1. Today’s Agenda Intro/PNP Calendar Ballots Absentee Voting
Election Judge training
Polling Place Management
SVRS
Post Election Activities
Reimbursement
Mail balloting

2. PNP Primer Key provisions in the 2018 law included:
To be held the first Tuesday in March, 2020*
Requirement that voter declare political party preference
Political party preference is public information
Each party gets its own ballot meaning there could be up to four different ballots
Reimbursement to state, county and cities for certain costs

3. 2019 PNP Law Changes
The voter’s political preference is now nonpublic data under the Minnesota Government Data Practices Act except it will be made available to the four major political party chairs
Because it is classified as nonpublic data, a Tennessen Warning must be given to each voter
Only the major parties that selects delegates to send to a national convention may participate in the PNP
Expanded reimbursable costs to include, “other expenses as approved by the secretary of state”

4. Key dates
December 31, 2019: parties certify to the OSS the names of candidates to be placed on ballot
January 3, 2020 – March 2, 2020: Election judges must complete one hour PNP training
January 17, 2020 – March 2, 2020: Absentee voting period
February 11, 2020: Pre-registration cutoff
March 3, 2020: Presidential Nomination Primary
March 5, 2020 – March 6, 2020: County canvassing period
March 10, 2020: State Canvassing Board certifies results
May 9, 2020: Last day for counties and municipalities to submit request for payment
June 8, 2020: Last day for OSS to reimburse expenses

5. Things to keep in mind: Elections emergency plans
December 4, 2019: Deadline to change polling place locations
Uncommitted and write ins
Universal Postal Union – UOCAVA impact
Data privacy
EDR data entry
Recounts

6. Ballots

7. Ballots Political Parties Included
Differences between “Presidential Nomination Primary Ballot” and other ballots
Example Ballots
Printing of Ballots
Deadlines

8. Ballots – Political Parties Included
Political Parties Included – Major Political Parties only (4 different ballots)
Legal Marijuana Now Party
Grassroots-Legalize Cannabis Party
Republican Party
Democratic-Farmer-Labor Party

9. Ballots - Differences
General Rule – Except as provided by law, presidential nomination primary ballots shall be printed in the same manner as state primary ballots as far as practicable.
M.S. 207A.13, subd. 1(a).

10. Ballot - Differences
Ballot Title – “Presidential Nomination Primary Ballot “ M.S. 207A.13, subd. 1 (b)
Date of PNP – March 3, M.S. 207A.11 (b)
Instructions to Voters – “Minnesota Election Law permits you to vote for a candidate of only one political party in a Presidential Nomination Primary election.” M.S. 207A.13; MR

11. Ballot - Differences
Political Party Options
Write-in Line – Always at bottom of list and does not rotate. M.S. 207A.13, subd. 1(c)
“Uncommitted” Option – Rotates like candidate names. M.S. 207A.13, subd. 1(c)

12. Ballots - Differences
Post “Sample Ballot” by January 17, 2020 M.S. 204D.09, subd. 2
Publish “Sample Ballot” of each party by February 25, 2020 M.S. 204D.09
Post 2 sets of each “Sample Ballot” in the Polling Place M.S. 204C.08, subd. 2a
Legal Marijuana Now Party
Grassroots-Legalize Cannabis Party
Republican Party
Democratic-Farmer-Labor Party
Refer voters to “Sample Ballots” if they have questions about which ballot to choose
Election Judges do not announce which Party’s Ballot the voters choose

13. Example Ballot
Legal Marijuana Now Party
Write-in option

14. Example Ballot Grassroots-Legalize Cannabis Party Uncommitted option
Write-in option

15. Example Ballot Republican Party No Write-in option
No Uncommitted option

16. Example Ballot
Democratic-Farmer-Labor Party
Uncommitted Option

17. 1 2
Differences 3 4 5 6 7 8 9

18. Example Ballot - Differences
Title – Presidential Nomination Primary Ballot
Party Name
Date – March 3, 2020
Instructions Differences
Party Name at the top of the Column
President only listed
Uncommitted Option
Write-in Option
No instructions to vote on other side of Ballot

19. Ballots - Printing Must use optical scan ballots
Assistive Voting Technology Required M.S , subd. 5
Ballots may be counted by hand (Consult with County Attorney if there is a change in voting equipment plan)
4 Major Political Parties
Legal Marijuana Now
Grassroots-Legalize Cannabis
Republican
Democratic-Farmer-Labor

20. Ballots - Printing Proofing Tips
Check to see if layout matches the Example Ballot
Check the headings on the ballot*
Check major party names on the ballots*
Check the vote for number on each office
Check to make sure candidates are in proper order
Check the candidates names are spelled correctly
Check for the presence of “uncommitted” or “write-in” items on ballot*
Check to make sure candidate names are rotated
Check to make sure “uncommitted” is rotated with candidate names*
Check to make sure that “write-in” item is listed last and not rotated*

21. Ballots - Printing Size of Ballots – May want to use 8 ½” x 14”
If one party has too many candidates for 8 ½” x 11” it is important that all ballots for each party are the same size so party preference may not be determined by other voters in the polling place
DS200 seems to process 8 ½ “ x 14” ballots more efficiently

22. Ballots - Quantity
Requirement – Each precinct must be provided with at least 100 ballots for every 85 individuals who voted in that precinct at the previous “similar” election, or in a an amount at least 10% greater that the number of votes which are reasonable expected to be cast in that precinct, whichever supply of ballots is greater. M.S. 204B.29, subd. 1
The last PNP in the State of Minnesota was held in 1992 and the statewide turnout was 10.64%.
Factors to consider:
Many other states will also be holding Presidential Primary on same day.
No preferential preferences poll at state caucuses
Results will bind delegates
Social Media influences, etc.

