voter identification card that is expired or
11.30does not contain the voter's current address of residence, issued to the voter by the state of
11.31Minnesota or any other state of the United States as defined in section 645.44, subdivision
11.3211;
11Article 1 Sec. 14.
25-01034 as introduced02/03/25 REVISOR JFK/KR 12.1 (ii) a United States passport, issued to the voter;
12.2 (iii) an identification card issued by a branch, department, agency, entity, or subdivision
12.3of Minnesota or the federal government;
12.4 (iv) an identification card issued by an accredited postsecondary institution with a campus
12.5located within Minnesota, if a list of students from that institution has been prepared under
12.6section 135A.17, and certified to the county auditor in the manner provided in rules of the
12.7secretary of state; or
12.8 (v) an identification card issued to the voter by the tribal government of a tribe recognized
12.9by the Bureau of Indian Affairs;
12.10 (5) one of the following documents issued to the voter that includes a photograph but
12.11not the voter's current address of residence in the precinct:
12.12 (i) a United States passport;
12.13 (ii) an identification card issued to the voter by the tribal government of a tribe recognized
12.14by the Bureau of Indian Affairs; or
12.15 (iii) a valid United States military identification card;
12.16along with one of the following documents that contains the voter's name and current address
12.17of residence in the precinct:
12.18 (i) a home utility services bill issued within the past 12 months;
12.19 (ii) a home utility services hook-up work order issued within the past 12 months;
12.20 (iii) United States bank or financial information issued within the past 12 months, with
12.21account numbers redacted, including a bank account statement, a credit card or debit card
12.22statement, a brokerage account statement, or a money market account statement;
12.23 (iv) a certified transcript from a United States high school, if issued within the past 180
12.24days;
12.25 (v) a certified transcript from a Minnesota college or university if issued within the past
12.26180 days;
12.27 (vi) an employment pay stub issued within the past 12 months that lists the employer's
12.28name and address;
12.29 (vii) a Minnesota unemployment insurance benefit statement issued within the past 12
12.30months;
12Article 1 Sec. 14.
25-01034 as introduced02/03/25 REVISOR JFK/KR 13.1 (viii) a statement from an assisted living facility licensed under chapter 144G, a nursing
13.2home licensed under chapter 144A, or a boarding care facility licensed under sections 144.50
13.3to 144.56, that was issued within the past 12 months;
13.4 (ix) a current policy or card for health, automobile, homeowner's, or renter's insurance;
13.5 (x) a federal or state income tax return or statement for the most recent tax filing year;
13.6 (xi) a Minnesota property tax statement for the current or prior calendar year or a proposed
13.7Minnesota property tax notice for the current year that shows the applicant's principal
13.8residential address both on the mailing portion and the portion stating what property is being
13.9taxed;
13.10 (xii) a Minnesota vehicle certificate of title;
13.11 (xiii) a filed property deed or title for current residence;
13.12 (xiv) a Supplemental Security Income award statement issued within the past 12 months;
13.13 (xv) mortgage documents for the applicant's principal residence;
13.14 (xvi) a residential lease agreement for the applicant's principal residence issued within
13.15the past 12 months;
13.16 (xvii) an unexpired Minnesota professional license;
13.17 (xviii) an unexpired Selective Service card;
13.18 (xix) military orders that are still in effect at the time of application;
13.19 (xx) a cellular phone bill issued no more than 12 months before the application; or
13.20 (xxi) a valid license issued pursuant to the game and fish laws;
13.21 (6) if the voter is a student, a driver's license, identification card, or voter identification
13.22card issued by Minnesota or any other state of the United States as defined in section 645.44,
13.23subdivision 11, that contains a photograph of the voter but does not contain the voter's
13.24current address of residence, along with a current student fee statement that contains the
13.25student's valid address of residence in the precinct; or
13.26 (7) if the voter maintains residence in a residential facility located in the precinct, a
13.27driver's license or identification card issued to the voter by the Department of Public Safety
13.28that contains the voter's photograph along with a certification of residence in the facility,
13.29signed by the facility administrator on a form prescribed by the secretary of state.
13.30 (b) The documents specified in paragraph (a) are the only documents that may be accepted
13.31to prove identity and residence. Identification issued by counties, home rule charter or
13Article 1 Sec. 14.
25-01034 as introduced02/03/25 REVISOR JFK/KR 14.1statutory cities, towns, or school districts are not acceptable to prove identity or residence
14.2unless explicitly authorized by paragraph (a).
14.3 (c) As used in this section, "residential facility" means transitional housing as defined
14.4in section 256K.48, subdivision 1; a supervised living facility licensed by the commissioner
14.5of health under section 144.50, subdivision 6; a swing bed in a hospital licensed by the
14.6commissioner of health under sections 144.50 to 144.56; a certified boarding care home
14.7licensed by the commissioner of health under sections 144.50 to 144.56; a nursing home as
14.8defined in section 144A.01, subdivision 5; an assisted living facility licensed by the
14.9commissioner of health under chapter 144G; a boarding and lodging establishment with
14.10special services registered under section 157.17; a setting in which home and
14.11community-based services licensed under chapter 245D are provided; a veterans home
14.12operated by the commissioner of veterans affairs under chapter 198; a residence licensed
14.13by the commissioner of human services under chapter 245A to provide a residential program
14.14as defined in section 245A.02, subdivision 14; a residential facility for persons with a
14.15developmental disability licensed by the commissioner of human services under section
14.16252.28; an establishment providing housing support as defined in section 256I.03, subdivision
14.1710a; a shelter for battered women as defined in section 611A.37, subdivision 4; or a
14.18supervised publicly or privately operated shelter or dwelling designed to provide temporary
14.19living accommodations for the homeless.
14.20Sec. 15. [201.017] VOTER IDENTIFICATION CARD ACCOUNT.
14.21 (a) A voter identification card account is established in the special revenue fund. Money
14.22in the account is appropriated to the commissioner of public safety for:
14.23 (1) reimbursing individuals for the costs of obtaining documents under paragraph (b);
14.24 (2) making payments to driver's license agents under section 171.061, subdivision 4,
14.25paragraph (f); and
14.26 (3) providing voter identification cards to individuals qualifying under section 171.07,
14.27subdivision 3c.
14.28Money in the account does not cancel and is available until spent.
14.29 (b) The commissioner of public safety shall reimburse individuals for any fees required
14.30to secure an official document or certified copy from any federal, state, or local government,
14.31or from a court in any jurisdiction for the purpose of obtaining a voter identification card
14.32issued pursuant to section 171.07, subdivision 3c. In order to receive reimbursement, an
14.33applicant for a voter identification card must complete a reimbursement form approved by
14Article 1 Sec. 15.
25-01034 as introduced02/03/25 REVISOR JFK/KR 15.1the commissioner of public safety, along with documentation of the applicant's reimbursable
15.2expenditure. The commissioner must mail payment for the reimbursable amount to an
15.3eligible applicant at the address listed on the voter identification card.
15.4 (c) The amount available to the commissioner of public safety under paragraph (a),
15.5clause (3), shall not exceed the actual cost of providing voter identification cards, not to
15.6exceed $21.50 for each card issued.
15.7 (d) The commissioner of public safety shall report to the committee members of the
15.8legislative committees with jurisdiction over elections on the total expenditures from the
15.9account by county by January 31 of each year.
15.10 EFFECTIVE DATE.This section is effective June 1, 2026.
15.11Sec. 16. Minnesota Statutes 2024, section 201.061, subdivision 3, is amended to read:
15.12 Subd. 3.Election day registration.(a) An individual who is eligible to vote may register
15.13on election day by appearing in person at the polling place for the precinct in which the
15.14individual maintains residence, by completing a registration application, making an oath in
15.15the form prescribed by the secretary of state and providing proof of identity and residence.
15.16An individual may prove identity and residence for purposes of registering by: presenting
15.17documentation as permitted by section 200.035. If an individual is unable to prove identity
15.18and residence, the individual may complete a voter registration application and cast a
15.19provisional ballot as provided in section 204C.135.
15.20 (b) The election judge must keep separate all voter registration applications completed
15.21by individuals unable to prove identity and residence. These voter registration applications
15.22must be processed immediately in the manner described in section 201.121, subdivision 1.
15.23 (1) presenting a driver's license or Minnesota identification card issued pursuant to
15.24section 171.07;
15.25 (2) presenting any document approved by the secretary of state as proper identification;
15.26 (3) presenting a current student fee statement that contains the student's valid address
15.27in the precinct together with a picture identification card; or
15.28 (4) having a voter who is registered to vote in the precinct, or an employee employed
15.29by and working in a residential facility in the precinct and vouching for a resident in the
15.30facility, sign an oath in the presence of the election judge vouching that the voter or employee
15.31personally knows that the individual is a resident of the precinct. A voter who has been
15.32vouched for on election day may not sign a proof of residence oath vouching for any other
15Article 1 Sec. 16.
25-01034 as introduced02/03/25 REVISOR JFK/KR 16.1individual on that election day. A voter who is registered to vote in the precinct may sign
16.2up to eight proof-of-residence oaths on any election day. This limitation does not apply to
16.3an employee of a residential facility described in this clause. The secretary of state shall
16.4provide a form for election judges to use in recording the number of individuals for whom
16.5a voter signs proof-of-residence oaths on election day. The form must include space for the
16.6maximum number of individuals for whom a voter may sign proof-of-residence oaths. For
16.7each proof-of-residence oath, the form must include a statement that the individual: (i) is
16.8registered to vote in the precinct or is an employee of a residential facility in the precinct,
16.9(ii) personally knows that the voter is a resident of the precinct, and (iii) is making the
16.10statement on oath. The form must include a space for the voter's printed name, signature,
16.11telephone number, and address.
16.12 The oath required by this subdivision and Minnesota Rules, part 8200.9939, must be
16.13attached to the voter registration application.
16.14 (b) The operator of a residential facility shall prepare a list of the names of its employees
16.15currently working in the residential facility and the address of the residential facility. The
16.16operator shall certify the list and provide it to the appropriate county auditor no less than
16.1720 days before each election for use in election day registration.
16.18 (c) "Residential facility" means transitional housing as defined in section 256K.48,
16.19subdivision 1; a supervised living facility licensed by the commissioner of health under
16.20section 144.50, subdivision 6; a nursing home as defined in section 144A.01, subdivision
16.215; an assisted living facility licensed by the commissioner of health under chapter 144G; a
16.22veterans home operated by the board of directors of the Minnesota Veterans Homes under
16.23chapter 198; a residence licensed by the commissioner of human services to provide a
16.24residential program as defined in section 245A.02, subdivision 14; a residential facility for
16.25persons with a developmental disability licensed by the commissioner of human services
16.26under section 252.28; setting authorized to provide housing support as defined in section
16.27256I.03, subdivision 10a; a shelter for battered women as defined in section 611A.37,
16.28subdivision 4; a supervised publicly or privately operated shelter or dwelling designed to
16.29provide temporary living accommodations for the homeless; a facility where a provider
16.30operates a residential treatment program as defined in section 245.462, subdivision 23; or
16.31a facility where a provider operates an adult foster care program as defined in section
16.32245A.02, subdivision 6c.
16.33 (d) For tribal band members, an individual may prove residence for purposes of
16.34registering by:
16Article 1 Sec. 16.
25-01034 as introduced02/03/25 REVISOR JFK/KR 17.1 (1) presenting an identification card issued by the tribal government of a tribe recognized
17.2by the Bureau of Indian Affairs, United States Department of the Interior, that contains the
17.3name, address, signature, and picture of the individual; or
17.4 (2) presenting an identification card issued by the tribal government of a tribe recognized
17.5by the Bureau of Indian Affairs, United States Department of the Interior, that contains the
17.6name, signature, and picture of the individual and also presenting one of the documents
17.7listed in Minnesota Rules, part 8200.5100, subpart 2, item B.
17.8 (e) (c) A county, school district, or municipality may require that an election judge
17.9responsible for election day registration initial each completed registration application.
17.10Sec. 17. Minnesota Statutes 2024, section 201.221, subdivision 3, is amended to read:
17.11 Subd. 3.Procedures for polling place rosters.The secretary of state shall prescribe
17.12the form of paper polling place rosters that include the voter's name, address, date of birth,
17.13school district number, and space for the voter's signature. An electronic roster and the voter
17.14signature certificate together must include the same information as a paper polling place
17.15roster. The address listed on the polling place roster must be the voter's address of residence,
17.16unless the voter has requested that the address printed on the roster be the voter's mailing
17.17address because the voter is a judge or a law enforcement or corrections officer, or the voter
17.18participates in the Safe at Home program as provided in chapter 5B. The secretary of state
17.19may prescribe additional election-related information to be placed on the polling place
17.20rosters on an experimental basis for one state primary and general election cycle; the same
17.21information may not be placed on the polling place roster for a second state primary and
17.22general election cycle unless specified in this subdivision. The polling place roster must be
17.23used to indicate whether the voter has voted in a given election. The secretary of state shall
17.24prescribe procedures for transporting the polling place rosters to the election judges for use
17.25on election day. The secretary of state shall prescribe the form for a county or municipality
17.26to request the date of birth from currently registered voters. The county or municipality
17.27shall not request the date of birth from currently registered voters by any communication
17.28other than the prescribed form and the form must clearly indicate that a currently registered
17.29voter does not lose registration status by failing to provide the date of birth. In accordance
17.30with section 204B.40, the county auditor shall retain the prescribed polling place rosters
17.31used on the date of election for 22 months following the election.
17Article 1 Sec. 17.
25-01034 as introduced02/03/25 REVISOR JFK/KR 18.1 Sec. 18. Minnesota Statutes 2024, section 203B.04, subdivision 1, is amended to read:
18.2 Subdivision 1.Application procedures.(a) Except as otherwise allowed by subdivision
18.32 or by section 203B.11, subdivision 4, an application for absentee ballots for any election
18.4may be submitted at any time not less than one day before the day of that election. The
18.5county auditor shall prepare absentee ballot application forms in the format provided by the
18.6secretary of state and shall furnish them to any person on request. By January 1 of each
18.7even-numbered year, the secretary of state shall make the forms to be used available to
18.8auditors through electronic means. An application submitted pursuant to this subdivision
18.9shall be in writing. An application may be submitted in person, by electronic facsimile
18.10device, by electronic mail, or by mail to:
18.11 (1) the county auditor of the county where the applicant maintains residence; or
18.12 (2) the municipal clerk of the municipality, or school district if applicable, where the
18.13applicant maintains residence.
