reglab/statecodes huggingface dataset:
2023 Minnesota Statutes › Chapters 200 - 212 — Elections › Chapter 204D — Particular Elections › Section 204D.23 — Affidavits Of Candidacy; Nominating Petitions.

204D.23 AFFIDAVITS OF CANDIDACY; NOMINATING PETITIONS.
Subdivision 1.
Place and manner of filing.
Candidates for nomination to fill a vacancy at a special primary shall file their affidavits of candidacy and nominating petitions with the same officers and in the same manner and shall pay the same fees as provided by law for candidates for like offices at the state primary.
Subd. 2.
Time of filing.
Except as provided in subdivision 3, the affidavits and petitions shall be filed no later than 14 days before the special primary.
Subd. 3.
Filing at regular time.
If a vacancy occurs before the opening of the time for filing affidavits of candidacy for the state primary and the special primary is held on the same day as the state primary, the affidavits and petitions shall be filed during the time for filing affidavits for the state primary.
Subd. 4.
Filing with the secretary of state; certification.
Within 24 hours after the filings have closed, the secretary of state shall certify to the county auditors the names of the candidates who have filed with the secretary of state and who will be voted for in those counties at the special primary.
Subd. 5.
Withdrawal of candidates.
A candidate may withdraw from the special primary ballot by filing an affidavit of withdrawal with the same official who received the affidavit of candidacy. The affidavit of withdrawal must be filed no later than 5:00 p.m. of the day after the last day for filing affidavits of candidacy.
History:
1981 c 29 art 6 s 23; 1989 c 291 art 1 s 18; 2008 c 295 s 15
2023 Minnesota Statutes › Chapters 200 - 212 — Elections › Chapter 204D — Particular Elections › Section 204D.24 — Special Elections; Precincts; Election Judges; Voters.

204D.24 SPECIAL ELECTIONS; PRECINCTS; ELECTION JUDGES; VOTERS.
Subdivision 1.
Precincts; polling places; officials.
The election precincts, polling places and officials for any special primary or special election shall be the same as at the last preceding general election in that municipality unless changed according to law. When a special primary or special election is held on the same day as another primary or election, the same precincts, polling places and officials shall be used for both. If separate special election ballots are required pursuant to section 204D.25, separate ballot boxes shall be used.
Subd. 2.
Voter registration.
An individual may register to vote at a special primary or special election at any time before the day that the polling place rosters for the special primary or special election are prepared by the secretary of state. The secretary of state shall provide the county auditors with notice of this date at least seven days before the printing of the rosters. This subdivision does not apply to a special election held on the same day as the state primary, state general election, or the regularly scheduled primary or general election of a municipality, school district, or special district.
History:
1981 c 29 art 6 s 24; 1993 c 223 s 19; 1Sp2001 c 10 art 18 s 34
2023 Minnesota Statutes › Chapters 200 - 212 — Elections › Chapter 204D — Particular Elections › Section 204D.25 — Special Election Ballots.

204D.25 SPECIAL ELECTION BALLOTS.
Subdivision 1.
Form.
Except as provided in subdivision 2, the county auditor must prepare separate ballots for a special primary and special election as required by sections 204D.17 to 204D.27. The ballots must be headed "Special Primary Ballot" or "Special Election Ballot" as the case may be, followed by the date of the special primary or special election. Immediately below the title of each office to be filled must be printed the words "To fill vacancy in term expiring ..........," with the date of expiration of the term and any other information that is necessary to distinguish the office from any other office to be voted upon at the same election. For a special primary or special election, the instructions to voters may use the singular form of the word when referring to candidates and offices when only one office is to be filled at the special election. Otherwise the form of the ballots must comply as far as practicable with the laws relating to ballots for state primaries and state general elections. The county auditor must post a sample of each ballot in the auditor's office as soon as prepared and not later than four days before the special primary or special election. Publication of the notice to voters pursuant to section 204D.16 for a special primary or special election is not required.
Subd. 2.
Use of regular ballots.
The county auditor shall place the names of the candidates to fill the vacancy upon the regular ballots used for like offices at the state primary or state general election, designating the office to be filled in the same manner as provided in subdivision 1 for separate special primary or special election ballots if:
(a) the candidates at the special election are to be voted for on the day of the state general election or are to be nominated on the day of the state primary; and
(b) the ballots for the state general election or state primary have not been printed when the names of the candidates to be elected or nominated to fill a vacancy have been finally determined.
History:
1981 c 29 art 6 s 25; 1986 c 444; 2000 c 467 s 24; 2001 c 7 s 45; 2023 c 62 art 4 s 105
2023 Minnesota Statutes › Chapters 200 - 212 — Elections › Chapter 204D — Particular Elections › Section 204D.26 — Congressional Or Legislative Districts; Change In Boundaries.

204D.26 CONGRESSIONAL OR LEGISLATIVE DISTRICTS; CHANGE IN BOUNDARIES.
No change in the boundaries of any congressional or legislative district is effective with respect to any election to fill a vacancy in the representation of that district if the term of the office which is vacant commenced before the change was made.
History:
1981 c 29 art 6 s 26
2023 Minnesota Statutes › Chapters 200 - 212 — Elections › Chapter 205 — Municipal Elections › Section 205.01 — Definitions.

