The issue of mail in ballots was discussed at last Tuesday’s Board of Commissioners meeting. A resolution has been brought forth to allow mail balloting for elections in Unorganized Territory #1 in Lake County. Some Townships in the county have relatively small numbers of voters, many of whom choose to vote using absentee ballots. Minnesota statutes allow for any city having fewer than 400 registered voters and not located in a metropolitan area, to conduct balloting by mail. Additionally, it has become a challenge to find Election Judges, trained citizens who administer election procedures in polling places on election day. Commissioners discussed the importance of making sure that people have unencumbered access to vote and they will be meeting with residents in September to get input from people who would be impacted by this resolution.
Lake County is due for a renewed survey of county land. Such surveys are done periodically, using aerial photography. Funds for this have been included in the 2024 budget. Commissioners agreed that a flyover is appropriate since it has been several years since the last survey was conducted.
Lake County Sheriff Nathan Stadler talked briefly about an active threat training event that was held at William Kelley High School. The training was hosted by the U.S. Border Patrol and provides law enforcement officials with best practices for dealing with an active threat situation.
Finally, Melissa Crandall has been hired as Lake County’s new Assistant Veterans Service Officer. She will start her work on August 14th.
