Purpose

Proposes a constitutional amendment to place term limits on the offices of governor and lieutenant governor. The aim is to limit overreaching power by any political party and set rules that would take effect starting with the 2026 general election.

Main Provisions

• Term length: The governor and the lieutenant governor would each have four-year terms and would serve until a successor is chosen and qualified.
• Eligibility: A person must be at least 25 years old, a bona fide resident of Minnesota for one year before election, and a citizen of the United States.
• Term limits: A person may not be elected more than twice to the office of governor and may not be elected more than twice to the office of lieutenant governor.
• Start date: The term limits would begin with elections held in 2026 or later.

Ballot Submission and Title

• The amendment would be submitted to voters at the 2026 general election.
• Ballot question (as proposed): Shall the Minnesota Constitution be amended to place limits on the number of terms of office that the governor and lieutenant governor may serve beginning in 2026 in order to limit overreaching power by any political party?
• Ballot title: A constitutional amendment to place term limits on the offices of governor and lieutenant governor.

Applicability

• Elections held before the 2026 general election must be counted when determining the term limits established by the amendment. In other words, past election results would be included in applying the new limits.

Summary of Changes to Law

• Adds a constitutional term-limit framework for the governor and lieutenant governor.
• Establishes age, residency, and citizenship requirements for candidates.
• Sets a two-term limit for each of the two offices.
• Requires voter approval at the 2026 general election to take effect and specifies how the ballot title would appear.

Relevant Terms - term limits - governor - lieutenant governor - four-year term - twice (two-term limit) - age 25 - bona fide resident for one year - U.S. citizen - 2026 general election - ballot question - constitutional amendment - limit overreaching power by any political party - applicability to prior elections