Voting system testing improved.

HF 1617 requires Minnesota election officials to test voting systems at least 10 days before absentee ballots are used. The bill mandates specific testing procedures to verify systems correctly mark ballots (including with assistive technology) and count votes for all candidates and questions, including testing for invalid votes. Public notice of test times must be given 5 days in advance, tests must be observed by two election judges from different major parties, and results must be available for public inspection within 24 hours. This bill directly affects county election officials and ensures transparency in pre-election voting system verification for Minnesota elections.