Local resident urges Sherburne County to fund sergeant‑at‑arms for elections

At the start of open forum on June 2, Elk River resident Gary Tanzer told the Sherburne County Board that chaotic conditions during the 2024 early‑voting period at the Auditor‑Treasurer’s office warrant additional election‑day protections. Tanzer said he and a companion scheduled a meeting with Auditor‑Treasurer Lorraine Rep to request that her office "appoint a sergeant‑at‑arms for the pre‑election early election as well as election day period" under Minnesota Statute 204C.06, subdivision 5, which he cited as authority for the appointment.

Tanzer asked the board to be prepared to consider appropriating funds in the Auditor‑Treasurer’s budget if Rep agrees that a sergeant‑at‑arms is needed. "This is a modest common sense investment in both election integrity and the safety of our county employees," he said, and added that the measure would help restore public confidence in the process. He said the request was based in part on events documented in the sheriff's 2024 report.

The chair thanked Tanzer for raising the concern; no formal action was taken at the meeting. Commissioner Schumacher later said he would be willing to allocate discretionary funds to provide for an election law‑enforcement officer if the auditor requests it.