205.01
MS 1957 [Repealed, 1959 c 675 art 13 s 1]
205.01 DEFINITIONS.
Subdivision 1.
Applicability.
The definitions in chapter 200 and in this section apply to this chapter.
Subd. 2.
Municipal election.
"Municipal election" means an election held in any municipality at which the voters of the municipality nominate or choose by ballot any public officials for the municipality or decide any public question relating to the municipality that is lawfully submitted to them.
History:
1959 c 675 art 6 s 1; 1981 c 29 art 7 s 6
2023 Minnesota Statutes › Chapters 200 - 212 — Elections › Chapter 205 — Municipal Elections › Section 205.02 — Statutes Applicable.

205.02
MS 1957 [Repealed, 1959 c 675 art 13 s 1]
205.02 STATUTES APPLICABLE.
Subdivision 1.
Minnesota Election Law.
Except as provided in this chapter the provisions of the Minnesota Election Law apply to municipal elections, so far as practicable.
Subd. 2.
City elections.
In all statutory and home rule charter cities, the primary, general and special elections held for choosing city officials and deciding public questions relating to the city shall be held as provided in this chapter, except that sections 205.065, subdivisions 4 to 6; 205.07, subdivision 3; 205.10; 205.121; and 205.17, subdivision 3, do not apply to a city whose charter provides the manner of holding its primary, general or special elections.
History:
1959 c 675 art 6 s 2; 1983 c 62 s 1; 1987 c 62 s 5; 1989 c 209 art 2 s 1; 1994 c 646 s 3; 2012 c 187 art 1 s 32; 2013 c 131 art 2 s 53
2023 Minnesota Statutes › Chapters 200 - 212 — Elections › Chapter 205 — Municipal Elections › Section 205.065 — Primaries.

205.065 PRIMARIES.
Subdivision 1.
Establishing primary.
A municipal primary for the purpose of nominating elective officers may be held in any city on the second Tuesday in August of any year in which a municipal general election is to be held for the purpose of electing officers. The date of a municipal primary held in an odd-numbered year may be postponed for inclement weather as provided in section 205.105.
Subd. 2.
Resolution or ordinance.
The governing body of a city may, by ordinance or resolution adopted by April 15 in the year when a municipal general election is held, elect to choose nominees for municipal offices by a primary as provided in this section. The resolution or ordinance, when adopted, is effective for all ensuing municipal elections until it is revoked. The municipal clerk shall notify the secretary of state and the county auditor within 30 days after the adoption of the resolution or ordinance.
Subd. 3.
[Repealed, 1994 c 646 s 28]
Subd. 4.
Candidates, filing.
The clerk shall place upon the primary ballot without partisan designation the names of individuals whose candidacies have been filed and for whom the proper filing fee has been paid. When not more than twice the number of individuals to be elected to a municipal office file for nomination for the office, their names shall not be placed upon the primary ballot and shall be placed on the municipal general election ballot as the nominees for that office. When more than one council member is to be elected for full terms at the same election, the candidates' names shall be placed under one office on the ballot with the number to be elected to the office specified directly underneath the title and identification of the office.
Subd. 5.
Results.
The municipal primary shall be conducted and the returns made in the manner provided for the state primary so far as practicable. The canvass may be conducted on either the second or third day after the primary.
The governing body of the municipality shall canvass the returns, and the two candidates for each office who receive the highest number of votes, or a number of candidates equal to twice the number of individuals to be elected to the office, who receive the highest number of votes, shall be the nominees for the office named. Their names shall be certified to the municipal clerk who shall place them on the municipal general election ballot without partisan designation and without payment of an additional fee.
Subd. 6.
Recount.
A losing candidate at the municipal primary may request a recount of the votes for that nomination subject to the requirements of section 204C.36.
Subd. 7.
[Repealed, 2011 c 65 s 9]
History:
1983 c 62 s 2; 1987 c 62 s 6,7; 1989 c 209 art 1 s 19; 1994 c 646 s 4,5; 2010 c 184 s 26,27; 2010 c 194 s 21; 2010 c 201 s 57; 2011 c 65 s 5; 2016 c 161 art 1 s 13; 2017 c 92 art 1 s 22
2023 Minnesota Statutes › Chapters 200 - 212 — Elections › Chapter 205 — Municipal Elections › Section 205.075 — Town General Election.

