Subd. 1. Definition.

"Election reporting system" means the computerized central statewide database for offices, candidates, ballot questions, and unofficial results developed and maintained by the secretary of state. The system facilitates the collection, aggregation, reporting, and secure sharing of unofficial election results to the public.

Subd. 2. Authority.

The secretary of state must maintain an election reporting system as provided in this section.

Subd. 3. Entry of names.

1. (a) For federal and state elections, the county auditor must enter in the election reporting system the names of all candidates who have filed for office with the county auditor no later than one day after the filing is received. Within one day of receiving notification and no later than one day after the withdrawal period closes, the county auditor must enter in the election reporting system the names of candidates for city, town, school district, or other elective office for which the county auditor has been notified. For any candidate who files by nominating petition or a petition in place of filing fee, the county auditor must enter in the election reporting system the name of the candidate within one day after the petition has been reviewed and determined to meet all legal requirements.
2. (b) The secretary of state must enter in the election reporting system the names of all candidates who have filed for office with the secretary of state no later than one day after the filing is received. For any candidate who files by nominating petition or a petition in place of filing fee, the secretary of state must enter in the election reporting system the name of the candidate within one day after the petition has been reviewed and determined to meet all legal requirements.

Subd. 4. Results reporting testing.

At least seven days prior to any federal or state primary, general, or special election, the county auditor must test the results reporting functions in the election reporting system maintained by the secretary of state. The test must include the entry of vote totals for all candidates or ballot question responses within each contest or ballot question, and the county auditor must verify that the predetermined test results are displayed. The county auditor must report to the secretary of state that the test has been conducted, and no errors are apparent. If errors occur during the test, the county auditor must work with the secretary of state to resolve all issues and retest until resolved.

Subd. 5. Reporting results.

For federal and state elections, as soon as practicable after delivery of the returns, the county auditor must report all unofficial election results in the elections reporting system.

Subd. 6. Unofficial results.

Results reported to the election reporting system are unofficial results. Election results are not official until after the canvassing board certifies the result of the election.