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HF 5088

Voter registration form required to include any requirements of federal law, secretary of state required to ensure compliance with federal requirements related to elections, secretary of state required to allocate money to counties to assist them in complying with federal requirements, and money appropriated.

2025-2026 Regular Session Introduced by Pam Altendorf and 5 co-sponsors

HF5088 requires Minnesota voter registration forms to meet federal requirements, funds counties to aid compliance, and mandates annual federal-law compliance reporting.

Author added Lawrence
#appropriations #elections #governmentaloperations-state
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WeVote Research Nonpartisan
Bill Summary · HF 5088

Summary of HF5088 (Minnesota 2025-2026)

Date Posted: April 27, 2026

HF5088 proposes changes related to voter registration forms, federal election requirements, and state-funded county grants to help counties comply with federal law.

1) Main Purpose and Intent

  • Align Minnesota voter registration forms with federal requirements.
  • Ensure state and local election officials comply with federal election laws, including new federal requirements enacted in the future.
  • Provide a dedicated funding mechanism for counties to implement federal compliance measures related to elections for federal offices.
  • Establish a reporting obligation to lawmakers confirming compliance with federal election requirements.

2) Key Provisions and Changes

A. Voter Registration Form Requirements (Section 1)

  • Both paper and electronic voter registration forms must include standard required information (name, address, date of birth, etc.) and a certification of voter eligibility.
  • Paper form additions:
    • Space for a physical description of residence location when there is no specific address (to identify precincts).
    • Space for voter's email address (optional).
    • Optional consideration of the voter's interest in serving as an election judge.
  • Electronic form additions:
    • Voter’s email address required.
  • Certification language added with a multi-part eligibility statement:
    • Provisions include age, citizenship, Minnesota residency duration, current residence, court guardianship status, judicial incompetence, felony incarceration status, and a warning about false information.
  • The form must include responses to:
    • Are you a U.S. citizen?
    • Are you at least 16 and will you be at least 18 by election day?
  • If either citizen status or age question is answered “no,” the voter should not complete the form.
  • The form must also include any applicable federal requirements, including documentation of citizenship if required by federal law.
  • Acceptance of forms:
    • National Voter Registration Act forms and the federal postcard application form (if not deficient and the voter is eligible) must be accepted.
  • An applicant may use the form to register or update existing registration.

B. Compliance with Federal Requirements (Section 2)

  • The Secretary of State must ensure all state and local election officials comply with applicable federal federal election requirements, including any new federal requirements enacted after the act’s start.
  • Reporting: By January 15, 2027, and annually thereafter, the Secretary must report to the chairs and ranking minority members of relevant legislative committees, certifying compliance with federal laws in effect as of the report date.

C. Federal Compliance Grants to Counties (Section 3)

  • Onetime appropriation: $5,000,000 from the General Fund in FY2027 to the Secretary of State.
  • Purpose: Provide grants to counties to assist with complying with federal requirements related to elections for federal offices.
  • Allocation method: Funds distributed to counties submitting a request, allocated in inverse proportion to each county’s voter turnout in the 2024 state general election.
  • Use restrictions: Counties must earmark funds in a dedicated “federal compliance” account and may only use the money to comply with newly enacted federal requirements related to federal elections enacted on or after the act’s effective date.

D. Effective Date (Section 4)

  • The act becomes effective the day after final enactment.

3) Who Would Be Affected

  • Voters registering to vote in Minnesota (perspective on the required registration information and federal compliance considerations).
  • County election officials and county auditors, who would implement the enhanced registration forms and manage federal compliance funding.
  • The Secretary of State, who would oversee federal compliance and distribute grants, and who must report annually on compliance with federal law.
  • Counties receiving federal compliance grants, which would need to allocate funds to address new federal requirements.

4) Procedural and Timeline Considerations

  • Reporting requirement: First report due by January 15, 2027, with annual reports thereafter.
  • Funding: $5 million provided in FY2027 as a one-time grant; uses are limited to aligning with newly enacted federal requirements related to federal elections.
  • Form changes: Effective upon enactment; forms would need to be updated to reflect federal requirements and new certifications.

5) Notable Details and Implications

  • Emphasizes federal conformity in voter registration processes.
  • Creates an accountability loop through annual reporting to Legislature.
  • Provides targeted funding to support counties in adapting to evolving federal election laws, potentially reducing administrative risk and noncompliance.
  • Balances accessibility (email fields, eligibility certification) with safeguards (citizenship, age, residency, and other eligibility checks), and aligns with federal forms (NDRA, FPCA).

If you’d like, I can compare HF5088 to current Minnesota election law or summarize potential fiscal impacts in more detail.

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

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