2017.01.17 CC Packet - Goal Setting Session

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IN-PERSON ABSENTEE VOTING PROCEDURES Position: Washington County supports legislation that will allow an in-person absentee voter to place their ballot directly into the ballot tabulator during the entire 46 -day absentee voting period. Issue: During the 2016 legislative session provisions that allow early in-person voters to place their ballots directly into the ballot tabulator during the seven days before the election were authorized. This legislation substantially improves the voter experience and reduces administrative burden however it creates a disparity between in-person absentee voters. Voters casting their ballot in-person during the first 39 days of the absentee voting period are required to use the more time consuming and expensive mail absentee ballot process which requires a minimum of two envelopes, and an extensive manual process, that does not notify the voter of an error on their ballot. Voters using this process have expressed unease about having their ballot envelopes placed in a locked ballot box. In-person absentee voters who vote during the last seven days before the election are allowed to place their ballots directly into the ballot tabulator. Voters using the certified tabulator receive system validation that their ballot was accepted without error or receive a message identifying errors and allowing the voter to mark a replacement ballot. Support and Opposition: Opposition and support for changes to in-person absentee voting at the legislature has been mixed and historically delineated by political party but that may be changing. Both major political parties actively promoted absentee voting during the 2016 election. Support for expansion of the in-person absentee ballot tabulator process will come from the Minnesota Association of County Officers, Minnesota Office of the Secretary of State, and various voting rights groups, though not all may agree on the length of time to allow this alternative procedure. Previous Consideration: The County Board actively supported the 2016 legislation allowing in-person voters to place their ballots directly into the ballot tabulator during the seven days before the election. No Action: If no action is taken the in-person absentee voters will suffer disparate voter experiences, voter concerns will not be addressed, and the administrative costs for absentee voting will continue to expand as the popularity of absentee voting increases. Financial Implications: Allowing in-person absentee voters to place their ballots directly into the ballot counter rather than using the supplies and procedures required for mail voting reduces costs per transaction over 50%, improves service, and notifies the voter of an error thereby allowing them to obtain a replacement ballot and have their vote counted. Contact Person: Jennifer Wagenius, Director Property Records and Taxpayer Services 651-430-6182 Jennifer.wagenius@co.washington.mn.us 29