Strengthening election security in Minnesota: The role of the Navigator team

Ensuring elections are secure, accurate, and trustworthy is a shared responsibility among counties in Minnesota, and a key part of that effort is led by the Security Navigator team within the Minnesota Secretary of State’s Office. 

The Navigator team plays a central role in safeguarding both the cyber and physical aspects of elections statewide. Its work is focused on helping local election officials prepare for, respond to, and prevent potential security threats. By working together across the state and supporting local election teams, they help keep Minnesota’s elections secure and trustworthy. 

A major component of the Navigator team’s work is education and preparedness. Each year, the team organizes statewide training sessions that bring together election administrators, law enforcement, information technology professionals, and partners like the United States Postal Service. These trainings often include tabletop exercises that simulate real-world election security scenarios, allowing participants to test response plans, strengthen coordination, and identify areas for improvement before an actual event occurs. 

To support local jurisdictions, the team provides practical tools and templates for election administrators' day-to-day operations. These resources help standardize processes across the state while still allowing flexibility for local needs. In addition, the Navigator team manages a centralized communications hub, giving election officials a reliable way to receive timely updates and share critical information during election cycles. 

Local election teams, including those in Olmsted County, work closely with the Navigator team to put these security measures into practice. Through collaboration, communication, and shared responsibility, they help ensure every election is conducted safely and fairly. This partnership reflects a broader commitment to public trust—one that Olmsted County continues to build through engagement, collaboration, and reliable service. 

“Election security is a shared responsibility, and our partnership with the Navigator team strengthens how we prepare and respond,” said Associate Director of Property Records and Licensing Luke Turner. 

Together, the efforts of the Navigator team, local election officials, and community members form a strong foundation for election security in Minnesota. By prioritizing preparation, coordination, and transparency, the state continues to uphold elections that are free, fair, secure, and worthy of public confidence.