18.14 (b) An absentee ballot application may alternatively be submitted electronically through
18.15a secure website that shall be maintained by the secretary of state for this purpose.
18.16Notwithstanding paragraph (d), the secretary of state must require applicants using the
18.17website to submit the applicant's email address and verifiable Minnesota driver's license
18.18number, Minnesota state identification card number, voter identification card number, or
18.19the last four digits of the applicant's Social Security number. This paragraph does not apply
18.20to a town election held in March.
18.21 (c) An application submitted electronically under this paragraph may only be transmitted
18.22to the county auditor for processing if the secretary of state has verified the application
18.23information matches the information in a government database associated with the applicant's
18.24driver's license number, state identification card number, voter identification card number,
18.25or Social Security number. The secretary of state must review all unverifiable applications
18.26for evidence of suspicious activity and must forward any such application to an appropriate
18.27law enforcement agency for investigation.
18.28 (d) An application shall be approved if it is timely received, signed and dated by the
18.29applicant, contains the applicant's name and residence and mailing addresses, date of birth,
18.30and at least one of the following:
18.31 (1) the applicant's Minnesota driver's license number;
18.32 (2) Minnesota state identification card number;
18.33 (3) voter identification card number;
18Article 1 Sec. 18.
25-01034 as introduced02/03/25 REVISOR JFK/KR 19.1 (3) (4) the last four digits of the applicant's Social Security number; or
19.2 (4) (5) a statement that the applicant does not have any of these numbers.
19.3 (e) To be approved, the application must contain an oath that the information contained
19.4on the form is accurate, that the applicant is applying on the applicant's own behalf, and
19.5that the applicant is signing the form under penalty of perjury.
19.6 (f) Prior to approval, the county auditor or municipal clerk must verify that the Minnesota
19.7driver's license number, state identification card number, voter identification card number,
19.8or the last four digits of the Social Security number submitted by an applicant is valid and
19.9assigned to that applicant. If a driver's license, identification card number, voter identification
19.10card number, or the last four digits of a Social Security number is invalid or not assigned
19.11to the applicant, the county auditor or municipal clerk must reject the application.
19.12 (f) (g) An applicant's full date of birth,; an applicant's Minnesota driver's license or, state
19.13identification, or voter identification card number,; and the last four digits of the applicant's
19.14Social Security number must not be made available for public inspection. An application
19.15may be submitted to the county auditor or municipal clerk by an electronic facsimile device.
19.16An application mailed or returned in person to the county auditor or municipal clerk on
19.17behalf of a voter by a person other than the voter must be deposited in the mail or returned
19.18in person to the county auditor or municipal clerk within ten days after it has been dated by
19.19the voter and no later than six days before the election.
19.20 (g) (h) An application under this subdivision may contain an application under subdivision
19.215 to automatically receive an absentee ballot.
19.22Sec. 19. Minnesota Statutes 2024, section 203B.04, subdivision 4, is amended to read:
19.23 Subd. 4.Registration at time of application.An eligible voter who is not registered
19.24to vote but who is otherwise eligible to vote by absentee ballot may register by including a
19.25completed voter registration application with the absentee ballot. The individual shall present
19.26proof of identity and residence as required by section 201.061, subdivision 3 200.035, to
19.27the individual who witnesses the marking of the absentee ballots or execute an affidavit
19.28described in section 203B.08, subdivision 1, paragraph (c). A military voter, as defined in
19.29section 203B.01, may register in this manner if voting pursuant to sections 203B.04 to
19.30203B.15, or may register pursuant to sections 203B.16 to 203B.27.
19Article 1 Sec. 19.
25-01034 as introduced02/03/25 REVISOR JFK/KR 20.1 Sec. 20. Minnesota Statutes 2024, section 203B.07, subdivision 3, is amended to read:
20.2 Subd. 3.Eligibility certificate.(a) A certificate of eligibility to vote by absentee ballot
20.3shall be printed on the back of the signature envelope. The certificate shall contain space
20.4for the voter's Minnesota driver's license number, state identification number, voter
20.5identification card number, or the last four digits of the voter's Social Security number, or
20.6to indicate that the voter does not have one of these numbers. The space must be designed
20.7to ensure that the voter provides the same type of identification as provided on the voter's
20.8absentee ballot application for purposes of comparison. The certificate must also contain a
20.9statement to be signed and sworn by the voter indicating that the voter meets all of the
20.10requirements established by law for voting by absentee ballot and.
20.11 (b) The certificate must include a space for a statement an oath signed by a person who
20.12is at least 18 years of age on or before the day of the election and a citizen of the United
20.13States or by a notary public or other individual authorized to administer oaths witness stating
20.14that:
20.15 (1) the unmarked ballots were displayed to that individual unmarked the witness;
20.16 (2) the voter marked the ballots in that individual's the witness's presence without showing
20.17how they were marked, or, if the voter was physically unable to mark them, that the voter
20.18directed another individual to mark them; and
20.19 (3) if the voter was not previously registered, the voter has provided shown to the witness
20.20proof of identity and residence as required by section 201.061, subdivision 3. 200.035 or
20.21executed an affidavit described in section 203B.08, subdivision 1, paragraph (c). If the voter
20.22presented documentation of proof of identity and residence, the witness must also indicate
20.23the document or documents presented to prove identity and residence; and
20.24 (4) the witness is registered to vote in Minnesota, is a notary public, or is an individual
20.25authorized to administer oaths. The witness must include the witness's driver's license
20.26number, identification card number, voter identification card number, the last four digits of
20.27the applicant's Social Security number, or a statement that the witness does not have any of
20.28these numbers.
20.29Sec. 21. Minnesota Statutes 2024, section 203B.08, subdivision 1, is amended to read:
20.30 Subdivision 1.Marking and return by voter.(a) An eligible voter who receives absentee
20.31ballots as provided in this chapter shall mark them in the manner specified in the directions
20.32for casting the absentee ballots.
20Article 1 Sec. 21.
25-01034 as introduced02/03/25 REVISOR JFK/KR 21.1 (b) The voter must present proof of identity and residence as described in section 200.035
21.2to the individual who witnesses the marking of the absentee ballots or execute an affidavit
21.3described in paragraph (c). If the voter presented documentation of proof of identity and
21.4residence, the witness must record the type of document that was presented on the witness
21.5certificate described in section 203B.07, subdivision 3, paragraph (b).
21.6 (c) If the voter attempted to procure proof of identity and residence to satisfy the
21.7requirements of section 200.035 but was unable to do so, the voter may execute a sworn
21.8affidavit, under the penalty of perjury, that states:
21.9 (1) the voter completing the affidavit is the voter that marked the ballot;
21.10 (2) the voter is eligible to vote, has not voted previously in the same election, and meets
21.11the criteria for registering to vote in the precinct where the voter is voting;
21.12 (3) the voter attempted to procure proof of identity and residence but was unable to do
21.13so, and provide an explanation of the reason that the voter was unable to procure the
21.14necessary proof; and
21.15 (4) that the information on the affidavit is true and accurate.
21.16The affidavit must be signed in the presence of the witness.
21.17 (d) The return envelope containing marked ballots may be mailed as provided in the
21.18directions for casting the absentee ballots, may be left with the county auditor or municipal
21.19clerk who transmitted the absentee ballots to the voter, or may be left in a drop box as
21.20provided in section 203B.082. If delivered in person, the return envelope must be submitted
21.21to the county auditor or municipal clerk by 8:00 p.m. on election day.
21.22 (b) (e) The voter may designate an agent to deliver in person the sealed absentee ballot
21.23return envelope to the county auditor or municipal clerk or to deposit the return envelope
21.24in the mail. An agent may deliver or mail the return envelopes of not more than three voters
21.25in any election. Any person designated as an agent who tampers with either the return
21.26envelope or the voted ballots or does not immediately mail or deliver the return envelope
21.27to the county auditor or municipal clerk is guilty of a misdemeanor.
21.28Sec. 22. Minnesota Statutes 2024, section 203B.121, subdivision 2, is amended to read:
21.29 Subd. 2.Duties of ballot board; absentee ballots.(a) The members of the ballot board
21.30shall take possession of all signature envelopes delivered to them in accordance with section
21.31203B.08. Upon receipt from the county auditor, municipal clerk, or school district clerk,
21.32two or more members of the ballot board shall examine each signature envelope and shall
21Article 1 Sec. 22.
25-01034 as introduced02/03/25 REVISOR JFK/KR 22.1mark it accepted or rejected in the manner provided in this subdivision. Election judges
22.2performing the duties in this section must be of different major political parties, unless they
22.3are exempt from that requirement under section 205.075, subdivision 4, or section 205A.10,
22.4subdivision 2.
22.5 (b) The members of the ballot board shall mark the signature envelope "Accepted" and
22.6initial or sign the signature envelope below the word "Accepted" if a majority of the members
22.7of the ballot board examining the envelope are satisfied that:
22.8 (1) the voter's name and address on the signature envelope are the same as the information
22.9provided on the absentee ballot application or voter record;
22.10 (2) the voter signed the certification on the envelope;
22.11 (3) the voter's Minnesota driver's license, state identification number, voter identification
22.12card number, or the last four digits of the voter's Social Security number are the same as a
22.13number on the voter's absentee ballot application or voter record. If the number does not
22.14match, the election judges must compare the signature provided by the applicant to determine
22.15whether the ballots were returned by the same person to whom they were transmitted;
22.16 (4) the voter is registered and eligible to vote in the precinct or has included a properly
22.17completed voter registration application in the signature envelope;
22.18 (5) the portion of the certificate completed by a witness as required by section 203B.07,
22.19subdivision 3, paragraph (b), is completed and the document or documents listed that were
22.20used to prove identity and residence are documents authorized by section 200.035;
22.21 (5) (6) the certificate has been completed as prescribed in the directions for casting an
22.22absentee ballot; and
22.23 (6) (7) the voter has not already voted at that election, either in person or, if it is after
22.24the close of business on the 19th day before the election, as provided by section 203B.081.
22.25 The signature envelope from accepted ballots must be preserved and returned to the
22.26county auditor.
22.27 (c)(1) If a majority of the members of the ballot board examining a signature envelope
22.28find that an absentee voter has failed to meet one of the requirements provided in paragraph
22.29(b), they shall mark the signature envelope "Rejected," initial or sign it below the word
22.30"Rejected," list the reason for the rejection on the envelope, and return it to the county
22.31auditor. There is no other reason for rejecting an absentee ballot beyond those permitted by
22.32this section. Failure to place the ballot within the ballot envelope before placing it in the
22.33outer white envelope is not a reason to reject an absentee ballot.
22Article 1 Sec. 22.
25-01034 as introduced02/03/25 REVISOR JFK/KR 23.1 (2) If an envelope has been rejected at least five days before the election, the envelope
23.2must remain sealed and the official in charge of the ballot board shall provide the voter with
23.3a replacement absentee ballot and signature envelope in place of the rejected ballot.
23.4 (3) If an envelope is rejected within five days of the election, the envelope must remain
23.5sealed and the official in charge of the ballot board must attempt to contact the voter to
23.6notify the voter that the voter's ballot has been rejected by the method or methods of
23.7communication provided by the voter on the voter's application for an absentee ballot or
23.8voter registration. The official must document the attempts made to contact the voter.
23.9 (d) The official in charge of the absentee ballot board must mail the voter a written notice
23.10of absentee ballot rejection between six and ten weeks following the election. If the official
23.11determines that the voter has otherwise cast a ballot in the election, no notice is required.
23.12If an absentee ballot arrives after the deadline for submission provided by this chapter, the
23.13notice must be provided between six to ten weeks after receipt of the ballot. A notice of
23.14absentee ballot rejection must contain the following information:
23.15 (1) the date on which the absentee ballot was rejected or, if the ballot was received after
23.16the required deadline for submission, the date on which the ballot was received;
23.17 (2) the reason for rejection; and
23.18 (3) the name of the appropriate election official to whom the voter may direct further
23.19questions, along with appropriate contact information.
23.20 (e) An absentee ballot signature envelope marked "Rejected" may not be opened or
23.21subject to further review except in an election contest filed pursuant to chapter 209.
23.22Sec. 23. Minnesota Statutes 2024, section 203B.30, subdivision 2, is amended to read:
23.23 Subd. 2.Voting procedure.(a) When a voter appears in an early voting polling place,
23.24the voter must: (1) state the voter's name, address, and, if requested, the voter's date of birth
23.25to the early voting official; and (2) present proof of identity and residence as described in
23.26section 200.035. The early voting official must confirm that the voter's registration is current
23.27in the statewide voter registration system and that the voter has not already cast a ballot in
23.28the election. If the voter's status is challenged, the voter may resolve the challenge as provided
23.29in section 204C.12. An individual who is not registered to vote or whose name or address
23.30has changed must register in the manner provided in section 201.061, subdivision 3. A voter
23.31who has already cast a ballot in the election must not be provided with a ballot. A voter
23.32who does not present proof of identity and residence as required by section 200.035 must
23Article 1 Sec. 23.
25-01034 as introduced02/03/25 REVISOR JFK/KR 24.1not be allowed to sign the certificate in paragraph (b) but must be allowed to cast a
24.2provisional ballot as provided in section 204C.135.
24.3 (b) Each voter must sign the certification provided in section 204C.10. The signature of
24.4an individual on the voter's certificate and the issuance of a ballot to the individual is evidence
24.5of the intent of the individual to vote at that election. After the voter signs the certification,
24.6two early voting officials must initial the ballot and issue it to the voter. The voter must
24.7immediately retire to a voting station or other designated location in the polling place to
24.8mark the ballot. The voter must not take a ballot from the polling place. If the voter spoils
24.9the ballot, the voter may return it to the early voting official in exchange for a new ballot.
