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City Administrator Hagen explained that they will need to pass a resolution if they are changing a <br /> polling location by December 31. <br /> Councilmember Musgrove noted that she did want to look at Ward 3, P1 and P2. She asked if they <br /> could look at these two precincts and redo the lines so that they are more evenly distributed. <br /> City Clerk Schmidt said they could make this change; however, they cannot change any of the <br /> Ward lines as these are done every ten years. <br /> Councilmember Musgrove stated that between Ward 1, Ward 2, and Ward 4, she would like there <br /> to be consideration for an additional precinct to balance the numbers. She noted that adding <br /> additional precincts will require more work and time; however, she thinks it will help ensure the <br /> votes of the residents. <br /> Councilmember Howell suggested talking to other large cities that have smaller polling locations <br /> on how they make this process work and mimic some of those processes. <br /> City Clerk Schmidt shared that Ramsey is the third largest city in the County. She explained that <br /> she likes to focus on how many people actually vote on election day. She noted that if 20% of <br /> voters are voting early, then this takes out 20% of the voter base from election day. She stated that <br /> if the election judges have enough Staff and their location is not overwhelmed,then she would not <br /> want to add more locations if it was not necessary. She added that when they make changes to <br /> polling locations it is always confusing for voters for the first few election cycles. She noted that <br /> they would not have room in the current storage rooms for any more voting machines. <br /> Mayor Kuzma asked when they would need to have this discussion if they did want to make <br /> changes to polling locations. <br /> City Administrator Hagen reiterated that they cannot change anything for the 2024 election. He <br /> explained that this election year will be very telling for what the new normal is for the percentage <br /> of voters who vote early or absentee versus in person. He shared that any changes to the following <br /> year have to be made by December 31; however, there are no elections that will be happening in <br /> 2025. He stated they will have time to look at this and review for 2026. He suggested seeing how <br /> things go this year and reevaluating if necessary. <br /> Councilmember Howell asked if they could make changes to equipment or poll pads that will be <br /> used in the 2024 election. <br /> City Administrator Hagen noted that everything is already in place for the 2024 election, and he is <br /> not sure if changes can be made. <br /> Councilmember Howell stated that the JPA with the County does not cover poll pads at all and <br /> noted that they could nullify this agreement with seven days' notice. She explained that this JPA <br /> is not good for the City and the County would not take any responsibility if anything goes wrong <br /> with the poll pads,yet the City would have to bear all of the costs. She noted that it would be worth <br /> City Council Work Session/ September 10, 2024 <br /> Page 5 of 13 <br />