23. Ballots - Deadlines
December 24, 2019 – Example Ballot Deadline M.S. 207A.14
December 31, 2019 – Last day for Major Political Party Chairs to provide names of candidates for PNP to Sec. of State M.S. 207A.13, subd. 2
January 17,2020 – Ballots must be ready for Absentee Voting
January 17, 2020 – Posting of Sample Ballots M.S. 204D.09, subd. 2
February 25, 2020 – Last day for State Party Chairs to submit names of Write-in Candidates M.S. 207A.13, subd. 2(b)
February 25, 2020 – Publish Sample Ballots M.S. 204D.09, subd. 2
March 3, 2020 – Presidential Nomination Primary

24. Absentee Voting

25. Applications Online & Paper UOCAVA – available now
Must note party choice on application
Specific Regular AB Application – must be used
Online Regular PNP AB Application – available mid-November
Paper (.pdf) Regular PNP AB Application
OSS “public” webpages in mid-November
Will be placed on Election Administrator Forms webpage
Direct Balloting PNP Application
administration/election-administrator-forms/

26. PNP AB Voting Important Dates
Mid-November 2019 – Regular online and paper PNP AB Applications available to the public
12/31/2019: Last day for ballot information from parties
1/3/2020: Last day to send “permanent” AB applications for PNP
1/17/2020: Last day to send electronic “sample” ballots to OSS
1/17/2020: PNP Absentee voting begins
UOCAVA ballots must be sent – notify OSS when complete
2/10/2020: PNP HCF voting begins
2/25/2020: Precinct caucus meetings
2/29/2020: Saturday PNP AB voting
3/2/2020: PNP AB voting until 5:00 p.m.
3/3/2020: Presidential Nomination Primary Day

27. SVRS Screenshots of some of the added features in SVRS
SVRS user documents
SVRS practice now has the added features related to PNP available for practice

28. Major Party Ballot Choice Change
“Spoiled” AB Ballots
Major Party Ballot Choice Change
An AB voter may “change” their major party ballot choice through the 7th day before the PNP
AB voter must complete a new application
Inactivate the previous application – add the new application
Send voter a new AB ballot based on the last application received

29. Major Party Ballot Choice Change
“Spoiled” AB Ballots
Major Party Ballot Choice Change
If AB voter does not provide a new application???
Voter may only be sent a replacement ballot of the major party choice that is on their latest application
Plan for extra AB envelopes & AB ballots
Direct AB Balloting – within the 7 days before the election
Once the ballot is distributed to the voter – party ballot choice cannot be changed
This will be the same policy in the poll place on primary day

30. Discussion

31. Election Judges
and
Polling Places

32. Training
Additional hour
Within 60 days of the Presidential Nomination Primary
Focuses on PNP procedures

33. Party Choice
Voter’s choice
Private within the polling place
Private outside of the polling place
Cannot change party once ballot has been received

34. Polling Place Set Up
Roster signing in private location
Way to cover roster information
Rosters turned away from voters when not in use
Voter receipts placed face down

35. Election Judge Roles LMN = Legal Marijuana Now Greeter Judge
Voters must make party choice
Will only receive one ballot
Cannot change ballot choice
Roster Judge
Cover private information and party choice
Instruct voter to sign and mark party choice
Give voter receipt with party choice
LMN = Legal Marijuana Now
GLC = Grassroots-Legalize Cannabis
R = Republican
DFL = Democratic-Farmer-Labor

36. Election Judge Roles
Registration Judge
Party choice must be recorded

37. Election Judge Roles Demonstration Judge Explain party ballots
Uncommitted
Write-in

38. Election Judge Roles Ballot Judge Ballot receipts private
Replacement ballots same party as spoiled ballots
Determine party of spoiled ballot before discarding
Four Ballot Layouts
Open and verify number of ballots
Record Discrepancies
Initial ballots

39. Health Care Facility Election Judge
Election Judge Roles
Head Judge
Explaining party choice
Dealing with voters who do not want to make party choice
Health Care Facility Election Judge
Explain party choice
Voter must make party choice on AB application

40. Curbside Voting
Use PNP Voter Certificate
Voter marks party choice
Deliver only ballot marked on receipt

41. Challengers
May not challenge party choice
May not make lists of voters
Complaints
Party choice – State Election Law Complaint Form

