Bill Text: MN HF2516 | 2013-2014 | 88th Legislature | Engrossed
Bill Title: Election administration related provisions modified; and technical changes made to voting, voter registration, ballots, and other election-related provisions.
Spectrum: Partisan Bill (Democrat 1-0)
Status: (Introduced - Dead) 2014-04-25 - HF indefinitely postponed [HF2516 Detail]
Download: Minnesota-2013-HF2516-Engrossed.html
1.2relating to elections; modifying provisions related to election administration;
1.3making technical changes to provisions related to voting, voter registration,
1.4ballots, and other election-related provisions;amending Minnesota Statutes
1.52012, sections 201.081; 201.091, subdivision 2; 201.13, subdivision 4; 203B.22;
1.6204B.09, subdivision 3; 204B.19, subdivision 2; 204C.08, subdivision 1d;
1.7204C.26, subdivision 1; 204D.13, subdivisions 1, 2; 204D.15, subdivision 1;
1.8205.07, subdivision 1a; 205.13, subdivision 1; 375A.12, subdivision 5; 412.091;
1.9Minnesota Statutes 2013 Supplement, sections 201.061, subdivision 3; 204B.45,
1.10subdivision 2; 204B.46; 205A.05, subdivision 1; 368.47; proposing coding for
1.11new law in Minnesota Statutes, chapter 211C.
1.12BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF MINNESOTA:
1.13 Section 1. Minnesota Statutes 2013 Supplement, section 201.061, subdivision 3,
1.14is amended to read:
1.15 Subd. 3. Election day registration. (a) An individual who is eligible to vote may
1.16register on election day by appearing in person at the polling place for the precinct in
1.17which the individual maintains residence, by completing a registration application, making
1.18an oath in the form prescribed by the secretary of state and providing proof of residence.
1.19An individual may prove residence for purposes of registering by:
1.20 (1) presenting a driver's license or Minnesota identification card issued pursuant
1.21to section171.07 ;
1.22 (2) presenting any document approved by the secretary of state as proper
1.23identification;
1.24 (3) presenting one of the following:
1.25 (i) a current valid student identification card from a postsecondary educational
1.26institution in Minnesota, if a list of students from that institution has been prepared under
2.1section135A.17 and certified to the county auditor in the manner provided in rules of
2.2the secretary of state; or
2.3 (ii) a current student fee statement that contains the student's valid address in the
2.4precinct together with a picture identification card; or
2.5 (4) having a voter who is registered to vote in the precinct, orwho is an employee
2.6employed by and working in a residential facility in the precinct and vouching for a
2.7resident in the facility, sign an oath in the presence of the election judge vouching that
2.8the voter or employee personally knows that the individual is a resident of the precinct.
2.9A voter who has been vouched for on election day may not sign a proof of residence
2.10oath vouching for any other individual on that election day. A voter who is registered to
2.11vote in the precinct may sign up to eight proof-of-residence oaths on any election day.
2.12This limitation does not apply to an employee of a residential facility described in this
2.13clause. The secretary of state shall provide a form for election judges to use in recording
2.14the number of individuals for whom a voter signs proof-of-residence oaths on election
2.15day. The form must include space for the maximum number of individuals for whom a
2.16voter may sign proof-of-residence oaths. For each proof-of-residence oath, the form must
2.17include a statement that thevoter individual: (i) is registered to vote in the precinct or is an
2.18employee of a residential facility in the precinct, (ii) personally knows that theindividual
2.19 voter is a resident of the precinct, and (iii) is making the statement on oath. The form must
2.20include a space for the voter's printed name, signature, telephone number, and address.
2.21 The oath required by this subdivision and Minnesota Rules, part 8200.9939, must be
2.22attached to the voter registration application.
2.23 (b) The operator of a residential facility shall prepare a list of the names of its
2.24employees currently working in the residential facility and the address of the residential
2.25facility. The operator shall certify the list and provide it to the appropriate county auditor
2.26no less than 20 days before each election for use in election day registration.
2.27 (c) "Residential facility" means transitional housing as defined in section256E.33,
2.28subdivision 1 ; a supervised living facility licensed by the commissioner of health under
2.29section144.50, subdivision 6 ; a nursing home as defined in section
144A.01, subdivision
2.305 ; a residence registered with the commissioner of health as a housing with services
2.31establishment as defined in section144D.01, subdivision 4 ; a veterans home operated by
2.32the board of directors of the Minnesota Veterans Homes under chapter 198; a residence
2.33licensed by the commissioner of human services to provide a residential program as
2.34defined in section245A.02, subdivision 14 ; a residential facility for persons with a
2.35developmental disability licensed by the commissioner of human services under section
2.36252.28
; group residential housing as defined in section
256I.03, subdivision 3 ; a shelter
3.1for battered women as defined in section611A.37, subdivision 4 ; or a supervised
3.2publicly or privately operated shelter or dwelling designed to provide temporary living
3.3accommodations for the homeless.
3.4 (d) For tribal band members, an individual may prove residence for purposes of
3.5registering by:
3.6 (1) presenting an identification card issued by the tribal government of a tribe
3.7recognized by the Bureau of Indian Affairs, United States Department of the Interior, that
3.8contains the name, address, signature, and picture of the individual; or
3.9 (2) presenting an identification card issued by the tribal government of a tribe
3.10recognized by the Bureau of Indian Affairs, United States Department of the Interior, that
3.11contains the name, signature, and picture of the individual and also presenting one of the
3.12documents listed in Minnesota Rules, part 8200.5100, subpart 2, item B.
3.13 (e) A county, school district, or municipality may require that an election judge
3.14responsible for election day registration initial each completed registration application.
3.15 Sec. 2. Minnesota Statutes 2012, section 201.081, is amended to read:
3.16201.081 REGISTRATION FILES.
3.17 Subdivision 1. Statewide registration system. The statewide registration system
3.18is the official record of registered voters. The voter registration applications and the
3.19terminal providing access to the statewide registration system must be under the control
3.20of the county auditor or the public official to whom the county auditor has delegated
3.21the responsibility for maintaining voter registration records. The voter registration
3.22applications and terminals providing access to the statewide registration system must not
3.23be removed from the control of the county auditor except as provided in this section.
3.24The county auditor may make photographic copies of voter registration applications in
3.25the manner provided by section138.17 .
3.26 A properly completed voter registration application that has been submitted to the
3.27secretary of state or a county auditor must be maintained by the secretary of state or the
3.28county auditor for at least 22 months after the date that the information on the application
3.29is entered into the database of the statewide registration system. The secretary of state
3.30or the county auditor may dispose of the applications after retention for 22 months in
3.31the manner provided by section138.17 .
3.32 Subd. 2. Exception. The secretary of state may maintain voter records of
3.33participants of the Safe at Home program for the purposes of chapter 5B.