24.10After completing the ballot, the voter must deposit the ballot into the ballot counter and
24.11ballot box. The early voting official must immediately record that the voter has voted in the
24.12manner provided in section 203B.121, subdivision 3.
24.13Sec. 24. Minnesota Statutes 2024, section 204B.45, subdivision 2, is amended to read:
24.14 Subd. 2.Procedure; voting prior to election day.Mail balloting must be conducted
24.15as provided in this section and Minnesota Rules, part 8210.3000. Notice of the election and
24.16the special mail procedure must be given at least ten weeks prior to the election. Not more
24.17than 46 days nor later than 14 days before a regularly scheduled election and not more than
24.1830 days nor later than 14 days before any other election, the auditor shall mail ballots by
24.19nonforwardable mail to all voters registered in the city, town, or unorganized territory. No
24.20later than 14 days before the election, the auditor must make a subsequent mailing of ballots
24.21to those voters who register to vote after the initial mailing but before the 20th day before
24.22the election. Eligible voters not registered at the time the ballots are mailed may apply for
24.23ballots as provided in chapter 203B. Ballot return envelopes, with return postage provided,
24.24must be preaddressed to the auditor or clerk and the voter may return the ballot by mail or
24.25in person to the office of the auditor or clerk. The voter must present proof of identity and
24.26residence to the voter's witness in the same manner required by section 203B.08, subdivision
24.271, paragraphs (b) and (c). In addition to the information required by Minnesota Rules, part
24.288210.3000, the signature envelope must include the witness oath prescribed by section
24.29203B.07, subdivision 3, paragraph (b). The auditor or clerk must appoint a ballot board to
24.30examine the mail and absentee ballot return envelopes and mark them "accepted" or "rejected"
24.31within three days of receipt if there are 14 or fewer days before election day, or within five
24.32days of receipt if there are more than 14 days before election day. The board may consist
24.33of deputy county auditors or deputy municipal clerks who have received training in the
24.34processing and counting of mail ballots, who need not be affiliated with a major political
24.35party. Election judges performing the duties in this section must be of different major
24Article 1 Sec. 24.
25-01034 as introduced02/03/25 REVISOR JFK/KR 25.1political parties, unless they are exempt from that requirement under section 205.075,
25.2subdivision 4, or section 205A.10. If an envelope has been rejected at least five days before
25.3the election, the ballots in the envelope must remain sealed and the auditor or clerk shall
25.4provide the voter with a replacement ballot and return envelope in place of the spoiled ballot.
25.5If the ballot is rejected within five days of the election, the envelope must remain sealed
25.6and the official in charge of the ballot board must attempt to contact the voter by telephone
25.7or email to notify the voter that the voter's ballot has been rejected. The official must
25.8document the attempts made to contact the voter.
25.9 If the ballot is accepted, the county auditor or municipal clerk must mark the roster to
25.10indicate that the voter has already cast a ballot in that election. After the close of business
25.11on the 19th day before the election, the ballots from return envelopes marked "Accepted"
25.12may be opened, duplicated as needed in the manner provided by section 206.86, subdivision
25.135, initialed by the members of the ballot board, and deposited in the ballot box.
25.14 In all other respects, the provisions of the Minnesota Election Law governing deposit
25.15and counting of ballots apply.
25.16 The mail and absentee ballots for a precinct must be counted together and reported as
25.17one vote total. No vote totals from mail or absentee ballots may be made public before the
25.18close of voting on election day.
25.19 The costs of the mailing shall be paid by the election jurisdiction in which the voter
25.20maintains residence. Any ballot received by 8:00 p.m. on the day of the election must be
25.21counted.
25.22Sec. 25. Minnesota Statutes 2024, section 204B.46, is amended to read:
25.23 204B.46 MAIL ELECTIONS; QUESTIONS.
25.24 A county, municipality, or school district submitting questions to the voters at a special
25.25election may conduct an election by mail with no polling place other than the office of the
25.26auditor or clerk. No offices may be voted on at a mail election, except in overlapping school
25.27and municipal jurisdictions, where a mail election may include an office when one of the
25.28jurisdictions also has a question on the ballot. Mail balloting must be conducted as provided
25.29in this section and Minnesota Rules, part 8210.3000. Notice of the election must be given
25.30to the county auditor at least 84 days prior to the election. This notice shall also fulfill the
25.31requirements of Minnesota Rules, part 8210.3000. The special mail ballot procedures must
25.32be posted at least six weeks prior to the election. Not more than 46 nor later than 14 days
25.33prior to the election, the auditor or clerk shall mail ballots by nonforwardable mail to all
25Article 1 Sec. 25.
25-01034 as introduced02/03/25 REVISOR JFK/KR 26.1voters registered in the county, municipality, or school district. No later than 14 days before
26.2the election, the auditor or clerk must make a subsequent mailing of ballots to those voters
26.3who register to vote after the initial mailing but before the 20th day before the election.
26.4Eligible voters not registered at the time the ballots are mailed may apply for ballots pursuant
26.5to chapter 203B. The voter must present proof of identity and residence to the voter's witness
26.6in the same manner required by section 203B.08, subdivision 1, paragraphs (b) and (c). In
26.7addition to the information required by Minnesota Rules, part 8210.3000, the signature
26.8envelope must include the witness oath prescribed by section 203B.07, subdivision 3,
26.9paragraph (b). The auditor or clerk must appoint a ballot board to examine the mail and
26.10absentee ballot return envelopes and mark them "Accepted" or "Rejected" within three days
26.11of receipt if there are 14 or fewer days before election day, or within five days of receipt if
26.12there are more than 14 days before election day. The board may consist of deputy county
26.13auditors, deputy municipal clerks, or deputy school district clerks who have received training
26.14in the processing and counting of mail ballots, who need not be affiliated with a major
26.15political party. Election judges performing the duties in this section must be of different
26.16major political parties, unless they are exempt from that requirement under section 205.075,
26.17subdivision 4, or section 205A.10. If an envelope has been rejected at least five days before
26.18the election, the ballots in the envelope must remain sealed and the auditor or clerk must
26.19provide the voter with a replacement ballot and return envelope in place of the spoiled ballot.
26.20If the ballot is rejected within five days of the election, the envelope must remain sealed
26.21and the official in charge of the ballot board must attempt to contact the voter by telephone
26.22or email to notify the voter that the voter's ballot has been rejected. The official must
26.23document the attempts made to contact the voter.
26.24 If the ballot is accepted, the county auditor or municipal clerk must mark the roster to
26.25indicate that the voter has already cast a ballot in that election. After the close of business
26.26on the 19th day before the election, the ballots from return envelopes marked "Accepted"
26.27may be opened, duplicated as needed in the manner provided by section 206.86, subdivision
26.285, initialed by the ballot board, and deposited in the appropriate ballot box.
26.29 In all other respects, the provisions of the Minnesota Election Law governing deposit
26.30and counting of ballots apply.
26.31 The mail and absentee ballots for a precinct must be counted together and reported as
26.32one vote total. No vote totals from ballots may be made public before the close of voting
26.33on election day.
26Article 1 Sec. 25.
25-01034 as introduced02/03/25 REVISOR JFK/KR 27.1 Sec. 26. Minnesota Statutes 2024, section 204C.08, subdivision 1d, is amended to read:
27.2 Subd. 1d.Voter's Bill of Rights.The county auditor shall prepare and provide to each
27.3polling place sufficient copies of a poster setting forth the Voter's Bill of Rights as set forth
27.4in this section. Before the hours of voting are scheduled to begin, the election judges shall
27.5post it in a conspicuous location or locations in the polling place. The Voter's Bill of Rights
27.6is as follows:
27.7 "VOTER'S BILL OF RIGHTS
27.8 For all persons residing in this state who meet federal voting eligibility requirements:
27.9 (1) You have the right to be absent from work for the purpose of voting in a state, federal,
27.10or regularly scheduled election without reduction to your pay, personal leave, or vacation
27.11time on election day for the time necessary to appear at your polling place, cast a ballot,
27.12and return to work.
27.13 (2) If you are in line at your polling place any time before 8:00 p.m., you have the right
27.14to vote.
27.15 (3) If you can provide the required proof of identity and residence, you have the right
27.16to register to vote and to vote on election day.
27.17 (4) If you cannot provide the required proof of identity and residence, you have the right
27.18to register to vote and cast a provisional ballot.
27.19 (4) (5) If you are unable to sign your name, you have the right to orally confirm your
27.20identity with an election judge and to direct another person to sign your name for you.
27.21 (5) (6) You have the right to request special assistance when voting.
27.22 (6) (7) If you need assistance, you may be accompanied into the voting booth by a person
27.23of your choice, except by an agent of your employer or union or a candidate.
27.24 (7) (8) You have the right to bring your minor children into the polling place and into
27.25the voting booth with you.
27.26 (8) (9) You have the right to vote if you are not currently incarcerated for conviction of
27.27a felony offense.
27.28 (9) (10) If you are under a guardianship, you have the right to vote, unless the court
27.29order revokes your right to vote.
27.30 (10) (11) You have the right to vote without anyone in the polling place trying to influence
27.31your vote.
27Article 1 Sec. 26.
25-01034 as introduced02/03/25 REVISOR JFK/KR 28.1 (11) (12) If you make a mistake or spoil your ballot before it is submitted, you have the
28.2right to receive a replacement ballot and vote.
28.3 (12) (13) You have the right to file a written complaint at your polling place if you are
28.4dissatisfied with the way an election is being run.
28.5 (13) (14) You have the right to take a sample ballot into the voting booth with you.
28.6 (14) (15) You have the right to take a copy of this Voter's Bill of Rights into the voting
28.7booth with you."
28.8 Sec. 27. Minnesota Statutes 2024, section 204C.10, is amended to read:
28.9 204C.10 POLLING PLACE ROSTER; VOTER SIGNATURE CERTIFICATE;
28.10VOTER RECEIPT.
28.11 (a) An individual seeking to vote shall sign a polling place roster or voter signature
28.12certificate which states that the individual:
28.13 (1) is at least 18 years old;
28.14 (2) is a citizen of the United States;
28.15 (3) has maintained residence in Minnesota for 20 days immediately preceding the election;
28.16 (4) maintains residence at the address shown;
28.17 (5) is not under a guardianship in which the court order revokes the individual's right to
28.18vote;
28.19 (6) has not been found by a court of law to be legally incompetent to vote;
28.20 (7) has the right to vote because, if the individual was convicted of a felony, the individual
28.21is not currently incarcerated for that conviction;
28.22 (8) is registered; and
28.23 (9) has not already voted in the election.
28.24 The roster must also state: "I understand that deliberately providing false information
28.25is a felony punishable by not more than five years imprisonment and a fine of not more than
28.26$10,000, or both."
28.27 (b) At the presidential nomination primary, the polling place roster must also state: "I
28.28am in general agreement with the principles of the party for whose candidate I intend to
28.29vote." This statement must appear separately from the statements required in paragraph (a).
28.30The felony penalty provided for in paragraph (a) does not apply to this paragraph.
28Article 1 Sec. 27.
25-01034 as introduced02/03/25 REVISOR JFK/KR 29.1 (c) A judge may, Before the applicant signs the roster or voter signature certificate, a
29.2judge must: (1) require the voter to present proof of identity and residence as described in
29.3section 200.035; and (2) confirm the applicant's name, address, and date of birth. An applicant
29.4who does not present proof of identity and residence as required by section 200.035 must
29.5not sign the polling place roster or a voter signature certificate, but must be allowed to cast
29.6a provisional ballot as provided in section 204C.135.
29.7 (d) After the applicant signs the roster or voter signature certificate, the judge shall give
29.8the applicant a voter's receipt. The voter shall deliver the voter's receipt to the judge in
29.9charge of ballots as proof of the voter's right to vote, and thereupon the judge shall hand to
29.10the voter the ballot. The voters' receipts must be maintained during the time for notice of
29.11filing an election contest.
29.12 (e) Whenever a challenged status appears on the polling place roster, an election judge
29.13must ensure that the challenge is concealed or hidden from the view of any voter other than
29.14the voter whose status is challenged.
29.15Sec. 28. [204C.135] PROVISIONAL BALLOTS; PROOF OF IDENTITY AND
29.16RESIDENCE.
29.17 Subdivision 1.Casting of provisional ballots.(a) A voter who is unable to provide
29.18proper proof of identity and residence as required by section 201.061, subdivision 3, or
29.19204C.10, is entitled to cast a provisional ballot in the manner provided by this section.
29.20 (b) A voter seeking to vote a provisional ballot under this section must complete a
29.21provisional signature envelope and sign a provisional ballot roster or voter signature
29.22certificate for a provisional ballot. The envelope must contain a space for the voter to list
29.23the voter's name, address of residence, date of birth, and any other information prescribed
29.24by the secretary of state. The voter must also swear or affirm, in writing, that the voter is
29.25eligible to vote, has not voted previously in the same election, and meets the criteria for
29.26registering to vote in the precinct in which the voter appears. Once the voter has completed
29.27the provisional signature envelope, the voter must be allowed to cast a provisional ballot.
29.28The provisional ballot must be the same as the official ballot available in the precinct on
29.29election day. A completed provisional ballot must be sealed in a ballot envelope. The ballot
29.30envelope must be sealed inside the voter's provisional signature envelope and deposited by
29.31the voter in a secure, sealed, provisional ballot box. Completed provisional ballots must not
29.32be combined with other voted ballots in the polling place.
29.33 (c) An election judge must inform the voter on the process to follow to prove residence
29.34and identity during the seven days following the election. The election judge must inform
29Article 1 Sec. 28.
25-01034 as introduced02/03/25 REVISOR JFK/KR 30.1the voter of the location of the county auditor or municipal clerk responsible for accepting
30.2or rejecting provisional ballots and the hours the auditor or clerk is open for business during
30.3the week following the election.
