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HF 368

Penalties related to the solicitation, collection, acceptance, or delivery of certain absentee ballots or absentee ballot applications modified.

2025-2026 Regular Session Introduced by Pam Altendorf and 1 co-sponsor

HF 368 modifies criminal penalties for unlawful absentee ballot and ballot application solicitation, collection, or delivery in Minnesota elections.

Author added Knudsen
#elections
0
WeVote Research Nonpartisan
Bill Summary · HF 368

Legislative bill overview

HF 368 modifies criminal penalties related to the unlawful solicitation, collection, acceptance, or delivery of absentee ballots and absentee ballot applications in Minnesota. The bill adjusts existing statutes governing third-party handling of absentee voting materials, likely increasing penalties or expanding the scope of prohibited conduct.

Why is this important

Absentee voting represents a significant portion of election participation in Minnesota, and laws governing the chain of custody for ballots are central to election integrity concerns. Changes to penalties and restrictions on ballot handling directly affect how election officials enforce voting rules and the potential consequences for violations.

Potential points of contention

  • Scope ambiguity: The bill's exact modifications aren't specified in available summaries, making it unclear whether it broadens definitions of prohibited conduct (potentially affecting legitimate ballot assistance for elderly or disabled voters) or merely adjusts penalty levels
  • Ballot assistance vs. ballot harvesting: Election security advocates and voting access advocates may disagree on whether the penalties sufficiently distinguish between malicious ballot collection and legitimate assistance programs
  • Implementation burden: Changes may create compliance challenges for election officials, nonprofits conducting voter registration, and family members assisting voters with disabilities

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

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