Minnesota Statutes Elections (Ch. 200-212) § 204B.175. Change of polling place in an emergency

Subdivision 1. Application. When an emergency occurs after the deadline to designate a polling place for the purpose of absentee or early voting pursuant tosection 203B.081, or after the deadline to designate a polling place pursuant tosection 204B.16but before the polls close on election day, a new polling place may be designated pursuant to this section. For purposes of this section, an emergency is any situation that prevents the safe, secure, and full operation of a polling place, or when required to remedy a potential violation ofsection 200.54.

Subd. 2. Changing polling place. If a local election official determines that an emergency has occurred or is imminent, the local election official must procure a polling place that is as near the designated polling place as possible and that complies with the requirements ofsection 204B.16, subdivisions 4and5. If it is not possible to locate a new polling place in the precinct, the polling place may be located outside of the precinct without regard to the distance limitations insection 204B.16, subdivision 1. If a polling place location is changed to remedy a potential violation ofsection 200.54, the location of the polling place must be selected to remedy the violation. The local election official must certify to the appropriate governing body the expenses incurred because of the change. These expenses shall be paid as part of the expenses of the election.

Subd. 2a. Designation of additional polling places. A local election official may designate additional polling places, notwithstanding the deadlines insection 203B.081, if additional designations are required to remedy a potential violation ofsection 200.54. The local election official must certify to the appropriate governing body the expenses incurred because of the change. These expenses shall be paid as part of the expenses of the election.