WASHINGTON CO. COMMISSIONERS AUTHORIZE APPLICATION FOR ELECTION SECURITY GRANT FUNDING

  

Washington County Commissioners signed off today (Tuesday) on submitting an elections grant application.

Federal grant funds through the Help America Vote Act (HAVA) of 2002 are allotted to states for disbursement to counties to upgrade the security of elections.  The grant programs are managed by the U.S. Election Assistance Commission.

Elections Administrator Carol Jackson said the grant offers elections offices the opportunity to receive funding to improve the administration of elections and enhance technology.

Jackson said the county is eligible to receive as much as $42,500, with matching county funds of up to 20 percent.  The grant can be used retroactively to pay for past expenses dating back to January 1, 2024.

HAVA funds can be put toward voting machines and peripheral equipment, tabulation tools, electronic pollbooks, laptops and mobile information technology items, curbside equipment, and security devices or services.

Grant awards will be made on August 1^st and expire on July 30, 2026. 

In other business at today’s quick meeting, commissioners read a proclamation declaring the month of June as Alzheimer’s Disease Awareness Month in the county and approved the Human Resources office’s request to hire a temporary, full-time administrative assistant to assist with workload.  Interim Human Resources Director John Rudd said he is not certain at this time how long the temporary position will be needed, but it will not be used any longer than necessary.