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S.F. No. 1232 - Electronic Roster Pilot Project and Task Force (Second Engrossment)
 
Author: Senator Terri E. Bonoff
 
Prepared By: Alexis C. Stangl, Senate Counsel (651/296-4397)
Stephanie James, Senate Counsel (651/296-0103)
 
Date: March 26, 2013



 

S.F. No. 1232 establishes a pilot project to use electronic rosters in city elections in 2013.  The pilot project will look at using electronic rosters to process Election Day registration, verify voter registration status, or both.  The bill also establishes an electronic roster task force to look at using electronic rosters statewide for conducting elections.

Section 1 establishes an electronic roster pilot project.  Subdivision 1 establishes a pilot project to explore the use of electronic rosters in conducting elections.  The pilot project allows participating jurisdictions to use electronic rosters to process Election Day registration, to verify voter registration status, or both.  The pilot project applies to cities with elections in 2013.

Subdivision 2 specifies the cities that may participate. Cities may select individual precincts to participate and are not required to use electronic rosters in all precincts.

Subdivision 3 lists the technology requirements that the roster and supporting technology must meet.  The roster and computer must be able to be loaded with data files and export data files; allow for data to be entered by scanning a driver’s license or state ID card to populate a voter registration application; print voter’s signature certificates for voter’s to sign; alert the election judge if a voter has already voted; provide instructions on how to resolve challenges, and perform other necessary functions.

Subdivision 4 provides that unless otherwise specified, all other election laws apply to precincts participating in the pilot project.

Subdivision 5 requires voter signature cards and registration applications printed from the roster must be retained in the same manner as other election records.  Data on Election Day registrants must be uploaded to the statewide voter registration system.

Subdivision 6 specifies that participating precincts may use electronic rosters for Election Day registration, to verify voter registration status, or both. In precincts using electronic rosters to verify registration status, the election judges must also use a paper roster.

Subdivision 7 requires the secretary of state to evaluate the pilot project and report to the legislature on the pilot project by January 31, 2014.  The report must include the specified information.

Subdivision 8 expires the pilot project the day after the report required in subdivision 7 is submitted.

Section 2 sets up an electronic roster task force.  Subdivision 1 provides that there will be 15 members representing the specified entities and constituencies.

Subdivision 2 provides that no one who has a financial interest in electronic roster technology is eligible to be a member of the task force.

Subdivision 3 provides the duties of the task force. The task force must research electronic roster; use of photographs received from the Department of Vehicle Services; ability to add photographs to a roster on election day; data security issues; ability of precincts statewide to connect an electronic roster to a secure network to access the statewide voter registration system; and the costs associated with using electronic rosters.

Subdivision 4 requires the secretary of state to convene the first meeting by July 1, 2013. The members of the task force then elect a chair and vice-chair from their membership.

Subdivision 5 provides for compensation for public members of the task force.

Subdivision 6 requires the Legislative Coordinating Commission to provide staff to facilitate the task force’s work.

Subdivision 7 requires the task force to submit a report to the legislature by January 31, 2014, summarizing its findings and listing recommendations on the implementation of electronic rosters statewide. The report must include draft legislation to implement the recommendations of the task force.

Subdivision 8 sunsets the task force the day following the submission of the report required under subdivision 7, or January 31, 2014, whichever is earlier.

Section 3 appropriates money from the general fund to the secretary of state for the pilot project and to the Legislative Coordinating Committee for supporting the task force.

Section 4 provides that this act is effective the day following final enactment.

ACS/SJJ:tg

 
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