ST. PAUL, MN – Today, Governor Mark Dayton signed into law an Omnibus Elections Policy bill that includes key reforms to maximize voter participation and convenience. The legislation met the Governor’s requirement that bills reforming Minnesota's election system needed broad bipartisan support.
“Minnesota consistently leads the nation in voter turnout and engagement,” said Rep. Steve Simon (DFL—Hopkins), the bill’s House author. “This legislation will help maintain that proud tradition into the future.”
The Elections bill establishes no-excuses absentee voting, enacts a new system for vacancies in nomination that occur close to an election due to death or disability, expands mail balloting for all townships, creates an electronic poll book pilot project, lowers the threshold for a publicly triggered recount for a statewide election from a 0.5 percent winning margin to 0.25 percent, and reduces to the number of individuals for whom one registered voter can "vouch" from 15 to 8.
No-excuses absentee voting, the signature provision of the new law, allows eligible voters to cast an absentee ballot without providing a reason as to why they cannot vote in person on Election Day. The law also allows local elections officials to start processing absentee ballots seven days before Election Day -- three extra processing days as compared to current law.
“Allowing no-excuses absentee voting makes the democratic process more convenient for everyone,” added Rep. Simon. “For Minnesotans who are busy at work, students who are in class or studying, or moms and dads who are taking care of their kids on Election Day, this bill enhances their ability to participate in our democracy.”
The provision on vacancies in nomination due to death or major health issues would prohibit nominees from creating a vacancy by withdrawing due to scandal. If a valid vacancy occurs 79 or more days before the general election, the candidate’s party may nominate a new candidate to appear on the general election ballot. But if the vacancy occurs within 79 days of the general election, the new guidelines call for a special election 91 days after Election Day.
“Lawmakers from both sides of the aisle crafted this legislation using a respectful, non-partisan approach,” said Rep. Simon. “We can all take pride in this bill. It puts the people of Minnesota before what’s best for our respective political parties."