This bill amends various sections of the Minnesota Statutes to enhance election procedures, particularly focusing on voter registration on election day and absentee voting. A significant provision mandates that voters who register on election day must cast provisional ballots, ensuring their eligibility is verified before their votes are counted. The bill also requires that election day registration applications be printed on or affixed to provisional ballot signature envelopes and mandates that the information from these applications be entered into the statewide registration system within three days after the election. Additionally, it clarifies acceptable forms of identification for voters and outlines the responsibilities of election judges in verifying voter registration and eligibility.

Further amendments address absentee voting procedures, requiring unregistered voters to submit their registration application with their absentee ballot in the same envelope. The bill introduces a certification process for absentee ballots, necessitating identification information and a sworn statement of eligibility from voters. It also establishes protocols for handling rejected absentee and provisional ballots, including notification requirements for voters. The bill modifies canvassing timelines, extending the deadlines for county and state canvassing boards to complete their canvass to the tenth day after the election. A public awareness campaign by the Secretary of State is also included to promote voter registration prior to election day. The act is set to take effect on January 1, 2026, for elections held on or after that date.

Statutes affected:
Introduction: 171.072, 201.061, 201.121, 201.225, 203B.04, 203B.07, 203B.08, 203B.081, 203B.121, 203B.30, 204C.07, 204C.32, 204C.33, 204C.37, 205.065, 205.185, 205A.03, 205A.10