ST. PAUL, Minn. — Today, April 23, 2026, the Senate passed Senate File 4223, the Elections Policy Bill. Authored by Senator Bonnie Westlin (DFL – Plymouth), Vice Chair of the Senate Elections Committee, the bill contains provisions that strengthen protections against election intimidation and interference, update candidate address privacy and security measures, and ensure that presidential candidates meet eligibility requirements.
In light of clear voter intimidation efforts stemming from the federal government, this bill sends a signal to voters that Minnesota has one of the strongest election systems in the country. This bill increases penalties for intimidation of and interference with voters, election officials, election equipment, or election administration from a gross misdemeanor to a felony and increases the maximum civil penalty from $1,000 to $10,000. These increases in penalties will provide additional protections for voters, election officials, and election systems.
Republicans introduced an amendment on the floor that would impose extreme barriers to Minnesota voters. The amendment would have required enhanced ID, which 85% of Minnesotans do not have, or a passport, which 45% of Minnesotans do not have, or a photo ID and a certified birth certificate with matching names, which would disenfranchise the 1.2 million Minnesota women who have changed their name since marriage. DFLers voted this amendment down.
“Election interference and voter intimidation are serious crimes,” said. Sen. Westlin. “It is incumbent upon us, those who believe in robust democracy, to ensure that any malfeasance in our voting process is handled with the penalties that match such an infringement of voting rights.”
After multiple suggestions from President Trump and his allies that he would run for a third term, this bill strengthens requirements for candidates and party chairs to confirm that presidential candidates meet all the constitutional requirements for the office.
“It should not surprise anyone that this president is pushing the boundaries of our laws. We see it every day. However, the 22nd Amendment is clear; there are no third terms for the United States presidency. Upholding our laws and the United States Constitution is a baseline expectation of all politicians. Today, we are bolstering our state’s commitment to the United States Constitution, and our expectations of anyone seeking the highest seat of power in our nation.”
Included are several provisions to address candidate safety, such as treating street addresses as private data and allowing increased candidate spending on security. After the attacks of June 14th, 2025, it is imperative that candidates and their families feel safe running for public office in Minnesota.
“Political violence hits far too close to home in Minnesota, but we cannot let violent acts deter any Minnesotan from running for office. Ensuring addresses are private and allowing for more spending on security are some actions we can take to help candidates and their families feel safe when they step forward for their communities.”
Other provisions include changes to campaign finance disclosures and local statements of economic interest, administrative changes to the campaign finance board and the Office of the Secretary of State, and “I Voted” sticker design competitions.
“Everything we do in the Senate, everything we have in our society, is foundational on the right to vote. The democratic process is the cornerstone of what it means to be an American – one person, one vote. I am proud we have passed this bill that reinforces our strong, nation-leading elections system today.”
The bill passed the Senate on a vote of 34-33. You can view the entire floor debate here.
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Learn more about Sen. Westlin.