30.4 (d) The form of the ballot and provisional signature envelopes must be prescribed by
30.5the secretary of state. The provisional signature envelope must be a color other than that
30.6provided for absentee ballot envelopes. The envelope must be prominently labeled
30.7"Provisional Signature Envelope."
30.8 (e) Provisional ballots and related documentation must be delivered to and securely
30.9maintained by the county auditor or municipal clerk in the same manner as required for
30.10other election materials under sections 204C.27 to 204C.28.
30.11 Subd. 2.Accepting or rejecting provisional ballots.(a) In order for the provisional
30.12ballot to be counted, a voter who casts a provisional ballot in the polling place must
30.13personally appear before the county auditor or municipal clerk no later than seven calendar
30.14days following the election to prove that the voter's provisional ballot should be counted.
30.15The county auditor's office and the city clerk's office must be open for approving provisional
30.16ballots on the Saturday following the election for the hours prescribed in section 203B.085.
30.17 (b) The county auditor or municipal clerk must accept a provisional ballot if:
30.18 (1) the statewide voter registration system indicates that the voter is registered and is
30.19eligible to vote or, if challenged, the county auditor or municipal clerk does not, based upon
30.20available records and any documentation presented by the voter, conclude that the voter is
30.21ineligible;
30.22 (2) the voter presents proof of identity and residence in the precinct in the manner
30.23permitted by section 200.035 or executes an affidavit described in paragraph (c); and
30.24 (3) the data on the identity and residence document presented by the voter matches the
30.25data provided by the voter on the provisional signature envelope.
30.26 (c) A voter that attempted to procure proof of identity and residence to satisfy the
30.27requirements of section 200.035 but was unable to do so, may execute a sworn affidavit,
30.28under the penalty of perjury, that states:
30.29 (1) the voter is the same voter who cast the provisional ballot;
30.30 (2) the voter is eligible to vote, has not voted previously in the same election, and meets
30.31the criteria for registering to vote in the precinct where the voter cast the provisional ballot;
30Article 1 Sec. 28.
25-01034 as introduced02/03/25 REVISOR JFK/KR 31.1 (3) the voter attempted to procure proof of identity and residence but was unable to do
31.2so, and provide an explanation of the reason that the voter was unable to procure the
31.3necessary proof; and
31.4 (4) that the information on the affidavit is true and accurate.
31.5The affidavit must be signed in the presence of the county auditor or municipal clerk.
31.6 (d) If a voter registered on election day without proper proof of identity and residence
31.7and the voter registration application that was completed on election day has not yet been
31.8processed at the time the voter appears to prove identity and residence, the voter must be
31.9allowed to provide proof of identity and residence in the manner described by this section.
31.10If the criteria in paragraph (b) are satisfied except that the voter is not yet registered, the
31.11county auditor or municipal clerk must set the ballot aside until the voter registration
31.12application is processed. Once the voter registration application is processed, if the voter is
31.13registered to vote, the ballot must be accepted as provided in paragraph (e). If a voter is not
31.14registered to vote, the ballot must be rejected.
31.15 (e) If the voter's ballot is accepted, the county auditor or municipal clerk must remove
31.16the ballot from the provisional ballot box, mark the provisional signature envelope "accepted,"
31.17and initial or sign the provisional signature envelope below the word "accepted." All accepted
31.18provisional signature envelopes must be kept together in a secure location. Provisional
31.19signature envelopes must only be opened as provided in subdivision 3.
31.20 (f) A county auditor or municipal clerk must not accept or count a provisional ballot if
31.21the voter does not appear before the county auditor or municipal clerk within seven calendar
31.22days following the election or if the voter does not satisfy the requirements of paragraph
31.23(a).
31.24 (g) The county auditor or municipal clerk must notify, in writing, any voter who cast a
31.25provisional ballot and who does not appear within seven calendar days of the election that
31.26the voter's provisional ballot was not counted because of the voter's failure to appear before
31.27the county auditor or municipal clerk within the time permitted by law to determine whether
31.28the provisional ballot should be counted.
31.29 Subd. 3.Provisional ballots; reconciliation; counting.(a) At the close of business for
31.30the county auditor's or municipal clerk's office on the seventh day after the election, but
31.31prior to counting any provisional ballots in the final vote totals from a precinct, the county
31.32auditor or municipal clerk must determine whether the number of signatures appearing on
31.33the provisional ballot roster or number of voter signature certificates for provisional ballots
31.34from that precinct is equal to the number of provisional ballots submitted by voters in the
31Article 1 Sec. 28.
25-01034 as introduced02/03/25 REVISOR JFK/KR 32.1precinct on election day. If there are excess ballots, ballots must be randomly withdrawn
32.2from the accepted provisional signature envelopes in the manner required by section 204C.20,
32.3subdivision 2. Any discrepancy must be resolved before the provisional ballots from the
32.4precinct may be counted.
32.5 (b) After the ballots are reconciled pursuant to paragraph (a), the county auditor or
32.6municipal clerk must open the accepted provisional signature envelopes and deposit them
32.7in the appropriate ballot box. The accepted and deposited provisional ballots must be included
32.8in the final certified results from the precinct.
32.9 Sec. 29. Minnesota Statutes 2024, section 204C.32, is amended to read:
32.10 204C.32 CANVASS OF STATE PRIMARIES.
32.11 Subdivision 1.County canvass.The county canvassing board shall meet at the county
32.12auditor's office on either the second or third the eighth day following the state primary.
32.13After taking the oath of office, the canvassing board shall publicly canvass the election
32.14returns delivered to the county auditor. The board shall complete the canvass by the third
32.15eighth day following the state primary and shall promptly prepare and file with the county
32.16auditor a report that states:
32.17 (a) the number of individuals voting at the election in the county, and in each precinct;
32.18 (b) the number of individuals registering to vote on election day and the number of
32.19individuals registered before election day in each precinct;
32.20 (c) for each major political party, the names of the candidates running for each partisan
32.21office and the number of votes received by each candidate in the county and in each precinct;
32.22 (d) the names of the candidates of each major political party who are nominated; and
32.23 (e) the number of votes received by each of the candidates for nonpartisan office in each
32.24precinct in the county and the names of the candidates nominated for nonpartisan office.
32.25 Upon completion of the canvass, the county auditor shall mail or deliver a notice of
32.26nomination to each nominee for county office voted for only in that county. The county
32.27auditor shall transmit one of the certified copies of the county canvassing board report for
32.28state and federal offices to the secretary of state by express mail or similar service
32.29immediately upon conclusion of the county canvass. The secretary of state shall mail a
32.30notice of nomination to each nominee for state or federal office.
32.31 Subd. 2.State canvass.The State Canvassing Board shall meet at a public meeting
32.32space located in the Capitol complex area seven 14 days after the state primary to canvass
32Article 1 Sec. 29.
25-01034 as introduced02/03/25 REVISOR JFK/KR 33.1the certified copies of the county canvassing board reports received from the county auditors.
33.2Immediately after the canvassing board declares the results, the secretary of state shall
33.3certify the names of the nominees to the county auditors. The secretary of state shall mail
33.4to each nominee a notice of nomination.
33.5 Sec. 30. Minnesota Statutes 2024, section 204C.33, subdivision 1, is amended to read:
33.6 Subdivision 1.County canvass.The county canvassing board shall meet at the county
33.7auditor's office between the third and eighth and 14th days following the state general
33.8election. After taking the oath of office, the board shall promptly and publicly canvass the
33.9general election returns delivered to the county auditor. Upon completion of the canvass,
33.10the board shall promptly prepare and file with the county auditor a report which states:
33.11 (a) the number of individuals voting at the election in the county and in each precinct;
33.12 (b) the number of individuals registering to vote on election day and the number of
33.13individuals registered before election day in each precinct;
33.14 (c) the names of the candidates for each office and the number of votes received by each
33.15candidate in the county and in each precinct;
33.16 (d) the number of votes counted for and against a proposed change of county lines or
33.17county seat; and
33.18 (e) the number of votes counted for and against a constitutional amendment or other
33.19question in the county and in each precinct.
33.20 The result of write-in votes cast on the general election ballots must be compiled by the
33.21county auditor before the county canvass, except that write-in votes for a candidate for
33.22federal, state, or county office must not be counted unless the candidate has timely filed a
33.23request under section 204B.09, subdivision 3. The county auditor shall arrange for each
33.24municipality to provide an adequate number of election judges to perform this duty or the
33.25county auditor may appoint additional election judges for this purpose. The county auditor
33.26may open the envelopes or containers in which the voted ballots have been sealed in order
33.27to count and record the write-in votes and must reseal the voted ballots at the conclusion of
33.28this process. The county auditor must prepare a separate report of votes received by precinct
33.29for write-in candidates for federal, state, and county offices who have requested under
33.30section 204B.09 that votes for those candidates be tallied.
33.31 Upon completion of the canvass, the county canvassing board shall declare the candidate
33.32duly elected who received the highest number of votes for each county and state office voted
33.33for only within the county. The county auditor shall transmit a certified copy of the county
33Article 1 Sec. 30.
25-01034 as introduced02/03/25 REVISOR JFK/KR 34.1canvassing board report for state and federal offices to the secretary of state by messenger,
34.2express mail, or similar service immediately upon conclusion of the county canvass.
34.3 Sec. 31. Minnesota Statutes 2024, section 204C.37, is amended to read:
34.4 204C.37 COUNTY CANVASS; RETURN OF REPORTS TO SECRETARY OF
34.5STATE.
34.6 A copy of the report required by sections 204C.32, subdivision 1, and 204C.33,
34.7subdivision 1, shall be certified under the official seal of the county auditor. The copy shall
34.8be enclosed in an envelope addressed to the secretary of state, with the county auditor's
34.9name and official address and the words "Election Returns" endorsed on the envelope. The
34.10copy of the canvassing board report must be sent by express mail or delivered to the secretary
34.11of state. If the copy is not received by the secretary of state within ten days following the
34.12applicable election a primary election, or within 15 days following a general election, the
34.13secretary of state shall immediately notify the county auditor, who shall deliver another
34.14copy to the secretary of state by special messenger.
34.15Sec. 32. Minnesota Statutes 2024, section 205.065, subdivision 5, is amended to read:
34.16 Subd. 5.Results.The municipal primary shall be conducted and the returns made in the
34.17manner provided for the state primary so far as practicable. The canvass may be conducted
34.18on either the second or third day after the primary.
34.19 The governing body of the municipality shall canvass the returns on the eighth day after
34.20the primary, and the two candidates for each office who receive the highest number of votes,
34.21or a number of candidates equal to twice the number of individuals to be elected to the
34.22office, who receive the highest number of votes, shall be the nominees for the office named.
34.23Their names shall be certified to the municipal clerk who shall place them on the municipal
34.24general election ballot without partisan designation and without payment of an additional
34.25fee.
34.26Sec. 33. Minnesota Statutes 2024, section 205.185, subdivision 3, is amended to read:
34.27 Subd. 3.Canvass of returns, certificate of election, ballots, disposition.(a) Between
34.28the third eighth and tenth 14th days after an election, the governing body of a city conducting
34.29any election including a special municipal election, or the governing body of a town
34.30conducting the general election in November shall act as the canvassing board, canvass the
34.31returns, and declare the results of the election. The governing body of a town conducting
34Article 1 Sec. 33.
25-01034 as introduced02/03/25 REVISOR JFK/KR 35.1the general election in March shall act as the canvassing board, canvass the returns, and
35.2declare the results of the election within two days on the eighth day after an election.
35.3 (b) After the time for contesting elections has passed, the municipal clerk shall issue a
35.4certificate of election to each successful candidate. In case of a contest, the certificate shall
35.5not be issued until the outcome of the contest has been determined by the proper court.
35.6 (c) In case of a tie vote, the canvassing board having jurisdiction over the municipality
35.7shall determine the result by lot. The clerk of the canvassing board shall certify the results
35.8of the election to the county auditor, and the clerk shall be the final custodian of the ballots
35.9and the returns of the election.
35.10Sec. 34. Minnesota Statutes 2024, section 205A.03, subdivision 4, is amended to read:
35.11 Subd. 4.Results.(a) The school district primary must be conducted and the returns
35.12made in the manner provided for the state primary as far as practicable. If the primary is
35.13conducted:
35.14 (1) only within that school district, a canvass may be conducted on either the second or
35.15third day after the primary; or
35.16 (2) in conjunction with the state primary, the canvass must be conducted on the third
35.17day after the primary, except as otherwise provided in paragraph (b).
35.18 On the eighth day after the primary, the school board of the school district shall canvass
35.19the returns, and the two candidates for each specified school board position who receive
35.20the highest number of votes, or a number of candidates equal to twice the number of
35.21individuals to be elected to at-large school board positions who receive the highest number
35.22of votes, are the nominees for the office named. Their names must be certified to the school
35.23district clerk who shall place them on the school district general election ballot without
35.24partisan designation and without payment of an additional fee.
35.25 (b) Following a school district primary as described in paragraph (a), clause (2), a canvass
35.26may be conducted on the second day after the primary if the county auditor of each county
35.27in which the school district is located agrees to administratively review the school district's
35.28primary voting statistics for accuracy and completeness within a time that permits the canvass
35.29to be conducted on that day.
35.30Sec. 35. Minnesota Statutes 2024, section 205A.10, subdivision 3, is amended to read:
35.31 Subd. 3.Canvass of returns, certificate of election, ballots, disposition.Between the
35.32third eighth and tenth 14th days after a school district election other than a recount of a
35Article 1 Sec. 35.
25-01034 as introduced02/03/25 REVISOR JFK/KR 36.1special election conducted under section 126C.17, subdivision 9, or 475.59, the school board
36.2shall canvass the returns and declare the results of the election. After the time for contesting
36.3elections has passed, the school district clerk shall issue a certificate of election to each
36.4successful candidate. If there is a contest, the certificate of election to that office must not
36.5be issued until the outcome of the contest has been determined by the proper court. If there
36.6is a tie vote, the school board shall determine the result by lot. The clerk shall deliver the
36.7certificate of election to the successful candidate by personal service or certified mail. The
36.8successful candidate shall file an acceptance and oath of office in writing with the clerk
36.9within 30 days of the date of mailing or personal service. A person who fails to qualify prior
36.10to the time specified shall be deemed to have refused to serve, but that filing may be made
36.11at any time before action to fill the vacancy has been taken. The school district clerk shall
36.12certify the results of the election to the county auditor, and the clerk shall be the final
36.13custodian of the ballots and the returns of the election.
