MN HF2857

Requires any mailing sent by a committee or private organization containing an absentee ballot application to display "THIS IS AN ABSENTEE BALLOT APPLICATION, NOT AN OFFICIAL BALLOT" and "THIS IS NOT AN OFFICIAL COMMUNICATION FROM A UNIT OF GOVERNMENT" in capital letters on the outside of the mailing, clearly visible upon opening.

Requires any mailing sent by a committee or private organization containing a sample ballot to display "THIS IS A SAMPLE BALLOT, NOT AN OFFICIAL BALLOT" and "THIS IS NOT AN OFFICIAL COMMUNICATION FROM A UNIT OF GOVERNMENT" in capital letters on the outside of the mailing, clearly visible upon opening.

Defines "sample ballot" as a document formatted and printed in a manner that would lead a reasonable person to believe it is an official ballot, but excludes documents containing candidate names or ballot questions alongside generic ballot illustrations if the format would not mislead a reasonable person.

Creates Minnesota Statutes section 211B.075 to codify these mailing requirements for absentee ballot applications and sample ballots distributed by non-governmental entities.