Elections staff informed commissioners that the county will buy maintenance items and services from ClearBallot for 2026 and that some purchases are eligible under the Act 88 election grant program.

Warren, who introduced the election items, described three agenda proposals: (1) on-site ClearBallot support for the May primary and Nov. general election, a routine contingency service; (2) replacement backup batteries for precinct scanners because the original batteries (from 2019) are aging and failing — “these batteries are now going on 7 years old” — and the backup power supply is required under federal and state certification; and (3) replacement of proprietary ballot bags used to transport unused ballots and as an emergency ballot container.

Commissioners discussed the purchases and approved them. Staff noted battery replacements are maintenance on existing equipment rather than new system purchases and that the ballot bags can be funded under the Act 88 grant program; the county’s historical share of Act 88 distributions has been roughly $370,000. Warren told the board the county has moved more election production to the county print shop, which has saved money and improved responsiveness for time-sensitive ballot printing.

An online commenter asked that ClearBallot items be tabled for further review, saying the agenda was released 24 hours prior; county staff responded that the items were discussed with the solicitor, involved no new equipment or contract changes, and therefore a motion to table lacked validity.

What happens next: the county will order the batteries and bags and document eligible expenditures under Act 88 for possible reimbursement.