205.075 TOWN GENERAL ELECTION.
Subdivision 1.
Date of election.
The general election in a town must be held on the second Tuesday in March, except as provided in subdivision 2 or when moved for bad weather as provided in section 365.51, subdivision 1.
Subd. 2.
Alternate date.
A town may, by resolution or ordinance, designate the first Tuesday after the first Monday in November of either the even-numbered or the odd-numbered year as the date of the town general election. Town supervisors elected at a November town general election shall serve four-year terms.
The ordinance or resolution changing the date of the town general election must include a plan to shorten or lengthen the terms of office to provide an orderly transition to the November election schedule.
The ordinance or resolution changing the date of the town general election may be proposed by the town board or by a resolution of the electors adopted at the annual town meeting and is effective upon an affirmative vote of the electors at the next town general election.
Subd. 2a.
Return to March election.
The town board of a town that has adopted the alternative November election date under subdivision 2 may, after having conducted at least two elections on the alternative date, adopt a resolution designating the second Tuesday in March as the date of the town general election. The resolution must be adopted by a unanimous vote of the town supervisors and must include a plan to shorten or lengthen the terms of office to provide an orderly transition to the March election schedule. The resolution becomes effective upon an affirmative vote of the electors at the next town general election.
Subd. 3.
More than one seat to be filled at any election.
A candidate filing for town supervisor when more than one seat is to be filled at an election held under subdivision 2 must designate when filing the specific seat which the candidate is seeking.
Subd. 4.
Election judges; party balance.
The provisions of sections 204B.19, subdivision 5; 204B.21, subdivision 2; 204C.15; 204C.19; 206.83; and 206.86, subdivision 2, relating to party balance in the appointment of judges and to duties to be performed by judges of different major political parties do not apply to a town election not held in conjunction with a statewide election.
History:
1994 c 646 s 7; 1997 c 19 s 1; 1999 c 132 s 30; 2004 c 293 art 2 s 34; 2008 c 295 s 17; 2010 c 180 s 5,6
2023 Minnesota Statutes › Chapters 200 - 212 — Elections › Chapter 205 — Municipal Elections › Section 205.105 — Postponement Of Election; Inclement Weather.

205.105 POSTPONEMENT OF ELECTION; INCLEMENT WEATHER.
Subdivision 1.
Applicability.
This section applies to a primary, special, or general election held in a city that is not held in conjunction with a state or federal election, and to town elections when postponement of the town election is not subject to section 365.51.
Subd. 2.
Postponement of election.
(a) In the event of severe or inclement weather, the municipal clerk may postpone an election when the National Weather Service or a law enforcement agency has issued storm warnings or travel advisories indicating that the weather conditions would make travel to a polling place difficult or hazardous for voters and election judges. When one or more jurisdictions are holding elections in conjunction with one another, the jurisdiction that covers the largest geographic area has the authority, after consulting with the other auditors and clerks, to make the decision to postpone all of the elections. A decision to postpone an election must apply to every precinct in the jurisdiction.
(b) A decision to postpone an election must be made no later than 6:00 p.m. on the day before the election. The clerk must contact the election judges and notify local media outlets of the postponement. The clerk must also post a notice on the jurisdiction's website, if practicable.
(c) A postponed election must be rescheduled for the next following Tuesday after the election was originally scheduled. The date on which the postponed election will be held shall be considered the date of the election for purposes of absentee voting under chapter 203B. An election that is postponed due to weather may be postponed again if necessary under this section.
History:
2010 c 201 s 60
2023 Minnesota Statutes › Chapters 200 - 212 — Elections › Chapter 205 — Municipal Elections › Section 205.121 — Nominating Petitions; Cities Of First Class; Signatures.

205.121 NOMINATING PETITIONS; CITIES OF FIRST CLASS; SIGNATURES.
A nominating petition filed on behalf of a candidate for municipal office in a city of the first class shall be signed by eligible voters who maintain residence in the election district from which the candidate is to be elected. The number of signers shall equal 500, or two percent of the total number of individuals who voted in the municipality, ward, or other election district at the last preceding municipal general election, whichever is greater.
History:
1981 c 29 art 7 s 9
2023 Minnesota Statutes › Chapters 200 - 212 — Elections › Chapter 205 — Municipal Elections › Section 205.16 — Notice.

205.16
MS 1957 [Repealed, 1959 c 675 art 13 s 1]
205.16 NOTICE.
Subdivision 1.
Publication and posting.
In every municipality, the municipal clerk shall, except as otherwise provided in this section, give two weeks' published notice, and may also give ten days' posted notice, of the election, stating the time of the election, the location of each polling place, the offices to be filled, and all propositions or questions to be voted upon at the election. In a city of the fourth class or a town not located within a metropolitan county as defined in section 473.121, the governing body may dispense with publication of the notice of the municipal general election, in which case ten days' posted notice shall be given. The municipal clerk shall also post a copy of the notice in the clerk's office for public inspection.
Subd. 2.
Sample ballot, publication.
For every municipal election, the municipal clerk must, at least two weeks before the election, publish a notice to voters pursuant to section 204D.16 in the official newspaper of the municipality, except that the governing body of a fourth class city or a town not located within a metropolitan county as defined in section 473.121 may dispense with publication.
Subd. 3.
Sample ballot, posting.
For every municipal election, the municipal clerk shall at least two weeks before the election prepare a sample ballot for the municipality, make them available for public inspection in the clerk's office, and post a sample ballot in each polling place on election day.
Subd. 4.
Notice to auditor.
At least 74 days before every municipal election, the municipal clerk shall provide a written notice to the county auditor, including the date of the election, the offices to be voted on at the election, and the title and language for each ballot question to be voted on at the election. At least 74 days before every municipal election, the municipal clerk must provide written notice to the county auditor of any special election canceled under section 205.10, subdivision 6.
Subd. 5.
Notice to secretary of state.
At least 74 days before every municipal election for which a notice is provided to the county auditor under subdivision 4, the county auditor shall provide a notice of the election to the secretary of state, in a manner and including information prescribed by the secretary of state.
History:
1959 c 675 art 6 s 16; 1976 c 2 s 77,78; 1976 c 44 s 11; 1978 c 572 s 6,7; 1981 c 29 art 7 s 38; 1983 c 62 s 6; 1989 c 291 art 1 s 20; 1991 c 227 s 21; 1994 c 646 s 12,13; 1999 c 132 s 33; 2004 c 293 art 2 s 35,36; 2008 c 244 art 1 s 16; 2010 c 184 s 29,30; 2010 c 201 s 63-66; 2013 c 131 art 2 s 56,57; 2023 c 62 art 4 s 107
2023 Minnesota Statutes › Chapters 200 - 212 — Elections › Chapter 205 — Municipal Elections › Section 205.17 — Ballots.

