DEPARTMENT: Elections
FILE TYPE: Regular Action
TITLE
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Authorization To Execute Joint Powers Agreement Between Dakota County And Cities And Townships In Dakota County To Conduct Postelection Review
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PURPOSE/ACTION REQUESTED
Authorize the Assistant County Manager to execute joint powers agreements (JPA) between Dakota County and Cities and Townships to conduct the Postelection Review (PER.)
SUMMARY
Minn. Stat. § 206.89 requires a postelection review of the state general election by a manual count of the ballots used in precincts selected by lot.
To streamline administration and ensure consistent procedures, the Election Department proposes to appoint and hire election judges who will conduct the post-election review across all selected precincts, rather than having each municipality recruit and utilize their own judges. Using county election judges will help to maintain uniform standards, party balance, and efficiency during the review process. The agreement automatically renews unless terminated.
Jurisdictions shall be billed only if their precinct(s) are selected and then only billed the actual cost of the hourly salary of election judges. The department implemented this approach in 2024 and it proved cost-effective and efficient.
RECOMMENDATION
recommendation
Staff recommends that the County Board authorize the Assistant County Manager to execute joint powers agreements (JPA) between Dakota County and Cities and Townships to conduct the Postelection Review (PER).
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EXPLANATION OF FISCAL/FTE IMPACTS
Minn. Stat. § 206.89 mandates that the governing body responsible for each precinct selected for review must pay the costs incurred for that review. Any costs incurred by Dakota County for the postelection review will therefore be invoiced to selected municipalities according to statute after the election.
☐ None ☒ Current budget ☐ Other
☐ Amendment Requested ☐ New FTE(s) requested
RESOLUTION
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WHEREAS, Minn. Stat. § 206.89 requires a postelection review of the state general election by a manual count of the ballots in precincts selected by lot; and
WHEREAS, authorizing the County Election Department to appoint and hire election judges who will conduct the postelection review across all selected precincts streamlines administration and ensures consistency; and
WHEREAS, Minn. Stat. § 206.89 requires a postelection review of the state general election by a manual count of the ballots in precincts selected by lot; and
WHEREAS, authorizing the County Election Department to appoint and hire election judges who will conduct the postelection review across all selected precincts streamlines administration and ensures consistency; and
WHEREAS, using county-appointed election judges will help to maintain uniform standards, party balance, and efficiency during the review process; and
WHEREAS, jurisdictions shall be billed only if their precinct(s) are selected, and then billed actual cost of the hourly salary of election judges.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, That the Dakota County Board of Commissioners hereby authorizes the Assistant County Manager to execute joint powers agreements between cities and townships in Dakota County to conduct the postelection review.
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PREVIOUS BOARD ACTION
None.
ATTACHMENTS
Attachment: Draft JPA for Postelection Review (PER)
BOARD GOALS
☐ Thriving People ☐ A Healthy Environment with Quality Natural Resources
☐ A Successful Place for Business and Jobs ☒ Excellence in Public Service
CONTACT
Department Head: Michelle Blue
Author: Michelle Blue