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Yowsa! Chapter 295 is Packed with Changes

By Eric L. Lipman

Years ago, in a very different life, I used to represent candidates and political committees as an election lawyer. And while I am no longer helping clients to stay on the straight and narrow (or completing filings for my own beleaguered campaign committee), I still enjoy watching the developments in this area of the law from the proverbial ?peanut gallery.?

So, how I missed the signing into law of Chapter 295, which occurred two weeks ago, I cannot precisely say for sure ? but this law has features that candidates, public officials and political operatives of all stripes will want to note.

Included among the changes to the law are new rules on: the receipt of commemorative plaques by public officials; when reports of large campaign contributions must be submitted; close-captioning of political advertisements for deaf and hard-of-hearing voters; agent delivery of absentee ballots; the partisan affiliation and balance of election judges; and charitable donations that may be made by ?terminating? campaign committees.

As we head into an election season with important state elections, these statutory changes could play a role ? at least as to which candidates draw respectful applause for their observance of the new laws and which ones are caught with an embarrassing campaign gaffe.

If someone you love is a candidate or public official in Minnesota, you will want to have them check out Chapter 295 ? which is accessible here.

Full post as published by Within the Scope on May 30, 2008 (boomark / email).