205.17
MS 1957 [Repealed, 1959 c 675 art 13 s 1]
205.17 BALLOTS.
Subdivision 1.
Municipal offices; questions; general election ballot.
In all statutory and home rule charter cities, and in all towns, the municipal clerk shall have printed the official ballot containing the names of all candidates for municipal offices and municipal ballot questions. The ballot shall be printed in quantities of 25, 50, or 100, shall be headed "City or Town Election Ballot," shall state the name of the city or town and the date of the election, and shall conform in other respects to the state general election ballot. The names shall be arranged on city ballots in the manner provided for the state elections. On town ballots names of the candidates for each office shall be arranged either:
(1) alphabetically according to the candidates' surnames; or
(2) in the manner provided for state elections if the town electors chose at the town's annual meeting to arrange the names in that way for at least two consecutive years.
Subd. 2.
[Repealed, 2013 c 131 art 2 s 85]
Subd. 3.
Primary ballots.
The municipal primary ballot shall conform as far as practicable with the municipal general election ballot. No blank spaces shall be provided for writing in the names of candidates.
Subd. 4.
[Repealed, 2013 c 131 art 2 s 85]
Subd. 5.
Statutory cities; vacancies.
In statutory cities, the names of candidates to fill vacancies at a special election held as provided in section 412.02, subdivision 2a, shall be placed on the municipal primary and general election ballots. The names of candidates to fill a vacancy in the office of council member in a statutory city shall be listed under the separate heading "Special election for council member to fill vacancy in term expiring ........," with the date of expiration of the term and any other information necessary to distinguish the office. Under the heading for the office of mayor in a special election shall be the words "To fill vacancy in term expiring ............."
Subd. 6.
Form of ballot.
The ballots for municipal elections must be prepared by the municipal clerk in the manner provided in the rules of the secretary of state.
Subd. 7.
Example ballot.
No later than 30 days before absentee ballots must be prepared and delivered under section 204B.35 for use in a town general election conducted in March, the secretary of state shall supply each town clerk in a town conducting a March general election with a copy of an example ballot. The example ballot must illustrate the format required for the ballots used in the general election that year.
History:
1959 c 675 art 6 s 17; 1973 c 387 s 2; 1976 c 2 s 79,80; 1976 c 44 s 12,13; 1976 c 224 s 4; 1981 c 29 art 7 s 13,38; 1981 c 172 s 2; 1983 c 62 s 7; 1983 c 253 s 21; 1986 c 444; 1994 c 646 s 14; 1997 c 18 s 1; 1997 c 147 s 44; 2000 c 467 s 28; 1Sp2001 c 10 art 18 s 36; 2013 c 131 art 2 s 58,59
2023 Minnesota Statutes › Chapters 200 - 212 — Elections › Chapter 205 — Municipal Elections › Section 205.175 — Voting Hours.

205.175 VOTING HOURS.
Subdivision 1.
Minimum voting hours.
In all municipal elections, the polling places will remain open for voting from 5:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m.
Subd. 2.
Metropolitan area municipalities.
The governing body of a municipality which is located within a metropolitan county included in the definition of metropolitan area in section 200.02, subdivision 24, may designate the time during which the polling places will remain open for voting at the next succeeding and all subsequent municipal elections, provided that the polling places shall open no later than 10:00 a.m. and shall close no earlier than 8:00 p.m. The resolution shall remain in force until it is revoked by the municipal governing body.
Subd. 3.
Other municipalities.
The governing body of a municipality other than a municipality described in subdivision 2, may by resolution adopted prior to giving notice of the election, designate the time, in addition to the minimum voting hours provided in subdivision 1, during which the polling places will remain open for voting at the next succeeding and all subsequent municipal elections. The resolution shall remain in force until it is revoked by the municipal governing body or changed because of request by voters as provided in this subdivision. If a petition requesting longer voting hours, signed by a number of voters equal to 20 percent of the votes cast at the last municipal election, is presented to the municipal clerk no later than 30 days prior to the municipal election, then the polling places for that election shall open at 10:00 a.m. and close at 8:00 p.m. The municipal clerk shall give ten days' notice of the changed voting hours and notify the county auditor and secretary of state of the change. Municipalities covered by this subdivision shall certify their election hours to the county auditor in January of each year.
History:
1983 c 62 s 8; 1984 c 396 s 1,2; 1984 c 560 s 22,23; 1994 c 646 s 15; 2005 c 156 art 6 s 54; 2023 c 62 art 4 s 108
2023 Minnesota Statutes › Chapters 200 - 212 — Elections › Chapter 205 — Municipal Elections › Section 205.185 — Procedure.

