News Room

ROCHESTER — On Thursday, June 11, 2026, Minnesota Secretary of State Steve Simon awarded three election workers with the statewide Excellence in Elections Award. The award honors election workers for their outstanding service to the State of Minnesota.

Secretary Simon presented the Excellence in Elections Award to William Harvey, Election Assistant; Marlys Ohnstad, Head Election Judge; and, Kenneth Schultz, Head Election Judge.

“Minnesota’s elections are known as a gold standard across the country for our balance of security and accessibility,” said Secretary Simon. “We have earned this excellent reputation in part because of the diligent, thoughtful work from local election officials across the state like Will, Marlys, and Ken and their commitment to public service.”

“The success of elections does not happen by chance,” said Luke Turner, Associate Director of Property Records and Licensing, Olmsted County. “It comes from thoughtful preparation, inclusive partnerships, continuous improvement, and a service focused mindset that keeps voters at the center of everything we do.”

About the Honorees

William Harvey, Election Assistant: Will Harvey began his election service in 2020, supporting both the Presidential Nomination Primary and General Election in the City of Dover. He later served as an Election Assistant for Olmsted County during the 2022 and 2024 election cycles, where he distinguished himself through his strong work ethic and dedication to the administration of elections.

Will served as the lead for Olmsted County's City Hall pop-up voting location and consistently demonstrated dependability, professionalism, and a commitment to serving voters. His dedication to supporting election operations and ensuring successful elections has made him a valued member of our election team.

Now serving in a new election role with the City of Minneapolis, we look forward to seeing Will continue his excellent work in Minnesota elections.

Marlys Ohnstad, Head Election Judge: For more than 40 years, Marlys Ohnstad has demonstrated an unwavering commitment to voters and the integrity of the election process. As a Head Election Judge, she serves as both a leader and role model; setting the standard for professionalism, accuracy, and service.

A trusted mentor, respected colleague, and dedicated public servant, Marlys has made a lasting impact on Minnesota elections through her decades of service and dedication to voters.

Kenneth Schultz, Head Election Judge: Ken has served as a Head Election Judge in 40 elections within the City of Rochester and provides exceptional leadership at the University of Minnesota Rochester polling place.

This polling location presents unique challenges, including a multi-floor layout, elevator outages, and curbside voting several floors below the polling place. Ken consistently manages these situations with professionalism and sound judgment.

Fellow election judges describe Ken as a model of professionalism who demonstrates strong knowledge of election procedures, effective communication, and outstanding leadership.