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SF 4135

Secretary of state to prepare and distribute a voter information guide prior to each statewide general election requirement

2025-2026 Regular Session Introduced by Steve Cwodzinski

Minnesota Secretary of State must create and mail nonpartisan voter guides before statewide elections to help voters research candidates and measures.

Comm report: To pass as amended and re-refer to State and Local Government
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Bill Summary · SF 4135

Legislative bill overview

SF 4135 requires Minnesota's Secretary of State to prepare and distribute a comprehensive voter information guide before each statewide general election. The guide would provide voters with information about candidates, ballot measures, voting procedures, and related electoral details to help inform their voting decisions.

Why is this important

Voter information guides serve as a practical tool that increases electoral accessibility, particularly for voters with limited time or resources to research candidates independently. This addresses concerns about voter preparedness and can help reduce ballot roll-off (leaving races blank) by providing standardized, nonpartisan information directly to voters.

Potential points of contention

  • Cost and implementation: Creating and distributing comprehensive guides to all Minnesota voters statewide involves significant printing and mailing expenses that would require budget allocation
  • Content neutrality concerns: Questions may arise about how the Secretary of State determines what information to include, how candidates/measures are described, and whether guidelines ensure fair, nonpartisan presentation
  • Timeliness challenges: Assembling accurate candidate information and ballot measure details before election day, especially in races with late-filing candidates or special elections, could create logistical difficulties
  • Digital vs. print accessibility: The bill's reference to "distribution" may not specify digital alternatives, potentially creating equity issues for different voter populations

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

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