205.185 PROCEDURE.
Subdivision 1.
Materials, ballots.
The municipal clerk shall prepare and have printed the necessary election materials, including ballots, for a municipal election.
Subd. 2.
Election, conduct.
A municipal election shall be by secret ballot and shall be held and the returns made in the manner provided for the state general election, except as expressly provided by law.
Subd. 3.
Canvass of returns, certificate of election, ballots, disposition.
(a) Between the third and tenth days after an election, the governing body of a city conducting any election including a special municipal election, or the governing body of a town conducting the general election in November shall act as the canvassing board, canvass the returns, and declare the results of the election. The governing body of a town conducting the general election in March shall act as the canvassing board, canvass the returns, and declare the results of the election within two days after an election.
(b) After the time for contesting elections has passed, the municipal clerk shall issue a certificate of election to each successful candidate. In case of a contest, the certificate shall not be issued until the outcome of the contest has been determined by the proper court.
(c) In case of a tie vote, the canvassing board having jurisdiction over the municipality shall determine the result by lot. The clerk of the canvassing board shall certify the results of the election to the county auditor, and the clerk shall be the final custodian of the ballots and the returns of the election.
Subd. 4.
Recount.
A losing candidate at a municipal election may request a recount of the votes for that office subject to the requirements of section 204C.36.
History:
1983 c 62 s 9; 1999 c 132 s 34; 1Sp2001 c 10 art 18 s 37; 2004 c 293 art 2 s 37,38; 2010 c 194 s 22
2023 Minnesota Statutes › Chapters 200 - 212 — Elections › Chapter 205 — Municipal Elections › Section 205.84 — Redistricting; Cities With Wards.

205.84 REDISTRICTING; CITIES WITH WARDS.
Subdivision 1.
General provisions.
(a) In a city electing council members by wards, wards shall be as equal in population as practicable and each ward shall be composed of compact, contiguous territory. Each council member shall be a resident of the ward for which elected, but, except as otherwise provided by paragraph (b), a change in ward boundaries does not disqualify a council member from serving for the remainder of a term.
(b) Notwithstanding any home rule charter provision to the contrary, in a city of the first class where council members are elected by ward to serve for four years to terms that are not staggered, if the population of any ward changes by five percent or more, all council members must be elected to new terms at the first municipal general election after ward boundaries are redefined under subdivision 2; provided, however, that if no municipal general election would otherwise occur in the year ending in "2" or the year ending in "3," a municipal general election must be held in one of those years.
Subd. 2.
Effective date.
After the official certification of the federal decennial or special census, the governing body of the city shall either confirm the existing ward boundaries as conforming to the standards of subdivision 1 or redefine ward boundaries to conform to those standards as provided in section 204B.135, subdivision 1. If the governing body of the city fails to take either action within the time required, no further compensation shall be paid to the mayor or council member until the wards of the city are either reconfirmed or redefined as required by this section. An ordinance establishing new ward boundaries pursuant to section 204B.135, subdivision 1, becomes effective on the date of the state primary election in the year ending in two, except that new ward boundaries established by a municipality in a year ending in one are effective on the date of the municipal primary election in the year ending in one.
Subd. 3.
Transition schedule.
The governing body of a city electing more than one council member in each ward may adopt an orderly transition schedule to biennial November elections in which only one council member in each ward is elected in any municipal general election.
History:
1974 c 337 s 17; 1981 c 29 art 7 s 38; 1983 c 62 s 11; 1986 c 444; 1991 c 349 s 38; 1995 c 8 s 6; 1999 c 237 s 3; 2010 c 313 s 5,6
2023 Minnesota Statutes › Chapters 200 - 212 — Elections › Chapter 205A — School District Elections › Section 205A.01 — Definitions.

205A.01 DEFINITIONS.
Subdivision 1.
Scope.
The definitions in chapter 200 and in this section apply to this chapter.
Subd. 2.
School district.
"School district" means an independent or special school district, as defined in section 120A.05.
History:
1987 c 266 art 1 s 48; 1999 c 86 art 1 s 46
2023 Minnesota Statutes › Chapters 200 - 212 — Elections › Chapter 205A — School District Elections › Section 205A.02 — Election Law Applicable.

205A.02 ELECTION LAW APPLICABLE.
Except as provided by law, the Minnesota Election Law applies to school district elections. Elections in common school districts shall be governed by section 123B.94.
History:
1987 c 266 art 1 s 49; 1998 c 397 art 11 s 3; 2004 c 293 art 2 s 39
2023 Minnesota Statutes › Chapters 200 - 212 — Elections › Chapter 205A — School District Elections › Section 205A.04 — General Election.

