Election Infrastructure Initiative seeks $20 billion over 10 years for local and state election departments

CHICAGO -- The Center for Tech and Civic Life released the following statement after media reports that Congressional leaders are working to add billions in funding for election infrastructure, perhaps as soon as this weekend.

“Ever since November, we have made the case that Congress should step up and properly fund the critical election infrastructure that is the foundation of our democracy,” said Tiana-Epps Johnson, executive director for the Center for Tech and Civic Life. “I’m glad to see champions on Capitol Hill  recognize that funding to local election officials will mean budget certainty for election officials, setting everyone up for a safe, secure and accessible election in 2022 and beyond, whatever may come next.”

“The Department of Homeland Security has declared that election infrastructure is part of our nation’s critical infrastructure that must be protected,” said Michigan Secretary of State Jocelyn Benson. “Long-term Funding from Congress would ensure that election officials will be able to plan ahead with budgeting for their critical needs and continue to execute the most secure and accessible elections for eligible voters for years to come.” 

“This is exactly the right time for Congress to increase funding for local elections,” said Milwaukee Mayor Tom Barrett. “Our election workers delivered a safe and secure voting experience in 2020 under incredibly challenging conditions. We must make sure they have the resources to do so again in future elections.”

“Many smaller rural jurisdictions struggle each election to find ways to fund even the basics,” said Cathy Darling Allen, Shasta County Clerk, California. “Funding from Congress can help level the playing field so smaller jurisdictions have the resources they need for secure and accessible elections.”

Lack of consistent funding has been a persistent problem for election administrators whether they are in red or blue states. Federal election infrastructure funding will bolster election security and resilience which improves voter confidence in our system. With federal funding, election departments will be able to make urgently-needed modernizations, including:

• Replacing outdated voting machines

• Upgrading voter registration databases and websites

• Investing in election management equipment, including ballot sorters, envelope openers and stuffers, and ballot verification technology

• Upgrading local election management systems, including software

• Investing in physical infrastructure (including real estate) to allow local election jurisdictions to provide early, mail and in-person voting opportunities, and maintain secure facilities for storage of election equipment and materials

• Bolstering systems to execute election audits   

• Strengthening cybersecurity posture 

Funding could not come at a more critical time. According to one recent study, as many as a quarter of local election officials in some of the nation’s largest voting jurisdictions are planning to retire before the 2024 election. Funding can help with staffing and training to manage and maintain our election systems just as election jurisdictions grapple with a wave of potential retirements and loss of institutional knowledge.

If you want to learn more about why federal funding for local election officials is so critical, listen to Tiana-Epps Johnson on the Battleground podcast here. Read more about the Election Infrastructure Initiative here.

###