New Law: Absentee voter modification

Legislation to make overseas voting easier for Minnesotans serving abroad received approval from Gov. Tim Pawlenty on April 17.

Sponsored by Rep. Jeremy Kalin (DFL-North Branch) and Sen. Sharon Erickson Ropes (DFL-Winona), the law allows electronic transmission of absentee ballots, in certain circumstances, as a way to reduce barriers facing military members and other Americans abroad who have not always succeeded in having their votes counted.

Kalin said the law is needed to make sure that those serving our country are guaranteed the right to vote, which he called a “cornerstone of democracy.”

The law is effective for elections held after June 1, 2008.

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