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. 2345 - Electronic Voter Registration - As Amended by the A-2 Amendment
 
Author: Senator Scott J. Newman
 
Prepared By: Alexis C. Stangl, Senate Counsel (651/296-4397)
 
Date: March 10, 2014



 

S.F. No. 2345 establishes an electronic voter registration system.  Any system operated prior to the effective date of this act is suspended until June 1, 2015.  An applicant using the electronic voter registration system must provide an email address and other specified information.  Electronic signatures are required.  Security measures for the system are provided. 

Sections 1 and 2 provide cross-references that authorize electronic voter registration at any time before the 20th day before an election. 

Section 3 provides for electronic voter registration.  Subdivision 1 requires the secretary of state to maintain a system for electronic voter registration.  The system must allow an individual to register to vote and update the voter’s record.  The system must require the same information and include the same certifications as a paper registration application.  The current electronic registration system is suspended until June 1, 2015. 

Subdivision 2 allows an individual to register electronically any time except the 20 days before an election if the voter:  provides the same information required on a paper voter registration application; attests to the truth of the information in the application; has an electronic signature on file with the Driver and Vehicle Services (DVS); signs the application consistent with the Uniform Electronic Transactions Act; and authorizes the secretary of state to obtain a copy of the applicant’s signature on file with DVS.  The electronic application must include all of the information and certifications as the paper application.  The applicant must affirmatively answer the questions that appear on the paper application. 

Subdivision 3 requires DVS and the secretary of state to develop a process to allow a copy of an electronic signature to be sent from DVS to the secretary of state to be associated with an online voter registration application. 

Subdivision 4 requires electronic signatures under the Uniform Electronic Transactions Act when submitting an electronic voter registration application.  In addition, the secretary of state must obtain an electronic copy of the applicant’s signature that is on file with DVS to be associated with the applicant’s application in the system. 

Subdivision 5 requires the system to verify that the information on the application matches information in a government database.  The secretary of state must not accept an application if information does not match, if information is missing, if there is no signature on file with DVS, or if the voter is already registered at the same address.  The application must be accepted if all requirements are met.  The secretary of state must notify the applicant by email when the application is accepted or rejected. 

Subdivision 6 relates to security of the electronic voter registration system.  The Web site must be fully secure, maintain confidentiality, and preserve the integrity of the data.  All data must be encrypted.  Before the system is accessible to the public, the secretary of state must test the system.  Once the system is available to the public, the secretary of state must provide ongoing testing and monitoring.  The secretary of state must work with state’s chief information officer to develop system security and to annually audit the security of the system. 

Subdivision 7 requires the secretary of state, by December 15, 2014, to submit a report to the legislature on the costs incurred in developing the system and anticipated maintenance costs; anticipated cost savings; explanation of security measures and how data is to be maintained, transferred, and protected; an explanation of all testing regarding security and the results; an explanation of how all constitutional and statutory requirements are met; information regarding the use of the current electronic voter registration system; and any other helpful information.

Subdivision 8 applies to individuals that used an electronic voter registration in 2013 or 2014.  The secretary of state must make a list of these individuals and indicate whether each individual used the system to update an existing voter registration record or to register as a new voter.  An individual who used the system to register as a new voter must have his or her registration suspended until the individual submits a new voter registration application.  Notice and a new application must be sent to each of these individuals.

Section 4 requires paper and electronic voter registration applications to contain the same information unless otherwise provided by law.  An electronic voter registration application must include a Minnesota driver’s license or ID card number and the last four digits of the applicant’s social security number.  An email address must be provided. 

Section 5 makes a one-time appropriation to implement the requirements of the act. 

Section 6 has immediate effective date.

ACS/rdr

 
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: 03/10/2014
 
If you see any errors on this page, please e-mail us at webmaster@senate.mn