SF4846

Purpose

• Provide a one-time funding action to support the administration of elections and related services.

Main Provisions

• Section 1(a): A one-time appropriation of $1,000,000 from the general fund to the secretary of state, to be used for the administration of elections in 2026 and for services that were previously funded with federal funds.
• Section 1(b): The secretary of state, in consultation with the commissioner of management and budget, must transfer $1,000,000 in fiscal year 2027 from the general fund to the Voting Operations Technology and Election Resources Account (VOTE Account) established under Minnesota Statutes section 5.305. This is a one-time transfer.

Implementation Details

• Timing: The appropriation is labeled for fiscal year 2027 but covers activities in 2026; the transfer to the VOTE Account occurs in fiscal year 2027.
• Governance: Requires consultation between the secretary of state and the commissioner of management and budget.
• Nature: Both actions are explicitly described as one-time (non-recurring).

Significance and Implications

• Replaces or supplements federal funding for certain election-related services with general fund support.
• Creates or enhances funding for technology and resources used in voting operations through the VOTE Account, potentially affecting long-term election infrastructure and resources.

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Relevant Terms - appropriation - general fund - secretary of state - administration of elections - federal funds - one-time - fiscal year 2027 - fiscal year 2026 - Voting Operations Technology and Election Resources Account - Minnesota Statutes section 5.305 - commissioner of management and budget - consultation