36.14 A school district canvassing board shall perform the duties of the school board according
36.15to the requirements of this subdivision for a recount of a special election conducted under
36.16section 126C.17, subdivision 9, or 475.59.
36.17Sec. 36. [357.43] DOCUMENTS REQUIRED FOR VOTER IDENTIFICATION
36.18CARD.
36.19 Notwithstanding any provisions to the contrary, no fee shall be charged by the courts
36.20for a certified copy of a court order, decree, record, or other document if the applicant attests
36.21that the record is needed to obtain a voter identification card issued pursuant to section
36.22171.07, subdivision 3c.
36.23 EFFECTIVE DATE.This section is effective June 1, 2026.
36.24Sec. 37. PUBLIC EDUCATION CAMPAIGN.
36.25 The secretary of state must contract with a vendor for the production and implementation
36.26of a statewide public educational campaign related to the voter identification requirements
36.27of this article. The campaign must inform voters of the requirements for identification when
36.28voting, methods of securing sufficient identification, including securing a free voter
36.29identification card if necessary, and the process for provisional balloting for voters unable
36.30to meet the identification requirements on election day. The secretary of state may consult
36.31with the vendor in coordinating material related to the campaign, but the secretary, the
36.32secretary's staff, and any other documents or materials promoting the Office of the Secretary
36Article 1 Sec. 37.
25-01034 as introduced02/03/25 REVISOR JFK/KR 37.1of State may not appear visually or audibly in any advertising or promotional items
37.2disseminated by the vendor as part of the public education campaign.
37.3 EFFECTIVE DATE.This section is effective the day following final enactment.
37.4 Sec. 38. PROPOSED LEGISLATION.
37.5 (a) By January 15, 2026, the secretary of state must report to the chairs and ranking
37.6minority members of the legislative committees with jurisdiction over elections on proposed
37.7legislation to amend matters currently contained in administrative rules as necessary to
37.8implement this act. To the greatest extent practical, this proposed legislation must propose
37.9codifying into law matters that otherwise would be adopted through the administrative
37.10rulemaking process.
37.11 (b) To the extent that codifying matters into law is not practical, the proposed legislation
37.12must direct, by law, specific changes to be made in administrative rules so that no
37.13interpretation of the law by the secretary of state would be necessary, and use of the good
37.14cause rulemaking exemption in Minnesota Statutes, section 14.388, would be appropriate
37.15if the legislature authorizes use of this process.
37.16 (c) Nothing in this section grants rulemaking authority to the secretary of state.
37.17 EFFECTIVE DATE.This section is effective the day following final enactment.
37.18Sec. 39. VOTER IDENTIFICATION CARD TRAINING FOR DRIVER'S LICENSE
37.19AGENTS.
37.20 The commissioner of public safety must provide training for driver's license agents on
37.21the process for issuing voter identification cards.
37.22 EFFECTIVE DATE.This section is effective the day following final enactment.
37.23Sec. 40. APPROPRIATIONS.
37.24 (a) $608,000 in fiscal year 2027 is appropriated from the general fund to the secretary
37.25of state for programming changes to the statewide voter registration system necessary to
37.26implement the requirements of this act. This is a onetime appropriation.
37.27 (b) $1,360,000 in fiscal year 2027 is appropriated from the general fund to the secretary
37.28of state for the public education campaign required under section 37. This is a onetime
37.29appropriation and is available until June 30, 2029.
37Article 1 Sec. 40.
25-01034 as introduced02/03/25 REVISOR JFK/KR 38.1 (c) $17,000 in fiscal year 2026 and $1,694,000 in fiscal year 2027 are transferred from
38.2the general fund to the voter identification card account established under Minnesota Statutes,
38.3section 201.017, paragraph (a). The base for this transfer is $3,388,000 in fiscal year 2028
38.4and each year thereafter.
38.5 (d) $204,000 is appropriated in fiscal year 2026 from the general fund to the commissioner
38.6of public safety for the programming costs in the driver's license system necessary to
38.7implement this act and for the training for driver's license agents required by section 39.
38.8 (e) $141,000 in fiscal year 2026 and $88,000 in fiscal year 2027 are appropriated from
38.9the driver and vehicle services operating account in the special revenue fund to the
38.10commissioner of public safety for implementing the requirements of this act. This includes
38.11the cost of design of the voter identification card and staff necessary to process and issue
38.12reimbursements required under Minnesota Statutes, section 201.017, paragraph (b). The
38.13base for this appropriation is $78,000 in fiscal year 2028 and each year thereafter.
38.14 (f) $233,000 in fiscal year 2026 is appropriated from the general fund to the commissioner
38.15of health to provide birth records at no cost to applicants under Minnesota Statutes, section
38.16144.226, subdivision 9, paragraph (a). This is a onetime appropriation and is available until
38.17June 30, 2027.
38.18 EFFECTIVE DATE.This section is effective July 1, 2025.
38.19Sec. 41. REPEALER.
38.20 Minnesota Statutes 2024, section 201.061, subdivision 7, is repealed.
38.21Sec. 42. EFFECTIVE DATE.
38.22 Except where otherwise provided, this article is effective on June 1, 2027.
38.23 ARTICLE 2
38.24 CONFORMING CHANGES
38.25Section 1. Minnesota Statutes 2024, section 171.061, subdivision 1, is amended to read:
38.26 Subdivision 1.Definitions.For purposes of this section:
38.27 (1) "applicant" means an individual applying for a driver's license, provisional license,
38.28restricted license, duplicate license, instruction permit, Minnesota identification card, voter
38.29identification card, or motorized bicycle operator's permit; and
38Article 2 Section 1.
25-01034 as introduced02/03/25 REVISOR JFK/KR 39.1 (2) "application" refers to an application for a driver's license, provisional license,
39.2restricted license, duplicate license, instruction permit, Minnesota identification card, voter
39.3identification card, or motorized bicycle operator's permit.
39.4 EFFECTIVE DATE.This section is effective June 1, 2026.
39.5 Sec. 2. Minnesota Statutes 2024, section 171.061, subdivision 3, is amended to read:
39.6 Subd. 3.Application.An applicant may file an application with an agent. The agent
39.7shall receive and accept applications in accordance with the laws and rules of the Department
39.8of Public Safety for a noncompliant driver's license or identification card; an enhanced
39.9driver's license or identification card; a REAL ID compliant driver's license or identification
39.10card; restricted license; duplicate license; instruction permit; voter identification card; or
39.11motorized bicycle operator's permit. Application records must be maintained at the office
39.12of the agent in a manner that complies with sections 13.05, subdivision 5, and 13.055. As
39.13an alternative to paper copy storage, an agent may retain records and documents in a secure
39.14electronic medium that complies with the security requirements under the United States
39.15Federal Bureau of Investigation, Criminal Justice Information Services Division, Policy 5.4
39.16or any successor policy, provided 60 days have elapsed since the transaction and subject to
39.17standards established by the commissioner. The agent is responsible for all costs associated
39.18with the conversion to electronic records and maintenance of the electronic storage medium,
39.19including the destruction of existing paper records after conversion to the electronic format.
39.20All queries and responses in the secure electronic medium, and all actions in which data
39.21are entered, updated, accessed, or shared or disseminated by the agent must be contained
39.22in a data audit trail. Data contained in the audit trail are public to the extent the data are not
39.23otherwise classified under this section.
39.24 EFFECTIVE DATE.This section is effective June 1, 2026.
39.25Sec. 3. Minnesota Statutes 2024, section 171.07, subdivision 1a, is amended to read:
39.26 Subd. 1a.Filing photograph or image; data classification.The department shall file,
39.27or contract to file, all photographs or electronically produced images obtained in the process
39.28of issuing drivers' licenses or, Minnesota identification cards, or voter identification cards.
39.29The photographs or electronically produced images shall be private data pursuant to section
39.3013.02, subdivision 12. Notwithstanding section 13.04, subdivision 3, the department shall
39.31not be required to provide copies of photographs or electronically produced images to data
39.32subjects. The use of the files is restricted:
39.33 (1) to the issuance and control of drivers' licenses and voter identification cards;
39Article 2 Sec. 3.
25-01034 as introduced02/03/25 REVISOR JFK/KR 40.1 (2) to criminal justice agencies, as defined in section 299C.46, subdivision 2, for the
40.2investigation and prosecution of crimes, service of process, enforcement of no contact
40.3orders, location of missing persons, investigation and preparation of cases for criminal,
40.4juvenile, and traffic court, location of individuals required to register under section 243.166
40.5or 243.167, and supervision of offenders;
40.6 (3) to public defenders, as defined in section 611.272, for the investigation and preparation
40.7of cases for criminal, juvenile, and traffic courts;
40.8 (4) to child support enforcement purposes under section 518A.83; and
40.9 (5) to a county medical examiner or coroner as required by section 390.005 as necessary
40.10to fulfill the duties under sections 390.11 and 390.25.
40.11 EFFECTIVE DATE.This section is effective June 1, 2026.
40.12Sec. 4. Minnesota Statutes 2024, section 171.07, subdivision 14, is amended to read:
40.13 Subd. 14.Use of Social Security number.An applicant's Social Security number must
40.14not be displayed, encrypted, or encoded on the driver's license or, Minnesota identification
40.15card, or voter identification card or included in a magnetic strip or bar code used to store
40.16data on the license or Minnesota identification card. The Social Security number must not
40.17be used as a Minnesota driver's license or identification number.
40.18 EFFECTIVE DATE.This section is effective June 1, 2026.
40.19Sec. 5. Minnesota Statutes 2024, section 171.071, subdivision 1, is amended to read:
40.20 Subdivision 1.Religious objection.Notwithstanding the provisions of section 171.07,
40.21the commissioner of public safety may adopt rules to permit identification on a driver's
40.22license or, Minnesota identification card, or voter identification card in lieu of a photograph
40.23or electronically produced image where the commissioner finds that the licensee has religious
40.24objections to the use of a photograph or electronically produced image.
40.25 EFFECTIVE DATE.This section is effective June 1, 2026.
40.26Sec. 6. Minnesota Statutes 2024, section 171.071, subdivision 2, is amended to read:
40.27 Subd. 2.Certain head wear permitted.If an accident involving a head injury, serious
40.28illness, or treatment of the illness has resulted in hair loss by an applicant for a driver's
40.29license or, identification card, or voter identification card, the commissioner shall permit
40.30the applicant to wear a hat or similar head wear in the photograph or electronically produced
40Article 2 Sec. 6.
25-01034 as introduced02/03/25 REVISOR JFK/KR 41.1image. The hat or head wear must be of an appropriate size and type to allow identification
41.2of the holder of the license or card and must not obscure the holder's face.
41.3 EFFECTIVE DATE.This section is effective June 1, 2026.
41.4 Sec. 7. Minnesota Statutes 2024, section 171.10, subdivision 1, is amended to read:
41.5 Subdivision 1.Duplicate license.In the event that an instruction permit, provisional
41.6license, or driver's license, or voter identification card issued under the provisions of this
41.7chapter is lost or destroyed, or becomes illegible, the person to whom the same was issued
41.8shall obtain a duplicate thereof, furnishing proof satisfactory to the department that such
41.9permit or license has been lost or destroyed or has become illegible, and make payment of
41.10the required fee.
41.11 EFFECTIVE DATE.This section is effective June 1, 2026.
41.12Sec. 8. Minnesota Statutes 2024, section 171.12, subdivision 3c, is amended to read:
41.13 Subd. 3c.Record retention; birth certificates.(a) If the procedures established by the
41.14commissioner for driver's license or, Minnesota identification card, or voter identification
41.15card records include retention of a physical copy or digital image of a birth certificate, the
41.16commissioner must:
41.17 (1) notify a driver's license or identification card applicant of the retention procedure;
41.18and
41.19 (2) allow the applicant, licensee, or identification cardholder to designate that the
41.20applicant, licensee, or identification cardholder's birth certificate physical copy or digital
41.21image must not be retained.
41.22 (b) The commissioner must not retain a birth certificate if directed by an applicant,
41.23licensee, or identification cardholder under paragraph (a), clause (2), but must record and
41.24retain data on the birth certificate required under Code of Federal Regulations, title 6, section
41.2537.31(c).
41.26 EFFECTIVE DATE.This section is effective June 1, 2026.
41.27Sec. 9. Minnesota Statutes 2024, section 171.121, is amended to read:
41.28 171.121 USE OF ANOTHER'S RESIDENCE ADDRESS.
41.29 A person may notify the commissioner in writing to the effect that the person (1) is the
41.30owner of a residence, and (2) does not consent to have that residence address identified on
41Article 2 Sec. 9.
25-01034 as introduced02/03/25 REVISOR JFK/KR 42.1any driver's license or, identification card, voter identification card, or driving record of the
42.2department as the residence address or permanent mailing address of any person named in
42.3the notice. The notice may not name a spouse of the notifying person. Upon receiving the
42.4notice the commissioner shall not issue any license or, identification card, or voter
42.5identification card under this chapter, or accept an application for a license or, identification
42.6card, or voter identification card under this chapter, that lists the residence address identified
42.7in the notice as the residence address or permanent mailing address of any person named
42.8in the notice.
