Cumberland County commissioners authorized application and acceptance of the state election integrity grant on July 23, a recurring award the county has received since 2022.

Bethany Salzruel, elections director, said the award amount is calculated from voter registration statistics and that Cumberland County’s allocation rose by $1,488 for 2025. She told commissioners the total award exceeds $930,000 and will be useful for election needs. Salzruel asked for board authorization to submit and execute the grant application and related documents because the grantor allows only a two-week turnaround.

The board moved and seconded approval of both the acceptance and authorization for Salzruel to execute the application. Commissioners asked the elections office to notify the board immediately if the grant is not received. The motions passed unanimously.

County staff said they will proceed with the grant submission and, if awarded, will apply the funds to election operations and needs for upcoming cycles.