HF3587

Purpose

To formalize and expand voting options for voters who cannot enter a polling place. The bill allows eligible voters to register or update their registration and cast a ballot from their motor vehicle, with assistance from two election judges from different major political parties. It also ensures the voter’s certificate is completed and ballots are provided, and it allows the voter to request additional help marking ballots as allowed by existing law. The key limit is that the election judges may handle only one voted ballot at a time.

Main Provisions

• Amends Minnesota Statutes 2025 Supplement section 204C.15 subdivision 2 to address voting outside the polling place.
• An individual who cannot enter the polling place but uses paper ballots or an electronic voting system may register or update registration and vote without leaving a motor vehicle.
• Two election judges, from different major political parties, must assist the voter in registering or updating registration, and in completing the voter’s certificate, and must provide the necessary ballots.
• The voter may request additional assistance in marking ballots as described in existing subdivision provisions.
• Election judges assisting outside the polling place may only handle one voted ballot at a time.

Significant Changes to Existing Law

• Creates a formal framework for curbside/drive-up voting by allowing registration and voting from a vehicle.
• Establishes a bipartisan two-judge assistance requirement to supervise curbside voting.
• Institutes a one-ballot-at-a-time limit for judges assisting outside the polling place, aiming to protect accuracy and privacy.
• Integrates curbside voting procedures with existing provisions on voter registration, voter certificates, and ballot marking assistance.

How this affects voters

• Voters who cannot enter a polling place due to mobility or other reasons can still participate in the election without leaving their car.
• They will receive help from two judges from different major parties, and their registration/updates and certificate will be completed as part of the process.
• They can receive the appropriate ballots and request extra help marking their selections, subject to existing rules.
• Each ballot will be handled individually by the assisting judges.

Relevant Terms - outside the polling place - motor vehicle - register or update registration - voter’s certificate - ballots - paper ballots - electronic voting system - two election judges - different major political parties - assistance in marking ballots - one voted ballot at a time - curbside voting - Minnesota Statutes 2025 Supplement § 204C.15 subdivision 2