42.9 EFFECTIVE DATE.This section is effective June 1, 2026.
42.10Sec. 10. Minnesota Statutes 2024, section 201.022, subdivision 1, is amended to read:
42.11 Subdivision 1.Establishment.The secretary of state shall maintain a statewide voter
42.12registration system to facilitate voter registration and to provide a central database containing
42.13voter registration information from around the state. The system must be accessible to the
42.14county auditor of each county in the state. The system must also:
42.15 (1) provide for voters to submit their voter registration applications to any county auditor,
42.16the secretary of state, or the Department of Public Safety;
42.17 (2) provide for the definition, establishment, and maintenance of a central database for
42.18all voter registration information;
42.19 (3) provide for entering data into the statewide registration system;
42.20 (4) provide for electronic transfer of completed voter registration applications from the
42.21Department of Public Safety to the secretary of state or the county auditor;
42.22 (5) assign a unique identifier to each legally registered voter in the state;
42.23 (6) provide for the acceptance of the Minnesota driver's license number, Minnesota state
42.24identification number, voter identification card number, and last four digits of the Social
42.25Security number for each voter record;
42.26 (7) coordinate with other agency databases within the state;
42.27 (8) allow county auditors and the secretary of state to add or modify information in the
42.28system to provide for accurate and up-to-date records;
42.29 (9) allow county auditors, municipal and school district clerks, and the secretary of state
42.30to have electronic access to the statewide registration system for review and search
42.31capabilities;
42Article 2 Sec. 10.
25-01034 as introduced02/03/25 REVISOR JFK/KR 43.1 (10) provide security and protection of all information in the statewide registration
43.2system and ensure that unauthorized access is not allowed;
43.3 (11) provide access to municipal clerks to use the system;
43.4 (12) provide a system for each county to identify the precinct to which a voter should
43.5be assigned for voting purposes;
43.6 (13) provide daily reports accessible by county auditors on the driver's license numbers,
43.7state identification numbers, voter identification card numbers, or last four digits of the
43.8Social Security numbers submitted on voter registration applications that have been verified
43.9as accurate by the secretary of state;
43.10 (14) provide reports on the number of absentee ballots transmitted to and returned and
43.11cast by voters under section 203B.16; and
43.12 (15) provide reports necessary for early voting.
43.13 The appropriate state or local official shall provide security measures to prevent
43.14unauthorized access to the computerized list established under section 201.021.
43.15Sec. 11. Minnesota Statutes 2024, section 201.061, subdivision 1, is amended to read:
43.16 Subdivision 1.Prior to election day.(a) At any time except during the 20 days
43.17immediately preceding any regularly scheduled election, an eligible voter or any individual
43.18who will be an eligible voter at the time of the next election may register to vote in the
43.19precinct in which the voter maintains residence by completing a voter registration application
43.20as described in section 201.071, subdivision 1. A completed application may be submitted:
43.21 (1) in person or by mail to the county auditor of that county or to the Secretary of State's
43.22Office; or
43.23 (2) electronically through a secure website that shall be maintained by the secretary of
43.24state for this purpose, if the applicant has an email address and provides the applicant's
43.25verifiable Minnesota driver's license number, Minnesota state identification card number,
43.26voter identification card number, or the last four digits of the applicant's Social Security
43.27number.
43.28 (b) A registration that is received in person or by mail no later than 5:00 p.m. on the
43.2921st day preceding any election, or a registration received electronically through the secretary
43.30of state's secure website no later than 11:59 p.m. on the 21st day preceding any election,
43.31shall be accepted. An improperly addressed or delivered registration application shall be
43.32forwarded within two working days after receipt to the county auditor of the county where
43Article 2 Sec. 11.
25-01034 as introduced02/03/25 REVISOR JFK/KR 44.1the voter maintains residence. A state or local agency or an individual that accepts completed
44.2voter registration applications from a voter must submit the completed applications to the
44.3secretary of state or the appropriate county auditor within ten calendar days after the
44.4applications are dated by the voter.
44.5 (c) An application submitted electronically under paragraph (a), clause (2), may only
44.6be transmitted to the county auditor for processing if the secretary of state has verified the
44.7application information matches the information in a government database associated with
44.8the applicant's driver's license number, state identification card number, voter identification
44.9card number, or Social Security number. The secretary of state must review all unverifiable
44.10voter registration applications submitted electronically for evidence of suspicious activity
44.11and must forward any such application to an appropriate law enforcement agency for
44.12investigation.
44.13 (d) An individual may not electronically submit a voter registration application on behalf
44.14of any other individual, except that the secretary of state may provide features on the secure
44.15website established under paragraph (a), clause (2), that allow third parties to connect
44.16application programming interfaces that facilitate an individual's submission of voter
44.17registration information while interacting with the third party.
44.18 (e) For purposes of this section, mail registration is defined as a voter registration
44.19application delivered to the secretary of state, county auditor, or municipal clerk by the
44.20United States Postal Service or a commercial carrier.
44.21Sec. 12. Minnesota Statutes 2024, section 201.061, subdivision 1a, is amended to read:
44.22 Subd. 1a.Incomplete registration by mail.If the county auditor determines that a voter
44.23who has submitted a voter registration application by mail has not previously voted in this
44.24state for a federal office and has also not presented a document authorized for election day
44.25registration in section 201.061, subdivision 3, to the auditor, and the county auditor is unable
44.26to verify the voter's driver's license, state identification, voter identification card, or last
44.27four digits of the voter's Social Security number as provided by the voter on the voter
44.28registration application, then the county auditor must notify the voter that the registration
44.29is incomplete and to complete registration by using one of the following methods:
44.30 (1) presenting to the auditor more than 20 days before the election a document authorized
44.31for election day registration in section 201.061, subdivision 3;
44.32 (2) registering in person before or on election day;
44Article 2 Sec. 12.
25-01034 as introduced02/03/25 REVISOR JFK/KR 45.1 (3) if voting by absentee ballot or by mail, following election day registration procedures
45.2for absentee voters as described in section 203B.04, subdivision 4; or
45.3 (4) providing proof of residence by any of the methods authorized for election day
45.4registration in section 201.061, subdivision 3.
45.5 Sec. 13. Minnesota Statutes 2024, section 201.071, subdivision 1, is amended to read:
45.6 Subdivision 1.Form.Both paper and electronic voter registration applications must
45.7contain the same information unless otherwise provided by law. A voter registration
45.8application must contain spaces for the following required information: voter's first name,
45.9middle name, and last name; voter's previous name, if any; voter's current address; voter's
45.10previous address, if any; voter's date of birth; voter's municipality and county of residence;
45.11voter's telephone number, if provided by the voter; date of registration; current and valid
45.12Minnesota driver's license number or, Minnesota state identification number, voter
45.13identification card number, or, if the voter has no current and valid Minnesota driver's license
45.14or, Minnesota state identification, or voter identification card, the last four digits of the
45.15voter's Social Security number; a box to indicate a voter's preference to join the permanent
45.16absentee voter list; and voter's signature. The paper registration application must provide a
45.17space for a voter to provide a physical description of the location of their residence, if the
45.18voter resides in an area lacking a specific physical address. The description must be sufficient
45.19for the county auditor to identify the correct precinct for the voter. The description may
45.20include the closest cross street or the nearest address to the described location that is identified
45.21on a precinct map, and directions from that cross street or address to the described location,
45.22including but not limited to the cardinal direction and approximate distance to the location.
45.23The paper registration application may include the voter's email address, if provided by the
45.24voter. The electronic voter registration application must include the voter's email address.
45.25The registration application may include the voter's interest in serving as an election judge,
45.26if indicated by the voter. The application must also contain the following certification of
45.27voter eligibility:
45.28 "I certify that I:
45.29 (1) am at least 16 years old and understand that I must be at least 18 years old to be
45.30eligible to vote;
45.31 (2) am a citizen of the United States;
45.32 (3) will have maintained residence in Minnesota for 20 days immediately preceding
45.33election day;
45Article 2 Sec. 13.
25-01034 as introduced02/03/25 REVISOR JFK/KR 46.1 (4) maintain residence at the address or location given on the registration form;
46.2 (5) am not under court-ordered guardianship in which the court order revokes my right
46.3to vote;
46.4 (6) have not been found by a court to be legally incompetent to vote;
46.5 (7) am not currently incarcerated for a conviction of a felony offense; and
46.6 (8) have read and understand the following statement: that giving false information is a
46.7felony punishable by not more than five years imprisonment or a fine of not more than
46.8$10,000, or both."
46.9 The certification must include boxes for the voter to respond to the following questions:
46.10 "(1) Are you a citizen of the United States?" and
46.11 "(2) Are you at least 16 years old and will you be at least 18 years old on or before the
46.12day of the election in which you intend to vote?"
46.13 And the instruction:
46.14 "If you checked 'no' to either of these questions, do not complete this form."
46.15 The form of the voter registration application and the certification of voter eligibility
46.16must be as provided in this subdivision and approved by the secretary of state. Voter
46.17registration forms authorized by the National Voter Registration Act must also be accepted
46.18as valid. The federal postcard application form must also be accepted as valid if it is not
46.19deficient and the voter is eligible to register in Minnesota.
46.20 An individual may use a voter registration application to apply to register to vote in
46.21Minnesota or to change information on an existing registration.
46.22Sec. 14. Minnesota Statutes 2024, section 201.071, subdivision 2, is amended to read:
46.23 Subd. 2.Instructions.(a) A registration application shall be accompanied by instructions
46.24specifying the manner and method of registration, the qualifications for voting, the penalties
46.25for false registration, and the availability of registration and voting assistance for elderly
46.26and disabled individuals and residents of health care facilities and hospitals.
46.27 (b) The instructions must indicate that the voter must provide a valid Minnesota driver's
46.28license or identification card number, voter identification card, or the last four digits of the
46.29voter's Social Security number, unless the voter has not been issued one of those numbers.
46.30 (c) If, prior to election day, a person requests the instructions in Braille, audio format,
46.31or in a version printed in 16-point bold type with 24-point leading, the county auditor shall
46Article 2 Sec. 14.
25-01034 as introduced02/03/25 REVISOR JFK/KR 47.1provide them in the form requested. The secretary of state shall prepare Braille and audio
47.2copies and make them available.
47.3 Sec. 15. Minnesota Statutes 2024, section 201.071, subdivision 3, is amended to read:
47.4 Subd. 3.Deficient registration.No voter registration application is deficient if it contains
47.5the voter's name,; address or; location of residence,; date of birth,; current and valid
47.6Minnesota driver's license number or, Minnesota state identification number, or voter
47.7identification card number, or, if the voter has no current and valid Minnesota driver's license
47.8or, Minnesota state identification number, or voter identification card number, the last four
47.9digits of the voter's Social Security number, if the voter has been issued a Social Security
47.10number,; prior registration, if any,; and signature. The absence of a zip code number does
47.11not cause the registration to be deficient. Failure to check a box on an application form that
47.12a voter has certified to be true does not cause the registration to be deficient. The election
47.13judges shall request an individual to correct a voter registration application if it is deficient
47.14or illegible. No eligible voter may be prevented from voting unless the voter's registration
47.15application is deficient or the voter is duly and successfully challenged in accordance with
47.16section 201.195 or 204C.12.
47.17 A voter registration application accepted prior to August 1, 1983, is not deficient for
47.18lack of date of birth. The county or municipality may attempt to obtain the date of birth for
47.19a voter registration application accepted prior to August 1, 1983, by a request to the voter
47.20at any time except at the polling place. Failure by the voter to comply with this request does
47.21not make the registration deficient.
47.22 A voter registration application accepted before January 1, 2004, is not deficient for lack
47.23of a valid Minnesota driver's license or state identification number or the last four digits of
47.24a Social Security number. A voter registration application submitted by a voter who does
47.25not have a Minnesota driver's license or state identification number, or a Social Security
47.26number, is not deficient for lack of any of these numbers.
47.27 A voter registration application submitted electronically through the website of the
47.28secretary of state prior to April 30, 2014, is not invalid as a result of its electronic submission.
47.29Sec. 16. Minnesota Statutes 2024, section 201.091, subdivision 9, is amended to read:
47.30 Subd. 9.Restricted data.A list provided for public inspection or purchase, or in response
47.31to a law enforcement inquiry, must not include a voter's date of birth or any part of a voter's
47.32Social Security number, driver's license number, identification card number, voter
47.33identification card number, military identification card number, or passport number.
47Article 2 Sec. 16.
25-01034 as introduced02/03/25 REVISOR JFK/KR 48.1 Sec. 17. Minnesota Statutes 2024, section 201.121, subdivision 1, is amended to read:
48.2 Subdivision 1.Entry of registration information.(a) At the time a voter registration
48.3application is properly completed, submitted, and received in accordance with sections
48.4201.061 and 201.071, the county auditor shall enter the information contained on it into the
48.5statewide registration system. Voter registration applications completed before election day
48.6must be entered into the statewide registration system within ten days after they have been
48.7submitted to the county auditor. Voter registration applications completed on election day
48.8must be entered into the statewide registration system within 42 days after the election,
48.9unless the county auditor notifies the secretary of state before the deadline has expired that
48.10the deadline will not be met. Upon receipt of a notification under this paragraph, the secretary
48.11of state must extend the deadline for that county auditor by an additional 28 days. The
48.12secretary of state may waive a county's obligations under this paragraph if, on good cause
48.13shown, the county demonstrates its permanent inability to comply.
48.14The secretary of state must post data on each county's compliance with this paragraph on
48.15the secretary of state's website including, as applicable, the date each county fully complied
48.16or the deadline by which a county's compliance must be complete.
48.17 (b) Upon receiving a completed voter registration application, the secretary of state may
48.18electronically transmit the information on the application to the appropriate county auditor
48.19as soon as possible for review by the county auditor before final entry into the statewide
48.20registration system. The secretary of state may mail the voter registration application to the
48.21county auditor.
48.22 (c) Within ten days after the county auditor has entered information from a voter
48.23registration application into the statewide registration system, the secretary of state shall
48.24compare the voter's name, date of birth, and driver's license number, state identification
48.25number, voter identification card number, or the last four digits of the Social Security number
48.26with the same information contained in the Department of Public Safety database.
48.27 (d) The secretary of state shall provide a report to the county auditor on a weekly basis
48.28that includes a list of voters whose name, date of birth, or identification number have been
48.29compared with the same information in the Department of Public Safety database and cannot
48.30be verified as provided in this subdivision. The report must list separately those voters who
48.31have submitted a voter registration application by mail and have not voted in a federal
48.32election in this state.
