Adopt budget resolution adjusting the 2023-24 Assessor/Clerk-Recorder/Registrar of Voters (ACE) general fund budget appropriations by $20,000 for Yolo County Elections to accept a Federal Help America Vote Act Grant to help in meeting additional accessibility needs. (No general fund impact) (4/5 vote required) (Salinas/Rader)

Adopt budget resolution adjusting the 2023-24 ACE Elections general fund budget appropriations by $20,000 for Yolo County Elections to accept a Federal Help America Vote Act Grant to help in meeting additional accessibility needs.

The Yolo County Elections Department continually works to make voting accessible to its residents through the use of equipment, supplies, and programs. Some examples of this include allowing voters to vote in their car at vote centers, offering Touch Writer machines to vote electronically at vote centers, providing translated materials in 5 languages other than English, and offering supplies to aid in the voting process, like magnifying glasses, signature guides, and ADA-compliant voting booths. Elections staff have also participated in trainings sponsored by the State of California to help understand the various steps to take and things to be aware of when it comes to making vote centers accessible to voters with various needs. Yolo County has been offered a $20,000 grant to help in meeting additional accessibility needs. 

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 January 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).

Staff collaborated with DFS on the grant and a budget resolution. County counsel reviewed and approved the resolution as to form.