DEPARTMENT: Elections
FILE TYPE: Regular Information
TITLE
title
Update On Voting Equipment Procurement
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PURPOSE/ACTION REQUESTED
An update on the replacement of voting equipment will be provided.
SUMMARY
In March of 2025, Dakota County Board of Commissioners directed the Elections Department to move forward with executing cost-share agreements with election partners and initiate procurement of new voting equipment in anticipation of first utilizing the equipment at the August 11, 2026 State Primary Election. All 45 cities, townships, and school districts in Dakota County have signed and executed a cost share agreement to contribute their respective portions of the new voting equipment costs.
The Elections Department released an RFP on May 9, 2025, and five vendors submitted proposals in response in June. The Department elected to see demonstrations from four vendors; all of the vendors currently certified in the state of Minnesota.
Those demonstrations occurred in August and gave municipal clerks, election judges, and community members the opportunity to see how different systems work, ask questions, and provide feedback. Dozens of municipal clerks, their deputies and election judges were in attendance. We also invited accessibility advocacy groups and members of the disability community and had voters with visual and hearing impairments attend demonstrations.
The input gathered will help guide our recommendation on which equipment best meets the needs of our voters and communities.
Updating this equipment now ensures that our elections continue to be secure, accurate, and efficient, while also meeting modern accessibility standards required by law.
RECOMMENDATION
recommendation
Information only; no action requested.
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EXPLANATION OF FISCAL/FTE IMPACTS
☒ None ☐ Current budget ☐ Other
☐ Amendment Requested ☐ New FTE(s) requested
RESOLUTION
body
Information only; no action requested.
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PREVIOUS BOARD ACTION
25-142; 3/25/25
ATTACHMENTS
Attachment: Presentation Slides
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