Who Pays for Election Administration?

Alabama

County Responsibilities

Counties pay the costs of ballots and election forms.¹ Counties pay expenses related to voter registration unless otherwise noted.²

County commissions or other designated authorities pay to purchase, lease, or rent voting machines and may issue bonds to do so.³

Counties pay a portion of compensation for certain poll workers (i.e., inspectors and clerks) as described in statute.⁴

A portion of these and other election expenses are reimbursed or paid by the state, as detailed below.⁵

State Responsibilities

The state Election Expense Reimbursement Committee reimburses counties for 50% of most statewide general election expenses that include both statewide offices and county offices.⁶ If a statewide general election only includes statewide offices, then the Committee reimburses counties for 100% of relevant expenses.⁷

Reimbursable expenses include the costs of:

• ballots, supplies, and other materials for in-person and absentee voting;
• using voting machines and e-pollbooks, including maintenance and updates;
• rent for polling places as necessary;
• some election official compensation, including absentee managers;
• preparing and furnishing voter lists to election officials;
• election manager training on absentee voting;
• counting write-in votes; and
• other eligible expenses as determined by the Committee.⁸

The state pays for other election expenses including:

• producing photo voter ID cards;
• administering elections for military and overseas voters;
• registrar compensation; and
• supplemental compensation for certain poll workers (i.e., inspectors and clerks) as described in statute.⁹

The secretary of state pays the expenses of furnishing forms and supplies for voter registration.¹⁰

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Notes

Alaska

Borough Responsibilities

For statewide general elections, the state is responsible for election expenses.

State Responsibilities

The director of the Division of Elections supervises the administration of statewide general elections and pays for necessary election expenses.¹

The director:

• prepares ballots;
• prepares the materials used in absentee voting and provides absentee ballots;
• pays the costs of ballot boxes, voting booths, postage, stationery, and other supplies;
• pays the costs of providing polling places;
• provides materials and forms for polling places;
• pays the costs of election notices;
• pays election official compensation, including election board chairpersons and members of the absentee ballot board; and
• trains election officials and poll workers. ²

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Notes

¹ Alaska Stat. §§ 15.15.010 and 15.15.390
² Alaska Stat. §§ 15.15.030, 15.15.040(a) and (c), 15.15.070(g), 15.15.060(c), 15.10.107, 15.15.380, 15.15.390, and 15.20.030

Arizona

County Responsibilities

Counties pay for statewide general election expenses including:

• ballots;
• voter lists;
• expenses related to voter registration; and
• election official and poll worker compensation.¹

County boards of supervisors pay the costs of vote tabulators and may issue bonds, certificates of indebtedness, or other obligations to do so.² Boards may also enter into lease agreements or lease purchase agreements. County boards of supervisors furnish e-pollbooks for polling places if the county uses e-pollbooks.³

County boards of supervisors provide voting booths, ballot boxes, and other supplies.⁴

County recorders or other designated officers provide methods of informing:

• provisional ballot voters that their ballot was verified and counted; and
• military and overseas voters that their ballot was received.⁵

County boards of supervisors or other election authorities conduct mandatory poll worker training and certification.⁶ Cities and towns may conduct training for their employees who work on elections using an approved training program or reimburse the state if they choose to use the election officer certification program provided by the secretary of state.⁷

State Responsibilities

The secretary of state reimburses counties for the costs of printing and mailing sample ballots.⁸

The secretary provides mandatory training and certification programs for county election officers, including clerks of the boards of supervisors and county recorders.⁹

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Notes

¹ A.R.S. §§ 16-139, 16-405, 16-503(B), 16-551(E), 16-511, and 16-536
² A.R.S. § 16-451
³ A.R.S. § 16-511(B)
⁴ A.R.S. § 16-405
⁵ A.R.S. §§ 16-584(F) and 16-543(B)
⁶ A.R.S. § 16-532
⁷ A.R.S. § 16-407(F)
⁸ A.R.S § 16-510(C)
⁹ A.R.S § 16-407(C)

Arkansas

County Responsibilities

Counties pay all statewide general election expenses unless otherwise noted.¹ Cities and towns reimburse county boards of election commissioners for a share of these expenses based on a statutory formula.²