3.34 Sec. 3. Minnesota Statutes 2012, section 201.091, subdivision 2, is amended to read:
4.1 Subd. 2. Corrected list. By February 15 of each year, the secretary of state shall
4.2prepare the master list for each county auditor. The records in the statewide registration
4.3system must be periodically corrected and updated by the county auditor. An updated
4.4master list for each precinct must be available for absentee voting at least32 46 days
4.5before each election. A final corrected master list must be available seven days before
4.6each election.
4.7 Sec. 4. Minnesota Statutes 2012, section 201.13, subdivision 4, is amended to read:
4.8 Subd. 4. Request for removal of voter record. If a voter makes a written request
4.9for removal of the voter's record, the county auditor shallremove inactivate the record of
4.10the voterfrom in the statewide voter registration system.
4.11 Sec. 5. Minnesota Statutes 2012, section 203B.22, is amended to read:
4.12203B.22 TRANSMITTING BALLOTS.
4.13 (a) The county auditor shall transmit the appropriate ballots, as promptly as possible,
4.14to an absent voter whose application has been recorded under section203B.19 . If the
4.15county auditor determines that a voter is not eligible to vote at the primary but will be
4.16eligible to vote at the general election, only general election ballots shall be transmitted.
4.17Only one set of ballots shall be transmitted to any applicant for any election, except that
4.18the county auditor may transmit a replacement ballot to a voter whose ballot has been
4.19spoiled or lost in transit or whose mailing address has changed after the date on which
4.20the original application was submitted as confirmed by the county auditor. Ballots to be
4.21sent outside the United States shall be given priority in transmission. A county auditor
4.22may make use of any special service provided by the United States government for the
4.23transmission of voting materials under sections203B.16 to
203B.27 .
4.24 (b) The county auditor must transmit the appropriate ballots by express mail
4.25immediately upon discovery that the ballots were not properly transmitted to the voter as
4.26a result of the following circumstances: (1) an application was received by the county
4.27auditor by the close of business at least 46 days before the election; (2) the county auditor
4.28failed to transmit the appropriate ballots by the 46th day before the election; and (3)
4.29the voter did not request that the ballots be electronically transmitted to the voter under
4.30section 203B.225, subdivision 1.
4.31 Sec. 6. Minnesota Statutes 2012, section 204B.09, subdivision 3, is amended to read:
4.32 Subd. 3. Write-in candidates. (a) A candidate for county, state, or federal office
4.33who wants write-in votes for the candidate to be counted must file a written request with
5.1the filing office for the office sought not more than 84 days before the primary and no later
5.2than the seventh day before the general election. The filing officer shall provide copies
5.3of the form to make the request.
5.4 (b) A candidate for president of the United States who files a request under this
5.5subdivision must include the name of a candidate for vice-president of the United States.
5.6The request must also include the name of at least one candidate for presidential elector. The
5.7total number of names of candidates for presidential elector on the request may not exceed
5.8the total number of electoral votes to be cast by Minnesota in the presidential election.
5.9 (c) A candidate for governor who files a request under this subdivision must include
5.10the name of a candidate for lieutenant governor.
5.11 Sec. 7. Minnesota Statutes 2012, section 204B.19, subdivision 2, is amended to read:
5.12 Subd. 2. Individuals not qualified to be election judges. (a) Except as provided in
5.13paragraph (b), no individual shall be appointed as an election judge for any precinct if
5.14that individual:
5.15(1) is unable to read, write, or speak the English language;
5.16(2) is the spouse,; parent, including a stepparent; child, including a stepchild,; or
5.17sibling, including a stepsibling,; of any election judge serving in the same precinct or of
5.18any candidate at that election; or
5.19(3) is a candidate at that election.
5.20(b) Individuals who are related to each other as provided in paragraph (a), clause (2),
5.21may serve as election judges in the same precinct, provided that they serve on separate
5.22shifts that do not run concurrently.
5.23 Sec. 8. Minnesota Statutes 2013 Supplement, section 204B.45, subdivision 2, is
5.24amended to read:
5.25 Subd. 2. Procedure. Notice of the election and the special mail procedure must
5.26be given at least ten weeks prior to the election. Not more than 46 days nor later than 14
5.27days before a regularly scheduled election and not more than 30 days nor later than 14
5.28days before any other election, the auditor shall mail ballots by nonforwardable mail to
5.29all voters registered in the town or unorganized territory. No later than 14 days before
5.30the election, the auditor must make a subsequent mailing of ballots to those voters who
5.31register to vote after the initial mailing but before the 20th day before the election.
5.32Eligible voters not registered at the time the ballots are mailed may apply for ballots as
5.33provided in chapter 203B. Ballot return envelopes, with return postage provided, must
5.34be preaddressed to the auditor or clerk and the voter may return the ballot by mail or in
6.1person to the office of the auditor or clerk. The auditor or clerk must appoint a ballot board
6.2to examine the mail and absentee ballot return envelopes and mark them "accepted" or
6.3"rejected" within three days of receipt if there are 14 or fewer days before election day, or
6.4within five days of receipt if there are more than 14 days before election day. The board
6.5may consist of deputy county auditors or deputy municipal clerks who have received
6.6training in the processing and counting of mail ballots, who need not be affiliated with
6.7a major political party. Election judges performing the duties in this section must be of
6.8different major political parties, unless they are exempt from that requirement under
6.9section205.075, subdivision 4 , or section
205A.10 . If an envelope has been rejected at
6.10least five days before the election, the ballots in the envelope must remain sealed and the
6.11auditor or clerk shall provide the voter with a replacement ballot and return envelope in
6.12place of the spoiled ballot. If the ballot is rejected within five days of the election, the
6.13envelope must remain sealed and the official in charge of the ballot board must attempt to
6.14contact the voter by telephone or e-mail to notify the voter that the voter's ballot has been
6.15rejected. The official must document the attempts made to contact the voter.
6.16If the ballot is accepted, the county auditor or municipal clerk must mark the roster to
6.17indicate that the voter has already cast a ballot in that election. After the close of business
6.18on thefourth seventh day before the election, the ballots from return envelopes marked
6.19"Accepted" may be opened, duplicated as needed in the manner provided by section206.86 ,
6.20subdivision 5, initialed by the members of the ballot board, and deposited in the ballot box.
6.21In all other respects, the provisions of the Minnesota Election Law governing
6.22deposit and counting of ballots apply.
6.23The mail and absentee ballots for a precinct must be counted together and reported
6.24as one vote total. No vote totals from mail or absentee ballots may be made public before
6.25the close of voting on election day.
6.26The costs of the mailing shall be paid by the election jurisdiction in which the voter
6.27resides. Any ballot received by 8:00 p.m. on the day of the election must be counted.
6.28 Sec. 9. Minnesota Statutes 2013 Supplement, section 204B.46, is amended to read:
6.29204B.46 MAIL ELECTIONS; QUESTIONS.
