Panel backs bill to require 'not an official ballot' label on third‑party absentee mailings

The Elections Finance and Government Operations Committee recommended House File 931 to pass and be referred to the General Register after testimony from county elections officials, the Association of Minnesota Counties and the Office of the Secretary of State.

Rep. Robert Nash (introducing his bill) said the bill aims to reduce confusion among voters who receive unsolicited absentee ballot applications in the mail. He described examples from constituents who received applications that prompted calls to county offices and anxiety about whether the mailings were official.

Michael Stahlberger, director of property and environmental resources for Blue Earth County, testified on behalf of the Minnesota Association of County Officials (MAKO). Stahlberger said unsolicited absentee ballot applications create a significant volume of questions and extra work for county election staff, especially when prefilled applications contain outdated or incorrect information such as former names or incomplete dates of birth. He said that prefilled applications often cannot be accepted and require counties to contact the voter and send new forms.

Matt Hilgard of the Association of Minnesota Counties said MAKO supports the bill as a "good governance" change that improves transparency and reduces administrative burdens. Nicole Freeman of the Office of the Secretary of State said the office supports provisions requiring disclosure statements on envelopes and materials sent by non-election officials but requested additional work on the bill's prohibition of prefilled applications so that voters are not penalized if they submit an accurate prefilled form.

Kirk Peterson, testifying for Hennepin County, said election offices are inundated with phone calls each election cycle from residents who receive third-party materials and seek confirmation whether the mailing is official.

Committee members discussed definitions and scope. Representative Greenman and others suggested adding definitions for "sample ballot" to avoid unintended coverage of benign mailings. Representative Fryberg asked whether the bill would affect party or candidate mailings that already carry disclaimers; the author said the statute is intended to apply broadly to any organization that sends such materials so that the disclosure requirement is uniform.

The motion to recommend passage carried on a voice vote.

Ending: The author and several members said they were willing to work with the Secretary of State and county officials on clarifying language prior to floor consideration.