DEPARTMENT: Elections
FILE TYPE: Consent Action
TITLE
title
Authorization To Submit Grant Application To Minnesota Secretary Of State’s Office For Accessibility Grant
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PURPOSE/ACTION REQUESTED
Authorize the Elections Director to submit a grant application to the Minnesota Secretary of State’s Office for accessibility signage and equipment
SUMMARY
2023 Minnesota Laws, Chapter 62, Article 1, section 6, appropriated $500,000 “for the secretary of state to make grants to counties and municipalities to improve access to polling places for individuals with disabilities.”
The Office of the Minnesota Secretary of State has now identified that up to $20,000 per jurisdiction may be awarded. Through consultation with disability advocates, their top priorities are, among other things, signs that improve the access to buildings where polling places are located, and signs, tools, or enhancements to facilitate assistance with registration and voting outside the polling place (curbside voting).
Dakota County Elections is therefore eligible to submit a grant application in an amount up to $20,000 to the Minnesota Secretary of State’s Office for materials that support accessibility improvements to polling places for individuals with disabilities. This is a onetime appropriation with no matching requirements and no other associated costs.
If awarded the grant, Dakota County Elections would purchase equipment including curbside voting and accessible voting signage, accessible voting booths and tables, and assistive voting equipment.
RECOMMENDATION
recommendation
Staff recommends that Dakota County Elections submit a grant application to the Minnesota Secretary of State’s Office for materials that support accessibility improvements to polling places for individuals with disabilities in an amount up to $20,000.
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EXPLANATION OF FISCAL/FTE IMPACTS
The Elections Department budget will be amended as necessary if requested funds are awarded and accepted.
☒ None ☐ Current budget ☐ Other
☐ Amendment Requested ☐ New FTE(s) requested
RESOLUTION
body
WHEREAS, 2023 Minnesota Laws, Chapter 62, Article 1, section 6, appropriated $500,000 for the
secretary of state to make grants to counties to improve access to polling places for individuals with disabilities; and
WHEREAS, the Office of the Minnesota Secretary of State has now identified that up to $20,000 per jurisdiction may be awarded; and
WHEREAS, the Minnesota Secretary of State’s Office has made funding available for materials that support accessibility improvements to polling places for individuals with disabilities; and
WHEREAS, the State’s top priority is, among other things, signs that improve the access to buildings where polling places will be located, and signs, tools, or enhancements to facilitate assistance with registration and voting outside the polling place; and
WHEREAS, Dakota County Elections is eligible to apply for accessibility funds through the Minnesota Secretary of State’s Office; and
WHEREAS, this is a one-time appropriation with no matching requirements and no other associated costs; and
WHEREAS, if awarded the grant, Dakota County Elections would purchase equipment including curbside voting and accessible voting signage, accessible voting booths and tables, and assistive voting equipment.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, That the Dakota County Board of Commissioners hereby authorizes the Elections Director to submit a grant application to the Minnesota Secretary of State’s Office for an accessibility grant in an amount up to $20,000.
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PREVIOUS BOARD ACTION
None.
ATTACHMENTS
Attachment: None.
BOARD GOALS
☐ Thriving People ☐ A Healthy Environment with Quality Natural Resources
☐ A Successful Place for Business and Jobs ☒ Excellence in Public Service
CONTACT
Department Head: Michelle Blue
Author: Michelle Blue