Simon Praises New Election Legislation

Hopkins and St. Louis Park Rep. Steve Simon (DFL-District 46B) praised legislation that aims to create voter participating and increase participation.

“Minnesota consistently leads the nation in voter turnout and engagement,” a new release quoted Simon, the bill’s House author, after Gov. Mark Dayton signed the bill Thursday. “This legislation will help maintain that proud tradition into the future.”

The bill:

• Allows no-excuse absentee voting. In the past, absentee voting was only allowed in certain circumstances. The law also allows local elections officials to start processing absentee ballots seven days before election day—three more days than allowed under current law.
• Creates a new system for handling vacancies that take place close to an election that are caused by death or disability.
• Expands mail balloting for all townships.
• Lowers the threshold for a publically triggered recount in a statewide election from a .5 percent margin to .25 percent.
• Lowers the number of people for whom a single voter can “vouch” from 15 to eight.

“Lawmakers from both sides of the aisle crafted this legislation using a respectful, non-partisan approach,” the release quoted Simon. “We can all take pride in this bill. It puts the people of Minnesota before what’s best for our respective political parties."