Improved voter registration system

New procedures for processing voter registration notices were signed into law by Gov. Tim Pawlenty on April 3.

Sponsored by Rep. Steve Simon (DFL-St. Louis Park) and Sen. Dan Larson (DFL-Bloomington), the law is intended to keep voter registration rolls updated to allow for more efficient elections. It modifies procedures for processing voter registration notices that are returned as undeliverable due to a lack of valid address. Established by the law is a procedure for the secretary of state to collect information from the U.S. Postal Service and electronically distribute it to county auditors to update the statewide voter registration system; thereby, avoiding voters being registered at multiple locations.

The new law takes effect once the secretary of state has certified that the statewide voter registration system has been tested and shown to accurately update records and prepare appropriate notices.

HF1546*/SF1297/CH165