Bill > SF2724

This bill modifies voter registration provisions for individuals in jail by requiring county sheriffs to develop plans for voter education and assistance, and providing resources to support these efforts. Specifically, the bill mandates that sheriffs create a comprehensive plan in consultation with county auditors to help eligible voters in jail register and vote by mail during primary and general elections. Each sheriff must designate a staff person as a jail voting coordinator responsible for distributing voting materials and facilitating voting processes. The bill also allows jail inmates to use a telephone during business hours to contact county auditors and request absentee ballot applications or voting assistance. Additionally, the bill requires sheriffs to report to the secretary of state about their voting assistance efforts, and the secretary of state will be required to include information about jail voting efforts in post-election reports to the legislature. To support these initiatives, the bill appropriates $2,500,000 in fiscal year 2027 for grants to county sheriffs, with future funding allocations outlined for subsequent odd-numbered fiscal years. Furthermore, the bill modifies existing statutes to allow individuals in jail to prove their residence for voter registration purposes using their intake form address, thereby reducing barriers to voting for this population.

Government Affairs

https://www.revisor.mn.gov/bills/bill.php?b=Senate&f=SF2724&ssn=0&y=2025