Cliff Buchan
News Editor

Just when it seemed school board elections in ISD 831 might become simpler, they may become more complicated.

The simplicity was found last week when the ISD 831 Board approved the necessary resolution to allow the use of voting machines in school elections.

But the complexity comes in a new state law that will require a primary election should the number of candidates filing for office reach set levels.

The election items were part of the business agenda as the school board met in regular session Thursday, May 5.

With school board elections in ISD 831 slated in odd numbered years, the board took action to begin the legal steps that will culminate with the Tuesday, Nov. 8 election.

Under new state election laws for school board elections, the board voted last week to establish the official dates for filing affidavits of candidacy. The filing period is Tuesday, July 5 through Tuesday, July 19, the board determined.

The filing period is earlier than in past school board election years.

And hereís why.

Under the new state law, a primary election on Tuesday, Sept. 13 will be required if the number of candidates filing for open seats is more than twice the number of open seats.

For the 2005 Forest Lake election, three school board seats will be up for election. With three seats up for a vote, if seven candidates file during the July 5-19 time frame, a primary election would be required in September.

The primary election would determine the finalists for the Nov. 8 ballot. The final ballot would carry a limit of twice the number of open school board seats. In Forest Lakeís case for 2005, that would mean six candidates would move on to the Nov. 8 ballot.

In this yearís election, the seats now held by board members Dean Barr, Jody Krebs and Karen Morehead will be up for elections. The new terms are for four years each and take effect on Jan. 1, 2006.

Voting machines

The late-night vigils that have dogged past elections in ISD 831 could be a thing of the past, thanks to board action last week.

Acting on the recommendation of Lynn Steenblock, superintendent, the board voted 5-0 to approve a required resolution authorizing the use of an electronic voting system.

The voting machines will replace the paper ballots used in most district precincts in past years. With paper ballots requiring hand-counting by election judges, past elections where there was heavy voter turnout resulted in election returns coming in well after midnight.

The new system is expected to greatly speed the ballot counting process.

School officials said last week ISD 831 was in contact with Washington County election officials and will use county voting machines this year. Washington County was also in contact with Anoka County election officials to help coordinate the effort.

The partnership is needed because ISD 831 spans Anoka, Washington and Chisago counties. The one Chisago County precinct ó Wyoming Elementary School ó will be served with voting machines from Washington or Anoka counties, school officials said.

The resolution passed May 5 is a one-time action that does not need to be repeated for each school election.

Steenblock said the Minnesota Secretary of Stateís office will be notified through the Washington County election staff.

Diane Borle, the district election clerk, will work with the county and city of Forest Lake for the use of machines and preparation of ballots.

The voting machines would be available for the Sept. 13 primary, if the early election is needed.

The county will provide the machines for the district at no cost.

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Forest Lake Times
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Forest Lake, MN 55025
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