Jan 18, 2022  Minnehaha County Commissioners Meeting

Theresa Pesce, in summary stated at minute 2:15: Local grassroots in our Sioux Falls area are concerned of updating voter roll database which includes a legal registered voter's name with corresponding address. Apparent gaps in the South Dakota election and voter laws, in addition to the lack of follow-up of the voter-to-address verification process by County Auditor/Election Office. SD Canvassing Group examined voter rolls noting some of the findings were very noticable if someone took time to carefully read the data; numerous (even thousands) voter names with addresses showing as; empy lots, campgrounds, retail stores, virtual offices, the list continues. Most likely more invalid names with addresses will continue as redistricting within precincts is coming to South Dakota– more likely causing more confusion for voters and causing election offices to update voter rolls that they could keep track of already. Jessica Pollema in summary stated at minute 6:20: “Heritage Foundation @ www.heritage.org which gave each states score on their election score card. The state voter laws were analyzed and given a grade based on how well they protect the integrity and security of the election process. I was surprised to see South Dakota received 62/100 for a failing grade.” Jessica's brief and specific talking points were in regards to 1) Drop Boxes, 2) Voter Registration Database is outdated /contains false information, 3) Election Electronic Equipment connections may be hacked via internet, 4) Voting Machines that use Electronic Tabulators have questionable security measures, 5) Electronic Poll Books may break down causing longer wait time in poll lines, and the lack vital security requirements causing real-time 'manipulation' of our voting process, may include but not limited to; loss of our local election supervision, and/or voter personal indentity being 'stolen.

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Dec 28, 2021  Minnehaha County Commissioners Meeting

1. My election talking points, started speaking at minute 4:55 during this week's 5 minute Public Comment: Policy makers communication 'being honest and open' which includes improving the communication outlets with people they represent. Usually meeting information is 'easily' found on their website, or you can call that office for information and newspaper sources. There needs to be more efficient means of COMMUNICATION regarding county policies and money allocated to enact these policies – especially, for those taxpayers who want to know where the money is being allocated BEFORE the funds are spent. Today, my 5 minute Public Comment time ended with Commissioners reminding me this is not time for asking them questions, just for me to talk and my questions may be better answered by the County Auditor, addressing the Commissioners as an Agenda item or meeting, My take on it....My points were heard – that was my mission of the day...Improve communication with the community because the current methods do not seem to be enough. (Here's an example for you – electronic election equipment that was approved by the South Dakota Secretary of State and then accepted by our county officials, this equipment which falls under the list of items within the Election Cycle 2022 Budget. FYI: Minnehaha Election budget has been increased from $371,414 in 2018 to $830,230 for 2022. Did you know about this?) After the meeting I was told there are specific 'budget meetings open to the public' throughout the year so that we can listen to proposed spending and voice our concerns (I'll get you more specific information on that in a future post).

2. Election 2022 update also this meeting: Minnehaha County Auditor, Ben Kyte, offered a verbal and visual agenda 'briefing' regarding current "Legislative Redistricting Process,” his main issue presented was how VOTER REGISTRATION and new CHANGE of DISTRICTS may impact voting processes including which representatives are within a specific district. This may affect 50% of voters. His agenda talk starts at minute 31:45 then ends with discussion of how to 'communicate' this information to voters.

3. Today's meeting concluded with Commissioners discussing 'communicating with the community.' It will be up to us to make that happen...Together we all are able to make people accountable in their service to our community – after all, our society is based on being of service to each other.

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