Counties acquire voting machines and pay the costs of using them, including any necessary supplies.³ If a county chooses to hand-count ballots they are responsible for the costs of the paper ballots and labor.⁴

State Responsibilities

The State Board of Election Commissioners provides mandatory training for election officials and poll workers, including county clerks and election monitors.⁵ The Board determines compensation for training attendees.⁶

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Notes

¹ ACA § 7-5-104(a)
² A.C.A. § 7-5-104(a)
³ ACA § 7-5-301(i) and (j); 7 CAR § 70-211(g)
⁴ ACA § 7-5-601(g)
⁵ ACA §§ 7-4-123(a)(6) and (7) and 7-4-109
⁶ A.C.A. § 7-4-109(e)(2)

California

Local Responsibilities

Counties pay statewide general election expenses including ballots, sample ballots, voter pamphlets, and precinct board and vote-by-mail canvassing board compensation.¹

Local jurisdictions pay the costs of voting machines and may issue bonds, certificates of indebtedness, or other obligations to do so.² Local jurisdictions may also enter into lease agreements or lease purchase agreements.

State Responsibilities

The state reimburses counties for costs related to voter registration and mailing state voter information guides.³

The secretary of state maintains a mail ballot tracking system.⁴

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Notes

¹ Cal Elec Code §§ 13001, 12310, and 15103; The California Legislative Analyst’s Office, “Considering the State’s Role in Elections,” March 30, 2017
² Cal Elec Code §§ 19006 and 19208
³ Cal Elec Code §§ 2130, 2164, and 9095
⁴ Cal Elec Code § 3019.7(a)

Colorado

Local Responsibilities

County or city governments pay to purchase voting machines and may issue bonds, certificates of indebtedness, or other obligations to do so.¹

Counties pay for voting system firmware, software, and other election management license fees, preventative maintenance, agreements for non-voting system equipment, ballot issue notices, costs of state-appointed observers or supervisors, and other overhead expenses.²

Counties are responsible for a proportion of other costs that are not reimbursed by the state, as detailed below.³

State Responsibilities

The state reimburses each county 45% of statewide general election costs.⁴ Reimbursable election costs include those related to:

• printing and mailing ballots, envelopes, and other materials;
• ballot programming and election services;
• voter service and polling centers;
• poll worker and canvass board member compensation, including overtime for some staff;
• hiring, training, and supporting the work of poll workers;
• security;
• translation; and
• other incremental direct costs.⁵

The secretary of state provides a training and certification program for local election officials.⁶

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Notes

¹ Colo. Const. Art. VII, Section 8
² 8 CCR 1505-1(7.14.3)
³ C.R.S. 1-5-505.5(1)(a); 8 CCR 1505-1(7.14)
⁴ C.R.S. 1-5-505.5(1)(a)
⁵ 8 CCR 1505-1(7.14)
⁶ C.R.S. 1-1-301

Connecticut

Municipality Responsibilities

Municipalities pay statewide general election expenses including:

• the purchase or lease of voting machines;
• voter registration and printing voter lists;
• election official compensation, including for registrars of voters and any official who participates in a post-election audit;
• a mandatory training and certification program for registrars of voters; and
• compensation for registrars of voters and municipal clerks who attend state conferences on election laws and procedures.¹

Registrars of voters furnish ballots.²

State Responsibilities

The state pays for voter registration forms and envelopes.³

The secretary of state:

• furnishes all forms and envelopes for absentee ballots and provisional ballots;
• may purchase voting tabulators or accessories and transfer ownership to municipalities;
• conducts or provides mandatory training and certification programs for registrars of voters; and
• conducts conferences on election laws and procedures.⁴

The state publishes a voter guide and may develop a public awareness campaign for early voting within available funding.⁵

The state coordinates training for deputy registrars of voters and poll workers.⁶

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Notes

¹ Conn. Gen. Stat §§ 9-238(a), 9-239, 9-240a, 9-194, 9-320f(a)(1), 9-55a, 9-55, 9-57, 9-192a(a), 9-6, and 9-1b
² Conn. Gen. Stat. § 9-250
³ Conn. Gen. Stat. § 9-29
⁴ Conn. Gen. Stat. §§ 9-139a(a), 9-232k, 9-192a, 9-239, and 9-6
⁵ Conn. Gen. Stat. §§ 9-163cc and 9-4a(a)
⁶ Conn. Gen. Stat. § 9-4b

Delaware

County Responsibilities

For statewide general elections, the state is responsible for election expenses.

