Minnesota Senate Republicans recently approved the use of more than $17 million Help America Vote Act (HAVA) and CARES Act funds to secure and protect our elections. The bill passed with overwhelming bipartisan support.

“We have a primary election coming up in August and a general election in November. We have a responsibility to make sure that those elections are conducted safely and securely in every precinct in the state, and that voters are crystal clear about their options,” said Sen. Julie Rosen (R-Vernon Center). “We are giving voters the choice to vote in the manner they are most comfortable with — by absentee mail, absentee in-person, or in a secure voting location away from vulnerable populations. Every Minnesotan should not only trust the process, but also have full confidence in the outcome of our elections.”

Roughly half of the funds can be used for any COVID-19 related needs such as temporary screens, cleaning and sanitizing supplies, protective equipment, and social distancing compliance, including extra staff to manage an expected increase of mail absentee ballots. The other half of funding can be used to more general election needs, including updating the Statewide Voter Registration System, election accessibility, and improved election security.

In addition to the funding, the bill allows for the one-time relocation of polling places by July 1, 2020, to protect vulnerable populations. Locations usually needed to be finalized before the end of the year previous to an election. The bill also allows the electronic filing of an affidavit of candidacy and electronic signatures for nominations petitions.