In 2023, the Yolo County grand jury put together a report that analyzed the safety and security of the Elections department. As part of that report, it was identified that the Elections Office is severely lacking in security at its front desk. Currently, there is only a half swinging door that does not lock and plastic barriers above its countertop. Elections staff have been working with General Services to construct a security door, and a closed plexiglass barrier that will protect Elections staff from possible public threats. Securing funding for this project has been a top priority so that staff can feel safe and secure before the November 2024 general election. This Help American Vote Act grant is a helpful step in securing that funding. The $135,000 offered from this grant will help meet the needs of Yolo County Elections staff and rectify one of the observations made by the grand jury.
The necessary grant has been signed and executed by the Registrar of Voters. This grant does not require a county match and can be used to reimburse expenditures from February 1, 2024 through June 30, 2025. Additionally, this grant has been sent to the grant oversight committee and approval has been provided from the Department of Financial Services (DFS).
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