State Responsibilities

The state pays for all necessary election costs and expenses unless otherwise noted.¹

The Department of Elections:

• provides equipment and supplies such as ballots, sample ballots, and voting machines;
• pays postage for absentee ballot distribution and return if not otherwise covered by the postal service;
• pays election official and officer compensation, including county clerks and other employees;
• provides mandatory training on voting machines, election procedures, and election law; and
• compensates election officers for some required training.²

The state election commissioner must establish an absentee ballot tracker.³

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Notes

¹ 15 Del. C. §§ 4514 and 5714
² 15 Del. C. §§ 211(e), 215, 302(1), 4515, 4910(b), 5004A, 5005A(c), 5504(c), 7557(a), 4741, and 4707
³ 15 Del. C. § 5526

District of Columbia

District Responsibilities

The District of Columbia pays for general election expenses in the District.¹ The District provides resources to the Board of Elections including facilities, records, services, personnel, equipment, and other assistance for election administration.²

The Board of Elections purchases voting machines through the Office of Contracting and Procurement.³

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Notes

¹ D.C. Code §§ 1-204.42(b) and 1-1001.05
² D.C. Code § 1-1001.06(b)
³ D.C. Code § 1-1001.09(I)

Florida

County Responsibilities

Counties pay for ballots.¹

Boards of county commissioners are authorized to adopt, purchase, or otherwise procure voting machines.²

County supervisors of elections:

• provide sample ballots, ballot boxes, and voter information cards;
• establish a system for voters to determine the status of their provisional ballot;
• pay deputy supervisor and poll worker compensation, including inspectors and clerks;
• conducts mandatory training for poll workers using a state-developed program; and
• compensate poll workers for attending required training.³

State Responsibilities

The Division of Elections provides local governments with a uniform training program and training on signature matching.⁴

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Notes

¹ Fla. Stat. § 101.21
² Fla. Stat. § 101.5604
³ Fla. Stat. §§ 98.015(8), 101.34, 102.021, 97.071, 101.20(1), 101.24, 102.014(1), and 101.048(7)
⁴ Fla. Stat. §§ 102.014(1) and (7) and 97.012(4), (8), and (17); 1S-2.056, F.A.C.

Georgia

County Responsibilities

Counties pay for statewide general election expenses unless otherwise noted.¹ This includes:

• ballots and voting booths;
• polling place expenses;
• postage for mailing absentee ballots if not otherwise covered by the postal service;
• voting equipment training;
• election official and poll worker compensation, including managers and clerks;
• mandatory training and certification programs for local election officials, including election superintendents; and
• other expenses.²

Counties contract for technical support of voting machines provided by the state and may pay for additional electronic ballot markers and scanners beyond what is provided by the state.³

Election superintendents provide mandatory poll worker training.⁴

State Responsibilities

The secretary of state:

• provides county election superintendents with absentee ballot applications and envelopes and other necessary election forms;
• furnishes equipment used for casting and counting ballots, including electronic ballot markers and scanners to counties;
• provides a program to educate the public and election workers on using such equipment; and
• offers mandatory certification programs for local election officials.⁵

If funds are appropriated for a voter education program, the State Election Board must develop and conduct a program focusing on absentee voting procedures and voter identification.⁶

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Notes

¹ O.C.G.A. § 21-2-71(a)
² O.C.G.A. §§ 21-2-71(a), 21-2-389, 21-2-70(5), 21-2-100(d), 21-2-300(d), and 21-2-101(a)
³ O.C.G.A. § 21-2-300(a)(3) and (c)
⁴ O.C.G.A. § 21-2-99
⁵ O.C.G.A. §§ 21-2-50(a)(5) and 21-2-300(a)(1) and (d), and 21-2-101(a)
⁶ O.C.G.A. § 21-2-31(9)

Hawaii

County Responsibilities

Counties pay 50% of all expenses in statewide general elections that include county offices unless otherwise noted.¹ Each county pays a prorated share of these expenses based on their proportion of registered voters.

