Operations that are currently housed in leased spaces would be consolidated at the site and would occupy about a third of the first floor and higher floors as well. Here citizens could vote early and find other voter services. City ballot machines would also be stored in the building. Election judges would be trained at the EVS, and the department would coordinate mail balloting, hospital voting, voter outreach and engagement, and pop-up voting events at the location.
This would make the services more centrally located and connected to transportation in an area that has historically had low voter turnout.
The council members who intend to further hold up the plan for the site should reconsider and allow the proposed use to proceed. As the Minnesota Star Tribune Editorial Board has previously argued, the plan for this city-owned property would remove an eyesore, house an important public service and provide space for the neighborhood. It’s well-vetted and economically feasible.
”Community has been at the heart of the 3000 Minnehaha redevelopment, and [residents are] tired of waiting,“ said Frey. “Our city has already held seven engagement sessions with residents and conducted a survey … . The survey results show clear support for transforming the site into a democracy center and a community space … . It’s time to move forward.”
