Bill > SF2696

This bill enhances transparency in two key election processes: absentee ballot board activities and ballot recounts. For absentee ballot boards, the bill requires that their meetings be open to public observation under the state's open meeting laws, allowing candidates, their representatives, and political party representatives to observe the entire ballot board process. Specifically, each candidate may have one representative present during the acceptance and rejection of absentee ballot envelopes, and another representative present when accepted ballots are opened, deposited in a ballot box, and counted. Similarly, during recounts, the bill mandates that ballot containers be unsealed and resealed in public view, with a designated public observation area. Candidates may have representatives observe ballot sorting and counting, with restrictions to prevent interference. The bill permits use of cell phones and video cameras in the public viewing area, as long as they are not disruptive. Throughout both processes, the bill emphasizes that while observation is allowed, candidates, representatives, and the public must not interfere with the actual counting of ballots. These provisions aim to increase election transparency and public confidence in the electoral process.

Government Affairs

https://www.revisor.mn.gov/bills/bill.php?b=Senate&f=SF2696&ssn=0&y=2025