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• AGENDA ITEM 3B STAFF ORIGNINATOR: Jean Viger, Deputy Clerk MEETING DATE: May 8, 2006 TOPIC: Establishing Absentee Ballot Board in the City of Lino Lakes VOTE REQUIRED: Simple Majority (3/5 Vote) BACKGROUND: The City of Lino Lakes receives hundreds of absentee ballots each election and every absentee ballot must be accepted or rejected base on the criteria set forth by Minnesota election law. Current state law allows for absentee voting based on the voter meeting one of five specific reasons. At this time there is a bill in legislature seeking to allow anyone to vote absentee without a specific reason. This would create an increase in the already large number of absentee ballots to be processed on Election Day. Establishing an Absentee Ballot Board is an excellent way to improve the processing of absentee ballots with less chance for error as well as easing the responsibility of the election judges on Election Day. Anoka County is willing to aid in facilitating the Absentee Ballot Board for the state elections if every city, township and school board is willing to authorize the Board through official action. This would mean more experienced workers will supervise the accepting or rejecting of the absentee ballots. The current plan is that approximately four days prior to the election, each city would be responsible to send individuals to Anoka County, in our case the City Clerk, Deputy Clerk/Election Liaison or designee, to conduct the responsibilities of the Board. Anoka County will supply the room, match the absentee ballots to the absentee ballot applications and provide any necessary supplies. However, during local elections, the City of Lino Lakes will be responsible for administering the Board for that election. In order for this process to be successful and consistent for every city, township and school board, the County needs 100% consensus. OPTIONS: 1. By motion, approve Resolution No. 06 -65, establishing an Absentee Ballot Board in the City of Lino Lakes. 2. Reject Resolution No. 06 -65 RECOMMENDATION: 1. Approve Resolution 06 -65 -48-