City Council Meeting Date: June 3, 2025
To: Mayor and City Council
City Administrator
From: Lynette Peterson, City Clerk
Subject:
TITLE
Consideration of Cost Share Agreement Between the City of Northfield and Dakota County for Election Hardware, Software and Related Services
BODY
Action Requested:
The Northfield City Council approves a motion to consider approval of a Cost Share Agreement between the City of Northfield and Dakota County for Election Hardware, Software and Related Services.
Summary Report:
Dakota County's current voting equipment, in service since 2015, is becoming outdated and increasingly unreliable. Upgrading to modern equipment is essential to maintain election integrity, improve accessibility, meet growing demands, and align with updated standards.
Since 2015, the county's voter population has grown by over 10%, and election activity has exceeded initial expectations, with at least four Dakota County elections held annually since 2019. Upgrading to new systems would enhance security through advanced encryption, ensure ADA compliance, and improve the overall voting experience.
The proposed solution is to purchase certified voting equipment that increases efficiency, supports future growth, and reinforces public trust in elections. Without this investment, Dakota County faces rising maintenance costs, a higher risk of delays and errors, and potential security vulnerabilities that could diminish voter confidence.
Currently, only three vendors are certified for use in Minnesota: Dominion Voting Systems, Hart InterCivic, and ES&S. Dakota County currently uses Dominion.
Investing in modern voting equipment represents more than a financial choice, it is a reaffirmation of the commitment to upholding the integrity and credibility of the democratic process. The estimated cost of the project is $5 million, covering the purchase of voting equipment and staff training. Under the proposed cost-share st...
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