WeVote
Log In

Bill

Bill

SF 5050

Photo ID requirement to register to vote and to vote

2025-2026 Regular Session Introduced by Mark Koran and 3 co-sponsors

The bill establishes a photo ID system with a new voter identification card and proof of U.S. citizenship to vote or register, replacing existing ID requirements.

Referred to Elections
#elections #government-local #government-state
0
WeVote Research Nonpartisan
Bill Summary · SF 5050

Summary of SF 5050 (2025-2026) – Minnesota

Title: Photo ID required to register to vote and to vote; establishing the SAVE Minnesota Act; citizenship proof; voter ID card; provisional ballots; driver’s license changes; reports; appropriations.

Note: This summary covers the main purpose, key provisions, affected parties, and timing. It reflects the text as introduced and its structural framework across Article 1 and related sections.

1) Purpose and intent

  • Create a photo ID-based framework for voting and registration.
  • Require proof of United States citizenship to vote.
  • Establish a new voter identification card as an alternative ID for voting.
  • Streamline and consolidate ID requirements across voter registration, absentee, early, and on-site voting.
  • Create funding mechanisms and reporting requirements to support administration of these changes.

2) Key provisions and changes

A. Voter Identification and Registration (Article 1)

  • Photo ID requirement to register to vote and to vote:
    • Introduces a new process around a voter identification card (VIC) and a voter identification card account to support implementation, reimburse costs, and issuance.
    • VICs must be issued to those who cannot prove identity and residence by other allowed documents.
  • Citizenship proof to vote:
    • Requires documentary proof of U.S. citizenship (with specified acceptable documents) for registration and voting.
  • Voter identification card design and use:
    • VICs are separate from standard Minnesota IDs and include specific markings, expiration, and “Valid Identification Only for Voting” labeling.
    • VICs are not valid for federal ID purposes, except as described for the VIC’s intended voting use.
  • Documentation of identity, residence, and citizenship:
    • A defined set of acceptable documents for proving identity and residence (e.g., driver’s license, state ID, VIC, U.S. passport, tribal government IDs, and a set of listed supporting documents if using alternative proofs).
    • A separate list for proving citizenship (including VIC, passport, birth certificates, or specific combinations of ID with citizenship evidence).
  • Residency in certain facilities:
    • Introduces a vouching process for residents of residential facilities (transitional housing, nursing homes, etc.) and for facility employees to attest to residency.
  • Election Day Registration (EDR) and absentee voting:
    • EDR would require proof of citizenship and identity as part of the registration process; provisional ballots may be used if proof is lacking, consistent with the new framework.
  • Provisional ballots:
    • Provisional ballots would be counted if the voter later presents valid proof of citizenship and identity as required.

B. Driver’s License and ID Fees/Administration (Articles 6–12)

  • New or revised applicant formats and required information for ID cards and VICs.
  • Fees:
    • DRIVER’S LICENSE and ID fees are listed with different classifications (REAL ID, non-REAL ID, under-21, senior, etc.). A companion surcharge and the ability for agents to charge convenience fees.
    • Certain fees are waived or redirected for VICs (e.g., no charge for VIC applications under the VIC section 3c).
  • Expiration rules:
    • Different expiration rules for standard IDs, VICs, and special cases (e.g., under-21, seniors, temporary statuses, etc.).
  • Citizenship and signature requirements:
    • Applications require attestation of truthfulness under penalty of perjury; identity and presence in the U.S. must be verified.

C. Voter Identification Card Account and Reimbursements (Articles 17–18)

  • Creating a dedicated VIC account in the state special revenue fund.
  • Reimbursement program:
    • Reimbursing individuals for costs of obtaining documents necessary to obtain a VIC.
    • Reimbursing driver’s license agents for related processing costs.
  • Reporting:
    • The Commissioner of Public Safety must report expenditures by county to legislative committees.

D. Administrative and Senate/Statutory Changes (Cross-References)

  • Numerous amendments to Minnesota Statutes (various chapters) to integrate VICs, photo ID requirements, proof of citizenship, and related processes into election administration, registration, absentee balloting, early voting, and provisional ballot counting.

3) Who would be affected

  • Voters: those registering to vote, voting by absentee, early voting, or on Election Day who must meet the photo ID and citizenship proof requirements.
  • Voters without standard ID: would be issued a VIC as a path to participate in elections.
  • U.S. citizens and non-citizens: the bill tightens proof of citizenship to vote; non-citizens would be prevented from voting.
  • Voters in residential facilities: vouching provisions affect residents and facility staff.
  • Driver’s license/ID applicants and recipients: changes to formats, fees, and processing.
  • Driver’s license agents and county clerks: new fee structures, processing duties, and document handling.
  • Counties and the Department of Public Safety: administration and reporting obligations; VIC account management.

4) Procedural and timeline aspects

  • Effective date for many sections: June 1, 2027.
  • Several sections establish the framework for implementation, reporting, and appropriation beginning in 2027.
  • Sections detailing fees, processing, and VIC issuance are phased to align with the effective date.
  • The bill includes repeals and codification to create new law structures across Chapters 200, 201, 204C, 357, and related statutes, with corresponding amendments to 2024/2025 Supplement provisions.

5) Potential impacts and considerations

  • Accessibility: Introduction of VICs could impact how people prove identity and residence, potentially aiding those without standard ID but may impose more stringent citizenship proof.
  • Administrative burden: Substantial changes to voter registration, absentee, and on-site processes; new reporting and reimbursement flows for documents.
  • Security and integrity: Photo ID and citizenship verification aim to strengthen election integrity but may affect turnout and registration timelines.
  • Costs: Upfront and ongoing costs for VIC issuance, reimbursement program, and administration; funding mechanisms are proposed via general fund and special revenue accounts.

If you’d like, I can tailor this summary to a particular stakeholder group (voters, election officials, advocacy groups) or extract a section-by-section checklist of requirements and dates.

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

Sign in to ask a question.