This bill, known as the "Minor Party Ballot Access Act," amends various sections of the Minnesota Statutes to enhance ballot access for minor political party candidates. Key changes include a redefinition of "minor political party," which now requires these parties to maintain an organization within the state and adhere to specific constitutional and procedural standards. The bill establishes the authority of minor party state conventions to manage administrative affairs and mandates that candidates from these parties declare their party membership and endorsement when filing for candidacy. Additionally, it outlines a nomination process for minor party candidates, allowing them to apply for a spot on the general election ballot with a nomination certificate from party leadership, and specifies conditions for withdrawal and filling nomination vacancies.

Moreover, the bill introduces provisions for minor political parties to nominate their presidential electors and alternates through their state executive committees, paralleling the existing process for major parties. It ensures that candidates from both major and minor parties will have their names displayed uniformly on the ballot, and a vote for a party's presidential candidates will also count for their electors and alternates. The act is set to take effect for elections occurring after November 3, 2026, aiming to improve the electoral participation of minor political parties in Minnesota.

Statutes affected:
Introduction: 200.02, 204B.03, 204B.06, 204B.09, 204B.12, 204B.13, 204D.07, 204D.12, 204D.13, 208.03, 208.04