Ramsey County Board Workshop on 2026 Election Preparations - March 10, 2026

The Ramsey County Board held a workshop on March 10, 2026, to review preparations for the upcoming 2026 state primary and general elections. The meeting focused on election administration, the potential impact of the proposed SAVE America Act, contract renewals with cities and school districts, voting system upgrades, and security measures. No votes were taken.

Discussion Items

• Election Administration Overview: Deputy Director David Sherplin explained the four levels of election administration in Minnesota: Secretary of State, counties (managed by the county auditor), cities/school districts, and the federal government. Ramsey County has contracted with all but one city and school district since 1996 to carry out city election duties.
• SAVE America Act Discussion: Joe Lee from Government Relations presented the proposed SAVE America Act, which would require documentary proof of citizenship for federal elections and government-issued ID at polling places. Multiple commissioners expressed strong concerns about the act's feasibility, cost, potential to disenfranchise voters, conflict with the Voting Rights Act, and the burden on election judges. Deputy Director Sherplin estimated the cost to Ramsey County at approximately $80,000 per election for additional judges. The act has not passed and faces opposition in Congress.
• Election Contracts and Judge Pay: Existing election contracts with cities expire at the end of 2026. The county is renegotiating six-year terms and plans to propose a $2/hour increase for election judges (to $16/hour), along with funding for new voting booths and adjustments for absentee voting growth. The increase requires board approval later in 2026.
• 2026 Election Expectations: Due to open governor and U.S. Senate seats, turnout is expected to reach 220,000–250,000 voters, with a high primary on August 11. Youth voter turnout has increased since 2018. Ramsey County does not use modems to transmit results on election night, relying on physical delivery for security; this leads to later initial results but final counts by end of night.
• Voting System Upgrades: The county plans to upgrade to a federal VVSG 2.0-certified system, which bans modems and adds two-factor authentication. The new system will also integrate ranked-choice voting (used by Saint Paul) and allow more flexible ballot formatting. The current system contract runs through 2030.
• Voter Preparation and Access: Residents can vote on Election Day, by mail, or early in person. For mail voting, voters are advised to mail ballots at least a week early or drop them at early voting locations. The county serves 27 health care facilities and offers curbside voting. Election judges are the primary voter assistants. The public can observe training, accuracy tests, and recounts.
• Security: The county has an emergency response team (including legal, communications, law enforcement, and facilities) for physical and cybersecurity incidents. Local law enforcement enforces 100-foot no-electioneering zones. The sheriff provides security on election night. School polling places require separate voter-student access. The county works with Saint Paul Public Schools to ensure safe polling sites.

Key Outcomes

• The board will consider a $2/hour wage increase for election judges and funding for new voting booths as part of contract renewals, to be brought for action later in 2026.
• The county will continue to monitor the SAVE America Act and other federal election legislation.
• A future workshop and board actions are planned for the voting system upgrade and related items.
• Election judge recruitment remains active; interested individuals can sign up at mnvotes.gov.