6.30 A county, municipality, or school district submitting questions to the voters at a
6.31special election may conduct an election by mail with no polling place other than the
6.32office of the auditor or clerk. No offices may be voted on at a mail election. Notice of the
6.33election must be given to the county auditor at least 74 days prior to the election. This
6.34notice shall also fulfill the requirements of Minnesota Rules, part 8210.3000. The special
6.35mail ballot procedures must be posted at least six weeks prior to the election. Not more
7.1than 46 nor later than 14 days prior to the election, the auditor or clerk shall mail ballots by
7.2nonforwardable mail to all voters registered in the county, municipality, or school district.
7.3No later than 14 days before the election, the auditor or clerk must make a subsequent
7.4mailing of ballots to those voters who register to vote after the initial mailing but before the
7.520th day before the election. Eligible voters not registered at the time the ballots are mailed
7.6may apply for ballots pursuant to chapter 203B. The auditor or clerk must appoint a ballot
7.7board to examine the mail and absentee ballot return envelopes and mark them "Accepted"
7.8or "Rejected" within three days of receipt if there are 14 or fewer days before election day,
7.9or within five days of receipt if there are more than 14 days before election day. The board
7.10may consist of deputy county auditors, deputy municipal clerks, or deputy school district
7.11clerks who have received training in the processing and counting of mail ballots, who
7.12need not be affiliated with a major political party. Election judges performing the duties in
7.13this section must be of different major political parties, unless they are exempt from that
7.14requirement under section205.075 , subdivision 4, or section
205A.10 . If an envelope has
7.15been rejected at least five days before the election, the ballots in the envelope must remain
7.16sealed and the auditor or clerk must provide the voter with a replacement ballot and return
7.17envelope in place of the spoiled ballot. If the ballot is rejected within five days of the
7.18election, the envelope must remain sealed and the official in charge of the ballot board must
7.19attempt to contact the voter by telephone or e-mail to notify the voter that the voter's ballot
7.20has been rejected. The official must document the attempts made to contact the voter.
7.21If the ballot is accepted, the county auditor or municipal clerk must mark the roster to
7.22indicate that the voter has already cast a ballot in that election. After the close of business
7.23on thefourth seventh day before the election, the ballots from return envelopes marked
7.24"Accepted" may be opened, duplicated as needed in the manner provided by section206.86 ,
7.25subdivision 5, initialed by the ballot board, and deposited in the appropriate ballot box.
7.26In all other respects, the provisions of the Minnesota Election Law governing
7.27deposit and counting of ballots apply.
7.28The mail and absentee ballots for a precinct must be counted together and reported
7.29as one vote total. No vote totals from ballots may be made public before the close of
7.30voting on election day.
7.31 Sec. 10. Minnesota Statutes 2012, section 204C.08, subdivision 1d, is amended to read:
7.32 Subd. 1d. Voter's Bill of Rights. The county auditor shall prepare and provide to
7.33each polling place sufficient copies of a poster setting forth the Voter's Bill of Rights as set
7.34forth in this section. Before the hours of voting are scheduled to begin, the election judges
8.1shall post it in a conspicuous location or locations in the polling place. The Voter's Bill
8.2of Rights is as follows:
8.4For all persons residing in this state who meet federal voting eligibility requirements:
8.5(1) You have the right to be absent from work for the purpose of voting in a state or
8.6federal election without reduction to your pay, personal leave, or vacation time on election
8.7day for the time necessary to appear at your polling place, cast a ballot, and return to work.
8.8(2) If you are in line at your polling place any time before 8:00 p.m., you have the
8.9right to vote.
8.10(3) If you can provide the required proof of residence, you have the right to register
8.11to vote and to vote on election day.
8.12(4) If you are unable to sign your name, you have the right to orally confirm your
8.13identity with an election judge and to direct another person to sign your name for you.
8.14(5) You have the right to request special assistance when voting.
8.15(6) If you need assistance, you may be accompanied into the voting booth by a
8.16person of your choice, except by an agent of your employer or union or a candidate.
8.17(7) You have the right to bring your minor children into the polling place and into
8.18the voting booth with you.
8.19(8) If you have been convicted of a felony but your felony sentence has expired (been
8.20completed) or you have been discharged from your sentence, you have the right to vote.
8.21(9) If you are under a guardianship, you have the right to vote, unless the court
8.22order revokes your right to vote.
8.23(10) You have the right to vote without anyone in the polling place trying to
8.24influence your vote.
8.25(11) If you make a mistake or spoil your ballot before it is submitted, you have the
8.26right to receive a replacement ballot and vote.
8.27(12) You have the right to file a written complaint at your polling place if you are
8.28dissatisfied with the way an election is being run.
8.29(13) You have the right to take a sample ballot into the voting booth with you.
8.30(14) You have the right to take a copy of this Voter's Bill of Rights into the voting
8.31booth with you."
8.32 Sec. 11. Minnesota Statutes 2012, section 204C.26, subdivision 1, is amended to read:
8.33 Subdivision 1. Summary statements. For state elections, each official responsible
8.34for printing ballots shall furnish three or more blank summary statement forms for the
8.35returns of those ballots for each precinct. At least two copies of the summary statement
9.1must be prepared for elections not held on the same day as the state elections. The blank
9.2summary statement forms shall be furnished at the same time and in the same manner as
9.3the ballots. The county auditor shall furnish blank summary statement forms containing
9.4separate space for the summary statement of the returns of thewhite state general election
9.5 ballotand the summary statement of the returns for the state pink ballot.
9.6 Sec. 12. Minnesota Statutes 2012, section 204D.13, subdivision 1, is amended to read:
9.7 Subdivision 1. Order of offices. The candidates for partisan offices shall be placed
9.8on thewhite state general election ballot in the following order: senator in Congress shall
9.9be first; representative in Congress, second; state senator, third; and state representative,
9.10fourth. The candidates for state offices shall follow in the order specified by the secretary
9.11of state. Candidates for governor and lieutenant governor shall appear so that a single
9.12vote may be cast for both offices.
9.13 Sec. 13. Minnesota Statutes 2012, section 204D.13, subdivision 2, is amended to read:
9.14 Subd. 2. Order of political parties. The first name printed for each partisan office
9.15on thewhite state general election ballot shall be that of the candidate of the major political
9.16party that received the smallest average number of votes at the last state general election.
9.17The succeeding names shall be those of the candidates of the other major political parties
9.18that received a succeedingly higher average number of votes respectively. For the purposes
9.19of this subdivision, the average number of votes of a major political party shall be computed
9.20by dividing the total number of votes counted for all of the party's candidates for statewide
9.21office at the state general election by the number of those candidates at the election.
9.22 Sec. 14. Minnesota Statutes 2012, section 204D.15, subdivision 1, is amended to read:
9.23 Subdivision 1. Titles for constitutional amendments. The secretary of state shall
9.24provide an appropriate title for each question printed on thepink state general election
9.25 ballot. The title shall be approved by the attorney general, and shall consist of not more
9.26than one printed line above the question to which it refers. At the top of the ballot just
9.27below the heading, a conspicuous notice shall be printed stating that a voter's failure to
9.28vote on a constitutional amendment has the effect of a negative vote.
