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Election‑technology group asks East Bethel to cancel county poll‑pad agreement
Summary
Anoka County Election Integrity Team asked the council to cancel the county’s poll‑pad agreement and said several cities have withdrawn; the speaker cited concerns about how the agreement was adopted and legal risks tied to the devices.
Derek Lind, representing the Anoka County Election Integrity Team (ASET), urged the East Bethel City Council during the public forum to cancel the county’s poll‑pad agreement and reassess whether the city should continue using the electronic check‑in system on election days.
Lind said the poll pads were introduced in February 2018 and that two cities in Anoka County — Oak Grove and Ramsey — have canceled agreements. He described the county agreement as “one‑sided in favor of the county” and said he could not find evidence that the city formally voted to adopt the agreement when the technology was first rolled out. Lind asked the council to “take another closer look” and offered to return with a more detailed presentation.
Lind also said there are statutes that govern poll‑pad use and suggested the council review possible liabilities and procurement procedures. He said the Anoka County Board recently saw political change on the issue: he named commissioners Heinrich and Reiner as having voted against a county purchase in January.
The council did not take action during the meeting; Lind was invited to submit additional materials and to return for a fuller discussion if the council schedules it.
