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SF 1166

Photo ID requirement to register to vote and to vote requirement; voter identification card and provisional ballot establishment; appropriating money

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

SF 1166 would require photo ID to register and vote, create a state voter ID card, update provisional ballots, and fund implementation in Minnesota.

Author added Nelson
#elections
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Bill Summary · SF 1166

Summary of SF 1166 (Photo ID to Register and Vote; Voter ID Card; Provisional Ballots; Funding)

Overview

SF 1166 is a Minnesota Senate bill introduced on February 10, 2025, focusing on voter identification requirements. The bill’s title indicates it would require photo identification to both register to vote and to vote, establish a voter identification card, create or standardize provisional ballots, and appropriate funds to implement these changes. The author of the bill was listed as Nelson (with the author added on February 13, 2025). A House companion bill is HF 1513.

What the bill would do (key provisions)

  • Photo ID for voter registration: The bill would require submitters to provide a photo identification document when registering to vote.
  • Photo ID to vote: The bill would require voters to present photo identification when casting a ballot at the polls.
  • Voter identification card: The bill would establish (or require creation of) a state voter identification card to satisfy ID requirements.
  • Provisional ballots: The bill would establish or modify the provisional ballot process in the context of ID requirements (e.g., to provide a way to vote when ID is not presented at the time of voting, with later verification).
  • Appropriations: The bill would allocate state funds to implement these changes (e.g., issuing voter IDs, updating election administration systems, and covering related administrative costs).

Note: The exact specifications—such as which forms of ID are acceptable, exemptions (e.g., for certain voters, disabilities, or ages), timelines for compliance, grace periods, or what constitutes a “voter identification card”—will be spelled out in the bill’s text. This summary reflects the policy areas indicated by the title and summary provided.

Who would be affected

  • Minnesota voters who register to vote and those who vote would be subject to photo ID requirements.
  • Voters without readily available photo ID may need to obtain documentation or use the state-issued voter identification card once established.
  • Election administrators and state agencies responsible for issuing IDs and administering elections would implement and enforce the new requirements.
  • The state would incur costs associated with implementing ID requirements and maintaining the related systems, as provided by the bill’s funding provisions.

Procedural and timeline notes

  • Introduced: February 10, 2025 (First reading and referral to Elections).
  • Legislative actions: February 10, 2025 – Introduction and referral; February 13, 2025 – Author added (Nelson).
  • Related legislation: HF 1513 is the House companion bill.

Potential considerations and questions

  • What specific IDs are acceptable under SF 1166, and what exemptions would apply?
  • How would the voter identification card be issued, funded, and managed?
  • What are the procedures and deadlines for provisional ballots under the new system?
  • How might these changes impact voter turnout, registration rates, and administration costs?
  • How does this align with federal election laws and existing state law?

Related bill

  • HF 1513 (House companion).

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

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