Minnesota Secretary Of State - Secretary Simon Update on COVID-19
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Secretary Simon Update on COVID-19

March 16, 2020

The office of the Minnesota Secretary of State is announcing temporary changes to operations, in accordance with recommendations from Gov. Walz and the Minnesota Department of Health, aimed at reducing transmission of COVID-19.

“The health and safety of the public and our employees is our highest priority, and these changes are being made with those values first in mind,” said Secretary of State Steve Simon. “We intend to continue delivering the services that Minnesotans rely on, and appreciate the public’s patience as we work to enact new policies and procedures during this time of uncertainty.”

Most Secretary of State Employees to Work Remotely

All Secretary of State staff whose positions enable them to do so will begin remote work arrangements until further notice. The purpose is to maximize social distancing and reduce chances for disease transmission, both for the teleworking employees and for those whose positions require presence in our offices. Approximately 75% of office employees will likely transfer to remote work within the next several days. “I know that these changes may be difficult or disruptive, complicated by the added pressures of school closures on parents with children,” said Secretary Simon. “I myself have a Kindergartner and a first-grader at home. But I have no doubt that our outstanding workforce will continue to shine. We’re all in this together.”

Closure of Business Services and Elections Service Counters

The public counter in our business services office (60 Empire Dr., Suite 100, St. Paul) will be closed for most customers after the close of business on Tuesday, March 17, until further notice. The counter typically serves hundreds of customer per day, a volume that simply represents too great a health risk. Most business services, including renewal of business filings, can be completed online, and we urge Minnesotans to make use of this option. Customers may also call 651-296-2803 for more information.

The public counter in our Elections office (180 State Office Building, 100 Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd., Saint Paul) will be closed until further notice. For questions on elections and voting, voter outreach materials, or candidate filing, please call 651-201-1324 or email secretary.state.@state.mn.us or see online resources.