Counties pay for a share of postage costs for absentee ballot distribution and return, unless these costs are otherwise covered by the postal service.² The share of these costs is determined with the state.

Counties are responsible for absentee voting, voter service centers, and drop boxes.³ If both county and statewide offices are on the ballot, counties are also responsible for the mailing and receipt of ballots.⁴

Counties pay for voter registration expenses.⁵

State Responsibilities

The state pays 50% of all expenses in any statewide general election that includes county offices on the ballot.⁶ If a statewide general election only includes statewide offices, the state pays 100% of expenses.

The state is responsible for printing and counting ballots.⁷ The state is also responsible for the mailing and receipt of ballots if only statewide offices are on the ballot.⁸

The state pays a share of the costs of the postage for absentee ballot distribution and return, unless these costs are otherwise covered by the postal service.⁹

The chief election officer provides public education on voter registration.¹⁰

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Notes

¹ HRS § 11-110(a)(1)
² HRS § 15-6.5
³ HRS § 11-110(b)(3)(A)
⁴ HRS § 11-110(b)(3)(A)
⁵ HRS § 11-110(a)(1)
⁶ HRS §§ 11-182 and 11-110(a)(1)
⁷ HRS § 11-110(3)(B)
⁸ HRS § 11-110(3)(B)
⁹ HRS § 15-6.5
¹⁰ HRS § 11-2(d)

Idaho

County Responsibilities

Counties pay statewide general election expenses unless otherwise noted, including:

• ballots;
• rent for polling places as necessary;
• personnel;
• any other necessary equipment or supplies.¹

Counties are authorized to rent, purchase, or otherwise procure voting machines or vote tally systems, including through a joint purchase with other political subdivisions.²

County clerks or other designated officials:

• provide ballot boxes for polling places;
• provide voter registration forms to county political parties; and
• may procure other equipment and supplies for election administration.³

State Responsibilities

The Office of the Secretary of State pays for post-election audits, including reimbursing counties for any cost associated with audits.⁴

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Notes

¹ Idaho Code §§ 34-209, 34-302, 34-1006, and 34-902
² Idaho Code §§ 34-2405 and 34-2406
³ Idaho Code §§ 34-2414, 34-1006, 34-406, and 34-209
⁴ Idaho Code § 34-1203A(4)

Illinois

County or City Responsibilities

Counties pay statewide general election and voter registration expenses unless otherwise noted.¹ In localities with municipal boards, the boards pay election expenses, but counties still pay for voter registration and canvassing.

County clerks or boards of election commissioners purchase or lease voting machines.² These authorities also provide ballots and voting machine supplies. ³

Counties also pay other election expenses including:

• pollbooks;
• voting booths;
• ballot boxes; and
• election official and poll worker compensation, including county clerks and officers of registration.⁴

County clerks or boards of election commissioners conduct training for poll workers.⁵

State Responsibilities

The State Board of Elections provides funding to counties to pay some local election officials a stipend that is in addition to their compensation.⁶ The Board also reimburses counties for certain statutory increases in election official and poll worker compensation.⁷

The Board provides an election manual to county clerks and boards of elections commissioners to instruct poll workers.⁸

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Notes

¹ 10 ILCS 5/17-30
² 10 ILCS 5/24-1
³ 10 ILCS 5/16-5.01 and 5/24-13
⁴ 10 ILCS 5/13-10, 5/13-11, 5/4-25, 5/5-35, 5/15-3, 5/15-1, and 5/17-8; 55 ILCS 5/4-6001
⁵ 10 ILCS 5/13-2.1 and 5/14-4.1
⁶ 55 ILCS 5/4-6001(d)
⁷ 10 ILCS 5/17-30, 5/4-25, 5/13-10, 5/13-11, 5/5-35
⁸ 10 ILCS 5/1A-8(3)

Indiana

County Responsibilities

Counties pay the expenses of voter registration and all election supplies, equipment, and expenses unless otherwise noted.¹

County executives are authorized to purchase, lease, or otherwise procure electronic voting systems.²

County boards of election provide sample ballots as well as e-pollbooks, as applicable.³ Boards also furnish absentee return envelopes with prepaid postage.⁴

Counties pay election official and poll worker compensation, including circuit court clerks and other members of county election boards.⁵ Counties reimburse election officials for the costs of attending mandatory state-provided training.⁶

