Senate committee hears bill to expand voter fund for local election operations

Senate File 1430, sponsored by Sen. Eric Carlson, would add appropriations to the Voting Operations, Technology and Election Resources account — the voter fund that the secretary of state’s office distributes to Minnesota counties and cities to offset local costs of running elections. Carlson presented the bill on Feb. 27 to the Senate Elections Committee, and county and city officials, along with Secretary of State Steve Simon, testified in favor. The committee laid the bill over for possible inclusion in an omnibus bill.

Why it matters: County and municipal election offices told the committee the voter fund has provided meaningful, though partial, financial relief for election equipment, staff and maintenance — items that counties said are necessary to run secure and accessible…