Georgia election officials are taking steps to secure a $10.3 million federal grant to upgrade the state’s voting system. Georgia Elections Director Chris Harvey sent a letter to the U.S. Election Assistance Commission on Tuesday requesting the grant to “improve the administration of elections for federal office, including to enhance election technology and make election security improvements.” The request comes after an announcement this spring from the independent federal agency that it planned to award Georgia the grant. The grant calls for $515,000 in matching funds from the state. Georgia’s total budget for administering elections in fiscal 2019 is about $5.8 million.
Harvey’s letter outlines how the money could be spent, including the purchase of secure voting machines that produce a “voter-verifiable paper ballot,” cybersecurity centers for all 159 of Georgia’s county election offices and cybersecurity software.
Secretary of State Brian Kemp, who is running for governor, appointed the 18-member Secure, Accessible & Fair Elections Commission earlier this year. It’s tasked with advising Georgia’s elected officials as they consider a new voting system.
Full Article: Georgia seeks federal grant to upgrade election system.