SF4080

Purpose

To improve accessibility for voters who cannot enter a polling place by updating how election judges assist them outside the polling place, and to limit handling to one ballot at a time.

Main Provisions

• Amends Minnesota Statutes 2025 Supplement section 204C.15 subdivision 2 to cover assistance outside the polling place.
• Outside the polling place: An individual who is unable to enter a polling place where paper ballots or an electronic voting system are used may register or update the voter's registration and vote without leaving a motor vehicle.
• Two election judges who are members of different major political parties must assist the voter to register or update a registration as applicable, complete a voter's certificate, and provide the necessary ballots.
• The voter may request additional assistance in marking ballots as provided in subdivision 1.14.
• Election judges providing assistance under this subdivision may only handle one voted ballot at a time.

What this bill seeks to change

• Creates a formal process for voters who cannot physically enter a polling place to receive registration and voting assistance outside the polling place.
• Ensures that two judges from different major parties oversee the process to promote impartiality.
• Limits handling to a single voted ballot at a time to reduce potential confusion or errors.

Implications and practical effect

• Voters with mobility or access challenges can participate without leaving a vehicle.
• The process requires bipartisan election judge participation and adds a clear limit on ballot handling at one time.
• Existing procedures for “marking ballots” and obtaining ballots are extended to apply to this outside-the-polling-place context.

Key terms from the bill (as they appear in the text)

• outside the polling place
• registering or updating a registration
• vote without leaving a motor vehicle
• two election judges
• members of different major political parties
• assist / assistance
• complete a voters certificate
• provide the necessary ballots
• one voted ballot at a time
• voting system (paper ballots or electronic voting system)
• subdivision 2
• subdivision 1.14

Relevant Terms - outside the polling place - two election judges - different major political parties - register or update registration - voter's certificate - ballots - one voted ballot at a time - vote without leaving a motor vehicle - Minnesota Statutes 204C.15 - subdivision 2 - subdivision 1.14