48.33 (e) The county auditor shall compile a list of voters for whom the county auditor and
48.34the secretary of state are unable to conclude that information on the voter registration
48Article 2 Sec. 17.
25-01034 as introduced02/03/25 REVISOR JFK/KR 49.1application and the corresponding information in the Department of Public Safety database
49.2relate to the same person.
49.3 (f) The county auditor shall send a notice of incomplete registration to any voter whose
49.4name appears on the list and change the voter's status to "challenged." A voter who receives
49.5a notice of incomplete registration from the county auditor may either provide the information
49.6required to clear the challenge at least 21 days before the next election or at the polling
49.7place on election day.
49.8 Sec. 18. Minnesota Statutes 2024, section 201.13, subdivision 3, is amended to read:
49.9 Subd. 3.Use of change of address system.(a) At least once each month the secretary
49.10of state shall obtain a list of individuals registered to vote in this state who have filed with
49.11the United States Postal Service a change of their permanent address. The secretary of state
49.12may also periodically obtain a list of individuals with driver's licenses or, state identification
49.13cards, or voter identification cards to identify those who are registered to vote who have
49.14applied to the Department of Public Safety for a replacement driver's license or, state
49.15identification card, or voter identification card with a different address, and a list of
49.16individuals for whom the Department of Public Safety received notification of a driver's
49.17license or, state identification card, or voter identification card cancellation due to a change
49.18of residency out of state. However, the secretary of state shall not load data derived from
49.19these lists into the statewide voter registration system within the 47 days before the state
49.20primary or 47 days before a November general election.
49.21 (b) If the address is changed to another address in this state, the secretary of state shall
49.22locate the precinct in which the voter maintains residence, if possible. If the secretary of
49.23state is able to locate the precinct in which the voter maintains residence, the secretary must
49.24transmit the information about the changed address by electronic means to the county auditor
49.25of the county in which the new address is located. For addresses for which the secretary of
49.26state is unable to determine the precinct, the secretary may forward information to the
49.27appropriate county auditors for individual review. If the voter has not voted or submitted a
49.28voter registration application since the address change, upon receipt of the information, the
49.29county auditor shall update the voter's address in the statewide voter registration system.
49.30The county auditor shall mail to the voter a notice stating the voter's name, address, precinct,
49.31and polling place, unless the voter's record is challenged due to a felony conviction,
49.32noncitizenship, name change, incompetence, or a court's revocation of voting rights of
49.33individuals under guardianship, in which case the auditor must not mail the notice. The
49.34notice must advise the voter that the voter's voting address has been changed and that the
49Article 2 Sec. 18.
25-01034 as introduced02/03/25 REVISOR JFK/KR 50.1voter must notify the county auditor within 21 days if the new address is not the voter's
50.2address of residence. The notice must state that it must be returned if it is not deliverable
50.3to the voter at the named address.
50.4 (c) If the change of permanent address is to an address outside this state, the secretary
50.5of state shall notify by electronic means the auditor of the county where the voter formerly
50.6maintained residence that the voter has moved to another state. If the voter has not voted
50.7or submitted a voter registration application since the address change, the county auditor
50.8shall promptly mail to the voter at the voter's new address a notice advising the voter that
50.9the voter's status in the statewide voter registration system will be changed to "inactive"
50.10unless the voter notifies the county auditor within 21 days that the voter is retaining the
50.11former address as the voter's address of residence, except that if the voter's record is
50.12challenged due to a felony conviction, noncitizenship, name change, incompetence, or a
50.13court's revocation of voting rights of individuals under guardianship, the auditor must not
50.14mail the notice. If the notice is not received by the deadline, the county auditor shall change
50.15the voter's status to "inactive" in the statewide voter registration system.
50.16 (d) If, in order to maintain voter registration records, the secretary of state enters an
50.17agreement to share information or data with an organization governed exclusively by a
50.18group of states, the secretary must first determine that the data security protocols are sufficient
50.19to safeguard the information or data shared. If required by such an agreement, the secretary
50.20of state may share the following data from the statewide voter registration system and data
50.21released to the secretary of state under section 171.12, subdivision 7a:
50.22 (1) name;
50.23 (2) date of birth;
50.24 (3) address;
50.25 (4) driver's license or, state identification card number, or voter identification number;
50.26 (5) the last four digits of an individual's Social Security number; and
50.27 (6) the date that an individual's record was last updated.
50.28If the secretary of state enters into such an agreement, the secretary and county auditors
50.29must process changes to voter records based upon that data in accordance with this section.
50.30Except as otherwise provided in this subdivision, when data is shared with the secretary of
50.31state by another state, the secretary of state must maintain the same data classification that
50.32the data had while it was in the possession of the state providing the data.
50Article 2 Sec. 18.
25-01034 as introduced02/03/25 REVISOR JFK/KR 51.1 Sec. 19. Minnesota Statutes 2024, section 201.14, is amended to read:
51.2 201.14 COURT ADMINISTRATOR OF DISTRICT COURT; REPORT CHANGES
51.3OF NAMES.
51.4 The state court administrator shall regularly report by electronic means to the secretary
51.5of state the name, address, and, if available, driver's license or, state identification card
51.6number, or voter identification card number of each individual, 18 years of age or over,
51.7whose name was changed since the last report, by marriage, divorce, or any order or decree
51.8of the court. The secretary of state shall determine if any of the persons in the report are
51.9registered to vote under their previous name and shall prepare a list of those registrants for
51.10each county auditor. Upon receipt of the list, the county auditor shall make the change in
51.11the voter's record and mail to the voter the notice of registration required by section 201.121,
51.12subdivision 2. A notice must not be mailed if the voter's record is challenged due to a felony
51.13conviction, lack of United States citizenship, legal incompetence, or court-ordered revocation
51.14of voting rights of persons under guardianship.
51.15Sec. 20. Minnesota Statutes 2024, section 201.145, subdivision 2, is amended to read:
51.16 Subd. 2.State court administrator report.(a) The state court administrator must report
51.17on individuals 17 years of age or older who are under a guardianship in which a court order
51.18revokes the ward's right to vote or where the court has found the individual to be legally
51.19incompetent to vote.
51.20 (b) The state court administrator must report on individuals transferred to the jurisdiction
51.21of the court who meet a condition specified in paragraph (a).
51.22 (c) Each report required under this subdivision must include the following information
51.23for each individual in the report: name, address, date of birth, and, if available, last four
51.24digits of the Social Security number and driver's license or, state identification card number,
51.25or voter identification card number.
51.26 (d) No later than seven calendar days after receiving a report under this subdivision, the
51.27secretary of state must determine if a person identified under paragraphs (a) and (b) is
51.28registered to vote and must prepare a list of those registrants for the county auditor. No later
51.29than seven calendar days after receiving the list from the secretary of state, the county auditor
51.30must challenge the status on the record in the statewide voter registration system of each
51.31individual named in the list.
51Article 2 Sec. 20.
25-01034 as introduced02/03/25 REVISOR JFK/KR 52.1 Sec. 21. Minnesota Statutes 2024, section 201.145, subdivision 3, is amended to read:
52.2 Subd. 3.Commissioner of corrections report.(a) The commissioner of corrections
52.3must report on individuals 16 years of age or older who are currently incarcerated for felony
52.4sentences under the commissioner's jurisdiction.
52.5 (b) Each report under this subdivision must include the following information for each
52.6individual: name, address or last known residential address that is not a correctional facility,
52.7and date of birth. If available, each report must also include the individual's: corrections'
52.8state identification number,; last four digits of the Social Security number,; driver's license
52.9or, state identification card number, or voter identification card number; and most recent
52.10date of incarceration.
52.11 (c) No later than seven calendar days after receiving a report under this subdivision, the
52.12secretary of state must determine if any data newly indicates that a person identified under
52.13paragraph (a) is registered to vote and must prepare a list of those registrants for the county
52.14auditor. No later than seven calendar days after receiving the list from the secretary of state,
52.15the county auditor must challenge the status on the record in the statewide voter registration
52.16system of each individual named in the list.
52.17 (d) The county auditor must identify an individual who voted while incarcerated for a
52.18felony sentence. The county auditor must immediately send notice to the county attorney.
52.19The notice must include the name of the individual and any other identifying information
52.20as well as the evidence that shows the individual voted during the period of incarceration.
52.21Sec. 22. Minnesota Statutes 2024, section 201.145, subdivision 4, is amended to read:
52.22 Subd. 4.Reports; restoration of right to vote.(a) The state court administrator must
52.23report on each individual whose guardianship was modified to restore the ward's right to
52.24vote or whose guardianship was terminated by order of the court under section 524.5-317
52.25after being ineligible to vote for any of the reasons specified in subdivision 2, paragraph
52.26(a).
52.27 (b) The commissioner of corrections must report on individuals who were incarcerated
52.28for a felony sentence under the commissioner's jurisdiction and have been released from
52.29incarceration.
52.30 (c) Each report under this subdivision must include the following information for each
52.31individual: name, address, date of birth, and, if available, the last four digits of the Social
52.32Security number. For the report required by paragraph (b), the report must also include the
52.33individual's, if available: corrections' state identification number,; driver's license or, state
52Article 2 Sec. 22.
25-01034 as introduced02/03/25 REVISOR JFK/KR 53.1identification card number, or voter identification card number; date of incarceration,; county
53.2in which the conviction occurred,; and date of discharge.
53.3 (d) No later than seven calendar days after receiving a report under this subdivision, the
53.4secretary of state must determine if a person identified under paragraph (a) is registered to
53.5vote and must prepare a list of those registrants for the county auditor. No later than seven
53.6calendar days after receiving a report under this subdivision, the secretary of state must
53.7determine if any data newly indicates that a person identified under paragraph (b) is registered
53.8to vote and must prepare a list of those registrants for the county auditor. No later than seven
53.9calendar days after receiving the list from the secretary of state, the county auditor must
53.10remove the challenge status on the record in the statewide voter registration system of each
53.11individual named in the list.
53.12Sec. 23. Minnesota Statutes 2024, section 201.145, subdivision 5, is amended to read:
53.13 Subd. 5.Commissioner of public safety report.(a) The commissioner of public safety
53.14must report on individuals identified by department data as having temporary lawful status
53.15in the United States.
53.16 (b) The report under this section must include the following information for each
53.17individual: name,; address,; date of birth,; driver's license or, state identification card number,
53.18or voter identification card number; and, if available, last four digits of the Social Security
53.19number.
53.20 (c) No later than seven calendar days after receiving a report under this subdivision, the
53.21secretary of state must determine if any data newly indicates that a person identified under
53.22paragraph (a) is registered to vote and prepare a list of those voters for the county auditor.
53.23Within seven calendar days of receiving the list from the secretary of state, the county
53.24auditor must challenge the status on the record in the statewide voter registration system of
53.25each individual named in the list.
53.26 (d) The county auditor must also immediately send notice to the county attorney of each
53.27individual identified in paragraph (c). The notice must include the name of the individual
53.28and any other identifying information as well as the evidence that shows the individual
53.29registered to vote or voted and is not a citizen.
53.30Sec. 24. Minnesota Statutes 2024, section 201.161, subdivision 3, is amended to read:
53.31 Subd. 3.Department of Public Safety.(a) The commissioner of public safety, in
53.32consultation with the secretary of state, must change the applications for an original,
53Article 2 Sec. 24.
25-01034 as introduced02/03/25 REVISOR JFK/KR 54.1duplicate, or change of address driver's license or, identification card, or voter identification
54.2card so that any forms where applicants may provide documentation of United States
54.3citizenship contain spaces for all information required to register to vote, as prescribed by
54.4the secretary of state. Unless the applicant has provided an address other than the applicant's
54.5address of residence under section 171.12, subdivision 7, paragraph (d), the commissioner
54.6must transmit the information daily by electronic means to the secretary of state. Pursuant
54.7to the Help America Vote Act of 2002, Public Law 107-252, the computerized driver's
54.8license record containing the voter's name, address, date of birth, citizenship, driver's license
54.9number or, state identification number, county, and city or town must be made available
54.10for access by the secretary of state and interaction with the statewide voter registration
54.11system. The commissioner must submit data to the secretary of state identifying the total
54.12number of individuals that completed qualifying transactions under this section and the total
54.13number of individuals whose records were ultimately transferred for registration. At a
54.14minimum, the commissioner must submit the data to the secretary of state on the same day
54.15each month. The secretary of state must publish a monthly report of this data.
54.16 (b) An applicant's information must not be transmitted to the secretary of state under
54.17this section unless the applicant provides documentation of United States citizenship or
54.18records maintained by the Department of Public Safety indicate that the applicant provided
54.19documentation demonstrating United States citizenship as part of a previous license or
54.20identification card transaction. If the applicant does not provide or has not previously
54.21provided documentation of United States citizenship, the commissioner must provide
54.22information during the transaction regarding voter registration and eligibility criteria. If the
54.23applicant provides documentation during the transaction indicating that the applicant is not
54.24a United States citizen, the applicant's information must not be transmitted to the secretary
54.25of state and the applicant must not be offered a voter registration opportunity.
54.26 (c) No applicant may be registered to vote under this subdivision until:
54.27 (1) the commissioner of public safety has certified that the department's systems have
54.28been tested and can accurately provide the required data and accurately exclude from
54.29transmission data on individuals who have not provided documentary evidence of United
54.30States citizenship; and
54.31 (2) the secretary of state has certified that the system for automatic registration of those
54.32applicants has been tested and is capable of properly determining whether an applicant is
54.33eligible to submit a voter registration application.
54Article 2 Sec. 24.
25-01034 as introduced02/03/25 REVISOR JFK/KR 55.1The department's systems must be tested and accurately provide the necessary data no later
55.2than December 1, 2023.
55.3 (d) For purposes of this section, "driver's license" includes any instruction permit,
55.4provisional license, limited license, restricted license, or operator's permit issuable by the
55.5commissioner of public safety under chapter 171.