42. Discussion

43. SVRS

44. Roster

45. AB Application

46. New UOCAVA Report

47. AB Label

48. Returned MB Envelopes

49. Posting Roster History

50. Posting Roster History

51. EDR Entry

52. Post Manual History

53. Voter Record

54. Post Election and Canvassing

55. Post Election Process
Return of Materials
Securing Materials
Canvassing Process
Recounts
Contests
Access to PNP Information

56. Return of Materials
Same process as State Primary or State General Election
Election Judges must return within 24 hours
All voted and spoiled ballots
Two sets of summary statements
Completed Voter Registration Applications
Voter Rosters
Voting Systems
M.S. 204C.27
Be prepared in case of weather issues

57. Securing of Materials
Same process as State Primary or State General Election
Store by Precinct in safe, secure location
Keep “as delivered” until end of contest period
Strictly control access to these items during contest period or contest duration.

58. Abstract Preparation
The same process used as other Elections but with a different Title referencing the PNP
Only print the State Abstract (No County Offices on ballot)
Further information regarding entering candidates into ERS will be provided closer to the PNP

59. County Canvassing Board Meeting
General Rule – “Except as otherwise provided by law, the presidential nomination primary must be conducted, and the results canvassed and returned, in the manner provided by law for the state primary” M.S. 207A.12 (a)
Meeting on either March 5, 2020 or March 6, 2020 (second or third day following the PNP) M.S. 204C.32, subd. 1

60. County Canvassing Board Meeting
Upon Completion of the Canvass the County Auditor
Should immediately a copy of the Canvassing Board Report for the PNP to the Secretary of State.
Shall Transmit one of the Certified Copies of the Canvassing Board Report to the Secretary of State. M.S. 204C.32, subd. 1
If Canvassing on March 5,2020 – Overnight delivery to arrive on Friday March 6, 2020
If Canvassing on March 6, 2020 – Arrange delivery for Monday, March 9, 2020

61. State Canvassing Board Meeting
Meeting on Tuesday, March 10, 2020
Declares the results of the Presidential Nomination Primary. M.S. 207A.12 (c)
Immediately after the declaration of results the Sec. of State must notify the chair of each party of the results. M.S. 207A.12 (c)
The Results of the PNP must bind the election of delegates in each party. M.S. 207A.12 (d)

62. Recounts
An Opinion from the Attorney General’s Office has been requested regarding whether or not there can be a Recount for a Presidential Nomination Primary. M.S. 204C.35
Details will be provided when a response is received.

63. Contests
An Opinion from the Attorney General’s Office has been requested regarding whether or not there can be a Contest for a Presidential Nomination Primary. M.S
Details will be provided when a response is received.

64. Access to PNP Information
Private Data on individuals. M.S. 207A.12 (b)
The Secretary of State must provide the list to the chair of each major political party. M.S , subd. 4a
Inspection of Rosters – Conceal the party preference information like birthdates.

65. Reimbursement process
August 30, 2019: OSS certified estimated cost to the Office of Management & Budget
Reimbursable costs
Preparation and printing of ballots
Postage for absentee ballots
Publication of sample ballots
Preparation of polling places (up to $150 per polling place)
Preparation of voting system (up to $100 per precinct)
Compensation for temporary staff and overtime payments
Election judge salaries
Compensation of county canvassing board members
2019 law change adding “other expenses as approved by the secretary of state”
OSS Rulemaking (October 4, 2019 public comment period ends)

66. Mail Balloting

67. Notice of Mail Ballot Procedures Mail Ballot Materials
Example Notices of Mail Ballot Procedures are found in Appendix of PNP Admin Guide
Mail Ballot Materials
All major party ballots must be sent – even replacement ballots
Different signature envelope
OSS Example based on current rules - Election Administrator Forms webpage
Encourage use of additional “return” envelope so that party choice is covered
Different Mail Ballot Voter Instructions
OSS example based on current rules – Election Administrator Forms webpage

68. Mail Ballot Board – Accepting & Rejecting
Additional rejection item of “party choice not valid”
Must use the PNP MB Envelopes module in SVRS for all returned PNP mail ballots
Examples of PNP-related “accepted” and “rejected” mail ballots found in Appendix of PNP Admin Guide
Mail Ballot Voters Changing Major Party Ballot Choice
MB voter may “change” their major party ballot choice through the 7th day before the PNP
If a returned, voted MB has been accepted:
The “accepted” ballot is spoiled in SVRS
County sends replacement mail ballot packet that includes all major party ballots

69. Mail Ballot Board – Processing/Counting Mail Ballots
Suggestion: Process any “accepted” AB ballot envelopes for the MB precinct first
Using regular AB process
Acceptable AB ballots are placed in the pile to be counted
Processing “accepted” Mail Ballots based on current rules:
If not done previously, sort accepted mail ballot envelopes by major political party
Process one party at a time
For each party in turn, separate signature envelopes from secrecy envelopes
Open secrecy envelope to remove contents

71. Mail Ballot Voting Presidential Nomination Primary+6 4 10 6
The “accepted” ballots on the roster – it might not match the machine’s number of ballots “counted” – that number should be equal or less than 6 4 4 10