Senate Counsel, Research
and Fiscal Analysis
Minnesota Senate Bldg.
95 University Avenue W. Suite 3300
St. Paul, MN 55155
(651) 296-4791
Alexis C. Stangl
Director
   Senate   
State of Minnesota
 
 
 
 
 
S.F. No. 1346 - Various Election Law Changes (Committee Engrossment)
 
Author: Senator Katie Sieben
 
Prepared By: Alexis C. Stangl, Senate Counsel (651/296-4397)
 
Date: March 19, 2013



 

S.F. No. 1346 amends various provisions of election law.  The Senate District 49 boundaries are adjusted.  Provisions related to receiving absentee ballots are specified.  The number of absentee ballots are specified.  The number of required election judges is lowered for elections other than the state general election.  Special elections are prohibited within 56 days after the state general election.  The Secretary of State is required to monitor procedures in fewer districts.  Regulation of campaign signs is clarified.  Obsolete provisions are removed.  This bill combines sections of several bills heard earlier this session by the Subcommittee on Elections.

Section 1, subdivision 1 codifies Senate District 39 as it appears in the order of the Minnesota Special Redistricting Panel. 

Subdivision 2 amends the boundaries of House of Representatives districts 39A and 39B along the border of Stillwater City and Stillwater Township.  Instead of using the district in the order of the Minnesota Special Redistricting Panel, the districts are as designated by the specified map that is on file with the Geographic Information Systems Office.

Section 2 removes a reference to a colored ballot and replaces it with a reference to the state general election ballot.

Section 3 requires voter registration instructions to be available in an audio format instead of on a cassette tape.

Section 4 provides that a voter may vote by absentee ballot in person during the 46 days before an election, except that in person absentee voters in town elections held in March may vote during the 30 days before the election.

Section 5 requires that a minimum of four election judges be appointed for each precinct at a state general election. In all other elections, a minimum of three election judges must be appointed for each precinct.

Sections 6 and 7 remove a reference to colored ballots.

Section 8 prohibits a municipal special election on a ballot question from being held within 56 days after the state general election.

Section 9 removes a reference to colored ballots.

Section 10 removes a reference to colored ballots.

Section 11 allows any size and number of noncommercial signs (i.e. campaign signs) to be posted beginning 46 days before the state primary until ten days after the state general election. Municipal ordinances may regulate the size and number of noncommercial signs at other times.

Section 12 prohibits hospital district special elections from being held 56 days before or after a regularly scheduled primary or general election conducted within the hospital district.

Section 13 provides that section 1 is effective for the state primary in 2014.  The remaining sections are effective on August 1, 2013.

 
Check on the status of this bill
 
Back to Senate Counsel and Research Bill Summaries page
 

 
This page is maintained by the Office of Senate Counsel, Research, and Fiscal Analysis for the Minnesota Senate.
 
Last review or update: 03/19/2013
 
If you see any errors on this page, please e-mail us at webmaster@senate.mn