Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Elections topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Winona County Board approves new poll pads after debate over cost, backup paper rosters
Summary
After public comment and extended discussion about cost and election backup procedures, the Winona County Board approved buying new poll-pad units, with commissioners asking staff to refine models and privacy protections before the next major election.
The Winona County Board voted to buy new electronic poll (pull) pad units after a prolonged discussion about cost, redundancy with paper rosters and voting integrity.
Linda Johnson of La Crescent, who identified herself as an election judge, urged the board not to buy the devices now, saying the county faces a proposed 12.49% increase in the taxpayer levy and that the $38,000 purchase was “not warranted.” She told the board that Minnesota statute requires a paper alternative where electronic rosters are used and said the county managed with paper rosters during the August 2024 primary. “Taking all of this into account at a time when the county should be trying to look for budget cuts, spending $38,000 on pull pads is not warranted,” Johnson said.
Supporters argued poll pads speed processing in larger precincts and that older iPad hardware and compatibility issues are forcing replacement. “For the larger precincts, people have given me feedback that this does help them process people faster,” a commissioner said during the debate. County staff said the replacement is prompted in part because newer software is not compatible with older devices and because the county lacks sufficient backup units.
Commissioner Olsen moved to approve the purchase, with Commissioner Meyer seconding. The board approved the motion by voice vote; at least one member voiced opposition during the roll call and commissioners asked staff to come back with more detail on model differences, Internet connectivity and configuration fees before the next major election. Miss Holte (county staff) said staff would follow up with the election technician and the City of Winona clerk to clarify operational protections.
The board recorded no formal roll-call tally in the meeting packet; the outcome was announced as approved on a voice vote. Commissioners said they expect more scrutiny at the next major election and requested written follow-up on technical specifications, privacy safeguards and whether the county can scale the purchase down to reduce upfront costs.
The board also noted that statutory backup with paper rosters will remain in place regardless of this purchase. Next steps: staff to return with specifics on device types, costs, configuration fees and privacy safeguards.
