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Galesburg approves $134,599 to help the independent election commission buy ballot tabulators
Summary
The City Council voted 7-0 to contribute $134,599 from the general fund for paper-ballot tabulators, software and reporting systems for the independent Galesburg Election Commission; staff said the expense was budgeted and the commission is formed under the Illinois Election Code.
The Galesburg City Council on Aug. 5 approved a resolution to contribute $134,599 from the city general fund to the Galesburg Election Commission for purchase of paper-ballot tabulators, related software and a reporting system.
City staff told the council the Election Commission, an independent body formed under Article 6 of the Illinois Election Code, needs new tabulators and lacks sufficient funds. "Staff is recommending approval of a resolution contributing funds from the city general fund to the election commission in the amount of $134,599 for the purchase of voting tabulators and software," a city manager aide said.
The council voted 7-0 on the measure. The manager's presentation noted that if the commission's expenses exceed county funding under the Illinois Election Code and counties code, the city is legally obligated to cover them; staff also said the purchase was budgeted and the $134,599 is under the allocation. No further conditions or contingencies were recorded in the meeting minutes.
The resolution was discussed on the evening's agenda as item 24-20-18. Richard Stout, an election judge and frequent attendee of the election committee who spoke during public comment, urged the council to "replace those machines" and expressed support for adequate equipment ahead of upcoming elections.
Council members did not request further amendments to the funding authorization. The vote was recorded by roll call as unanimous in favor.
