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Lawmakers press Department of State over 250% proposed increase for voter education
Summary
The governor’s budget seeks $2 million for voter registration and education, a $1.4 million (250%) increase; Department of State officials said the funds would pay for nonpartisan outreach in a federal election year, including mailers, digital ads and county support, while lawmakers asked for more detail on the spending plan.
The Department of State told the Appropriations Committee that the governor’s proposed budget includes $2 million for voter registration and education — a $1.4 million increase over the prior level that several lawmakers described as “hefty.” Secretary Al Schmidt said the extra money would underwrite nonpartisan outreach during a federal election year and help relieve counties of outreach burdens.
"In federal general elections there's certainly a lot more voter engagement and a lot more voter education that is needed," Schmidt told representatives. "That explains the $1,400,000 increase, in terms of reaching out to voters and making sure that they're aware of the basic things that are required in order to vote in this election."
Republican Representative Brown asked for specifics on what the outreach would include, noting the 250% jump in the line item. Schmidt and Deputy Secretary Jonathan Marks said typical work would include mailings, text messages and digital or radio advertising timed to registration and mail‑ballot deadlines, plus resources for newly registered voters. They emphasized that any outreach would be uniform across parties and geographies.
Lawmakers pressed for a budget‑level breakdown. Representative Marcel said historical funding for voter education has been relatively flat, and asked for detail explaining the sharp increase. Schmidt agreed to provide a more detailed list of proposed expenditures and distribution to counties.
The Department acknowledged costs for advertising and outreach have risen and said that additional funds requested in prior years went unmet. Schmidt said the department would offer a proposal showing how the new funds would be spent if the committee wants further detail.
The hearing produced no vote on the request; the committee asked the Department of State to submit a more detailed spending plan and distribution method to justify the proposed increase and to explain how counties would receive assistance.
