Bill requiring notices at changed polling places laid over after wide local support

Senate File 2846, a bill that would require notification to voters and signage at polling places that have changed locations, was presented to the Senate Elections Committee on March 27 and laid over for possible inclusion in the omnibus bill.

Senator Bolton sponsored the measure and offered an A2 author's amendment that made technical changes on advice from the Office of the Secretary of State; the committee adopted the A2 amendment. Bolton described the proposal as a "common sense" response to voters who went to old polling locations only to find the site had moved.

Emma Raige, policy and civic engagement manager at Common Cause Minnesota, told the committee the bill addresses recurring issues identified by the organization's election-protection volunteers. The bill requires a non-forwardable mailed notice to every affected household at least 25 days before election day and, where practical, a large-print notice posted at the closed polling place that is visible to voters in vehicles and available in required non-English languages.

Michael Stahlberger, director of property and environmental resources for Blue Earth County, testified for the Minnesota Association of County Officials, saying many counties already post signs when a polling place moves and that codifying the practice will create statewide consistency. Stahlberger noted the law's triggers are tied to presidential-election and redistricting cycles to limit repeated notices and explained that the secretary of state will provide a sample notice for consistency.

After questions and discussion, the committee laid the bill over for possible inclusion in the omnibus bill.