9.29 Sec. 15. Minnesota Statutes 2012, section 205.07, subdivision 1a, is amended to read:
9.30 Subd. 1a. City council members; expiration of terms. The terms of all city
9.31council members of charter cities expire on the first Monday in January of the year in
10.1which they expire. All officers of charter cities chosen and qualified shall hold office until
10.2their successors qualify.
10.3 Sec. 16. Minnesota Statutes 2012, section 205.13, subdivision 1, is amended to read:
10.4 Subdivision 1. Affidavit of candidacy. An individual who is eligible and desires to
10.5become a candidate for an office to be voted for at the municipal general election shall file
10.6an affidavit of candidacy with the municipal clerk. Candidates for a special election to
10.7fill a vacancy held as provided in section412.02, subdivision 2a , must file an affidavit
10.8of candidacy for the specific office to fill the unexpired portion of the term. Subject to
10.9the approval of the county auditor, the town clerk may authorize candidates for township
10.10offices to file affidavits of candidacy with the county auditor. The affidavit shall be in
10.11substantially the same form as that in section 204B.06, subdivision 1. The municipal clerk
10.12shall also accept an application signed by not less than five voters and filed on behalf of an
10.13eligible voter in the municipality whom they desire to be a candidate, if service of a copy
10.14of the application has been made on the candidate and proof of service is endorsed on the
10.15application being filed. Upon receipt of the proper filing fee, the clerk shall place the name
10.16of the candidate on the official ballot without partisan designation.
10.17 Sec. 17. Minnesota Statutes 2013 Supplement, section 205A.05, subdivision 1, is
10.18amended to read:
10.19 Subdivision 1. Questions. (a) Special elections must be held for a school district on
10.20a question on which the voters are authorized by law to pass judgment. The school board
10.21may on its own motion call a special election to vote on any matter requiring approval of
10.22the voters of a district. Upon petition filed with the school board of 50 or more voters of
10.23the school district or five percent of the number of voters voting at the preceding school
10.24district general election, whichever is greater, the school board shall by resolution call
10.25a special election to vote on any matter requiring approval of the voters of a district.
10.26A question is carried only with the majority in its favor required by law. The election
10.27officials for a special election are the same as for the most recent school district general
10.28election unless changed according to law. Otherwise, special elections must be conducted
10.29and the returns made in the manner provided for the school district general election.
10.30 (b) A special election may not be held:
10.31 (1) during the 56 days before and the 56 days after a regularly scheduled primary or
10.32general election conducted wholly or partially within the school district.;
10.33 (2) on the date of a regularly scheduled town election in March conducted wholly
10.34or partially within the school district; or
11.1 (3) during the 30 days before or the 30 days after a regularly scheduled town election
11.2in March conducted wholly or partially within the school district.
11.3 (c) Notwithstanding any other law to the contrary, the time period in which a special
11.4election must be conducted under any other law may be extended by the school board to
11.5conform with the requirements of this subdivision.
11.6 Sec. 18. [211C.071] REMOVAL ELECTION FORM OF QUESTION.
11.7The form of the question under this chapter must be:
11.8"Shall ....... (Name) elected (appointed) to the office of ....... (title) be removed
11.9from that office?"
11.10 Sec. 19. Minnesota Statutes 2013 Supplement, section 368.47, is amended to read:
11.11368.47 TOWNS MAY BE DISSOLVED.
11.12 (1) When the voters residing within a town have failed to elect any town officials for
11.13more than ten years continuously;
11.14 (2) when a town has failed for a period of ten years to exercise any of the powers
11.15and functions of a town;
11.16 (3) when the estimated market value of a town drops to less than $165,000;
11.17 (4) when the tax delinquency of a town, exclusive of taxes that are delinquent or
11.18unpaid because they are contested in proceedings for the enforcement of taxes, amounts to
11.1912 percent of its market value; or
11.20 (5) when the state or federal government has acquired title to 50 percent of the
11.21real estate of a town,
11.22which facts, or any of them, may be found and determined by the resolution of the county
11.23board of the county in which the town is located, according to the official records in the
11.24office of the county auditor, the county board by resolution may declare the town, naming
11.25it, dissolved and no longer entitled to exercise any of the powers or functions of a town.
11.26 In Cass, Itasca, and St. Louis Counties, before the dissolution is effective the voters
11.27of the town shall express their approval or disapproval. The town clerk shall, upon a
11.28petition signed by a majority of the registered voters of the town, filed with the clerk at
11.29least 60 days before a regular or special town election, give notice at the same time and
11.30in the same manner of the election that the question of dissolution of the town will be
11.31submitted for determination at the election. At the election the question shall be voted
11.32upon by a separate ballot, the terms of which shall be either "for dissolution" or "against
11.33dissolution.". The form of the question under this chapter shall be substantially in the
11.34following form: "Shall the town of ... be dissolved?" The ballot shall be deposited in a
12.1separate ballot box and the result of the voting canvassed, certified, and returned in the
12.2same manner and at the same time as other facts and returns of the election. If a majority of
12.3the votes cast at the election are for dissolution, the town shall be dissolved. If a majority
12.4of the votes cast at the election are against dissolution, the town shall not be dissolved.
12.5 When a town is dissolved under sections368.47 to
368.49 the county shall acquire
12.6title to any telephone company or other business conducted by the town. The business
12.7shall be operated by the board of county commissioners until it can be sold. The
12.8subscribers or patrons of the business shall have the first opportunity of purchase. If the
12.9town has any outstanding indebtedness chargeable to the business, the county auditor shall
12.10levy a tax against the property situated in the dissolved town to pay the indebtedness
12.11as it becomes due.
12.12 Sec. 20. Minnesota Statutes 2012, section 375A.12, subdivision 5, is amended to read:
12.13 Subd. 5. Form of ballot. In the submission of any proposal pursuant to subdivision
12.142 the ballot shall be substantially in the following form:
12.15(...) FOR the proposal (describe briefly the change proposed)
12.16(...) AGAINST the proposal (describe briefly the change proposed) "Shall the
12.17office(s) of ....... be appointed rather than elected at the expiration of the(ir) current
12.18term(s)?"
