MN HF1153

Presidential nomination primary must be conducted entirely by mail with ballots mailed 46-14 days before the election; voters may return ballots by mail or in person to county auditor offices or designated locations.

Voter party designation from presidential nomination primary removed from public information lists available for inspection; party information maintained as private data except provided to party chairs for their voters.

Single ballot required for presidential nomination primary with separate ballots by party; voters must select party preference on signature envelope with statement "I am in general agreement with the principles of the party for whose candidate I intend to vote."

County auditors must appoint ballot board to examine signature envelopes and record party selection in polling place roster; ballots spoiled if votes cast for multiple parties or party voted for does not match party selected on envelope.

Secretary of state authorized to reimburse counties and municipalities for presidential nomination primary expenses including ballot preparation, postage, polling place preparation ($150 max per location), electronic system preparation ($100 max per precinct), and temporary staff compensation; reimbursements must be completed within 90 days of certification.