State Secretary announces grants for election security

AUSTIN, Texas (KAMR/KCIT) — Texas Secretary of State Jane Nelson announced grants will be available to states for election security.

According to officials, the launch of the new election security grant programs looks to “strengthen election integrity throughout the state.”

The Office of the Texas Secretary of State said about $10 million in grants is available using federal Help America Vote Act funds. The grant amounts are based on the number of registered voters in each county and require a 20% county match.

“These grants will go a long way toward helping counties better secure their elections, and I’m pleased to partner with counties to promote election security throughout Texas,” said Nelson. 

Officials said funding priorities include: 

• Compliance with paper audit trail requirements 
• Replacement of decertified electronic pollbooks 
• Video surveillance systems to comply with ballot security measures 
• Protection of election equipment and supplies 
• IT services and upgrades 

For more information, visit the Texas Secretary of State website.