SF2381 - Minnesota Elections Bill Summary

• Modifies absentee voting procedures by allowing county auditors to offer ballot counters and ballot boxes during the 7 days before elections, with voters choosing between traditional methods or casting ballots on-site.

• Changes school board vacancy procedures from special elections to board appointment with a 30-day effective period, subject to voter rejection by petition requiring signatures from 5% of district voters within 30 days.

• Establishes election emergency preparedness requirements, including state and county emergency plans, and authorizes local officials to combine or relocate polling places during emergencies with proper public notification.

• Adds accessibility provisions for political party conventions, including interpreter services for deaf and hard-of-hearing delegates and materials in alternative formats for visually impaired attendees.

• Provides for alternative meeting location for presidential electors in 2016 if the State Capitol executive chamber is unavailable, with 30 days' notice required.