State Responsibilities

The Election Division conducts mandatory training for election officials, including circuit court clerks and members of county election boards.⁷

The secretary of state administers an election worker certification program.⁸

The secretary of state must enter into an agreement with counties to fund cyber threat assessments and other cybersecurity tools for counties through a designated third party, so long as funds are available for this purpose.⁹

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Notes

¹ Burns Ind. Code Ann.§§ 3-5-3-1, 3-5-3-2 and 3-5-3-5
² Burns Ind. Code Ann. §§ 3-11-7.5-21 and 3-11-6.5-1
³ Burns Ind. Code Ann. § 3-11-11-1.7 and 3-11-3-11(b)
⁴ Burns Ind. Code Ann. § 3-11-4-20
⁵ Burns Ind. Code Ann. §§ 3-5-3-1(c), 3-6-5-9, 3-6-6-25, 3-6-5.2-5
⁶ Burns Ind. Code Ann. § 3-6-4.2-14(e)
⁷ Burns Ind. Code Ann. § 3-6-4.2-14
⁸ Burns Ind. Code Ann. §§ 3-6-6.5-2 and 3-6-6.5-3
⁹ Burns Ind. Code Ann. § 3-5-4-12

Iowa

County Responsibilities

Counties pay statewide general election expenses unless otherwise noted, including:

• ballots;
• preparing and installing voting machines;
• preparing pollbooks and voter registration lists;
• maintaining voter registration records;
• precinct election board compensation; and
• compensation for election personnel (including precinct officials and poll workers) who attend mandatory training courses.¹

County election commissioners:

• purchase or update e-pollbook and polling place technology, including through loans that may be provided by the state commissioner;
• provide places for absentee voting;
• furnish voting booths and ballot boxes;
• conduct mandatory training for election personnel, including precinct officials and poll workers; and
• prepare and furnish other necessary forms, materials, equipment, and supplies.²

State Responsibilities

The state commissioner:

• provides a training manual to commissioners for conducting mandatory training courses;
• furnishes instructions on voting systems and voters’ rights to county commissioners; and
• implements continuing education programs for election personnel.³

The state pays for certain expenses related to military and overseas voting, including accepting voter registration applications and absentee ballot applications.⁴

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Notes

[1] Iowa Code §§ 47.3, and 49.125
[2] Iowa Code §§ 49.25(2 and 3), 53.10, 49.124, 49.28, and 47.11
[3] Iowa Code §§ 49.126, 49.124, and 49.68
[4] Iowa Code § 53.50 and 53.37A

Kansas

County Responsibilities

Counties pay all statewide general election expenses, including ballots, unless otherwise noted.¹ Counties also pay the expenses of voter registration, unless the expenses are incurred by a voter registration agency or the division of motor vehicles.²

Boards of county commissioners and county election officers purchase, lease, or rent electronic voting machines or e-pollbooks.³ Boards of county commissioners and county election officers may purchase, lease, or rent optical scanning equipment and may issue bonds to do so.⁴

County election officers conduct mandatory training for poll workers.⁵

State Responsibilities

The secretary of state may purchase, rent, or lease voting equipment and provide such equipment to counties.⁶

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Notes

¹ K.S.A. §§ 25-2201 and 25-119; 1993 Kansas Attorney General Opinion No. 93-107
² K.S.A. § 25-2315
³ K.S.A. §§ 25-4402 and 25-4407
⁴ K.S.A. § 25-4602
⁵ K.S.A. § 25-2806
⁶ K.S.A. § 25-4407(c)

Kentucky

County Responsibilities

County treasurers pay statewide general election expenses unless otherwise noted.¹ County treasurers are reimbursed by the state for such costs at a rate of $255 per precinct.² Counties pay costs including:

• the purchase or lease of voting systems, which may be paid by issuing bonds;
• rent for polling places as necessary; and
• county election board and election officer compensation, including poll workers.³

County clerks are responsible for printing in-person, absentee, and federal provisional ballots.⁴

County boards of elections provide mandatory training for poll workers, alternates, challengers, and other election officers, and compensate these individuals for their attendance.⁵

State Responsibilities

The State Board of Elections:

