News Room
87 Minnesota Counties Represented at 2026 Minnesota Election Conference
BREEZY POINT – On April 21-24, the Office of the Minnesota Secretary of State hosted election officials from all over Minnesota for the 2026 County Election Administration Conference. This biennial four-day event was an opportunity to share best practices, learn about election equipment and procedures, and discuss safety and security, all in preparation for the upcoming election season.
“Elections are truly a team sport and require the dedicated work of local election officials in counties, cities, and towns across Minnesota,” said Secretary of State Steve Simon. “This conference is one of the tools we have to ensure that our local election officials are prepared to run secure, accurate, and accessible elections this fall.”
More than 320 local and state election officials and other election partners attended at Breezy Point Resort in Crow Wing County. At least one election administrator from all 87 counties was in attendance for the conference.
In addition to hosting training sessions, the Office of the Minnesota Secretary of State presented the Excellence in Elections Award to local election officials from six counties. Sec. Simon presented the award to:
- Denise Anderson, Property Tax & Elections Director, Rice County
- Roxanne Gerads, Election Supervisor, Stearns County
- Jaci Kopet, Property & Public Services Director, Nicollet County
- Joan Nelson, Auditor/Treasurer, Koochiching County
- Micki Otto, Property Tax & Election Manager, Goodhue County
- Scott County Elections team:
- Julie Hanson, Property and Customer Service Manager
- Jennifer D., Customer Service Supervisor
- Janice F., Property & Customer Service Supervisor
- Amanda G., Elections Coordinator
- Laura K., Property & Customer Service Specialist