Bill > HF1177

This bill proposes to modify Minnesota's election laws to remove political party designations for state legislative races (state senators and representatives). Specifically, the bill changes how primary and general election ballots are structured by removing references to state senators and representatives as partisan positions. Under the proposed changes, these legislative races would be listed on the nonpartisan primary ballot alongside judicial and local offices, without any party affiliation. The ballot language would no longer include party columns or party-specific voting instructions for these races. The bill modifies existing statutes in sections 204D.08 and 204D.13 to accomplish this, effectively making state legislative elections more like nonpartisan local elections. The changes would take effect on August 1, 2026, and apply to elections conducted on or after that date, giving election officials and political organizations ample time to prepare for the new election format.

Government Affairs

https://www.revisor.mn.gov/bills/bill.php?b=House&f=HF1177&ssn=0&y=2025