History: This project creates a space for in-person absentee voting on the skyway level of the Government Center. In-person absentee voting, in which a voter can vote prior to the election date, is growing in popularity and complexity.

This project is the third and final phase of the relocation of elections and District Court Self-Help. Phase one was construction of the elections space on street level and phase two was the construction of a new district court self-help within the secure envelope on the skyway level.

The project includes interior remodeling to accommodate in-person absentee voting. The design will facilitate improved voter queuing to limit lines of voters extending into the atrium and creates secure areas for storage of absentee ballots and voting equipment. The renovation cost for this portion of the project (2,490 square feet) is $259,000 or $104 per square foot.

Simultaneously, the project will replace the ceiling grids and panels and the upgrade existing outdated lighting system to meet the current building standards. The cost for this portion of the project (5,757 square feet) is $281,000 or $48 per square foot.

When in-person absentee voting is not occupying the space, it will be available for a Hennepin County District Court interactive exhibit area.

Through the low bid procurement process, a request for bids was released on March 19, 2019. Two bids were received on April 30, 2019. Based on the lowest bid, Iyawe and Associates Corporation represents the best value to the county and is recommended to be awarded the contract for the project in the amount of $540,000. The contractor’s Affirmative Action Plan and Small Business Enterprise participation goals are pending approval. Iyawe and Associates Corporation is a Small Business Enterprise and a Minority Business Enterprise.

The project is scheduled to begin in mid-June and will take approximately twelve weeks. 

Impact/Outcomes: This project will provide more efficient space for in-person absentee voting. The concurrent modernization of the ceiling system and lighting will result in cost savings. This project will complete the skyway level renovations defined in the Capital Budget.