Minnesota Constitution Article VII. Elective franchise
Minnesota Constitution – Article VII: Elective Franchise
Article VII of the Minnesota Constitution addresses voting rights and election qualifications—commonly referred to as the elective franchise. Below is a summary of its key provisions:
Summary of Article VII – Elective Franchise
Eligibility to Vote:
A person must be:
At least 18 years old
A citizen of the United States
A resident of Minnesota for at least 20 days immediately preceding the election
The person must be properly registered as a voter.
Disqualifications:
A person convicted of a felony is not eligible to vote until:
The person’s civil rights are restored (typically upon completion of the sentence, including probation/parole).
A person under guardianship may be disqualified from voting if a court specifically revokes their right to vote.
Persons who are mentally incompetent as declared by a court are not eligible to vote.
Residence and Voting:
Residency for voting is based on actual physical presence with intent to reside.
A person can vote only in the precinct where they reside.
Uniform Voting Laws:
Laws governing the mechanics of voting (registration, absentee ballots, etc.) must be uniform throughout the state.
Military and Out-of-State Voting:
Provisions exist to enable military personnel, citizens overseas, and students to vote, typically through absentee ballots.
Ballot and Secrecy:
Voting must be conducted by secret ballot, ensuring privacy and freedom in choice.
Legislative Authority:
The Legislature is authorized to enforce this article and make laws consistent with it.
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