DEPARTMENT: Elections
FILE TYPE: Regular Action
TITLE
title
Authorization To Establish Absentee Ballot Board
end
PURPOSE/ACTION REQUESTED
Authorize to establish an absentee ballot board for 2026 and subsequent elections.
SUMMARY
Pursuant to Minn. Stat. ? 203B.121 Subd. 1, the governing body of each county, municipality, and
school district with responsibility to accept and reject absentee ballots must, by ordinance or
resolution, establish a Ballot Board. Pursuant to Minn. Stat. ? 204B.19 to 204B.22, the Ballot Board membership must consist of a sufficient number of elections judges in equal number from each of the major political parties in Minnesota. The Ballot Board may also include deputy county auditors.
Most recently, on June 21, 2022, by Resolution No. 22-248, the County Board of Commissioners authorized the establishment of the Absentee Ballot Board for voters in Dakota County townships and in Dakota County cities that do not have a full-time city clerk, and for absentee ballots cast pursuant to the uniformed and overseas citizen absentee ballot act (UOCAVA). This authorization must be updated in accordance with Joint Powers Agreements for Absentee Balloting Services since the Elections Department convenes an absentee ballot board for all jurisdictions in the County.
The Elections Department uses the party-provided election judge list received from the Office of the Secretary of State to appoint election judges to the County absentee ballot board pursuant to Minn. Stat. ? 203B.121. Deputy county auditors, who have received training in the processing and counting of absentee ballots, will only serve on the County Absentee Ballot Board if a sufficient number of election judges are not available to serve on the board. When required by law, party balance will be maintained by not having a majority of any one major political party.
RECOMMENDATION
recommendation
Staff recommends that the County Board establish an absentee ballot board, that is staffed...
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