CFDA#
|
|
Funder Type
State Government
|
IT Classification
A - Primarily intended to fund technology
|
|
|
Authority
Rhode Island Department of State (SOS)
Summary
The Consolidated Appropriations Act of 2019 provides payments to states for activities to improve the administration of elections for Federal office, including to enhance election technology and make election security improvements.
Consistent with the requirements of HAVA, states may use this funding to
- Replace voting equipment that only records a voter's intent electronically with equipment that utilizes a voter verified paper record;
- Implement a post-election audit system that provides a high level of confidence in the accuracy of the final vote tally;
- Upgrade election-related computer systems to address cyber vulnerabilities identified through Department of Homeland Security, or similar scans or assessments of, existing election systems;
- Facilitate cybersecurity training for the state chief election official's office and local election officials;
- Implement established cybersecurity best practices for election systems; and
- Fund other activities that will improve the security of elections for Federal office.
History of Funding
Rhode Island's Presidential Preference Primary was moved from April 28 to June 2 by Executive Order of the Governor. The June 2 primary election also was the first statewide election in Rhode Island conducted primarily by mail ballots.
These changes were made to address concerns regarding the ability of voters to cast ballots in-person due to the coronavirus.
In addition, election officials were concerned about finding available poll workers and locations to serve as polling places.
The Department of State utilized CARES Act funding to print and send mail ballot applications to all registered voters. Funds were also used to mail the ballots to those voters that applied. In addition, the funds were used to pay for prepaid postage return envelopes.
The Department of State is currently working with the General Assembly to identify funds to meet the state match.
Additional Information
The Rhode Island Elections Division will use the funds to prevent, prepare for, and respond to coronavirus, domestically or internationally, for the 2020 Federal election cycle. To address the effects of the corona virus on the election they are transforming the way Rhode Island conducts its Presidential Preference Primary by conducting a predominantly mail ballot election. The are working with the State Board of
Elections and local election officials to conduct safe elections for our citizens in 2020.
Among the additional costs incurred or expected to be incurred due to the coronavirus are the following:
- The State Presidential Preference Primary moved from April 28 to June 2 and will be conducted as a predominantly mail ballot election. This will significantly increase the Department of State costs for this election due to higher ballot printing and postage costs. We also need to plan for considerably higher mail ballot volume for our September primary election and November general election.
- The Board of Elections needs to procure additional equipment, including a signature verification machine and additional mail ballot envelope openers to address the issues presented with a significantly higher volume of mail ballots. They are currently researching options for this equipment. The Board of Elections and local election officials are procuring sanitizers, cleaning materials and other personal protective equipment to ensure polling places are safe for voters to cast ballots in-person.
- The Department of State, Board of Elections and local election officials will need additional personnel due to the higher mail ballot volume.
Eligibility Details
The Rhode Island Department of State is the only entity eligible to apply to the US Election Security Commission for HAVA funds. Funds are then awarded to state agencies in Rhode Island. States may re-grant/distribute funds to local election districts/offices at their discretion.
Deadline Details
For information regarding local deadlines, contact the Board of Elections at 401-222-2345.
Award Details
The FY20 allocation to the State of Rhode Island is $3,022,037. Funds are allocated based on the voting age population formula. States are required to match 20 percent of funds awarded within two years of receiving federal support.
Related Webcasts
-
New Funding Opportunities for K-12 School Safety - Sponsored by NetApp
-
Playback Available
-
Funding to Address High Crime Areas within Your Community - Sponsored by NetApp
-
Playback Available
-
Funding to Enhance Response, Investigation, and Prosecution of Domestic Violence - Sponsored by Panasonic
-
Playback Available