Minnesota HF3589: Voters permitted to briefly leave a polling place to address an unexpected need, at the discretion of the head election judge.

What the bill says

A bill for an act relating to elections; permitting a voter to briefly leave a polling place to address an unexpected need, at the discretion of the head election judge; amending Minnesota Statutes 2024, section 204C.13, subdivision 7.

From the engrossed text, March 26, 2026:

A bill for an act relating to elections; permitting a voter to briefly leave a polling place to address an unexpected need, at the discretion of the head election judge; amending Minnesota Statutes 2024, section 204C.13, subdivision 7. Section 1. Minnesota Statutes 2024, section 204C.13, subdivision 7, is amended to read: Subd. 7. Leaving the polling place. new text begin [ADDED: (a) ] new text end An individual who has voted or whose ballot has been rejected shall leave the polling place and shall not return except as provided by section 204C.06 or 204C.07. new text begin [ADDED: (b) A voter with a demonstrated need, who has been issued a ballot but has not yet cast that ballot, may be permitted to leave the polling place to address that need and return to the polling place to cast their ballot.] new text end new text begin [ADDED: Before leaving the polling place, the original ballot issued to the voter must be spoiled and remain in the polling place. The voter must complete a form with their full name, address, and date of birth. The head judge shall note the time when the voter leaves the polling place. The form must be initialed by the voter and the head judge.] new text end new text begin [ADDED: Upon the voter's return, …

Read the full official text

Sponsors

• Jimmy Gordon (R, 28A) · primary sponsor
• Pam Altendorf (R)

Latest actions

1. May 4, 2026: Senate file first reading, referred to Workforce, Labor, and Economic Development Finance and Policy
2. May 4, 2026: Received from Senate Intro
3. April 28, 2026: Referred to Elections
4. April 28, 2026: Introduction and first reading
5. April 28, 2026: Received from House
6. April 27, 2026: Bill was passed vote: 131-2
7. April 27, 2026: Third reading
8. April 27, 2026: Amendments offered
9. April 23, 2026: House rule 1.21, placed on Calendar for the Day 04/27/2026
10. March 26, 2026: Second reading

Votes

• CALENDAR FOR THE DAY - Passage (April 27, 2026): 131 yea, 2 nay, passed
• CALENDAR FOR THE DAY - Amendment (April 27, 2026): 67 yea, 67 nay, failed

Common questions

What is HF3589?

HF3589 is a bill in the Minnesota Legislature (94th Legislature 2025-2026): Voters permitted to briefly leave a polling place to address an unexpected need, at the discretion of the head election judge.

What does HF3589 do?

In its own words: A bill for an act relating to elections; permitting a voter to briefly leave a polling place to address an unexpected need, at the discretion of the head election judge; amending Minnesota Statutes 2024, section 204C.13, subdivision 7.

What is the status of HF3589?

In committee as of April 28, 2026. Latest action: Senate file first reading, referred to Workforce, Labor, and Economic Development Finance and Policy (May 4, 2026).

Who sponsored HF3589?

Jimmy Gordon (R, 28A), with 1 co-sponsor.

Where is the official record for HF3589?

On the Minnesota Legislature website: https://www.revisor.mn.gov/bills/bill.php?f=HF3589&y=2025&ssn=0&b=house