Why are hand counts mandated?

Today, 1) citizens in Carver weren't allowed to take photo/video of Public Accuracy Test (no statute says this) and 2) ballots were found unattended last week in Edina...

1. Why the secrecy during one of the few "public" parts of election process?
2. Why ballots left unattended—this essentially further breaks the already weak chain of custody for mail ballots.

Ask yourself: In the event of a recount, why is hand count the state law mandated method?

If that is true—and it is—then why is there pushback from Office of Secretary of State and Counties to Cities (in multiple counties) about wanting to do extra hand counts (more precincts AND down-ballot races) during the Post Election Review (PER) audits, which occur after the county-level certifications at the County Canvassing Board meetings?

These hand count audits cost less than $1 per ballot, or about $1,000 a precint—great value for additional transparency and to check the machine counted right.

The 94th Minnesota Legislature (2024) already basically banned hand counting by election judges on Election Day itself, after 93rd Legislature (2023) mandated electronic voting machines for pre-election absentee and election day itself (tabulators, not e-pollbooks, which are optional, can use paper).

There's still time as a city council or town board to take a stand... which option will you take?

1. Expand hand counting to double-check after election AND/OR
2. Drop electronic poll pads - use paper instead (county must provide city clerks the roster).
3. Demand through Resolution that the County Canvassing Board must reconcile official vote totals with the statewide voter registration system (SVRS) voter histories PRIOR to certification

Citizens you represent will continue or soon be asking a lot of questions.