12.19 Sec. 21. Minnesota Statutes 2012, section 412.091, is amended to read:
12.20412.091 DISSOLUTION.
12.21Whenever a number of voters equal to one-third of those voting at the last
12.22preceding city election petition the chief administrative law judge of the state Office of
12.23Administrative Hearings to dissolve the city, a special election shall be called to vote upon
12.24the question. Before the election, the chief administrative law judge shall designate a time
12.25and place for a hearing in accordance with section414.09 . After the hearing, the chief
12.26administrative law judge shall issue an order which shall include a date for the election, a
12.27determination of what town or towns the territory of the city shall belong to if the voters
12.28favor dissolution, and other necessary provisions. The ballots used at such election shall
12.29bear the printed words, "For Dissolution" and "Against Dissolution," with a square before
12.30each phrase in which the voter may express a preference by a cross. be substantially in
12.31the following form: "Shall the city of ... be dissolved?" If a majority of those voting on
12.32the question favor dissolution, the clerk shall file a certificate of the result with the chief
12.33administrative law judge, the secretary of state, and the county auditor of the county in
12.34which the city is situated. Six months after the date of such election, the city shall cease to
13.1exist. Within such six months, the council shall audit all claims against the city, settle with
13.2the treasurer, and other city officers, and apply the assets of the city to the payment of its
13.3debts. If any debts remain unpaid, other than bonds, the city clerk shall file a schedule of
13.4such debts with the county treasurer and the council shall levy a tax sufficient for their
13.5payment, the proceeds of which, when collected, shall be paid by the county treasurer to
13.6the creditors in proportion to their several claims until all are discharged. The principal
13.7and interest on outstanding bonds shall be paid when due by the county treasurer from a
13.8tax annually spread by the county auditor against property formerly included within the
13.9city until the bonds are fully paid. All city property and all rights of the city shall, upon
13.10dissolution, inure in the town or towns designated as the legal successor to the city. If the
13.11city territory goes to more than one town, surplus cash assets and unsold city property
13.12shall be distributed as provided by the order for the election.
1.3making technical changes to provisions related to voting, voter registration,
1.4ballots, and other election-related provisions;amending Minnesota Statutes
1.52012, sections 201.081; 201.091, subdivision 2; 201.13, subdivision 4; 203B.22;
1.6204B.09, subdivision 3; 204B.19, subdivision 2; 204C.08, subdivision 1d;
1.7204C.26, subdivision 1; 204D.13, subdivisions 1, 2; 204D.15, subdivision 1;
1.8205.07, subdivision 1a; 205.13, subdivision 1; 375A.12, subdivision 5; 412.091;
1.9Minnesota Statutes 2013 Supplement, sections 201.061, subdivision 3; 204B.45,
1.10subdivision 2; 204B.46; 205A.05, subdivision 1; 368.47; proposing coding for
1.11new law in Minnesota Statutes, chapter 211C.
1.12BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF MINNESOTA:
1.13 Section 1. Minnesota Statutes 2013 Supplement, section 201.061, subdivision 3,
1.14is amended to read:
1.15 Subd. 3. Election day registration. (a) An individual who is eligible to vote may
1.16register on election day by appearing in person at the polling place for the precinct in
1.17which the individual maintains residence, by completing a registration application, making
1.18an oath in the form prescribed by the secretary of state and providing proof of residence.
1.19An individual may prove residence for purposes of registering by:
1.20 (1) presenting a driver's license or Minnesota identification card issued pursuant
1.21to section
1.22 (2) presenting any document approved by the secretary of state as proper
1.23identification;
1.24 (3) presenting one of the following:
1.25 (i) a current valid student identification card from a postsecondary educational
1.26institution in Minnesota, if a list of students from that institution has been prepared under
2.1section
2.2the secretary of state; or
2.3 (ii) a current student fee statement that contains the student's valid address in the
2.4precinct together with a picture identification card; or
2.5 (4) having a voter who is registered to vote in the precinct, or
2.6employed by and working in a residential facility in the precinct and vouching for a
2.7resident in the facility, sign an oath in the presence of the election judge vouching that
2.8the voter or employee personally knows that the individual is a resident of the precinct.
2.9A voter who has been vouched for on election day may not sign a proof of residence
2.10oath vouching for any other individual on that election day. A voter who is registered to
2.11vote in the precinct may sign up to eight proof-of-residence oaths on any election day.
2.12This limitation does not apply to an employee of a residential facility described in this
2.13clause. The secretary of state shall provide a form for election judges to use in recording
2.14the number of individuals for whom a voter signs proof-of-residence oaths on election
2.15day. The form must include space for the maximum number of individuals for whom a
2.16voter may sign proof-of-residence oaths. For each proof-of-residence oath, the form must
2.17include a statement that the
2.18employee of a residential facility in the precinct, (ii) personally knows that the
2.19 voter is a resident of the precinct, and (iii) is making the statement on oath. The form must
2.20include a space for the voter's printed name, signature, telephone number, and address.
2.21 The oath required by this subdivision and Minnesota Rules, part 8200.9939, must be
2.22attached to the voter registration application.
2.23 (b) The operator of a residential facility shall prepare a list of the names of its
2.24employees currently working in the residential facility and the address of the residential
2.25facility. The operator shall certify the list and provide it to the appropriate county auditor
2.26no less than 20 days before each election for use in election day registration.
2.27 (c) "Residential facility" means transitional housing as defined in section
2.28subdivision 1
2.29section
2.305
2.31establishment as defined in section
2.32the board of directors of the Minnesota Veterans Homes under chapter 198; a residence
2.33licensed by the commissioner of human services to provide a residential program as
2.34defined in section
2.35developmental disability licensed by the commissioner of human services under section
3.1for battered women as defined in section
3.2publicly or privately operated shelter or dwelling designed to provide temporary living
3.3accommodations for the homeless.
3.4 (d) For tribal band members, an individual may prove residence for purposes of
3.5registering by:
3.6 (1) presenting an identification card issued by the tribal government of a tribe
3.7recognized by the Bureau of Indian Affairs, United States Department of the Interior, that
3.8contains the name, address, signature, and picture of the individual; or
3.9 (2) presenting an identification card issued by the tribal government of a tribe
3.10recognized by the Bureau of Indian Affairs, United States Department of the Interior, that
3.11contains the name, signature, and picture of the individual and also presenting one of the
3.12documents listed in Minnesota Rules, part 8200.5100, subpart 2, item B.
3.13 (e) A county, school district, or municipality may require that an election judge
3.14responsible for election day registration initial each completed registration application.
3.15 Sec. 2. Minnesota Statutes 2012, section 201.081, is amended to read:
3.16201.081 REGISTRATION FILES.
3.17 Subdivision 1. Statewide registration system. The statewide registration system
3.18is the official record of registered voters. The voter registration applications and the
3.19terminal providing access to the statewide registration system must be under the control
3.20of the county auditor or the public official to whom the county auditor has delegated
3.21the responsibility for maintaining voter registration records. The voter registration
3.22applications and terminals providing access to the statewide registration system must not
3.23be removed from the control of the county auditor except as provided in this section.
3.24The county auditor may make photographic copies of voter registration applications in
3.25the manner provided by section
3.26 A properly completed voter registration application that has been submitted to the
3.27secretary of state or a county auditor must be maintained by the secretary of state or the
3.28county auditor for at least 22 months after the date that the information on the application
3.29is entered into the database of the statewide registration system. The secretary of state
3.30or the county auditor may dispose of the applications after retention for 22 months in
3.31the manner provided by section
3.32 Subd. 2. Exception. The secretary of state may maintain voter records of
3.33participants of the Safe at Home program for the purposes of chapter 5B.
