Sponsor: Property Tax, Records & Election Services
Title
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Special Election for Ramsey County Commissioner District 3
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Recommendation
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1. Declare that a Special Election is needed to fill a vacancy in Ramsey County Commissioner District 3.
2. Approve the following Special Election schedule:
July 30, 2024 - First day to file affidavits of candidacy.
August 13, 2024 - Last day to file affidavits of candidacy.
August 15, 2024 - Last day to withdraw an affidavit of candidacy.
November 5, 2024 - Primary for Special Election (only needed if more than two candidates file for office).
November 13, 2024 - Canvass of results for the Special Election Primary, if needed.
February 11, 2025 - General Election Day for the Special Election.
February 14, 2025 - Canvass of results for the Special Election.
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Background and Rationale
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On June 20, 2024, Ramsey County Commissioner for District 3, Trista Martinson, announced that she accepted a new leadership role as the Executive Director with the Ramsey/Washington County Recycling and Energy (R&E). Commissioner Martinson’s last day at Ramsey County will be August 1, 2024.
Minnesota Statutes 351.055 provides, in part, that if a prospective vacancy will occur as a result of a resignation, preparations for the Special Election may begin immediately after the written resignation is received by the board. This resignation was accepted by the Ramsey County Board of Commissioners at its meeting held on July 2, 2024.
Since more than two years remain on the unexpired term, Minnesota Statute 375.101 requires that a Special Election be held to fill the vacancy. Under uniform election dates, pursuant to Minnesota Statutes 205.10, subd. 3a, the next two available election dates are November 5, 2024, and February 11, 2025.
Action is needed to declare the vacancy in office and to set the schedule for the Special Election to fill that vacancy. The recommended schedule uses the next available election dates and meets statutory timeline requirements for conducting a Special Election.
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County Goals (Check those advanced by Action)
☐ Well-being ☐ Prosperity ☒ Opportunity ☒ Accountability
Racial Equity Impact
Ramsey County District 3 is one of the most racially diverse commissioner districts in the state of Minnesota. This Special Election will be another opportunity for residents to have a voice in determining the leaders of their local government.
Community Participation Level and Impact
This action will inform the public of the Special Election and encourage them to participate in determining the next commissioner for Ramsey County District 3.
☒ Inform ☐ Consult ☒ Involve ☐ Collaborate ☐ Empower
Fiscal Impact
The total estimated cost to conduct a Special Election for Commissioner District 3 will be approximately $120,000. Funds from the Elections General 2024-2025 operating budget will be used to cover these costs.
Last Previous Action
On July 2, 2024, the Ramsey County Board of Commissioners accepted the resignation of Commissioner Trista Martinson, District 3 effective end of business day on August 1, 2024 (Resolution B2024-121).
Attachments
None.