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SF 3097

Certain special election timing modification

2025-2026 Regular Session Introduced by Jim Carlson and 1 co-sponsor

The bill changes when certain Minnesota special elections must be held, adjusting deadlines and timelines for filing, ballot preparation, and certification.

Second reading
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Bill Summary · SF 3097

Summary of SF 3097 (Session: 2025-2026, Minnesota) — Certain Special Election Timing Modification

Overview

SF 3097 proposes changes to the timing of certain special elections in Minnesota. The bill seeks to modify when special elections are held, with implications for scheduling, administration, and potentially voter turnout. The introduced bill has the following status in the 2025-2026 session timeline:
- Introduced and referred to Elections on March 27, 2025
- Committee report To Pass on April 7, 2025
- Public sponsors include Bonnie Westlin and Jim Carlson (co-sponsors)

Purpose and Intent

  • The primary aim is to adjust the timing of certain special elections. The bill is framed as “Certain special election timing modification,” indicating targeted changes rather than a broad overhaul of election law.
  • The modification may be intended to improve administrative efficiency, align special elections with other electoral timelines, or respond to logistical considerations such as ballot production, polling place operations, or cost containment.
  • The bill operates within the jurisdiction of Minnesota and is described as a legislative change to how and when specific special elections occur.

Key Provisions and Changes (Expected Scope)

Note: The exact statutory text is not provided in the summary. The following points reflect typical elements of a bill titled “Certain special election timing modification” and what such a bill commonly addresses. Please refer to the bill’s final language for precise provisions.

  • Timing Adjustments:
    • Change the date or window during which certain special elections must be held.
    • Adjust deadlines related to candidate filing, ballot preparation, or certification in relation to the altered election date.
  • Scope of Elections Affected:
    • Likely targeted to a subset of elections designated as “special” (e.g., for vacancies, local government seats, school board positions, or ballot questions) rather than all elections.
  • Administrative Procedures:
    • Possible adjustments to timelines for local election officials and the Secretary of State’s office to manage the modified schedule.
    • Potential impact on early voting, absentee ballot timelines, and vote-counting deadlines.
  • Coordination with Other Elections:
    • Provisions to avoid conflicts with statewide or federal elections, or to consolidate local races where feasible.
  • Compliance and Enforcement:
    • Any new requirements for reporting, certification, or oversight related to the new timing.

Who Would Be Affected

  • Local election officials (cities, counties, school districts) responsible for administering special elections.
  • Minnesota voters participating in special elections within the affected scope.
  • Political candidates and petition organizers associated with the modified special elections, who would need to meet adjusted filing or qualification deadlines.
  • The Minnesota Office of the Secretary of State, and possibly local election administrators, tasked with implementing the timing changes and ensuring compliance.

Procedural and Timeline Considerations

  • Introduced: March 27, 2025
  • Referred to Elections committee: March 27, 2025
  • Committee action: Reported out with “To Pass” on April 7, 2025
  • Next steps typically include chamber floor debate, potential amendments, and vote, followed by the other chamber (if bicameral) and gubernatorial action.

Practical Implications

  • If enacted, districts could experience changes in early planning stages for special elections, potential changes in cost structures due to schedule shifts, and differences in voter outreach timelines.
  • Voters would see changes primarily in when they are asked to vote for specific special elections, along with any associated deadlines for registration, absentee voting, and ballot access.

Additional Notes

  • The bill’s specific text, including precise dates, subcommittees, or fiscal implications, is not provided here. For a detailed understanding, consult the official bill text, fiscal note (if any), and amended versions as it progresses through the Minnesota Legislature.

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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