CCP 08-27-2013 - Laserfiche WebLink

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switty of 41 NEW Report Number 13-197 Agenda Section VI-4 the city that works for you Council Meeting Date August 27, 2013 REQUEST FOR COUNCIL CONSIDERATION ITEM DESCRIPTION: Resolution Authorizing Ramsey County to Perform Absentee Voting for the 2013 Elections DEPARTMENT HEAD'S APPROVAL: CITY MANAGER'S APPROVAL: No comments to supplement this report Comments attached Recommendation: Adopt the Resolution Authorizing Ramsey County to Perform Absentee Voting for the 2013 Elections. Legislative History: The 2013 elections are local only. There are no Federal or State offices on the ballot. Although the City has experienced high voter turnout in past elections, it is expected to be less than an election involving a presidential or gubernatorial race. Financial Impact: The County has volunteered to perform most of the absentee voting process for the 2013 elections on a trial basis for free. There will be no financial impact as a result of authorizing this resolution. Also there is no commitment on the part of the City for elections held in future years. Explanation: During the last Minnesota Legislative Session restrictions relating to absentee voting were removed, thereby encouraging more of it. Minnesota's system and procedures for absentee voting is very detailed and cumbersome. It involves publishing notices, processing mailed in requests for applications, mailing out ballots, verifying and processing returned completed ballots, and updating voter registrations to reflect the absentee vote. Mailed in absentee ballots are still accepted and processed as late as the day of the election. The Ramsey County Elections Manager feels very strongly that true"early voting" is coming. He is willing to make arrangements with the City to accept/reject, process and count all mailed absentee ballots for New Brighton for the 2014 elections for a fee. The costs, which will be determined later this year or early next year, are anticipated to be about$5,000. The absentee voting process is the longest and most time consuming step during the election process. It is desirable to outsource it to the County for the 2013 elections on a free,trial basis. New Brighton voters choosing to use the absentee ballots will not notice any changes other than where the mailings come from and go to. Walk-in absentee voting would still be conducted by the City. Ramsey County performs these services for eight other cities within the county. Depending upon our experiences with this approach, we will forward our recommendations for 2014 to the City Council. In order to take advantage of the County's offer of a free trial basis approach for 2013, action is needed very soon in order for the County to plan accordingly. L///( Dan Maiers Finance Director