Bill Summary

• Requires voters to present valid photo identification before receiving a ballot, with acceptable forms including Minnesota driver's licenses, state identification cards, voter identification cards, tribal IDs, and student IDs under specific conditions.

• Establishes a free state-subsidized voter identification card issued by the Department of Public Safety for eligible voters who lack other valid identification, requiring applicants to verify U.S. citizenship, age 18+, and 20 days Minnesota residence.

• Creates a provisional ballot process for voters unable to provide required photo identification or whose eligibility is challenged, allowing them to cast ballots that are counted later upon proof of identity and residence within 7 calendar days.

• Extends election canvassing deadlines from 3 days to 8 days after primaries and from between 3-10 days to between 8-14 days after general elections to accommodate provisional ballot verification.

• Appropriates $354,600 for fiscal year 2012 and $428,475 for fiscal year 2013 to fund the voter identification card program, with all provisions effective July 1, 2011.