Retention elections for persons appointed to certain county offices required.

HF 68 requires Minnesota counties to hold retention elections for individuals appointed to certain county offices, directly affecting appointed officials like county auditors or clerks. The bill mandates a first retention election at the next general election after the law takes effect; if voters reject retention, the appointee must leave by January 1 of the following year, and the county board must appoint a new person. If approved, the official remains in office and faces a retention election every four years at general elections. The ballot will ask voters: "May the county board retain [name] as the person appointed and responsible for the functions of [county office title]?" with "Yes" or "No" options.