205A.04 GENERAL ELECTION.
Subdivision 1.
School district general election.
The general election in each school district must be held on the first Tuesday after the first Monday in November of either the odd-numbered or the even-numbered year. A general election held in an odd-numbered year may be postponed for inclement weather as provided in section 205A.055.
Subd. 2.
[Repealed, 1994 c 646 s 28]
Subd. 3.
Change in year of general election.
The school board may, by resolution, change the year in which the school district general election will be held. The resolution must be approved no later than four weeks before the first day to file affidavits of candidacy for the general election. A plan for the orderly transition to the new election year must be included in the resolution. The terms of school board members may be lengthened or shortened by one year as a part of the transition process.
History:
1987 c 266 art 1 s 51; 1991 c 227 s 22; 1994 c 646 s 18; 2010 c 201 s 68; 2013 c 131 art 2 s 60
2023 Minnesota Statutes › Chapters 200 - 212 — Elections › Chapter 205A — School District Elections › Section 205A.05 — Special Elections.

205A.05 SPECIAL ELECTIONS.
Subdivision 1.
Questions.
Special elections must be held for a school district on a question on which the voters are authorized by law to pass judgment. The school board may on its own motion call a special election to vote on any matter requiring approval of the voters of a district. Upon petition filed with the school board of 50 or more voters of the school district or five percent of the number of voters voting at the preceding school district general election, whichever is greater, the school board shall by resolution call a special election to vote on any matter requiring approval of the voters of a district. A question is carried only with the majority in its favor required by law. The election officials for a special election are the same as for the most recent school district general election unless changed according to law. Otherwise, special elections must be conducted and the returns made in the manner provided for the school district general election.
Subd. 1a.
Uniform election dates.
(a) Except as allowed in paragraph (b), a special election held in a school district must be held on one of the following dates: the second Tuesday in February, the second Tuesday in April, the second Tuesday in May, the second Tuesday in August, or the first Tuesday after the first Monday in November.
(b) A special election may be held on a date other than those designated in paragraph (a) if the special election is held in response to an emergency or disaster. "Emergency" means an unforeseen combination of circumstances that calls for immediate action to prevent a disaster from developing or occurring. "Disaster" means a situation that creates an actual or imminent serious threat to the health and safety of persons or a situation that has resulted or is likely to result in catastrophic loss to property or the environment.
Subd. 2.
Vacancies in school district offices.
Special elections to fill vacancies in elective school district offices shall be held in school districts pursuant to section 123B.09, subdivision 5b. When more than one vacancy exists in an office elected at-large, voters must be instructed to vote for up to the number of vacancies to be filled.
Subd. 3.
Cancellation.
A special election ordered by the school board on its own motion under subdivision 1 may be canceled by motion of the school board, but not less than 74 days before an election held in conjunction with a regularly scheduled election for federal, state, county, city, or school board office or a special election for federal office, or 46 days before any other election.
History:
1987 c 266 art 1 s 52; 1990 c 453 s 12; 1993 c 375 art 7 s 8; 1997 c 147 s 45; 1999 c 132 s 35; 2007 c 146 art 1 s 19; 2008 c 244 art 1 s 17; 2010 c 184 s 33; 2010 c 201 s 70; 2013 c 131 art 2 s 61,62; 2014 c 264 s 24; 2015 c 70 art 1 s 50; 2016 c 161 art 1 s 16; 2017 c 92 art 1 s 24; art 2 s 12,13
2023 Minnesota Statutes › Chapters 200 - 212 — Elections › Chapter 205A — School District Elections › Section 205A.055 — Postponement Of Election; Inclement Weather.

205A.055 POSTPONEMENT OF ELECTION; INCLEMENT WEATHER.
Subdivision 1.
Applicability.
This section applies to a primary, special, or general election held in a school district that is not held in conjunction with a state or federal election.
Subd. 2.
Postponement of election.
(a) In the event of severe or inclement weather, the school district clerk may postpone an election when the National Weather Service or a law enforcement agency has issued storm warnings or travel advisories indicating that the weather conditions would make travel to a polling place difficult or hazardous for voters and election judges. When one or more jurisdictions are holding elections in conjunction with one another, the jurisdiction that covers the largest geographic area has the authority, after consulting with the other auditors and clerks, to make the decision to postpone all of the elections. A decision to postpone an election must apply to every precinct in the jurisdiction.
(b) A decision to postpone an election must be made no later than 6:00 p.m. on the day before the election. The clerk must contact the election judges and notify local media outlets of the postponement. The clerk must also post a notice on the jurisdiction's website, if practicable.
(c) A postponed election must be rescheduled for the next following Tuesday after the election was originally scheduled. The date on which the postponed election will be held shall be considered the date of the election for purposes of absentee voting under chapter 203B. An election that is postponed due to weather may be postponed again if necessary under this section.
History:
2010 c 201 s 71
2023 Minnesota Statutes › Chapters 200 - 212 — Elections › Chapter 205A — School District Elections › Section 205A.08 — Ballots.

