Omnibus elections policy bill clears the House

Allowing electronic voter signatures at the polls and expanding the allowable types of voting equipment are among the elections administration policy changes included in a bill passed 124-0 by the House Monday.

HF3221, as amended, sponsored by Rep. Tim O'Driscoll (R-Sartell), now heads to the Senate, where Sen. Mary Kiffmeyer (R-Big Lake) is the sponsor.

The omnibus elections policy bill comprises more than 20 provisions, including technical changes to elections administration sought by the secretary of state’s office. It also includes language derived from four bills, one of which was adopted as an amendment on the House Floor:

• an amendment offered by Rep. Pat Garofalo (R-Farmington) is derived from his bill, HF4104, which would allow mail balloting for any town and cities with fewer than 400 registered voters;
• HF1569, sponsored by Rep. Roz Peterson (R-Lakeville), which would expand the types of electronic voting systems allowed, including systems that make it easier for people with disabilities to vote privately;
• HF2050, sponsored by Rep. Nolan West (R-Blaine), which would allow electronic voter signatures; and
• HF3108, sponsored by Rep. Duane Quam (R-Byron), which would require primary and special elections to be held on Tuesdays for legislative races.

Rep. Kelly Fenton (R-Woodbury) offered an amendment that would move the state primary to June in 2020, but after some discussion – including opposition from some DFLers – she withdrew the amendment.

Rep. Michael Nelson (DFL-Brooklyn Park), who co-sponsors the bill, said “overall this is a good bill” that has support from the secretary of state, but pointed out it is missing language to leverage federal money to protect Minnesota’s elections from cybersecurity threats. O’Driscoll did say a provision addressing that is included in the omnibus supplemental finance bill that’s being discussed by a conference committee.