5 St. Louis County election workers honored by Sec. Simon

DULUTH — Secretary of State Steve Simon perhaps best reflected the spirit of election workers when he said the 2026 election is not that far away.

“We joked that at 8:01 p.m., just after the polls closed in the recent municipal election, that the countdown clock began for the next election in 2026,” Simon said. “I see a lot of head nods in this room, because everyone in the democracy business completely understands what I am talking about.”

Simon addressed St. Louis County election workers in the county boardroom Thursday, Nov. 20, as part of the celebration of five of them being awarded the statewide Minnesota Excellence in Election Awards.

The award from the Secretary of State’s Office was created this year, and this was the second round of honorees. Three Crow Wing County workers were the first honored in June.

“Minnesota’s elections are the product of talented and committed professionals across the state. Elections truly are a team effort that requires thousands of Minnesotans to rise to the occasion,” Simon said. “I’m honored to celebrate the exceptional examples of such servants here in St. Louis County.”

Jon Blevins is an information specialist in the county auditor’s office. He’s the main election contact for day-to-day questions, responsible for coordinating equipment programming and ballot creation and assists with training.

“Even though Jon is inundated with questions during busy times, he maintains a polite and professional demeanor while providing quality customer service and timely communication,” a news release from Simon’s office stated.

After receiving his award, Blevins recounted his career move from pastor to working with kids with special needs to a “more traditional job.”

“I was concerned primarily because I really have a passion for public service, and I really want to feel like I’m making a difference. And that can be hard to find, and I found it here,” he said.

“ ... We really are in a service industry. There’s a lot of clerical work that goes into it, and there’s a lot of blood, sweat and tears — sometimes more tears than any other. But I am so proud and excited to continue to be a part of this department.”

Clerk of the County Board and Elections Manager Phil Chapman recounted the challenges of administering an election in the county covering more land area than any other east of the Mississippi, with so many voting districts and voting methods. When he applied for the job, he knew he’d have to follow rules and get trained.

“Little did I know what it really entails to administer an election in St. Louis County,” he said. “As with most citizens, I didn’t really have an idea of what administering an election is.”

Chapman has had the role for 12 years, the release states, and is responsible for training clerks throughout the 7,000-square-mile county.

Three others were honored Thursday: Amanda Inman, Dawn Kehoe and Theresa Martinson.

As Municipal Services Secretary for Mountain Iron, Inman has spent 10 years in charge of elections.

“During her tenure, elections have been administered seamless without issues,” the release states. “Staff and election judges are well trained. The city embraces technology, one of the first jurisdictions to implement electronic poll books in the county.”

Kehoe is the deputy clerk/treasurer for Cook, and Martinson is the former administrator. They were recognized for administering flawless elections after flash floods devastated the city in 2024.