MACO/AMCO ELECTION ADMINISTRATOR’S COMMITTEE MEETING
SUMMER CONFERENCE
Tuesday, June 16, 2009
Rutgers Sugar Lake Lodge
Grand Rapids, Minnesota
CALL TO ORDER:
Co-chairs Dennis Distad and Patty O’Connor called the meeting to order.
INTRODUCTIONS OF THE FOLLOWING IN ATTENDANCE:
NAME
Pat Martinson
Dennis Distad
Bridgette Kennedy
Gary Poser
Cindy Reichert
Kendra Olson
Phil Thompson
Lois Bonde
Kurt Hoffman
Debby Erickson
Michelle Knutson
Sharon Mitchell
Paul Gassert
Larry Jacobs
COUNTY
Freeborn
Freeborn
Nicollet
OSS
Anoka
Carver
Mille Lacs
Yellow Medicine
Hennepin
Crow Wing
Big Stone
Carver
Carlton
Renville
NAME
Laurie Engelen
Karen Myers
Patty O’Connor
Mary Kay Kes
Diane Teff
Joe Mansky
Sharon Balster
Kathy Schreurs
Marlin Helget
Shelly Angen
Doug Sunde
Bob Closser
Kenneth Olson
Sharon Anderson
COUNTY
Carver
Blue Earth
Blue Earth
Scott
Anoka
Ramsey
Nobles
Lincoln
Brown
Synergy Graphics
Synergy Graphics
Bear Graphics
Pennington
Cass
APPROVAL OF AGENDA:
Motion by Bridget Kennedy, Nicollet County and seconded by Diane Teff, Anoka County to approve the
agenda. Motion passed.
APPROVAL OF MINUTES:
Motion by Paul Gassert, Carlton County and seconded by Phil Thompson, Mille Lacs County to approve
the minutes of the January 13, 2009 meeting. Motion passed.
SECRETARY OF STATE STAFF:
Gary Poser, Director of Elections SOS was present and reported that much of the 2009 election
legislation was vetoed by the governor. Check the websites for legislation that did pass. The US Senate
seat has not yet been filled. The SOS is hoping for a 5-0 decision from the State Supreme Court
regarding the Senate race. After the decision the 32 precinct review can be held.
Discussion was held regarding the Minnesota Majority Law Suite. It is unclear why they are filing such a
case. Auditors are urged to take a look at their county’s voting history and make sure they feel
comfortable explaining any discrepancies.
It was mentioned that reversed posting of voter history basically went well in the last election. The only
problem arose when there were comments written on the signature lines that could be mistaken for a
signature.
POSSIBLE AUDITOR/ELECTION ADMINISTRATOR BILL 2010 LEGISLATIVE STRATEGY:
Patty O’Connor, Blue Earth County, led discussion on MACO carrying their own election legislation for
2010 that would not be political to avoid opposition from the parties. It was suggested that it be
narrowly focused to get needed items passed. Joe Mansky, Ramsey County, prepared the attached list
of suggestions.
Patty O’Connor also made an appeal for Election Administrators to testify and show support at the
capital when legislation is being presented. She also added that election administrators need to
approach their legislators as early as this summer regarding proposed legislation so they are well
informed when it is introduced.
SEMI ROUND TABLE OPEN DISCUSSION:
Discussion was held on what was learned from the 2008 election and senate recount and also on what
can be done administratively to be more consistent and uniform between counties. It was suggested
that the Election Committee meet this fall to establish best practices that could be presented during
trainings. In spite of the close senate race, counties felt last November’s election was very successful.
ADJOURN:
Motion by Karen Myers, Blue Earth County and seconded by May Kay Kes, Scott County to adjourn.
Motion passed.