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HF 2428

Various laws related to election administration modified, absentee voting requirements and procedures modified, timelines modified, notice with absentee ballot applications and sample ballots required, and filing period for certain local offices modified.

2025-2026 Regular Session Introduced by Bianca Virnig

HF 2428 would change Minnesota election rules to tighten absentee voting, adjust deadlines, require notices with absentee ballots and sample ballots, and modify local filing period

Introduction and first reading, referred to Elections Finance and Government Operations
#elections #governmentaloperations-local
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WeVote Research Nonpartisan
Bill Summary · HF 2428

Summary of HF 2428 (2025-2026) – Minnesota

Basic information

  • Bill: HF 2428
  • Session: 2025-2026
  • Jurisdiction: Minnesota
  • Title: Various laws related to election administration modified, absentee voting requirements and procedures modified, timelines modified, notice with absentee ballot applications and sample ballots required, and filing period for certain local offices modified.
  • Introduced: 2025-03-17 (First reading)
  • Committee: Elections Finance and Government Operations
  • Sponsor: Representative Bianca Virnig (co-sponsor)

Purpose and intent

HF 2428 proposes a package of changes to Minnesota election administration aimed at modifying how absentee voting is conducted, updating timelines, and refining notice and filing requirements associated with elections. The overarching goal appears to be tightening or clarifying procedures for absentee ballot processes, ensuring voters receive relevant information with absentee ballot materials, and adjusting filing windows for certain local elective offices.

Key provisions and changes (high level)

  1. Election administration improvements

    • Updates to statutes governing how elections are administered in Minnesota, with a focus on absentee voting workflows and related timelines.

  2. Absentee voting requirements and procedures

    • Modifications to the requirements for applying for, receiving, and returning absentee ballots.
    • Potential changes to who may vote absentee, eligible ballot types, and handling of absentee ballots by election officials.

  3. Timelines adjustments

    • Revisions to important dates in the election calendar, including deadlines for absentee ballot requests, receipt of ballots, and certification timelines.
    • Possible alignment or extension of certain deadlines to streamline administration and reduce confusion for voters and local election offices.

  4. Notice with absentee ballot applications and sample ballots

    • Requirement that notices accompany absentee ballot applications, sample ballots, or both.
    • Notices may include essential information such as: how to request an absentee ballot, election dates, identification requirements, and where to return orcast ballots.

  5. Filing period for certain local offices

    • Changes to the filing window for local offices (e.g., city or county positions) including when filings open and close.
    • Potential implications for candidate eligibility timelines and local election planning.

Who is affected

  • Voters: Absentee voters and those considering absentee voting will be impacted by changes to application processes, timelines, and notices.
  • Election officials and staff: County and city clerks and other local election administrators will implement revised procedures, deadlines, and notice requirements.
  • Candidates for local offices: Extended or shifted filing periods may affect candidate eligibility, campaign planning, and filing logistics.
  • Political subdivisions: Local jurisdictions that administer elections will need to adjust operational practices to comply with the revised rules.

Procedural and timeline considerations

  • Introduction/Referral: The bill was introduced and referred to the Elections Finance and Government Operations committee on March 17, 2025.
  • Implementation timelines: Specific effective dates and transition provisions are not provided in the summary; the bill would introduce new timelines for absentee voting processes and local office filings, which may include phased or immediate implementation depending on enacted language.
  • Rulemaking and guidance: If enacted, the Minnesota Secretary of State and local election offices may issue guidance to implement changes, particularly around notices with absentee ballot applications and sample ballots.

Notes for readers

  • This summary focuses on the substantive areas highlighted in the bill’s title and stated scope. For precise language, definitions, and any fiscal impact, sponsor statements, fiscal notes, and committee amendments would be necessary.
  • The bill is in early stage (first reading as of the provided action history); further hearings, amendments, and votes will determine final content and enactment.

If you’d like, I can monitor updates on HF 2428 and provide a more detailed section-by-section analysis once the bill text and committee analyses are available.

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

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