Adopt Resolution #24-322 Approving Agreement with Anoka County for Pollbook Election Equipment

Councilmembers Howell, Musgrove and Olson have requested this case be added to the regular agenda.  This consideration is in conjunction with the previous case on this agenda, and the consideration of Resolution #24-321.

City Attorney Knaak received a request by the noted Councilmembers to draft a new agreement.  Mr. Knaak has indicated an agreement will be drafted, and staff will update the packet to attached the agreement Tuesday of this Council meeting date.

State Statute grants the County Election Manager the authority to determine what, if any, polling locations use electronic pollbooks for voter check-in.  In 2018, Anoka County implemented electronic rosters county wide.

City Attorney Knaak has held conversations with Councilmembers regarding this topic, and will be able to address questions related to this matter.

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At this time, staff does not recommend the elimination of electronic voter rosters.  The pollbooks have proven to expedite the voter check-in process by eliminating designated lines by the first letter of someone’s last name.  Furthermore, there is an added efficiency to the electronic pollbooks throughout election day by updating the voter roster remotely when a voter has an absentee ballot accepted.  This reduces the risk of a voter having an absentee ballot accepted in the closing days and voting in person on election day, thus being allowed to cast two ballots.  Lastly, technology may fail, and if this were to occur, election judges are trained on how to revert to paper roster should it be necessary.

To staff’s knowledge, there has not been any issues in the state to discredit the security or effectiveness of electronic pollbooks.

Per council discussion, and outcome of vote following a motion.