This bill amends various provisions related to absentee voting in Minnesota, specifically updating application procedures and processing of ballots. Key changes include allowing absentee ballot applications to be submitted electronically through a secure website, with a requirement for the Secretary of State to provide information on voting options after a specified deadline. Additionally, the bill mandates that all applications be retained by the county auditor or municipal clerk, and if received after a certain time, officials must attempt to contact the applicant to inform them of voting opportunities. The bill also introduces new requirements for the processing of ballots, including the segregation of accepted signature envelopes by precinct and ensuring accurate counts at each step of the ballot processing.

Furthermore, the bill provides specific provisions for emergency response providers and voters with disabilities, allowing them to request ballots and related materials electronically without adhering to standard application deadlines. It also emphasizes the need for clerks to have the technical capacity to access the statewide voter registration system and mandates training for clerks before they can administer absentee voting. The effective date for these changes is contingent upon the receipt of early voting certification by the revisor of statutes, applying to elections held after a specified period following that certification.

Statutes affected:
Introduction: 203B.05, 203B.121, 203B.30
1st Engrossment: 203B.04, 203B.05, 203B.121, 203B.29, 203B.30