3.34 Sec. 3. Minnesota Statutes 2012, section 201.091, subdivision 2, is amended to read:
4.1 Subd. 2. Corrected list. By February 15 of each year, the secretary of state shall
4.2prepare the master list for each county auditor. The records in the statewide registration
4.3system must be periodically corrected and updated by the county auditor. An updated
4.4master list for each precinct must be available for absentee voting at least
4.5before each election. A final corrected master list must be available seven days before
4.6each election.
4.7 Sec. 4. Minnesota Statutes 2012, section 201.13, subdivision 4, is amended to read:
4.8 Subd. 4. Request for removal of voter record. If a voter makes a written request
4.9for removal of the voter's record, the county auditor shall
4.10the voter
4.11 Sec. 5. Minnesota Statutes 2012, section 203B.22, is amended to read:
4.12203B.22 TRANSMITTING BALLOTS.
4.13 (a) The county auditor shall transmit the appropriate ballots, as promptly as possible,
4.14to an absent voter whose application has been recorded under section
4.15county auditor determines that a voter is not eligible to vote at the primary but will be
4.16eligible to vote at the general election, only general election ballots shall be transmitted.
4.17Only one set of ballots shall be transmitted to any applicant for any election, except that
4.18the county auditor may transmit a replacement ballot to a voter whose ballot has been
4.19spoiled or lost in transit or whose mailing address has changed after the date on which
4.20the original application was submitted as confirmed by the county auditor. Ballots to be
4.21sent outside the United States shall be given priority in transmission. A county auditor
4.22may make use of any special service provided by the United States government for the
4.23transmission of voting materials under sections
4.24 (b) The county auditor must transmit the appropriate ballots by express mail
4.25immediately upon discovery that the ballots were not properly transmitted to the voter as
4.26a result of the following circumstances: (1) an application was received by the county
4.27auditor by the close of business at least 46 days before the election; (2) the county auditor
4.28failed to transmit the appropriate ballots by the 46th day before the election; and (3)
4.29the voter did not request that the ballots be electronically transmitted to the voter under
4.30section 203B.225, subdivision 1.
4.31 Sec. 6. Minnesota Statutes 2012, section 204B.09, subdivision 3, is amended to read:
4.32 Subd. 3. Write-in candidates. (a) A candidate for county, state, or federal office
4.33who wants write-in votes for the candidate to be counted must file a written request with
5.1the filing office for the office sought not more than 84 days before the primary and no later
5.2than the seventh day before the general election. The filing officer shall provide copies
5.3of the form to make the request.
5.4 (b) A candidate for president of the United States who files a request under this
5.5subdivision must include the name of a candidate for vice-president of the United States.
5.6The request must also include the name of at least one candidate for presidential elector. The
5.7total number of names of candidates for presidential elector on the request may not exceed
5.8the total number of electoral votes to be cast by Minnesota in the presidential election.
5.9 (c) A candidate for governor who files a request under this subdivision must include
5.10the name of a candidate for lieutenant governor.
5.11 Sec. 7. Minnesota Statutes 2012, section 204B.19, subdivision 2, is amended to read:
5.12 Subd. 2. Individuals not qualified to be election judges. (a) Except as provided in
5.13paragraph (b), no individual shall be appointed as an election judge for any precinct if
5.14that individual:
5.15(1) is unable to read, write, or speak the English language;
5.16(2) is the spouse
5.17sibling, including a stepsibling
5.18any candidate at that election; or
5.19(3) is a candidate at that election.
5.20(b) Individuals who are related to each other as provided in paragraph (a), clause (2),
5.21may serve as election judges in the same precinct, provided that they serve on separate
5.22shifts that do not run concurrently.
5.23 Sec. 8. Minnesota Statutes 2013 Supplement, section 204B.45, subdivision 2, is
5.24amended to read:
5.25 Subd. 2. Procedure. Notice of the election and the special mail procedure must
5.26be given at least ten weeks prior to the election. Not more than 46 days nor later than 14
5.27days before a regularly scheduled election and not more than 30 days nor later than 14
5.28days before any other election, the auditor shall mail ballots by nonforwardable mail to
5.29all voters registered in the town or unorganized territory. No later than 14 days before
5.30the election, the auditor must make a subsequent mailing of ballots to those voters who
5.31register to vote after the initial mailing but before the 20th day before the election.
5.32Eligible voters not registered at the time the ballots are mailed may apply for ballots as
5.33provided in chapter 203B. Ballot return envelopes, with return postage provided, must
5.34be preaddressed to the auditor or clerk and the voter may return the ballot by mail or in
6.1person to the office of the auditor or clerk. The auditor or clerk must appoint a ballot board
6.2to examine the mail and absentee ballot return envelopes and mark them "accepted" or
6.3"rejected" within three days of receipt if there are 14 or fewer days before election day, or
6.4within five days of receipt if there are more than 14 days before election day. The board
6.5may consist of deputy county auditors or deputy municipal clerks who have received
6.6training in the processing and counting of mail ballots, who need not be affiliated with
6.7a major political party. Election judges performing the duties in this section must be of
6.8different major political parties, unless they are exempt from that requirement under
6.9section
6.10least five days before the election, the ballots in the envelope must remain sealed and the
6.11auditor or clerk shall provide the voter with a replacement ballot and return envelope in
6.12place of the spoiled ballot. If the ballot is rejected within five days of the election, the
6.13envelope must remain sealed and the official in charge of the ballot board must attempt to
6.14contact the voter by telephone or e-mail to notify the voter that the voter's ballot has been
6.15rejected. The official must document the attempts made to contact the voter.
6.16If the ballot is accepted, the county auditor or municipal clerk must mark the roster to
6.17indicate that the voter has already cast a ballot in that election. After the close of business
6.18on the
6.19"Accepted" may be opened, duplicated as needed in the manner provided by section
6.20subdivision 5, initialed by the members of the ballot board, and deposited in the ballot box.
6.21In all other respects, the provisions of the Minnesota Election Law governing
6.22deposit and counting of ballots apply.
6.23The mail and absentee ballots for a precinct must be counted together and reported
6.24as one vote total. No vote totals from mail or absentee ballots may be made public before
6.25the close of voting on election day.
6.26The costs of the mailing shall be paid by the election jurisdiction in which the voter
6.27resides. Any ballot received by 8:00 p.m. on the day of the election must be counted.
6.28 Sec. 9. Minnesota Statutes 2013 Supplement, section 204B.46, is amended to read:
6.29204B.46 MAIL ELECTIONS; QUESTIONS.
6.30 A county, municipality, or school district submitting questions to the voters at a
6.31special election may conduct an election by mail with no polling place other than the
6.32office of the auditor or clerk. No offices may be voted on at a mail election. Notice of the
6.33election must be given to the county auditor at least 74 days prior to the election. This
6.34notice shall also fulfill the requirements of Minnesota Rules, part 8210.3000. The special
6.35mail ballot procedures must be posted at least six weeks prior to the election. Not more
7.1than 46 nor later than 14 days prior to the election, the auditor or clerk shall mail ballots by
7.2nonforwardable mail to all voters registered in the county, municipality, or school district.
