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Lakeville council approves 18‑day in‑person early voting window, citing usage data and modest savings
Summary
After staff presented usage data showing most in‑person votes occur in the final 18 days, Lakeville’s council voted to switch to an 18‑day in‑person early voting model, authorizing staff to notify Dakota County. Supporters said mail ballot options remain available and the change will reduce staff burden and save roughly $9,520 per election cycle.
The Lakeville City Council voted to administer in‑person early voting at City Hall for the final 18 days before election day rather than for the full 46‑day absentee period, authorizing staff to notify Dakota County and implement the change.
City Clerk Miss Ralofsky told the council the key tradeoff is operational: "The key thing to remember is that voters are not losing any voting options," she said, emphasizing that mail ballots would still be available for the full 46‑day absentee period and would continue to be administered by Dakota County. Staff presented local turnout data showing most in‑person voting occurred in the final 18 days, and estimated the 18‑day model would save approximately $9,520 per election cycle while aligning staffing with voter behavior.
Three residents spoke during an offered public comment period. Phil Wilson urged the council to preserve early voting as an access tool and to be transparent about where savings would be realized; "Expanding access to early voting helps ensure that more eligible citizens have a meaningful opportunity to make their voices heard," he said. Karen Miller supported the 18‑day option, citing the statistics shown and the estimated savings: "I just encourage your support of going with the 18 day option knowing that it's not going to disenfranchise voters," she said. Steven Shore urged caution and reminded the council of concerns about public confidence and access.
Council discussion focused on matching staffing to turnout and on long‑term workload: Councilmember Joshua Lee noted the 46‑day period primarily supported mail‑in ballots and that in‑person turnout before the final 18 days had been low; Councilmember Dan Walter said the measure had broad bipartisan support at the state level and called the 18‑day option "sensible." Walter moved the resolution to adopt the 18‑day model and authorize staff to notify Dakota County; the council approved the motion by roll call.
The council recorded the motion and a roll call vote to implement the 18‑day in‑person model and directed staff to complete the notice to Dakota County before the June 12 deadline described by staff.