• reimburses counties for election costs at a rate of $255 per precinct;
• reimburses counties the costs of employing some personnel at a rate of up to $0.50 per registered voter in the county per year;
• provides mandatory training to county boards of elections, county and state attorneys, and members of the state police; and
• provides election public education programs.⁶

The state pays county clerks $0.25 for each person registered to vote.⁷

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Notes

¹ KRS § 117.345(1)
² KRS § 117.345(2)
³ KRS §§ 117.045(11),117.035(2e), 117.065(1), 117.145(5), and117.105(1)
⁴ KRS § 117.145
⁵ KRS § 117.187(2)
⁶ KRS §§ 117.345(2), 117.187, 116.046, and 117.343
⁷ KRS § 116.145

Louisiana

Parish (County-Level) Responsibilities

Parishes pay for half of statewide general election expenses when a local office or question also appears on the ballot.¹ Fifty percent of costs and expenses are paid by the state and the other fifty percent is split with other localities on the ballot, as determined with the state.

This includes:

• ballots and election materials;
• rent for polling places as necessary;
• postage for absentee mail ballots if not otherwise covered by the postal service;
  notices;
• election official and poll worker compensation, including parish boards of election supervisors;
• mandatory poll worker training and certification;
• temporary employees; and
• law enforcement officers.²

Parishes are responsible for the cost of all equipment, supplies, and other necessary expenses of registrars.³ Parishes may provide temporary branch offices or mobile units for voter registration.⁴

State Responsibilities

The state pays for all statewide general election costs and expenses when only statewide offices and questions are on the ballot.⁵ When local offices or questions are on the ballot, the state pays 50% of costs and expenses, plus a proportional share of the remaining 50% split with local governments, as described above.

The state:

• pays early voting expenses incurred after 4:30 p.m. on weekdays and on Saturdays;
• reimburses clerks of court up to $100 for incidental expenses related to each poll worker training session, up to a maximum yearly reimbursement of $300; and
• pays overtime compensation for some election employees.⁶

The secretary of state:

• prepares and distributes absentee and early voting ballots and other related materials, including envelopes and instructions,
  purchases voting systems;
• maintains and repairs voting machines, unless the machines are in the direct charge and supervision of parish custodians or election commissioners; and
• develops an instructional pamphlet for Election Day.⁷

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Notes

¹ La. R.S. § 18:1400.3
² La. R.S. §§ 18:1400.1, 18:1400.2,18:1400.3, 18:1400.4, 18:1400.8, 18:431, and 18 :433
³ La. R.S. § 18:132
⁴ La. R.S. § 18:133
⁵ La. R.S. §§ 18:1400.1, 18:1400.2,18:1400.3, 18:1400.4
⁶ La. R.S. § 18:1400.3, 18:1400.8, and 18:1400.9
⁷ La. R.S. §§ 18:1362,18:1353(C)(3), 18:1306, and 18:421(C)

Maine

Municipality Responsibilities

Municipalities are responsible for statewide general election expenses unless otherwise noted.¹

Municipalities:

• rent or purchase voting machines and tabulators and pay for related maintenance expenses;
• pay the expenses of any supplies or clerical help that may be necessary for registrars to perform election duties;
• pay for any replacement ballot security containers and ballot boxes if they become defective, lost or destroyed, and
• are authorized to pay for additional ballot boxes beyond those provided by the secretary of state.²

Municipal officers provide voting booths.³

Municipalities are encouraged to provide training to all election officials.⁴

Municipalities pay for any elections conducted by a nearby unorganized township.⁵ County commissioners reimburse the municipality for these expenses.

State Responsibilities

The secretary of state furnishes election supplies to municipalities, including:

• absentee and election day ballots;
• sample ballots;
• absentee ballot applications and instructions;
• ballot boxes; and
• ballot security containers.⁶

The secretary of state provides free mandatory training for municipal clerks and instructional materials for election officials and the public.⁷

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Notes

¹ 21-A M.R.S. § 633
² 21-A M.R.S.§§ 101(7), 811, 815, 842, 846, 607, 609, and 628
³ 21-A M.R.S. § 629(2)
⁴ 21-A M.R.S. § 505(7-A)
⁵ 21-A M.R.S. § 632
⁶ 21-A M.R.S. §§ 606, 603, 605-A, 752, 607, and 609
⁷ 21-A M.R.S. §§ 505(7-A), 610, and 605-A

