Discuss, consider and take appropriate action on 2020 Help America Vote Act (HAVA) CARES Act, Sub-Grant to Texas Counties to prevent, prepare for, and respond to coronavirus for the 2020 Federal election cycle.

This funding opportunity is a sub-grant from the Texas Secretary of State, which received $24,546,840 to help prevent, prepare for, and respond to Coronavirus for the 2020 Federal election cycle.  The 2020 HAVA Coronavirus Aid, Relief and Economic Security (CARES) Act Grant requires a 20% match and activities are to be focused solely on costs incurred as a result of the pandemic affecting the 2020 federal elections.  Election's has the required 20% match of $101,905.82 available from Chapter 19 Matching Funds. Allowable costs include: printing of additional ballots and envelopes for potentially higher absentee vote and additional postage costs; acquisition of additional voting equipment; temporary election office staffing; cleaning supplies and protective equipment; overtime salary, training of poll workers, public communication; pre and post deep cleaning, lease of new polling places, automated letter opening equipment; and additional laptops and mobile IT equipment.  To be allowable, costs must be necessary and reasonable to protect the health and safety of poll workers, voters, and staff.