On March 3, 2026, there was a Dakota County Board of Commissioners meeting. During the audience comment
portion of the meeting, a few community members expressed concern about the safety and fairness for the upcoming elections. The reason for the concerns was said to be from a comment made by the President of the United States that Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) would be at polling places. Members of the public requested that Dakota County ensure that voting remain fair and safe for Dakota County residents.
KDWA connected with Dakota County Elections Director Michelle Blue.
After hearing about the public’s concerns about safety and fairness when casting an election ballot, Director Blue has this to say:
“So, our top priority is conducting elections that are free, fair, secure and transparent. This has not changed. Voters should have confidence in our processes—they’re built on strong safeguards, and clear procedures and transparency at every step. We are still administering elections in accordance with state laws, with federal laws, and we’re remaining in close communication with our legal counsel, and also the Minnesota Secretary of State’s office. They’re a vital partner for us as well.”
Director Blue shares about Dakota County’s action steps to ensure a fair and safe election.
“Absolutely. So, as I said, we’re still in close communication with our legal counsel and the Minnesota Secretary of State’s office, as we always are. We’re always administering elections in accordance with state and federal laws. We’re being extra proactive this year about polling place safety, making sure our voting locations remain safe and welcoming and free from intimidation, for both voters and election judges alike. And this is extremely important to us—that these are safe places. So, we’re developing a really strong communication plan to coordinate closely with all of our partners. There’s the state, as I said, but also our municipal clerks, our local law enforcement. I’ve been in contact with federal law enforcement. We really are going to make sure that everyone is well prepared and well coordinated for all of the elections this year. We’re also going to make sure that election judges receive extra training and support to make sure that they understand who is permitted in a polling place and what activities are allowed. We’re very fortunate that state law clearly defines for us who is allowed in and near polling places. So, making sure that everyone is well aware of that is going to be paramount. We’ll also make sure they know how to get assistance if any issues arise, and so we’ll address all of these questions with them well ahead of time to make sure that election day runs smoothly for every election judge and every voter director.”
Director Blue continues.
“I just want to say right now our focus is on ensuring that voters have accurate information and that every eligible voter can participate in elections that are secure and fair and transparent. We are so appreciative of our voters and so proud of the participation that we have. We have such strong participation in elections from our Minnesota voters. All of the testing that goes on prior to election day is a reminder. Every piece of equipment that we use undergoes public testing before it’s used in an election, and all of that information is available on our website, so we greatly appreciate the public’s interest and engagement for more information.”
Director Blue offers resources to Dakota County residents.
“Just a reminder of voters and the public have questions and concerns, we always recommend that you visit our website, which is www.Dakotacounty.us. You can also get information from the state, and their website is www.mnvotes.gov.
To listen to the broadcast, click the soundbite.