Sedgwick County Commissioners have approved a grant application for over $41,000 to make security improvements for the Election Office.

The grant is from the federal Help America Vote Act, and it’s being provided through the Kansas Secretary of State’s Office.    County Commissioners held a special meeting to consider the application because the deadline is October 20th.

Election Office operations manager Christian Lamielle said if the county is approved for the grant, it will be used in two areas.   Part of the grant will provide fencing for the election equipment stored in a warehouse facility, to separate it from the administration office.   Election Office employees will have to use badge access to get into that area.          The grant will also be used to set up badge access for three areas within the Election Office in the Historic Courthouse building.  That will cover the Election Central space and two tabulator rooms.   Current security measures involve physical keys and paper sign-in sheets.  Lamielle said badge access will provide stronger security, with entry only possible through a badge and each entry being recorded.

Lamielle said the grant will meet a goal of the Election Office’s strategic plan, to continue efficient service and find solutions for increased security.  Each county that receives grant funding will be responsible for upgrades and improvements, and the Secretary of State’s office will provide reimbursement up to 90 percent of the costs.