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HF598 (Legislative Session 94 (2025-2026))

Absentee ballot drop boxes authorization repealed.

Related bill: SF1021

AI Generated Summary

Purpose

This bill repeals the authority to use absentee ballot drop boxes in Minnesota and clarifies how absentee ballots can be returned to local election offices. It preserves mail-in and in-person return options (without drop boxes) and adds restrictions on how third-party agents can assist voters.

Main provisions

  • Repeal of drop boxes:
    • The bill repeals Minnesota Statutes 2024 section 203B.082, which previously governed absentee ballot drop boxes, their security rules, location publication, and electioneering rules near drop boxes.
  • Returns of absentee ballots without drop boxes:
    • Voters may return marked absentee ballots by mail or deliver the sealed return envelope in person to the county auditor or municipal clerk who transmitted the ballots.
    • The return envelope must be submitted by 8:00 p.m. on election day if delivered in person.
  • Agent delivery limit:
    • Voters may designate an agent to deliver in person the sealed absentee ballot return envelope or to mail it.
    • An agent may deliver or mail the return envelopes of up to three voters in any election.
    • If an agent tampers with the return envelope or ballots or does not immediately mail or deliver the return envelope, the agent commits a misdemeanor.
  • Restrictions on agencies:
    • The county auditor or municipal clerk must not provide a drop box or similar receptacle for depositing absentee ballot envelopes.

Significant changes to existing law

  • Elimination of absentee ballot drop boxes:
    • Drop boxes are no longer authorized or provided by election offices.
    • All absentee ballot returns must go through mail or in-person delivery to election officials, not to drop boxes.
  • Removal of security, publication, and electioneering provisions:
    • The previous security/integrity standards, location publication requirements, and 100-foot electioneering rules related to drop boxes are repealed.

Practical impact

  • For voters:
    • No more drop boxes for returning absentee ballots. You must use mail or return the ballot in person to the county auditor or municipal clerk by the election day deadline.
    • If using an agent to help you return a ballot, the agent can assist with up to three voters in an election.
  • For election offices:
    • Counties and municipalities will not establish or maintain drop boxes and will focus on traditional mail and in-person return processes.
    • The responsibilities related to drop box security, signage, daily collection, and public listing of locations are removed.

Notable terms to know

  • Absentee ballots
  • Absentee ballot return envelope
  • Return envelope
  • In person delivery
  • By mail
  • County auditor
  • Municipal clerk
  • Agent
  • Up to three voters
  • Tampering
  • Misdemeanor
  • Drop box
  • Absentee ballot drop box
  • Security and integrity
  • Electioneering

Relevant Terms absentee ballots; absentee ballot drop box; drop box; county auditor; municipal clerk; in-person return; mail return; agent; return envelope; signature envelope; tampering; misdemeanor; election day; 8:00 p.m.; 203B.08; 203B.082; security and integrity; electioneering; Secretary of State

Bill text versions

Actions

DateChamberWhereTypeNameCommittee Name
February 13, 2025HouseActionIntroduction and first reading, referred toElections Finance and Government Operations

Citations

 
[
  {
    "analysis": {
      "added": [
        "Allows an agent to deliver the sealed absentee ballot return envelope for not more than three voters.",
        "Creates misdemeanor penalties for tampering with the return envelope or voted ballots or for improper mailing/delivery.",
        "Sets an 8:00 p.m. deadline on election day for submission of the return envelope when delivered in person."
      ],
      "removed": [
        "Authorizations permitting absentee ballot drop boxes as a return option (anticipating repeal via 203B.082).",
        "General authorization for county auditors or municipal clerks to maintain absentee ballot drop boxes."
      ],
      "summary": "This bill amends Minnesota Statutes 203B.08, subdivision 1 to govern how absentee ballots are marked and returned, and to address the use of drop boxes in the absentee ballot process. It introduces agent-delivery provisions and penalties for improper handling, and it states that county auditors or municipal clerks must not provide absentee ballot drop boxes.",
      "modified": [
        "Modifies the return options for absentee ballots by adding agent-delivery provisions and by disallowing drop boxes (in light of repeal of 203B.082)."
      ]
    },
    "citation": "203B.08",
    "subdivision": "subd. 1"
  },
  {
    "analysis": {
      "added": [],
      "removed": [
        "Provisions establishing absentee ballot drop boxes (and related security and integrity standards, procedures for locations, collection, datestamping, storage, and reporting).",
        "Definitions of drop box and its security requirements contained in 203B.082.Subd.1 and related subsections."
      ],
      "summary": "This bill repeals Minnesota Statutes 2024 section 203B.082, Absentee Ballot Drop Boxes, Security and Integrity, including its definitions and operational standards.",
      "modified": []
    },
    "citation": "203B.082",
    "subdivision": "subd. 1"
  },
  {
    "analysis": {
      "added": [],
      "removed": [],
      "summary": "The bill references Section 211B.11 as applicable to conduct within 100 feet of an absentee ballot drop box, indicating that existing electioneering provisions apply near drop boxes.",
      "modified": []
    },
    "citation": "211B.11",
    "subdivision": ""
  }
]

Progress through the legislative process

17%
In Committee

Sponsors

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