The bill amends Minnesota Statutes 2024, section 204C.13, subdivision 7, to allow voters who have been issued a ballot but have not yet cast it to briefly leave the polling place to address an unexpected need, at the discretion of the head election judge. New provisions require that before leaving, the original ballot must be spoiled and remain at the polling place. Voters must complete a form with their personal information, which must be initialed by both the voter and the head judge, and the time of departure will be noted.

Upon returning, voters must request assistance from the head election judge, who will retrieve the completed form and note the time of return. The voter will then be issued a new ballot to cast their vote, but they cannot re-enter the polling location after casting. Additionally, if a voter leaves and does not return, this must be recorded in the incident log to explain discrepancies in voter check-ins versus ballots cast. The secretary of state is tasked with preparing the necessary form for this process.

Statutes affected:
Introduction: 204C.13
1st Engrossment: 204C.13