This bill proposes significant amendments to Minnesota's election administration laws, with a focus on absentee voting, election timelines, and prohibiting betting on elections by candidates and elected officials. Key provisions include establishing technical and training standards for clerks administering absentee ballots, modifying the timelines for mailing these ballots, and ensuring accurate recording of voter information in the statewide voter registration system. The bill also requires early voting officials to maintain printed copies of voter certificates and outlines specific procedures for processing ballots during early voting. Additionally, it changes the deadline for the secretary of state to provide election law volumes to county auditors and municipal clerks from August 1 to July 15.

Further amendments address polling place requirements, particularly for special elections in school districts that span multiple counties, mandating at least one polling place in each county with over 5,000 registered voters. The bill also prohibits candidates from betting on election outcomes through prediction markets, classifying such actions as a petty misdemeanor. Other changes include adjustments to the procedures for submitting ballot questions, ensuring special elections occur at least 84 days after a resolution is adopted, and requiring municipalities to notify the secretary of state about their absentee voting administration for the upcoming state primary. Overall, the bill aims to enhance the integrity and efficiency of Minnesota's electoral process while ensuring compliance with updated administrative standards.

Statutes affected:
Introduction: 203B.05, 203B.06, 203B.065, 204B.27, 204C.26, 5.31
1st Engrossment: 5.31, 203B.05, 203B.06, 203B.065, 204B.27, 204C.26, 205.185, 205A.10
2nd Engrossment: 5.31, 203B.05, 203B.06, 203B.065, 204B.27, 204C.26, 205.185, 205A.10, 211B.32
3rd Engrossment: 203B.05, 203B.06, 203B.065, 204B.27, 204C.26, 205.185, 205A.10, 211B.32, 5.31
1st Unofficial Engrossment: 203B.05, 203B.06, 203B.065, 204B.27, 204C.26, 205.185, 205A.10, 211B.32, 5.31