![]() ![]() They come from our discussions with numerous election officials in each of the five states we examined. The measures that we appraise in this document are critical. In all five states, they will bear the overwhelming share of such expenses. ![]() In two of the states we examined, local governments must cover over 90 percent of the costs needed to ensure safe and secure elections this year. Second, local election jurisdictions bear the heaviest burden of protecting voters and workers during the election. Our review shows that the March 27 grants will likely cover anywhere from less than 10 percent of what Georgia officials need to around 18 percent of what Ohio officials need. These five states have diverging election administration systems and needs, from the number of elections each will hold this cycle to their requirements for absentee voting. Two common themes stand out.įirst, what Congress has provided so far is not enough to run safe and secure elections in 2020. We focus on Georgia, Michigan, Missouri, Ohio, and Pennsylvania. ![]() In this document we examine the difference between the March 27 federal investment in the electoral process and what will be needed to ensure safe and healthy elections for 2020. National Association of Secretaries of State, “NASS President Paul Pate & President-elect Maggie Toulouse Oliver Open Letter to Congress and American Voters on COVID-19 Election Preparations,” Mar. ![]() footnote2_qwtpzz6 2 Moreover, some states are concerned that they will not be able to access the federal funds because of constraints put on the money. Unfortunately, we now know this is not enough. On March 27, President Trump signed into law a $2 trillion economic relief package that included $400 million in grants to help states run their elections during the coronavirus disease 2019 (Covid-19) pandemic. Įven if no rules change, the 2020 election will be costly.Ĭongress has already provided some help. 13, Gary Fineout, “2 Florida primary poll workers test positive for coronavirus,” Politico, Mar. See e.g., John Keilman, “After Chicago poll worker dies from COVID-19 and others test positive, city warns voters they might have been exposed to virus at polling places,” Chicago Tribute, Apr. footnote1_m8k7032 1 There have been several instances of poll workers testing positive for Covid-19 soon after elections. Governments face the unforeseen cost of investing in personal protective equipment (PPE) and sanitation supplies to reduce the risk of illness and even death to their workers and voters. Instead, they register online or find other ways to sign up. Many fewer are updating their registrations at government offices. Millions of voters are requesting mail ballots, far more than would have been the case otherwise. As national policymakers consider how people should vote in light of the pandemic, elections themselves have already changed. The coronavirus pandemic has changed voting behavior and poses an extraordinary challenge to state and local officials as they seek to ensure that elections in 2020 are fair, safe, and secure.
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