Keeping voter information current

A bill intended to keep the voter registration rolls updated and allow more efficient elections was passed by the House 115-16 March 10.

HF1546, sponsored by Rep. Steve Simon (DFL-St. Louis Park), would modify procedures for processing voter registration notices that are returned as undeliverable due to a lack of valid address. Simon said this has become problematic, leading to the same voter being registered at more than one location.

In order to avoid that pitfall, the bill establishes a procedure for the secretary of state to collect information from the U.S. Postal Service and electronically distribute it to county auditors in order to update the statewide voter registration system and avoid voters being registered at multiple locations.

“This will speed up the process on Election Day,” Simon said.

The bill awaits action by the Senate, where it is sponsored by Sen. Dan Larson (DFL-Bloomington).