Public Hearing: YES ☐ NO ☒ Department: Chief Executive Office
SUBJECT:
Title
Commission District(s): All
The Center for Tech and Civic Life (CTCL) COVID-19 Response Grant
Body
Information Contact: Zachary L. Williams, Executive Assistant/COO
Phone Number: 404-371-2881
PURPOSE:
To consider approval of a Grant from the Center for Tech and Civic Life (CTCL) for COVID-19 for $4,773,306. This COVID-19 Grant Award will help ensure DeKalb County Citizens have funding for the staffing and equipment necessary so every eligible voter can have their vote counted. Election officials have made it clear that one of their most pressing needs is funding and based on this, CTCL is focusing philanthropic support to directly help election offices administer safe and secure elections in November.
NEED/IMPACT:
Voter Registration and Elections can use the funds to cover certain 2020 expenses incurred between June 15, 2020 and December 31, 2020. These include, but are not limited to, the costs associated with the safe administration of the following examples of election responsibilities.
Ensure Safe, Efficient Election Day Administration
• Maintain open in-person polling places on Election Day.
• Procure Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) and personal disinfectant to protect election officials and voters from COVID-19.
• Support and expand drive-thru voting, including purchase of additional signage, tents, traffic control, walkie-talkies, and safety measures.
Expand Voter Education & Outreach Efforts
• Publish reminders for voters to verify and update their address, or other voter registration information, prior to the election.
• Educate voters on safe voting policies and procedures.
Launch Poll Worker Recruitment, Training & Safety Efforts
• Recruit and hire a sufficient number of poll workers and inspectors to ensure polling places are properly staffed, utilizing hazard pay where required.
• Provide voting facilities with funds to compensate for increased site cleaning and sanitization costs.
• Deliver updated training for current and new poll workers administering elections in the midst of pandemic.
Support Early In-Person Voting and Vote by Mail
• Expand or maintain the number of in-person early voting sites.
• Deploy additional staff and/or technology improvements to expedite and improve mail ballot processing
RECOMMENDATION(S):
1) COVID-19 Grant from the Center for Tech and Civic Life (CTCL) assist election jurisdictions across the country and aids to ensure DeKalb County Citizens have the funding so every eligible voter can participate and have their vote counted. Based on this, CTCL is focusing philanthropic support to directly help DeKalb County Voter Registration and Elections administer safe and secure elections in November, and
2) Accept $4,773,306 from the Center for Tech and Civic Life (CTCL), and appropriate that amount to the Grant Fund COVID-19, Cost Center 63258 and Fund 258.
FISCAL IMPACT:
None
RECOMMENDATION:
Recommended Action
Authorize the Chief Executive Officer to execute all the necessary documents.