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Elections administrator warns new state law and staffing needs will raise 2026 costs; seeks more staff, training and equipment
Summary
The county’s elections administrator told commissioners that recently passed state legislation (Senate Bill 2753) and expanded duties will increase costs and staff workload for 2026; she asked for pay and staffing changes, added temporary staff and a vehicle for equipment transport.
Pam (full name not specified), the county’s elections administrator, told commissioners the 2026 elections budget needs increases to handle new state requirements and to support staff and equipment for elections.
She told the commissioners that several bills ("11 bills") were waiting on the governor’s desk and called out Senate Bill 2753 in particular, saying it would require moving directly from early voting closing Monday into Election Day on Tuesday. "2753 will require us to go straight from early voting on Monday into Election Day on Tuesday... it is going to be taxing on them," she said, explaining the staffing and logistical burden of setting up Election Day while early voting materials must be secured and state reporting completed.
Requests and reasoning: The administrator requested higher pay grades for key election staff, conversion of a part-time position to full time for the voter-registration coordinator, increased pay for election judges and clerks (to $16 and $15 per hour respectively), funding for additional temporary employees in heavy election cycles, and a vehicle to transport equipment between polling places. She said there is an existing Fund 252 (restricted for election uses) whose permitted uses and budgeting are constrained; she will consult with the county attorney and auditor about lawful use of those funds.
Quote: "My election workers... will have to split that time because there's no way they can work straight through... so, on Monday at 07:00 when the polls close for early voting, it is then our job to get Election Day set up," the administrator said.
Why it matters: Courts and county staff must budget for changes imposed by new state law and ensure secure handling and tracking of election equipment; the administrator emphasized training, security of voting equipment and careful vendor contracting to meet the new timeline.
Ending: The administrator said she will meet with legal and finance staff to clarify Fund 252 use and requested the court consider the staffing and equipment proposals before the November election schedule tightens workloads.
