This bill establishes ranked choice voting as an option for local elections in Minnesota, allowing various jurisdictions, including home rule charter cities, school districts, and counties, to adopt this voting method. It outlines the necessary procedures for adoption, implementation, and use, including a requirement for a ballot question to be presented to voters for approval. The bill specifies that ranked choice voting can only be utilized for local offices during general or special elections and sets timelines for both the adoption and repeal of this voting method. Additionally, it amends several sections of the Minnesota Statutes to incorporate ranked choice voting, detailing provisions for ballot formatting, vote tabulation, and definitions related to the voting process.

Key amendments include requirements for local election officials to provide notice of any recess during the vote tabulation process, establish procedures for recording write-in votes, and mandate that each precinct print a summary statement of first-choice votes. The bill also requires ranked choice voting local election officials to conduct a review of ballots within two weeks after the canvass and report the results to the county auditor and the public. Furthermore, it mandates that voting systems used for ranked choice voting must be certified for accuracy, and outlines specific requirements for these systems, including the ability to maintain voter anonymity and accommodate various tabulation rules. An appropriation is included to fund the implementation of these changes, ensuring the necessary resources are available for the transition to improved ranked choice voting procedures.

Statutes affected:
Introduction: 204B.35, 204C.21, 204D.07, 205.13, 206.57, 206.83