7.3No later than 14 days before the election, the auditor or clerk must make a subsequent
7.4mailing of ballots to those voters who register to vote after the initial mailing but before the
7.520th day before the election. Eligible voters not registered at the time the ballots are mailed
7.6may apply for ballots pursuant to chapter 203B. The auditor or clerk must appoint a ballot
7.7board to examine the mail and absentee ballot return envelopes and mark them "Accepted"
7.8or "Rejected" within three days of receipt if there are 14 or fewer days before election day,
7.9or within five days of receipt if there are more than 14 days before election day. The board
7.10may consist of deputy county auditors, deputy municipal clerks, or deputy school district
7.11clerks who have received training in the processing and counting of mail ballots, who
7.12need not be affiliated with a major political party. Election judges performing the duties in
7.13this section must be of different major political parties, unless they are exempt from that
7.14requirement under section
7.15been rejected at least five days before the election, the ballots in the envelope must remain
7.16sealed and the auditor or clerk must provide the voter with a replacement ballot and return
7.17envelope in place of the spoiled ballot. If the ballot is rejected within five days of the
7.18election, the envelope must remain sealed and the official in charge of the ballot board must
7.19attempt to contact the voter by telephone or e-mail to notify the voter that the voter's ballot
7.20has been rejected. The official must document the attempts made to contact the voter.
7.21If the ballot is accepted, the county auditor or municipal clerk must mark the roster to
7.22indicate that the voter has already cast a ballot in that election. After the close of business
7.23on the
7.24"Accepted" may be opened, duplicated as needed in the manner provided by section
7.25subdivision 5, initialed by the ballot board, and deposited in the appropriate ballot box.
7.26In all other respects, the provisions of the Minnesota Election Law governing
7.27deposit and counting of ballots apply.
7.28The mail and absentee ballots for a precinct must be counted together and reported
7.29as one vote total. No vote totals from ballots may be made public before the close of
7.30voting on election day.
7.31 Sec. 10. Minnesota Statutes 2012, section 204C.08, subdivision 1d, is amended to read:
7.32 Subd. 1d. Voter's Bill of Rights. The county auditor shall prepare and provide to
7.33each polling place sufficient copies of a poster setting forth the Voter's Bill of Rights as set
7.34forth in this section. Before the hours of voting are scheduled to begin, the election judges
8.1shall post it in a conspicuous location or locations in the polling place. The Voter's Bill
8.2of Rights is as follows:
8.4For all persons residing in this state who meet federal voting eligibility requirements:
8.5(1) You have the right to be absent from work for the purpose of voting in a state or
8.6federal election without reduction to your pay, personal leave, or vacation time on election
8.7day for the time necessary to appear at your polling place, cast a ballot, and return to work.
8.8(2) If you are in line at your polling place any time before 8:00 p.m., you have the
8.9right to vote.
8.10(3) If you can provide the required proof of residence, you have the right to register
8.11to vote and to vote on election day.
8.12(4) If you are unable to sign your name, you have the right to orally confirm your
8.13identity with an election judge and to direct another person to sign your name for you.
8.14(5) You have the right to request special assistance when voting.
8.15(6) If you need assistance, you may be accompanied into the voting booth by a
8.16person of your choice, except by an agent of your employer or union or a candidate.
8.17(7) You have the right to bring your minor children into the polling place and into
8.18the voting booth with you.
8.19(8) If you have been convicted of a felony but your felony sentence has expired (been
8.20completed) or you have been discharged from your sentence, you have the right to vote.
8.21(9) If you are under a guardianship, you have the right to vote, unless the court
8.22order revokes your right to vote.
8.23(10) You have the right to vote without anyone in the polling place trying to
8.24influence your vote.
8.25(11) If you make a mistake or spoil your ballot before it is submitted, you have the
8.26right to receive a replacement ballot and vote.
8.27(12) You have the right to file a written complaint at your polling place if you are
8.28dissatisfied with the way an election is being run.
8.29(13) You have the right to take a sample ballot into the voting booth with you.
8.30(14) You have the right to take a copy of this Voter's Bill of Rights into the voting
8.31booth with you."
8.32 Sec. 11. Minnesota Statutes 2012, section 204C.26, subdivision 1, is amended to read:
8.33 Subdivision 1. Summary statements. For state elections, each official responsible
8.34for printing ballots shall furnish three or more blank summary statement forms for the
8.35returns of those ballots for each precinct. At least two copies of the summary statement
9.1must be prepared for elections not held on the same day as the state elections. The blank
9.2summary statement forms shall be furnished at the same time and in the same manner as
9.3the ballots. The county auditor shall furnish blank summary statement forms containing
9.4separate space for the summary statement of the returns of the
9.5 ballot
9.6 Sec. 12. Minnesota Statutes 2012, section 204D.13, subdivision 1, is amended to read:
9.7 Subdivision 1. Order of offices. The candidates for partisan offices shall be placed
9.8on the
9.9be first; representative in Congress, second; state senator, third; and state representative,
9.10fourth. The candidates for state offices shall follow in the order specified by the secretary
9.11of state. Candidates for governor and lieutenant governor shall appear so that a single
9.12vote may be cast for both offices.
9.13 Sec. 13. Minnesota Statutes 2012, section 204D.13, subdivision 2, is amended to read:
9.14 Subd. 2. Order of political parties. The first name printed for each partisan office
9.15on the
9.16party that received the smallest average number of votes at the last state general election.
9.17The succeeding names shall be those of the candidates of the other major political parties
9.18that received a succeedingly higher average number of votes respectively. For the purposes
9.19of this subdivision, the average number of votes of a major political party shall be computed
9.20by dividing the total number of votes counted for all of the party's candidates for statewide
9.21office at the state general election by the number of those candidates at the election.
9.22 Sec. 14. Minnesota Statutes 2012, section 204D.15, subdivision 1, is amended to read:
9.23 Subdivision 1. Titles for constitutional amendments. The secretary of state shall
9.24provide an appropriate title for each question printed on the
9.25 ballot. The title shall be approved by the attorney general, and shall consist of not more
9.26than one printed line above the question to which it refers. At the top of the ballot just
9.27below the heading, a conspicuous notice shall be printed stating that a voter's failure to
9.28vote on a constitutional amendment has the effect of a negative vote.
9.29 Sec. 15. Minnesota Statutes 2012, section 205.07, subdivision 1a, is amended to read:
9.30 Subd. 1a. City council members; expiration of terms. The terms of all city
9.31council members of charter cities expire on the first Monday in January of the year in
10.1which they expire. All officers of charter cities chosen and qualified shall hold office until
10.2their successors qualify.
