Elections
Programs and divisions
Purpose and context
The Elections & Voter Services (EVS) Division serves as the gateway to representative democracy, protecting voting rights guaranteed by both federal and state constitutions.
Services provided
The EVS Division maintains readiness and capability to conduct an election whenever required; protects the rights of all eligible voters to equitable, impartial access to the ballot box; and ensures every ballot is accurately and properly counted.
Race equity impacts
Minneapolis is a recognized leader in election administration. Its robust Voter Outreach & Education (VOE) program ensures all qualified voters are “election ready,” helping build awareness and participation across the four-year election cycle. VOE initiatives primarily target communities that have, historically, had lower levels of engagement or which have been identified as facing greater barriers to full participation.
2022 Mayor's Recommended change items
Elections - 2022 Gubernatorial Elections
Program: Elections & Voter Services
Fund: General
FTE: 0
Proposal detail and background
The Mayor recommends adding $4,000,000 in one-time funding to support the 2022 Gubernatorial Elections.
The elections budget fluctuates significantly from year to year, based on the specific type of election in the regular, four-year cycle and a myriad of other factors, such as anticipated versus actual turnout, number of precincts, ballot content, outreach/education activities, etc. The EVS core budget—which funds permanent staff, rent/facilities, general operations, etc.—remains relatively stable year-to-year. An analysis of actual spending over the past five years demonstrates the election expense estimate to meet the requirements to administer an election in the state’s single largest electoral jurisdiction. EVS estimates the actual election-related costs for the 2022 Gubernatorial Election, based on past experiences and initial forecast, would require $4,000,000 in addition to the core (base) budget that has been pre-programmed. The election estimate for 2022 is high as all the 67 State Senators seats, all then 134 State Representative seats are up for election in 2022 following redistricting and the regular gubernatorial election in 2022, making 2022 is a significant state-level election year.
Description of the change
EVS is maximizing all funds to increase/enhance/expand ballot access. This request builds on the resources anticipated to be funded through the base budget. The requested funding includes funds for a permanent (46-day) EVC located at the new EVS headquarters and 2 sites for the 7-day Direct Balloting period. This supplemental request would add four ballot drop off sites and one additional 7-day EVC. The additional 7-day EVC would enable EVS to support a total of 3 “pop-up” EVCs—in addition to the one 46-day site. Absentee Balloting is conducted during the 46-day period prior to each primary or general election. It includes two forms: Vote-By-Mail (VBM) and Early In-Person Voting (EIP). In 2014, “no-excuse” absentee balloting was authorized and in 2016 direct balloting was authorized during the final 7-day period prior to Election Day. While these reforms increase access to the ballot box, it impacts the resources required of EVS to conduct 46 continuous “Election Days” to the same exacting standards and intense public scrutiny as on the actual Election Day. During presidential and gubernatorial elections, Absentee Balloting represents a total of 92 days of voter service for the primary and general elections; but that does not include the time required to recruit and train seasonal workers. It also does not adequately describe the full impact of expanded service hours that include additional weekday and weekend hours (Saturdays and Sundays), per the policy direction of the City Council.
Equity impacts and results
Minneapolis is a recognized leader election administration. Its robust Voter Outreach & Education (VOE) program ensures all qualified voters are 'election ready, helping build awareness and participation across the four-year election cycle. VOE initiatives primarily target communities that have, historically, had lower levels of engagement which have been identified as facing greater barriers to full participation
2020 was an exceptional year due to the COVID-19 pandemic, leading to a dramatic expansion of absentee voting. Tens of thousands of voters were introduced to the additional flexibility and options of the absentee voting process, building on the steady growth in voters choosing absentee voting since 2014. These current trends suggest that absentee voting in 2022 will be even more popular than in the last gubernatorial election (2018), and voters will expect an array of options to cast their ballot similar to what was offered in 2020. Expanding our early vote centers and ballot drop-off locations in 2022 will meet the needs and expectations of voters while allowing the entire absentee voting program to run most efficiently.
Elections - 2022 Transition, Orientation, and Inauguration
Program: Elections & Voter Services
Fund: General
FTE: 0
Proposal detail and background
The Mayor recommends adding $200,000 in one-time funding to the Elections & Voter Services budget, to support the 2022 transition, orientation, and inauguration process for elected officials.
Description of the change
This request is a one-time supplemental to provide necessary funds to support the following activities and events:
- Transition for departing officials not returning in the 2022-2026 term.
- Repairs, renovation, cleaning, and maintenance for policymaker offices during the transition and interim period.
- Temporary office space for newly elected policymakers and transitional/onboarding support, including orientation and other onboarding activities; and
- The 2022 induction (inaugural) ceremonies for the City’s newly elected and re-elected policymakers.
Based on actual expenditures for transition, orientation, and induction from 2013-2014 and 2017-2018 the Clerk’s Office is requesting a one-time supplemental appropriation of $200,000.
Equity impacts and results
The Inauguration event will be opened to all public. They could attend the event either in person or watch it live on the City network.