This bill proposes significant amendments to Minnesota's election administration laws, particularly concerning absentee voting and election procedures. It modifies the timelines for mailing absentee ballots, establishing specific deadlines for various elections. New requirements for municipal clerks are introduced, mandating technical capacity to access the statewide voter registration system and completion of training approved by the secretary of state. The bill also clarifies the responsibilities of election officials in processing absentee ballots and maintaining accurate voter registration records. Additionally, it creates a reimbursement framework for local governments that incur expenses from administering special elections not held alongside state primaries or general elections, detailing the types of reimbursable expenses and the process for submitting requests.

Moreover, the bill amends the canvassing of election returns and the certification of results, extending the canvassing timeline from between the third and tenth days after the election to between the third and 14th days. It specifies that the candidate with the highest votes for each school district office and any ballot question will be declared elected, and mandates that referendum results be certified by the canvassing board. The process for calling a special county election is also modified, requiring it to be held at least 84 days after the county board's resolution and on a uniform election date. Lastly, the bill repeals a provision allowing the secretary of state to sell intellectual property rights related to the statewide voter registration system, ensuring that any receipts from such sales will no longer be deposited in the state treasury.

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