Minnesota 2025-2026 Regular Session

Minnesota Senate Bill SF2918

Introduced
3/24/25  

Caption

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

Impact

The provisions of SF2918 are designed to protect voters from potentially misleading information about absentee ballot applications. By stipulating that mailings must include specific disclaimers and be visually distinct from official government communications, the bill seeks to reinforce the integrity of the election process. This will likely affect how organizations conduct their outreach regarding absentee ballots, as they will be required to adhere to these new standards.

Summary

SF2918 is a legislative bill introduced in the Minnesota Senate that addresses the requirements for mailings containing absentee ballot applications or sample ballots sent by committees or private organizations. This bill mandates that such mailings must clearly state that they are not official communications from the government, nor have they been produced at the request of government officials. These requirements aim to enhance transparency and prevent voter confusion regarding the legitimacy of the materials received in the mail.

Contention

However, there might be points of contention surrounding this bill. Opponents could argue that imposing such regulations may hinder voter outreach efforts by non-governmental organizations that aim to engage voters and increase participation in elections. Critics might express concerns that these requirements could lead to a decrease in the distribution of absentee ballot applications, ultimately impacting voter turnout, especially in communities where access to polling places is limited.

Additional_points

Discussions in legislative committees may highlight various perspectives on the degree of regulation needed for mail-in voting mechanisms. Supporters of SF2918 argue that it safeguards voters from confusion and misinformation, while opponents may emphasize the need for promoting accessibility and ease of obtaining absentee ballots.

Companion Bills

MN HF931

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

Previously Filed As

MN SF2564

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

MN HF1186

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

MN SF1064

People who register on election day requirement to cast provisional ballots

MN HF5483

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

MN HF3

Voter registration and absentee voting provisions modified; voting instructions and sample ballot required to be multilingual and interpreters required to be provided; intimidation, deceptive practices, and interference regulated; campaign finance provisions modified; and money appropriated.

MN HF5095

Conditions under which a voter may vote by absentee ballot provided, state general election day established as official state holiday, early voting provisions repealed, and use of absentee ballot drop boxes provisions repealed.

MN SF829

Voters who register on election day casting of provisional ballot requirement

MN HF573

Photo ID required to register to vote and to vote; voter ID card created; provisional ballots established; compensation methods prohibited; identification of individuals acting as agent for absentee voter or providing assistance to voter required; counties, municipalities, and school districts prohibited from accepting contributions; absentee voting requirements amended; and money appropriated.

MN HF1188

Photo ID required to register to vote and to vote; voter ID card created; provisional ballots established; compensation methods prohibited; identification of individuals acting as agent for absentee voter or providing assistance to voter required; counties, municipalities, and school districts prohibited from accepting contributions; absentee voting requirements amended; and money appropriated.

MN HF1251

Photo ID required to register to vote and to vote; voter ID card created; provisional ballots established; compensation methods prohibited; identification of individuals acting as agent for absentee voter or providing assistance to voter required; counties, municipalities, and school districts prohibited from accepting contributions; absentee voting requirements amended; and money appropriated.

Similar Bills

No similar bills found.