This bill amends Minnesota Statutes to allow candidates elected to the offices of state senator or state representative to resign before their term begins, thereby creating an expected vacancy. In such cases, the governor is required to issue a writ for a special election within five days of the resignation. The special election must be conducted as soon as possible, adhering to existing notice requirements, but no later than 35 days after the writ is issued. The newly elected individual will assume office at the start of the term or immediately if the legislature is already in session.

Additionally, the bill modifies the existing procedures for issuing a writ when a vacancy arises from an election contest. It specifies that if a contested candidate resigns before their term starts, the governor must issue a writ for a special election in accordance with the new provisions established in subdivision 3a. The effective date for these changes is set for November 3, 2026, applying to candidates elected on or after that date.

Statutes affected:
Introduction: 204D.19