Minnesota 2023-2024 Regular Session

Minnesota House Bill HF3381

Introduced
2/12/24  

Caption

City, town, and school district general elections required to be conducted on first Tuesday after first Monday in November of an even-numbered year, cities of the first class permitted to choose to conduct a general election on odd- or even-numbered year, and orderly transition plan required.

Impact

The enactment of HF3381 will impact existing election laws in Minnesota by amending various sections of the Minnesota Statutes that govern municipal and school district elections. This change is expected to streamline the electoral process, reduce voter fatigue, and potentially improve voter turnout by consolidating elections into a specific time frame. Furthermore, the law's effectiveness starting in July 2024 means that affected entities will need to adapt their governance to comply with the new scheduling before the next election cycle begins in 2025.

Summary

House File 3381 aims to standardize the scheduling of general elections for cities, towns, and school districts in Minnesota. It requires that these elections be held on the first Tuesday after the first Monday in November during even-numbered years. Additionally, the bill allows cities of the first class to elect to conduct their general elections on either even or odd-numbered years, introducing flexibility in election planning. For cities choosing to change their election years, they must develop an orderly transition plan to facilitate this change, ensuring that terms of office for elected officials can be appropriately adjusted to accommodate the new schedule.

Contention

While proponents of HF3381 argue that it enhances the electoral process by creating uniformity in election scheduling, potential points of contention arise regarding how this might limit the discretion of local governments to determine their election dates. Critics may express concerns about the inflexibility this imposes on local elections, particularly in communities that may have adapted their election schedules based on local needs or preferences. Additionally, the transition plan requirement could generate debate over its feasibility and implications for current officeholders and future candidates.

Companion Bills

MN SF4333

Similar To City, town, and school district general elections requirement to be conducted on the first Tuesday after the first Monday in November of an even-numbered year

Previously Filed As

MN HF248

Elections; city, town, and school district general elections required to be conducted on the first Tuesday after the first Monday in November of an even-numbered year; cities of the first class permitted to choose to conduct a general election on the first Tuesday after the first Monday in November of either an odd-numbered or even-numbered year; and cities, towns, and school districts required to adopt an orderly transition plan.

MN HF69

City, town, and school district general elections required to be conducted on the first Tuesday after the first Monday in November of an even-numbered year; cities of the first class permitted to choose between even-numbered or odd-numbered year; and orderly transition plans required.

MN HF248

Elections; city, town, and school district general elections required to be conducted on the first Tuesday after the first Monday in November of an even-numbered year; cities of the first class permitted to choose to conduct a general election on the first Tuesday after the first Monday in November of either an odd-numbered or even-numbered year; and cities, towns, and school districts required to adopt an orderly transition plan.

MN HB2022

Requiring special elections be held on the first Tuesday after the first Monday in March or on the same day as a primary or general election.

MN A11588

Requires village elections on the same date as general elections take place on even numbered years

MN SF634

Local elections in cities of the first class date modification authorization

MN A08668

Requires certain elections of public officials occur on even-numbered years.

MN HB221

Revise election laws to require certain local elections to take place in even-numbered years

MN H3555

School Bond Election Dates

MN SB273

Requiring that special elections be held on the first Tuesday in March.

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