House committee lays over secretary of state elections bill after adopting two amendments

A House committee laid over House File 2073, the secretary of state's administrative elections bill, as amended, after adopting two amendments and withdrawing several others during a public hearing.

The bill, described at a high level by Mr. Gehring as ‘‘the Secretary of State's administrative bill,’’ bundles a series of changes to Minnesota election law, including changes to Election Day registration and proofs of residence, how permanent absentee lists are indicated, expanded options for absentee voting locations (including off-reservation tribal lands at a tribe's request), new requirements for candidate contact information, a county elections chain-of-custody plan requirement, and changes to canvassing timelines and certain grant-account transfers.

Why it matters: The bill touches multiple operational elements of how elections are run in Minnesota — from how absentee ballots are requested and mailed to the appointment and training of election judges and local canvassing rules. County officials and party representatives told the committee the provisions will affect workload and…