MN HF1137

Changes ballot validity standards to mark ballots as defective if marked with voter's signature, identification number, or name written outside the space for write-in candidates.

Modifies automatic recount thresholds for state primary elections from one-half of one percent to one-quarter of one percent of total votes, or ten votes or less if total votes are 400 or fewer.

Modifies automatic recount thresholds for state general elections for statewide federal, state constitutional, judicial, congressional, and legislative offices from one-half of one percent to one-quarter of one percent of total votes, or ten votes or less if total votes are 400 or fewer.

Establishes filing officer roles, designating the Secretary of State for federal offices and multi-county state offices, and county auditors for single-county state offices.

Creates new subdivision 4 under section 204C.363 establishing requirements for candidate representatives in recounts, including Minnesota residency, written candidate authorization, and completion of training before challenging ballots.

Restricts postelection review procedures to exclude races that may be subject to recount under the new vote margin thresholds in section 204C.35.