205A.08 BALLOTS.
Subdivision 1.
General election ballot.
The names of all candidates for offices and all ballot questions to be voted on at a school district general election must be placed on a single ballot.
Subd. 2.
Primary ballots.
The school district primary ballot must conform as far as practicable with the school district general election ballot except that no blank spaces may be provided for writing in the names of candidates.
Subd. 3.
Vacancies.
The names of candidates to fill vacancies at a school district special election held in conjunction with the primary or general election must be placed on the school district primary and general election ballots. The names of candidates to fill a vacancy in the office of school board member in a school district must be listed under the separate heading "Special election for school board member to fill vacancy in term expiring ........," with the date of expiration of the term and any other information necessary to distinguish the office.
Subd. 4.
[Repealed, 2013 c 131 art 2 s 85]
Subd. 5.
Form of ballot.
The ballots for school district elections must be prepared by the school district clerk in the manner provided in the rules of the secretary of state.
History:
1987 c 266 art 1 s 55; 1997 c 147 s 46; 2013 c 131 art 2 s 66
2023 Minnesota Statutes › Chapters 200 - 212 — Elections › Chapter 205A — School District Elections › Section 205A.09 — Voting Hours.

205A.09 VOTING HOURS.
Subdivision 1.
Metropolitan area school districts.
At a school district election in a school district located in whole or in part within a metropolitan county included in the definition of metropolitan area in section 200.02, subdivision 24, the school board, by resolution adopted before giving notice of the election, may designate the time during which the polling places will remain open for voting at the next succeeding and all later school district elections. The polling places must open no later than 10:00 a.m. and close no earlier than 8:00 p.m. The resolution shall remain in force until it is revoked by the school board.
Subd. 2.
Other school districts.
At a school district election in a school district other than one described in subdivision 1, the school board, by resolution adopted before giving notice of the election, may designate the time during which the polling places will remain open for voting at the next succeeding and all later school district elections. All polling places must be open between the hours of 5:00 p.m. and 8:00 p.m. The resolution must remain in force until it is revoked by the school board or changed because of request by voters as provided in this subdivision. If a petition requesting longer voting hours, signed by a number of voters equal to 20 percent of the votes cast at the last school district election, is presented to the school district clerk no later than 30 days before a school district election, then the polling places for that election must open at 10:00 a.m. and close at 8:00 p.m. The school district clerk must give ten days' published notice and posted notice of the changed voting hours and notify appropriate county auditors and the secretary of state of the change.
History:
1987 c 266 art 1 s 56; 1990 c 453 s 14; 1994 c 646 s 21; 2005 c 156 art 6 s 55; 2023 c 62 art 4 s 109
2023 Minnesota Statutes › Chapters 200 - 212 — Elections › Chapter 205A — School District Elections › Section 205A.13 — Requirements For Petitions.

205A.13 REQUIREMENTS FOR PETITIONS.
Any petition to a school board authorized in this chapter or sections 126C.17, 126C.40, 126C.41 to 126C.48, and 124D.22, or any other law which requires the board to submit an issue to referendum or election, shall meet the requirements provided in section 204B.071.
History:
1987 c 266 art 1 s 60; 1991 c 130 s 37; 1992 c 499 art 12 s 29; 1996 c 305 art 1 s 55; 1998 c 397 art 11 s 3; 1999 c 132 s 37
2023 Minnesota Statutes › Chapters 200 - 212 — Elections › Chapter 206 — Voting Systems › Section 206.55 — Minnesota Election Law Applies.

206.55 MINNESOTA ELECTION LAW APPLIES.
The use of electronic voting systems is governed by sections 206.55 to 206.90 and by all other provisions of the Minnesota Election Law which are not inconsistent with sections 206.55 to 206.90.
History:
1984 c 447 s 1; 1997 c 147 s 47
2023 Minnesota Statutes › Chapters 200 - 212 — Elections › Chapter 206 — Voting Systems › Section 206.58 — Authorization For Use.

206.58 AUTHORIZATION FOR USE.
Subdivision 1.
Municipalities.
(a) The governing body of a municipality, at a regular meeting or at a special meeting called for the purpose, may provide for the use of an electronic voting system in one or more precincts and at all elections in the precincts, subject to approval by the county auditor. Once a municipality has adopted the use of an electronic voting system in one or more precincts, the municipality must continue to use an electronic voting system for state elections in those precincts. The governing body must disseminate information to the public about the use of a new voting system at least 60 days prior to the election and must provide for instruction of voters with a demonstration voting system in a public place for the six weeks immediately prior to the first election at which the new voting system will be used.
(b) A municipality must not adopt or use a system unless it has been approved by the secretary of state pursuant to section 206.57.
Subd. 2.
May use experimental systems.
The governing body of a municipality may provide for the experimental use of an electronic voting system in one or more precincts without formal adoption of the system. Use of the system at an election is as valid for all purposes as if the system had been permanently adopted.
If the governing body of a municipality decides to use an electronic voting system, it shall, at a regular or special meeting held not less than 30 days before the election, prescribe suitable rules and instructions consistent with sections 206.55 to 206.90 for using the system and shall submit the rules and instructions to the secretary of state for approval. When approved, a printed copy of the rules and instructions must be posted prominently in the polling place and must remain open to inspection by the voters throughout election day.
Subd. 3.
Counties.
(a) The governing body of a county may provide for the use of an electronic voting system in one or more precincts of the county at all elections. Once a county has adopted the use of an electronic voting system in one or more precincts, the county must continue to use an electronic voting system for state elections in those precincts. The governing body of the municipality must give approval before an electronic voting system may be adopted or used in the municipality under the authority of this section.
(b) A county must not adopt or use a system unless it has been approved by the secretary of state pursuant to section 206.57.
Subd. 4.
Certification of use of voting systems.
If a municipality adopts the use of an electronic voting system, the municipal clerk shall certify to the secretary of state within 30 days from the date of adoption that an electronic voting system will be used in the municipality and the date when use will commence.
History:
1984 c 447 s 4; 1986 c 362 s 8; 1987 c 266 art 1 s 62; 1997 c 147 s 54; 2023 c 62 art 4 s 112,113
2023 Minnesota Statutes › Chapters 200 - 212 — Elections › Chapter 206 — Voting Systems › Section 206.59 — Payment For Voting Systems.

