Requirements for identifying and verifying a candidate's residence on an affidavit of candidacy modified, and criminal penalty provided.

2025-2026 Regular Session Introduced by Duane Quam

HF 1872 would tighten how a candidate’s residence is identified and verified on the affidavit of candidacy and create a criminal penalty for noncompliance.

Introduction and first reading, referred to Elections Finance and Government Operations

#crimesandcriminals #elections

HF 1872 — Summary

Quick facts

Bill number: HF 1872

Title: Requirements for identifying and verifying a candidate's residence on an affidavit of candidacy modified, and criminal penalty provided

Status: Introduction and first reading; referred to Elections Finance and Government Operations

Introduced: March 5, 2025

Companion bill: SF 2693

Subject: Crimes and Criminals, Elections

Purpose and intent

HF 1872, as indicated by its title, would modify the requirements for identifying and verifying a candidate’s residence on the affidavit of candidacy. The bill also provides for a criminal penalty related to these provisions. The introductory materials do not specify additional policy goals beyond strengthening or clarifying how candidate residence is identified and verified on the candidacy affidavit and enforcing compliance through penalties.

Key provisions (as indicated by the title)

Revisions to the affidavit of candidacy: The bill would change how a candidate’s residence must be identified on the affidavit of candidacy and how that residence must be verified.

Verification requirements: The bill would introduce or tighten verification processes to confirm a candidate’s claimed residence.

Criminal penalty: The bill includes a criminal penalty for noncompliance, falsification, or other violations connected with residence identification and verification on the affidavit of candidacy. (The exact penalties are not specified in the information provided.)

Applicability: If enacted, these provisions would apply to candidates filing affidavits of candidacy in Minnesota elections.

Who would be affected

Candidates filing affidavits of candidacy (and their disclosures of residence)

Election officials and staff who administer and verify affidavits of candidacy

Potentially voters and the broader election administration system, by strengthening residency verification and enforcement

Procedural and timeline notes

Status: At the introduction and first-reading stage in the Minnesota House.

Committee reference: Elections Finance and Government Operations.

Next steps: Typically would include committee hearings, potential amendments, and floor action in the House, followed by consideration by the Senate (including any companion SF 2693). If enacted, the bill would require an effective date specified in the enacted legislation.

Related action: Companion bill SF 2693 exists.

Potential implications and considerations

Impact on candidate filing: Could increase scrutiny of residency claims and require documentation or verification steps.

Enforcement: Introduction of a criminal penalty implies potential criminal enforcement for violations, affecting candidates and potentially filing officials.

Administrative considerations: May require updates to forms, guidance for compliance, and training for election staff.

Note: This summary reflects publicly available details from the bill’s title and status as of introduction. Specific statutory text, penalty levels, definitions of residency, and implementation details would appear in the bill’s language once published and during committee consideration.