2008_0428_packet - Laserfiche WebLink

Home

*Ramsey County says to allow three weeks for set up, County approval, attorney approvals and printing of ballots. City must use county contracted printing company. * *It would take a minimum of 30 days to recruit, schedule and train judges. City must appoint a minimum of 25 days before election, so need 55 days to schedule. Additional note - If City has to change a voting location,, the City must provide a 90 days notice to the state. It will take at least two weeks to confirm whether all current voting locations are available on August 19. Other Issues Back in 2004 when I researched this issue,, the League of Minnesota Cities had little information. Generally cities with charters may have a provision allowing for a special election,, but not requiring it. I looked at 12 cities in the metro area, and only Minneapolis has specific special election language. Both Fridley and St. Paul had permissive language but did not require a special election. The voters of Roseville twice rejected a proposed City Charter which included provisions calling for special elections. Based on the results I would argue the voters do not want the City to conduct special elections. Joe land y, Elections Coordinator for Ramsey County, has more than 20 years of experience in the elections field. He worked for the Secretary of State's office for many years and is considered one of the most knowledgeable election experts in the state. When I spoke with Joe about the possibility of a special election, one of his first questions was "what public good does it serve to spend $,20,000 for someone to serve four to six months?" Joe then raised three points for the Council to consider. He said he makes these arguments no matter what government entity is considering a special election. • It is much more cost effective to avoid a special election. Elected officials have a responsibility to preserve public dollars. • More people vote during regularly scheduled elections. • We believe it the responsible decision is to hold elections on dates and at places with which the public is familiar. Joe also reminded me that Ramsey County's first priority this summer is preparing for the November election. The County could not give the City the support it did in the 2004 Special Election. I must add that planning and coordinating an election is extremely time consuming and stressful. It's April and I am already preparing for the Primary and General Elections. I do not believe I could coordinate three elections in four months' time. The City would have to hire someone to coordinate this election.