55.6 Sec. 25. Minnesota Statutes 2024, section 201.225, subdivision 2, is amended to read:
55.7 Subd. 2.Technology requirements.An electronic roster must:
55.8 (1) be able to be loaded with a data file that includes voter registration data in a file
55.9format prescribed by the secretary of state;
55.10 (2) allow for data to be exported in a file format prescribed by the secretary of state;
55.11 (3) allow for data to be entered manually or by scanning a Minnesota driver's license
55.12or, identification card, or voter identification card to locate a voter record or populate a
55.13voter registration application that would be printed and signed and dated by the voter. The
55.14printed registration application can be a printed form, a label printed with voter information
55.15to be affixed to a preprinted form, a combination of a form and label, or an electronic record
55.16that the voter signs electronically and is printed following its completion at the polling place;
55.17 (4) allow an election judge to update data that was populated from a scanned driver's
55.18license or, identification card, or voter identification card;
55.19 (5) cue an election judge to ask for and input data that is not populated from a scanned
55.20driver's license or, identification card, or voter identification card that is otherwise required
55.21to be collected from the voter or an election judge;
55.22 (6) immediately alert the election judge if the voter has provided information that indicates
55.23that the voter is not eligible to vote;
55.24 (7) immediately alert the election judge if the electronic roster indicates that a voter has
55.25already voted in that precinct, the voter's registration status is challenged, or it appears the
55.26voter maintains residence in a different precinct;
55.27 (8) provide immediate instructions on how to resolve a particular type of challenge when
55.28a voter's record is challenged;
55.29 (9) provide for a printed voter signature certificate, containing the voter's name, address
55.30of residence, date of birth, voter identification number, the oath required by section 204C.10,
55.31and a space for the voter's original signature. The printed voter signature certificate can be
55.32a printed form, a label printed with the voter's information to be affixed to the oath, or an
55Article 2 Sec. 25.
25-01034 as introduced02/03/25 REVISOR JFK/KR 56.1electronic record that the voter signs electronically and is printed following its completion
56.2at the polling place;
56.3 (10) contain only preregistered voters within the precinct, and not contain preregistered
56.4voter data on voters registered outside of the precinct, unless being utilized for absentee or
56.5early voting under chapter 203B or for mail balloting on election day pursuant to section
56.6204B.45, subdivision 2a;
56.7 (11) be only networked within the polling location on election day, except for the purpose
56.8of updating absentee ballot records;
56.9 (12) meet minimum security, reliability, and networking standards established by the
56.10Office of the Secretary of State in consultation with the Department of Information
56.11Technology Services;
56.12 (13) be capable of providing a voter's correct polling place; and
56.13 (14) perform any other functions necessary for the efficient and secure administration
56.14of the participating election, as determined by the secretary of state.
56.15Electronic rosters used only for election day registration do not need to comply with clauses
56.16(1), (8), and (10). Electronic rosters used only for preregistered voter processing do not need
56.17to comply with clauses (4) and (5).
56.18Sec. 26. Minnesota Statutes 2024, section 203B.065, is amended to read:
56.19 203B.065 USING THE REGISTRATION SYSTEM.
56.20 Upon accepting an application for a state primary or state general election, the county
56.21auditor or municipal clerk shall record in the statewide voter registration system the voter's
56.22name,; date of birth,; address of residence in Minnesota,; mailing address,; Minnesota driver's
56.23license or, state identification or voter identification card number, or the last four digits of
56.24the voter's Social Security number, if provided by the voter. Upon acceptance of an absentee
56.25ballot application of a voter who is registered to vote at an address different from the
56.26residential address certified on the absentee ballot application, the voter registration record
56.27with the previous address shall be challenged. Once the absentee ballot has been transmitted
56.28to the voter, the method of transmission and the date of transmission must be recorded.
56.29 Upon receipt of a returned absentee ballot for a state primary or state general election,
56.30the county auditor or municipal clerk shall record in the statewide voter registration system
56.31that the voter has returned the ballot.
56Article 2 Sec. 26.
25-01034 as introduced02/03/25 REVISOR JFK/KR 57.1 Upon receipt of notice that the ballot board has accepted or rejected the absentee ballot
57.2for a state primary or state general election, the county auditor or municipal clerk shall
57.3record in the statewide voter registration system whether the ballot was accepted or rejected,
57.4and if rejected, the reason for rejection. If a replacement ballot is transmitted to the voter,
57.5the county auditor or municipal clerk shall record this in the statewide voter registration
57.6system.
57.7 The labels provided for envelopes used for transmitting an absentee ballot to and from
57.8an applicant for an absentee ballot for a state primary or state general election must contain
57.9bar codes generated by the statewide voter registration system to facilitate the recording
57.10required under this section. A county auditor or municipal clerk entering information into
57.11the statewide voter registration system under this section must include the information
57.12provided on the bar code label whenever information is entered into the system.
57.13Sec. 27. Minnesota Statutes 2024, section 203B.17, subdivision 2, is amended to read:
57.14 Subd. 2.Required information.(a) An application shall be accepted if it contains the
57.15following information stated under oath:
57.16 (1) the voter's name, birthdate, and present address of residence in Minnesota, or former
57.17address of residence or parent's former address of residence in Minnesota if the voter is
57.18living permanently outside the United States;
57.19 (2) a statement indicating that the voter is in the military, or is the spouse or dependent
57.20of an individual serving in the military, or is temporarily outside the territorial limits of the
57.21United States, or is living permanently outside the territorial limits of the United States and
57.22voting under federal law;
57.23 (3) a statement that the voter expects to be absent from the precinct at the time of the
57.24election;
57.25 (4) the address to which absentee ballots are to be mailed;
57.26 (5) the voter's signature or the signature and relationship of the individual authorized to
57.27apply on the voter's behalf;
57.28 (6) the voter's passport number, Minnesota driver's license or, state identification card
57.29or voter identification card number, or the last four digits of the voter's Social Security
57.30number; if the voter does not have access to any of these documents, the voter or other
57.31individual requesting absentee ballots may attest to the truthfulness of the contents of the
57.32application under penalty of perjury; and
57Article 2 Sec. 27.
25-01034 as introduced02/03/25 REVISOR JFK/KR 58.1 (7) the voter's email address, if the application was submitted electronically through the
58.2secure website maintained by the secretary of state.
58.3 (b) Notwithstanding paragraph (a), clause (6), an application submitted through the
58.4secretary of state's website must include the voter's verifiable Minnesota driver's license
58.5number, Minnesota state identification card number, voter identification card number, or
58.6the last four digits of the voter's Social Security number, and may only be transmitted to
58.7the county auditor for processing if the secretary of state has verified the application
58.8information matches the information in a government database associated with the applicant's
58.9driver's license number, state identification card number, voter identification card number,
58.10or Social Security number. The secretary of state must review all unverifiable applications
58.11for evidence of suspicious activity and must forward any such application to an appropriate
58.12law enforcement agency for investigation.
58.13Sec. 28. Minnesota Statutes 2024, section 203B.19, is amended to read:
58.14 203B.19 RECORDING APPLICATIONS.
58.15 Upon accepting an application, the county auditor shall record in the statewide registration
58.16system the voter's name,; address of present or former residence in Minnesota,; mailing
58.17address,; school district number,; passport number, Minnesota driver's license number or,
58.18state identification card number, voter identification card number, or the last four digits of
58.19the voter's Social Security number,; and whether the voter is in the military or the spouse
58.20or dependent of an individual serving in the military, is a voter temporarily outside the
58.21territorial limits of the United States, or is living permanently outside the territorial limits
58.22of the United States and voting under federal law. The county auditor shall retain the record
58.23for six years. A voter whose name is recorded as provided in this section shall not be required
58.24to register under any other provision of law in order to vote under sections 203B.16 to
58.25203B.27. Persons from whom applications are not accepted must be notified by the county
58.26auditor and provided with the reasons for the rejection.
58.27 No later than 60 days after the general election, the county auditor shall report to the
58.28secretary of state the combined number of absentee ballots transmitted to and the combined
58.29number of absentee ballots returned and cast by absent voters described in section 203B.16.
58.30The secretary of state may require the information be reported by category under section
58.31203B.16 or by precinct.
58.32 No later than 90 days after the general election, the secretary of state shall report to the
58.33federal Election Assistance Commission the number of absentee ballots transmitted to voters
58.34under section 203B.16.
58Article 2 Sec. 28.
25-01034 as introduced02/03/25 REVISOR JFK/KR 59.1 Sec. 29. Minnesota Statutes 2024, section 203B.21, subdivision 3, is amended to read:
59.2 Subd. 3.Back of signature envelope.On the back of the signature envelope a certificate
59.3shall appear with space for:
59.4 (1) the voter's address of present or former residence in Minnesota;
59.5 (2) the voter's current email address, if the voter has one;
59.6 (3) a statement indicating the category described in section 203B.16 to which the voter
59.7belongs;
59.8 (4) a statement that the voter has not cast and will not cast another absentee ballot in the
59.9same election or elections;
59.10 (5) a statement that the voter personally marked the ballots without showing them to
59.11anyone, or if physically unable to mark them, that the voter directed another individual to
59.12mark them; and
59.13 (6) the same voter's passport number, Minnesota driver's license or, state identification
59.14card or voter identification card number, or the last four digits of the voter's Social Security
59.15number as provided on the absentee ballot application; if the voter does not have access to
59.16any of these documents, the voter may attest to the truthfulness of the contents of the
59.17certificate under penalty of perjury.
59.18 The certificate shall also contain a signed oath in the form required by section 705 of
59.19the Help America Vote Act, Public Law 107-252, which must read:
59.20 "I swear or affirm, under penalty of perjury, that:
59.21 I am a member of the uniformed services or merchant marine on active duty or an eligible
59.22spouse or dependent of such a member; a United States citizen temporarily residing outside
59.23the United States; or other United States citizen residing outside the United States; and I
59.24am a United States citizen, at least 18 years of age (or will be by the date of the election),
59.25and I am eligible to vote in the requested jurisdiction; I have not been convicted of a felony,
59.26or other disqualifying offense, or been adjudicated mentally incompetent, or, if so, my voting
59.27rights have been reinstated; and I am not registering, requesting a ballot, or voting in any
59.28other jurisdiction in the United States except the jurisdiction cited in this voting form. In
59.29voting, I have marked and sealed my ballot in private and have not allowed any person to
59.30observe the marking of the ballot, except for those authorized to assist voters under state or
59.31federal law. I have not been influenced.
59Article 2 Sec. 29.
25-01034 as introduced02/03/25 REVISOR JFK/KR 60.1 The information on this form is true, accurate, and complete to the best of my knowledge.
60.2I understand that a material misstatement of fact in completion of this document may
60.3constitute grounds for a conviction for perjury."
60.4 Sec. 30. Minnesota Statutes 2024, section 203B.24, subdivision 1, is amended to read:
60.5 Subdivision 1.Check of voter eligibility; proper execution of certificate.Upon receipt
60.6of an absentee ballot returned as provided in sections 203B.16 to 203B.27, the election
60.7judges shall compare the voter's name with the names recorded under section 203B.19 in
60.8the statewide registration system to insure that the ballot is from a voter eligible to cast an
60.9absentee ballot under sections 203B.16 to 203B.27. The election judges shall mark the
60.10signature envelope "Accepted" and initial or sign the signature envelope below the word
60.11"Accepted" if the election judges are satisfied that:
60.12 (1) the voter's name and address on the signature envelope appears in substantially the
60.13same form as on the application records provided to the election judges by the county auditor;
60.14 (2) the voter has signed the federal oath prescribed pursuant to section 705(b)(2) of the
60.15Help America Vote Act, Public Law 107-252;
60.16 (3) the voter has set forth the same voter's passport number, or; Minnesota driver's license
60.17or, state identification card or voter identification card number, or the last four digits of the
60.18voter's Social Security number as submitted on the application, if the voter has one of these
60.19documents;
60.20 (4) the voter is not known to have died; and
60.21 (5) the voter has not already voted at that election, either in person or by absentee ballot.
60.22 If the identification number described in clause (3) does not match the number as
60.23submitted on the application, the election judges must make a reasonable effort to satisfy
60.24themselves through other information provided by the applicant, or by an individual
60.25authorized to apply on behalf of the voter, that the ballots were returned by the same person
60.26to whom the ballots were transmitted.
60.27 An absentee ballot cast pursuant to sections 203B.16 to 203B.27 may only be rejected
60.28for the lack of one of clauses (1) to (5). In particular, failure to place the ballot within the
60.29ballot envelope before placing it in the signature envelope is not a reason to reject an absentee
60.30ballot.
60.31 Election judges must note the reason for rejection on the back of the envelope in the
60.32space provided for that purpose.
60Article 2 Sec. 30.
25-01034 as introduced02/03/25 REVISOR JFK/KR 61.1 Failure to return unused ballots shall not invalidate a marked ballot, but a ballot shall
61.2not be counted if the certificate on the signature envelope is not properly executed. In all
61.3other respects the provisions of the Minnesota Election Law governing deposit and counting
61.4of ballots shall apply. Notwithstanding other provisions of this section, the counting of the
61.5absentee ballot of a deceased voter does not invalidate the election.
61.6 Sec. 31. EFFECTIVE DATE.
61.7 Except where otherwise provided, this article is effective June 1, 2027.
61Article 2 Sec. 31.
25-01034 as introduced02/03/25 REVISOR JFK/KR Page.Ln 1.21VOTER ID..............................................................................................ARTICLE 1
Page.Ln 38.23CONFORMING CHANGES.................................................................ARTICLE 2
1
APPENDIX
Article locations for 25-01034 201.061 REGISTRATION ON OR BEFORE ELECTION DAY.
Subd. 7.Record of attempted registrations.The election judge responsible for election day
registration shall attempt to keep a record of the number of individuals who attempt to register on
election day but who cannot provide proof of residence as required by this section. The record shall
be forwarded to the county auditor with the election returns for that precinct.
1R
APPENDIX
Repealed Minnesota Statutes: 25-01034