I was an election judge for the primary election at the courthouse on Tuesday, August 11. Voting opened at 7:00 a.m. We had an issue arise about 10:30 a.m. when a voter inserted their ballot in the ballot counting machine. The screen had language about cross over voting, and gave options to the voter to have their ballot returned, or to keep going and submit it. I looked at it with the confused voter, then asked the head election judge to come over to help the voter. She asked the voter if she were satisfied with her ballot, because she had crossed over in her voting and she could have her ballot returned. The voter said the ballot read non- partisan, so she was satisfied with her ballot and proceeded to complete submitting it.
The next two voters had the same experience. I said to the head election judge that I think people should be reminded that they could only vote for one party for their vote to be counted. She replied, “That is not our job, Rae. They can read the ballot directions, and most people know that they should only vote for one party in the primary.” I said, “I don’t think so.” And another judge said she didn’t think so either.
I said I thought the language on the ballot is ambiguous, and needed to be clearer, and that this needs to be taken up with the Secretary of State (who designates the language on the ballot). Then the head judge handed me a large 10 X 12 or 12 x 14 inch sign with white background and big red and black lettering with the language telling voters to vote for only one party in this primary election… which I taped on the table in front of where the ballot is given to the voter, and where they receive instructions for the voting procedure: the private voting booth, inserting their ballot in the ballot machine, where to exit, etc.
Our head election judge did an otherwise great job, making sure every health concern was addressed, that we judges knew our duties; but, clearly the one-party message was one every voter should have been made aware of and stated plainly. I’m sorry that it wasn’t for those three voters who took their time to come and cast their vote. Voting is a privilege, and civic responsibility for every eligible voter, for every election in which they can vote. And every vote needs to count!
I talked to Courtney Brazell in the auditor’s office, where non-city voters could vote on Election Day, about my concern, and she said when they handed out ballots, they told voters to vote for only one party. She agreed language to that effect should be posted at all polling places.
I talked to an election judge, who was at the community center, and they said when voters were given their ballot there, they were instructed to vote for only one party.
Rae M. Piepho
Lutsen, MN
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