10.3 Sec. 16. Minnesota Statutes 2012, section 205.13, subdivision 1, is amended to read:
10.4 Subdivision 1. Affidavit of candidacy. An individual who is eligible and desires to
10.5become a candidate for an office to be voted for at the municipal general election shall file
10.6an affidavit of candidacy with the municipal clerk. Candidates for a special election to
10.7fill a vacancy held as provided in section
10.8of candidacy for the specific office to fill the unexpired portion of the term. Subject to
10.9the approval of the county auditor, the town clerk may authorize candidates for township
10.10offices to file affidavits of candidacy with the county auditor. The affidavit shall be in
10.11
10.12shall also accept an application signed by not less than five voters and filed on behalf of an
10.13eligible voter in the municipality whom they desire to be a candidate, if service of a copy
10.14of the application has been made on the candidate and proof of service is endorsed on the
10.15application being filed. Upon receipt of the proper filing fee, the clerk shall place the name
10.16of the candidate on the official ballot without partisan designation.
10.17 Sec. 17. Minnesota Statutes 2013 Supplement, section 205A.05, subdivision 1, is
10.18amended to read:
10.19 Subdivision 1. Questions. (a) Special elections must be held for a school district on
10.20a question on which the voters are authorized by law to pass judgment. The school board
10.21may on its own motion call a special election to vote on any matter requiring approval of
10.22the voters of a district. Upon petition filed with the school board of 50 or more voters of
10.23the school district or five percent of the number of voters voting at the preceding school
10.24district general election, whichever is greater, the school board shall by resolution call
10.25a special election to vote on any matter requiring approval of the voters of a district.
10.26A question is carried only with the majority in its favor required by law. The election
10.27officials for a special election are the same as for the most recent school district general
10.28election unless changed according to law. Otherwise, special elections must be conducted
10.29and the returns made in the manner provided for the school district general election.
10.30 (b) A special election may not be held:
10.31 (1) during the 56 days before and the 56 days after a regularly scheduled primary or
10.32general election conducted wholly or partially within the school district
10.33 (2) on the date of a regularly scheduled town election in March conducted wholly
10.34or partially within the school district; or
11.1 (3) during the 30 days before or the 30 days after a regularly scheduled town election
11.2in March conducted wholly or partially within the school district.
11.3 (c) Notwithstanding any other law to the contrary, the time period in which a special
11.4election must be conducted under any other law may be extended by the school board to
11.5conform with the requirements of this subdivision.
11.6 Sec. 18. [211C.071] REMOVAL ELECTION FORM OF QUESTION.
11.7The form of the question under this chapter must be:
11.8"Shall ....... (Name) elected (appointed) to the office of ....... (title) be removed
11.9from that office?"
11.10 Sec. 19. Minnesota Statutes 2013 Supplement, section 368.47, is amended to read:
11.11368.47 TOWNS MAY BE DISSOLVED.
11.12 (1) When the voters residing within a town have failed to elect any town officials for
11.13more than ten years continuously;
11.14 (2) when a town has failed for a period of ten years to exercise any of the powers
11.15and functions of a town;
11.16 (3) when the estimated market value of a town drops to less than $165,000;
11.17 (4) when the tax delinquency of a town, exclusive of taxes that are delinquent or
11.18unpaid because they are contested in proceedings for the enforcement of taxes, amounts to
11.1912 percent of its market value; or
11.20 (5) when the state or federal government has acquired title to 50 percent of the
11.21real estate of a town,
11.22which facts, or any of them, may be found and determined by the resolution of the county
11.23board of the county in which the town is located, according to the official records in the
11.24office of the county auditor, the county board by resolution may declare the town, naming
11.25it, dissolved and no longer entitled to exercise any of the powers or functions of a town.
11.26 In Cass, Itasca, and St. Louis Counties, before the dissolution is effective the voters
11.27of the town shall express their approval or disapproval. The town clerk shall, upon a
11.28petition signed by a majority of the registered voters of the town, filed with the clerk at
11.29least 60 days before a regular or special town election, give notice at the same time and
11.30in the same manner of the election that the question of dissolution of the town will be
11.31submitted for determination at the election. At the election the question shall be voted
11.32upon by a separate ballot
11.33
11.34following form: "Shall the town of ... be dissolved?" The ballot shall be deposited in a
12.1separate ballot box and the result of the voting canvassed, certified, and returned in the
12.2same manner and at the same time as other facts and returns of the election. If a majority of
12.3the votes cast at the election are for dissolution, the town shall be dissolved. If a majority
12.4of the votes cast at the election are against dissolution, the town shall not be dissolved.
12.5 When a town is dissolved under sections
12.6title to any telephone company or other business conducted by the town. The business
12.7shall be operated by the board of county commissioners until it can be sold. The
12.8subscribers or patrons of the business shall have the first opportunity of purchase. If the
12.9town has any outstanding indebtedness chargeable to the business, the county auditor shall
12.10levy a tax against the property situated in the dissolved town to pay the indebtedness
12.11as it becomes due.
12.12 Sec. 20. Minnesota Statutes 2012, section 375A.12, subdivision 5, is amended to read:
12.13 Subd. 5. Form of ballot. In the submission of any proposal pursuant to subdivision
12.142 the ballot shall be substantially in the following form:
12.15
12.16
12.17office(s) of ....... be appointed rather than elected at the expiration of the(ir) current
12.18term(s)?"
12.19 Sec. 21. Minnesota Statutes 2012, section 412.091, is amended to read:
12.20412.091 DISSOLUTION.
12.21Whenever a number of voters equal to one-third of those voting at the last
12.22preceding city election petition the chief administrative law judge of the state Office of
12.23Administrative Hearings to dissolve the city, a special election shall be called to vote upon
12.24the question. Before the election, the chief administrative law judge shall designate a time
12.25and place for a hearing in accordance with section
12.26administrative law judge shall issue an order which shall include a date for the election, a
12.27determination of what town or towns the territory of the city shall belong to if the voters
12.28favor dissolution, and other necessary provisions. The ballots used at such election shall
12.29
12.30
12.31the following form: "Shall the city of ... be dissolved?" If a majority of those voting on
12.32the question favor dissolution, the clerk shall file a certificate of the result with the chief
12.33administrative law judge, the secretary of state, and the county auditor of the county in
12.34which the city is situated. Six months after the date of such election, the city shall cease to
13.1exist. Within such six months, the council shall audit all claims against the city, settle with
13.2the treasurer, and other city officers, and apply the assets of the city to the payment of its
13.3debts. If any debts remain unpaid, other than bonds, the city clerk shall file a schedule of
13.4such debts with the county treasurer and the council shall levy a tax sufficient for their
13.5payment, the proceeds of which, when collected, shall be paid by the county treasurer to
13.6the creditors in proportion to their several claims until all are discharged. The principal
13.7and interest on outstanding bonds shall be paid when due by the county treasurer from a
13.8tax annually spread by the county auditor against property formerly included within the
13.9city until the bonds are fully paid. All city property and all rights of the city shall, upon
13.10dissolution, inure in the town or towns designated as the legal successor to the city. If the
13.11city territory goes to more than one town, surplus cash assets and unsold city property
13.12shall be distributed as provided by the order for the election.
