Although individuals can only deliver absentee ballots for up to three voters, there is no limit on the number of voters an individual can assist at the polls.
A September 4, 2020 Minnesota Supreme Court order has affirmed in part and reversed in part a district court decision that removed the limit on the number of in-person and absentee voters an individual may assist.
Minnesota Statutes, section 204C.15 limits the number of voters a person can assist at the polling place to three. The Minnesota Supreme Court affirmed the district court’s temporary injunction regarding this statute. The ruling means there is now no limit on the number of voters a single person can assist at a polling place.
Minnesota Statutes, section 203B.08, subdivision 1 limits the number of absentee voters an individual can deliver or mail ballots for to three. The Minnesota Supreme Court reversed the district court’s temporary injunction regarding this statute. The ruling means an individual can only deliver absentee ballots for up to three voters.
Notice of this change will be especially important for election judges and city staff working at the polls because in the past, election judges were responsible for enforcing the limits on the number of voters a person could assist. City staff working at absentee ballot locations will need to continue enforcing the three-ballot maximum.
The Minnesota Office of the Secretary of State (OSS) will provide a poster containing the text of this change for posting at polling places and absentee ballot locations. For more information, contact the OSS at (651) 556-0612.
Source: League of Minnesota Cities
