DeKalb To Purchase More Voting Equipment And PPE Thanks To Grant

DEKALB COUNTY, GA — DeKalb County has been selected to receive a $4.8 million grant that will help the county purchase more voting and mail ballot sorting equipment for the election, hire more personnel and more.

The grant comes from the Center for Tech and Civic Life (CTCL), which is a nonprofit that connects elections officials with technology. The CTCL grant will allow DeKalb County Board of Registration and Elections to also open and operate additional early voting and Election Day locations, ensure sanitization of voting equipment and purchase sufficient personal protective equipment (PPE) for both poll workers and voters.

“These funds will be used to address longstanding operational issues and increase voter safety and confidence in our voting process,” said DeKalb CEO Michael Thurmond Tuesday in a statement.

County officials said they will conduct a comprehensive review of the elections system to ensure that citizens can participate in a “fair, free, and convenient elections process.”

CEO Thurmond congratulated Commissioner Larry Johnson for leading the effort that will result in a best-in-class voter experience.

“I would like to thank the Board of Commissioners for their support in helping to secure this grant,” stated Commissioner Johnson. “This is a gamechanger for DeKalb. We have the opportunity to be innovative, add more poll workers, and add more voting locations throughout the county. We can be a model of service for the state and the country.”