FINANCIAL BUSINESS REQUEST
Motion/Request
title
MOTION to appropriate the Connecticut Secretary of the State Early Voting Grant in the amount of $4,063.07 to Account# 21010301-56100-G0015 entitled “Registrar - Operating Expenses - Misc. Grants”.
In addition, authorize the Registrar of Voters to expend the Early Voting Grant to pay for expenses associated with Early Voting provisions in accordance with Public Act 24-81.
body
Background:
Pursuant to Public Act 24-81, the Connecticut Secretary of the State will provide a grant in the amount of at least $2,000 to each municipality for costs related to implementing and conducting early voting. Additional funds are allocated to municipalities based on the formula in the attached grant agreement.
Ledyard is scheduled to receive $4,063.07. The Secretary of the State will distribute the grants starting contingent on municipalities detailing their intended use of the funds, which must be submitted by September 30, 2024. This funding is provided as a sub-recipient, one-time grant. (Please see attached List of expenses).
However, the equipment needed for the early voting for the Presidential Election has totaled $4,449.22.
The Registrars are hopeful the Secretary of State will consider their needs and provide grant funding to fully pay for the equipment. If they do not receive enough funding the MIS Department has agreed to pay the difference ($386.15) between the grant and money needed to purchase the Surveillance Camera & DVR Back-up.
The Secretary of the State will distribute the grants as soon as possible, contingent on towns detailing their intended use of the funds and returning this signed agreement. This funding is provided as a subrecipient one-time
Please note:
• Acceptable utilization of funds includes costs directly tied to changes necessary to
implement early voting; examples include but are not limited to labor costs, printing costs, location-related expenses, or equipment and supplies.
• Funds are to be fully expended by December 31, 2024.
• Prior to January 31, 2025, your town must report expenditures to the Office of the
Secretary of State. Reports must include backup information such as a ledger report from your financial system or copies of purchase orders and invoices.
• If funds are not fully utilized prior to December 31, 2024, contact the Office of the
Connecticut Secretary of the State at mss@ct.gov to request an extension on utilization, including intended use of remaining funding.
• By accepting funds, the town agrees that it wilt comply with applicable public auditing requirements, in accordance with the provisions of Sections 7-394a and 7-396a of the Connecticut General Statutes.
• By accepting funds, the town agrees that it is compliant with all applicable state and
federal non-discrimination laws.
Additional Background:
In January, 2024 pursuant to Public Act 23-204, the Connecticut Secretary of the State provided grant in the amount of $10,500 to each municipality for costs related to implementing and conducting early voting. The Secretary of the State will distribute the grants starting in January 2024, contingent on municipalities detailing their intended use of the funds. This funding is provided as a sub-recipient, one-time grant.
Connecticut Early Voting Laws
Public Act 23-5 was passed by the House of Representatives on May 4, 2023 and was passed on May 31, 2023 by the State Senate. (See attached).
The Early Voting Law will apply to elections and primaries that occur on or after January 1, 2024.
In accordance with Public Act 23-5 very municipality will have to create at least one early voting location and has the option to establish more.
Early Voting provisions will be as follows:
• General Elections: 14 days of early voting
• Primaries: seven days ahead
• Special Elections: four days
Department Comments/Recommendation:
(Type text here)
Finance Director Comments/Recommendation:
The grant funding includes numerous stipulations as outlined on the attached communication from the Office of the Secretary of the State. It is expected the Registrar’s Office will work with the Finance Office to ensure grant compliance.
Mayor Comments/Recommendation:
(Type text here)