206.59 PAYMENT FOR VOTING SYSTEMS.
Payment for an electronic voting system may be provided for in the manner deemed in the best interests of the political division adopting and purchasing it. A municipality or county may make payment by appropriating money from the general fund, by levying a tax in the same manner as other taxes are levied, or by issuing and selling bonds or other certificates of indebtedness, which must be a charge upon the municipality or county adopting and purchasing the electronic voting system. Bonds or other certificates of indebtedness may be issued by a majority vote of the governing body of the municipality or county adopting and purchasing an electronic voting system, notwithstanding any contrary provision contained in any home rule charter or law of this state.
The bonds or certificates of indebtedness issued may bear interest at a rate not exceeding the rate provided in section 475.55 and may be made payable at a time not exceeding 20 years from the date of issue, as determined by the resolution or ordinance authorizing the issue. The bonds or certificates of indebtedness may be issued exclusive of and in addition to any limit of indebtedness fixed by the charter of a municipality, or by laws governing a municipality or county, but the bonds or certificates of indebtedness may not be issued or sold at less than par and accrued interest on them.
History:
1984 c 447 s 5; 1997 c 147 s 55
2023 Minnesota Statutes › Chapters 200 - 212 — Elections › Chapter 206 — Voting Systems › Section 206.62 — Sample Ballots.

206.62 SAMPLE BALLOTS.
The officials who prepare ballot cards shall provide each polling place with at least two sample ballots which are facsimiles of the card to be voted on in that precinct. The sample ballots may be either in full or reduced size. The sample ballots must be posted prominently in the polling place and must remain open to inspection by the voters throughout election day.
History:
1984 c 447 s 8; 1997 c 147 s 59
2023 Minnesota Statutes › Chapters 200 - 212 — Elections › Chapter 206 — Voting Systems › Section 206.64 — Accessibility; Instructions; Assistance To Voters.

206.64 ACCESSIBILITY; INSTRUCTIONS; ASSISTANCE TO VOTERS.
Subdivision 1.
General provisions for electronic system voting.
Each electronic voting system booth must be placed and protected so that it is accessible to only one voter at a time and is in full view of all the election judges and challengers at the polling place. The election judges shall admit one individual at a time to each booth after determining that the individual is eligible to vote. Voting by electronic voting system must be secret, except for voters who request assistance. A voter may remain inside the voting booth for the time reasonably required for the voter to complete the ballot. A voter who refuses to leave the voting booth after a reasonable amount of time, but not less than three minutes, must be removed by the election judges.
Subd. 2.
[Repealed, 1997 c 147 s 79]
History:
1984 c 447 s 10; 1997 c 147 s 60; 2005 c 162 s 17
2023 Minnesota Statutes › Chapters 200 - 212 — Elections › Chapter 206 — Voting Systems › Section 206.66 — Violations; Penalties.

206.66 VIOLATIONS; PENALTIES.
Subdivision 1.
Injuring voting machines.
An individual who intentionally injures or attempts to injure or render ineffectual any component of an electronic voting system, or who violates any of the provisions of sections 206.55 to 206.90, is guilty of a felony.
Subd. 2.
Violation of law, rules.
An individual who violates any rules adopted by the secretary of state or by the governing body of a municipality where an electronic voting system is used, or who violates any of the provisions of sections 206.55 to 206.90, is guilty of a gross misdemeanor.
Subd. 3.
Performance bond.
A vendor of electronic voting systems or related election services shall furnish the secretary of state with a sufficient bond conditioned on the performance of those machines, systems, or services in accordance with the Minnesota Election Law and any contract or agreement made with an election jurisdiction in Minnesota. The vendor bond required under section 206.57, subdivision 4, may serve as the performance bond required under this subdivision. The secretary of state shall send notice of the receipt or forfeiture of a bond under this subdivision to each official on the user list.
History:
1984 c 447 s 11; 1989 c 291 art 1 s 26; 1997 c 147 s 61