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Council appoints election judges after tense public exchange over photo of sign-in sheet
Summary
The council approved resolution 26-20 appointing election judges for the August primary. A resident and one council member challenged a city staff photo of a training sign-in sheet; Tony, the staff member, defended taking the picture and said confidentiality rules were observed, prompting heated back-and-forth before the resolution passed by voice vote.
Rice Lake approved a resolution appointing election judges for the upcoming primary but the item prompted a public and council exchange about a photo taken of a training sign-in sheet.
Tony explained the judge-selection process, saying the state provides a listing of sign-ups, additional people sign up via the city website, and judges complete training before the city selects the number of judges needed. He said discretion and confidentiality are emphasized during training.
A resident questioned why Nelson Road or training sign-in procedures were handled as they were and raised concerns about a photo of the sign-in sheet. Tony said he had taken a photo during training and defended the action: "I only did that to keep the names, and you specifically told me you cannot share that. I am fully aware of the rules and regulations." The resident and other speakers disputed the need for the photo and raised concerns about targeting and conduct.
The council opened the topic for public discussion before the vote; after debate, Councilor Jekka moved to adopt resolution 26-20 appointing judges for the primary election, Councilor Quaid seconded and the motion passed by voice vote.
Tony told the council that election judges often number four per shift for the primary and that the city stresses judges keep certain information confidential. The council did not remove any names from the resolution; the motion passed and the appointments will stand for the upcoming August 11 primary.
