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Oak Grove council directs staff to seek discontinuation of county electronic poll rosters
Summary
The council voted unanimously to direct city staff to engage Anoka County and the Minnesota Secretary of State’s office to discontinue the use of electronic poll rosters (poll pads) in city precincts and to renegotiate any agreements with the county.
The Oak Grove City Council on Feb. 24 unanimously adopted a resolution directing city staff to pursue discontinuation of electronic poll rosters (commonly called "poll pads") at city precincts and to negotiate any needed agreements with Anoka County and the Minnesota Office of the Secretary of State.
Mayor Ralph and other council members said the action reiterates a position the council adopted previously and noted lingering questions about both the cost and the operational effect of the electronic rosters. The mayor read aloud a letter he had sent to county commissioners urging a public explanation and asking county representatives to appear before the council.
The council discussed a range of cost estimates circulated by an outside group (ACE IT) and county staff. The outside group's analysis estimated that continued use of electronic poll rosters could cost Oak Grove taxpayers roughly $813,238–$873,838 over six years; a county elections official (Mr. Hunt) replied that only the poll pads themselves require replacement and that the county's after‑state reimbursement figure was approximately $107,000. Council members said they had not received consistent, transparent numbers and urged county representatives to provide detailed cost justification.
Council Member West moved and Council Member Bray Johnson seconded a resolution directing staff "to engage with Anoka County and the Minnesota Office of the Secretary of State and any other government entity to provide for the discontinuation of electronic poll rosters at city precincts" and to renegotiate any agreements. The motion passed 5‑0.
Council members said the vote does not prejudge other jurisdictions' choices but reflects Oak Grove's preference and instructs staff to take necessary administrative steps, including providing notice under Minnesota Statute section 201.225 if required. The council asked the city administrator to continue discussions with county elections staff and invited the county commissioners to appear before the council to explain their position.
