MN SF4305

Allows city council members to serve terms of either two or four years instead of a fixed term length, with the same flexibility applying to mayors.

Permits cities to hold municipal general elections in either even-numbered or odd-numbered years by ordinance, provided the city commits to one schedule and provides notice to the county auditor and secretary of state at least 180 days before the next election.

Modifies redistricting timelines for local government election districts (county, park and recreation, school, soil and water conservation districts) to occur within 80 days of legislature redistricting or 15 weeks before the state primary election in years ending in two, whichever comes first.

Establishes different redistricting and legal challenge procedures for first-class cities electing officials in years ending in one, allowing district boundaries to be reestablished no later than 14 days before the candidacy filing deadline.

Requires special elections in first-class cities with four-year staggered council terms when ward population changes by five percent or more between censuses, with elections held in years ending in one, two, or three as specified.