HF3589 (Legislative Session 94 (2025-2026))
Voter permitted to briefly leave a polling place to address an unexpected need, at the discretion of the head election judge.
Related bill: SF4083
AI Generated Summary
Purpose
This proposal amends state election law to allow a voter who has a demonstrated need and has been issued a ballot to briefly leave a polling place, at the discretion of the head election judge, in order to address that need. The change is limited to permitting a short exit and return, rather than creating a general right to leave polling places.
Main provisions
- Existing rule (baseline): A person who has voted or whose ballot has been rejected must leave the polling place and may not return unless allowed by sections 204C.06 or 204C.07.
- New discretionary exception: At the head election judge’s discretion, a voter with a demonstrated need who has already been issued a ballot may be permitted to briefly leave the polling place to address that need and then return to cast the ballot.
- Ballot handling on return: If the voter is granted permission to leave and return, the original ballot must remain in the polling place and must be spoiled. A new ballot must be issued to the voter when they return.
- Scope: The change amends Minnesota Statutes 2024 section 204C.13, subdivision 7.
Significant changes to existing law
- Adds a narrowly defined exception to the rule that voters must not leave the polling place after voting, allowing a brief exit for an “unexpected need” with approval from the head election judge.
- Maintains ballot security by ensuring the original ballot stays in the polling place and is spoiled, with a fresh ballot issued upon the voter’s return.
- Keeps existing restrictions intact for voters who have not received an accommodation, or whose ballots are rejected.
How the change might operate in practice
- A voter experiences an urgent need (e.g., medical or other immediate necessity) and asks the head election judge for permission to step outside briefly.
- If the judge approves, the voter exits, the original ballot remains in the polling place and is spoiled when the voter leaves, and a new ballot is provided when the voter returns to finish voting.
Potential considerations
- Privacy and security: The process relies on the head election judge’s judgment; policies may be needed to ensure consistent application and to protect ballot integrity.
- Access and inclusivity: This provision aims to reduce barriers for voters with unexpected needs during voting.
Relevant Terms polling place; head election judge; demonstrated need; briefly leave; address that need; return to cast the ballot; original ballot; remain in the polling place; spoiled; new ballot; election law; Minnesota Statutes 2024; section 204C.13 subdivision 7; 204C.06; 204C.07
Bill text versions
- Introduction PDF PDF file
Upcoming committee meetings
- Elections Finance and Government Operations on: March 23, 2026 13:00
Past committee meetings
- Elections Finance and Government Operations on: March 02, 2026 13:00
Actions
| Date | Chamber | Where | Type | Name | Committee Name |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| February 23, 2026 | House | Action | Introduction and first reading, referred to | Elections Finance and Government Operations |
Citations
[
{
"analysis": {
"added": [
"Adds an exception allowing a voter who has been issued a ballot to briefly leave the polling place at the discretion of the head election judge to address an unexpected need and then return to cast the ballot."
],
"removed": [],
"summary": "This bill amends Minnesota Statutes 2024 section 204C.13, subdivision 7, to permit a voter to briefly leave the polling place to address an unexpected need at the discretion of the head election judge, and to specify ballot handling if permission is granted.",
"modified": [
"Requires that if permission is granted, the original ballot remains in the polling place, is spoiled, and a new ballot is issued to the voter upon return."
]
},
"citation": "204C.13",
"subdivision": "7"
},
{
"analysis": {
"added": [],
"removed": [],
"summary": "Cross-reference to Minnesota Statutes 204C.06 cited in the bill as a provision governing returning to the polling place after leaving.",
"modified": []
},
"citation": "204C.06",
"subdivision": ""
},
{
"analysis": {
"added": [],
"removed": [],
"summary": "Cross-reference to Minnesota Statutes 204C.07 cited in the bill as a provision governing returning to the polling place after leaving.",
"modified": []
},
"citation": "204C.07",
"subdivision": ""
}
]Progress through the legislative process
In Committee