HF3 establishes automatic voter registration for eligible individuals when they apply for or renew a Minnesota driver’s license, medical assistance, or other benefits through designated agencies. Additionally, it enables individuals aged 16 or 17 to submit voter registration applications, with privacy measures until they turn 18 and are registered. Furthermore, it introduces a permanent absentee ballot request list, allowing voters to receive ballots automatically for each election, replacing the need for repeated absentee ballot applications. These sections also detail mailing timelines for ballots and update forms accordingly, while making information about individuals on the permanent absentee voting list public.
The Minnesota State House of Representatives passed HF3 on April 13, 2023 by a vote of 70 to 57. We have assigned pluses to the nays because automatic voter registration may increase the risk of voter fraud and compromise the integrity of elections. Individuals should take the initiative to register to vote, as it is a civic responsibility, but automatic registration can lead to inaccuracies in voter rolls. Additionally, having ballots sent in the mail for every election opens the door for even more fraud.