This bill introduces ranked choice voting as an option for local elections in Minnesota, allowing various jurisdictions, including home rule charter or statutory cities, school districts, and counties, to adopt this voting method. It establishes procedures for the adoption and implementation of ranked choice voting, requiring jurisdictions to present a ballot question to voters for approval. The legislation includes new definitions and procedures specific to ranked choice voting, such as the counting of votes and ballot formats that allow voters to rank candidates. It also designates a ranked choice voting tabulation center and mandates the secretary of state to adopt rules regarding ballot format, aiming to enhance the electoral process by providing voters with more options.

Additionally, the bill outlines the administration and tabulation processes for ranked choice voting, including procedures for declaring a recess during vote counting, recording write-in votes, and the methods for counting votes in both single-seat and multiple-seat elections. It mandates local election officials to provide detailed reporting of election results and allows for recounts under specific conditions. The bill emphasizes the importance of testing voting systems to ensure compliance with ranked choice voting requirements and includes an appropriation of $209,000 for the fiscal year 2025 to support its implementation. Overall, the bill seeks to enhance the integrity, transparency, and accountability of the ranked choice voting process in Minnesota.

Statutes affected:
Introduction: 204B.35, 204C.21, 204D.07, 205.13, 206.57, 206.58, 206.83, 211A.02
1st Engrossment: 204B.35, 204C.21, 204D.07, 205.13, 206.57
2nd Engrossment: 204B.35, 204C.21, 204D.07, 205.13, 206.57