SF4053

Purpose

To require the secretary of state to provide to a federal government agency or department any data relating to voters and elections in Minnesota, upon request, and to override certain privacy or data-protection laws in order to do so.

Main provisions

• The secretary of state must, upon request, provide to any agency or department of the federal government any data that relates to voters and elections in Minnesota.
• If requested under this section, the secretary of state must provide all data in Minnesota’s statewide voter registration system.
• The secretary must fulfill the request no later than the earlier of:
  • 180 calendar days after the request, or
  • 90 days before the next regularly scheduled election.

Data scope and definitions

• Data subject to transmission includes data in the statewide voter registration system and any data related to voters and elections in Minnesota.
• The term “voters” for this section includes, but is not limited to:
  • Individuals who attempted to register but were not ultimately registered to vote,
  • Individuals whose voter registration is not current,
  • Individuals who registered to vote but never voted.

Notwithstanding and legal effect

• This provision operates “notwithstanding” Minnesota laws, meaning it can override other laws (such as privacy or data-protection statutes) to allow the data sharing with the federal government.

Potential impacts and considerations

• Expanded federal access to Minnesota voter and election data, including data on individuals who never completed registration or who did not vote.
• Raises questions about voter privacy, data security, and how the data may be used by federal agencies.
• Significantly broadens the scope of data sharing beyond active, current voters.

Relevant Terms - secretary of state - data - voters and elections - statewide voter registration system - data upon request - agency or department of the federal government - notwithstanding - 180 calendar days - 90th day prior to the next regularly scheduled election - next regularly scheduled election - individuals who attempted to register but were not ultimately registered - individuals whose voter registration is not current - individuals who registered to vote but never voted - data sharing - privacy and data-protection laws