Maryland

County Responsibilities

The state and counties split the costs of operating the statewide uniform voting system, including the cost of maintenance, ballot printing, and related supplies and materials.¹ The state pays 50%, and counties pay a proportional share of the remaining 50% based on the county’s voting age population. Counties may finance the costs of the voting system by issuing bonds.²

Counties pay for other election expenses including:

• supplies and equipment for voter registration, early voting centers, and polling places;
• absentee voting, including the expenses of employing temporary staff and 50% of the cost of prepaid return postage (if not otherwise covered by the postal service);
• rent for polling places as necessary; and
• election official and poll worker compensation, including compensation or reimbursement for attending trainings.³

County boards of elections conduct mandatory poll worker training developed by the State Board of Elections.⁴

State Responsibilities

The state pays 50% of the costs of operating the statewide uniform voting system, including the cost of maintenance, ballot printing, and related supplies and materials.⁵

The State Board of Elections reimburses county boards of elections for 50% of the cost of prepaid return postage for absentee ballots, unless otherwise covered by the postal service.⁶ The Board also reimburses county boards $50 of the additional compensation paid to returning poll workers.⁷

The State Board conducts mandatory training for county boards of elections and develops a poll worker training program in consultation with county boards.⁸

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Notes

¹ Md. Election Law Code Ann. § 9-106
² Md. Election Law Code Ann. § 9-104
³ Md. Election Law Code Ann. §§ 2-203, 2-202(4), 2-204, 10-101(4), 9-311, 10-205, 9-310(b), and 2-104(d)
⁴ Md. Election Law Code Ann. § 10-206(2)
⁵ Md. Election Law Code Ann. § 9-106
⁶ Md. Election Law Code Ann. § 9-310(b)
⁷ Md. Election Law Code Ann. § 10-205(c)
⁸ Md. Election Law Code Ann. §§ 10-206 and 2-104

Massachusetts

Municipality Responsibilities

Municipalities pay statewide general election expenses including:

• equipment maintenance;
• mailing voter registration affidavits; and
• any additional ballot boxes not provided by the state, including replacement ballot boxes.¹

Municipalities are authorized to purchase, lease, or lease with an option to purchase voting machines and automatic tabulators.²

Aldermen or selectmen designate and prepare polling places and provide voting booths.³

County court clerks provide municipalities with forms and envelopes for certificates and returns required to be made to the county commissioners and board of examiners.⁴

State Responsibilities

The state secretary:

• furnishes ballots;
• prepares and delivers early and absentee ballots and envelopes, including prepaid early ballot return postage;
• prepares sample ballots;
• supplies voter registration affidavits in English and Spanish;
• provides municipalities with forms and envelopes for certificates and returns required to be made to the secretary’s office; and
• maintains an early ballot request portal.⁵

The state pays for a ballot box for every precinct and may pay for improvements to voting machines and ballot boxes.⁶

The Office of the State Secretary provides free mandatory training for local election officials.⁷

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Notes

¹ ALM GL ch. 51, § 36; ch. 54 §§ 29 and 67A
² ALM GL ch. 54, § 34
³ ALM GL ch. 54, §§ 24 and 25
⁴ ALM GL ch. 54, § 27
⁵ ALM GL ch. 54, §§ 40, 25B(a)(6) and (g), 27, 87, and 48 and ch. 51, § 36
⁶ ALM GL ch. 54, §§ 26 and 28
⁷ ALM GL ch. 51, § 17A

Michigan

Local Responsibilities

County boards of election commissioners prepare and print official ballots.¹

Counties pay for write-in sheets for write-in candidates, envelopes for sealing returns, poll lists, and other forms.²

Boards of commissioners are authorized to purchase, lease, or otherwise acquire voting machines.³

Municipalities pay for ballot containers and provide polling places.⁴

County clerks conduct and pay for mandatory training for election inspectors.⁵ Municipalities are authorized to compensate inspectors for attending training.

Metropolitan and school districts pay 100% of the additional election costs incurred when they hold an election at the same time as statewide general elections.⁶

State Responsibilities

The secretary of state:

• pays for absentee ballot drop box installation, repair, and video monitoring,
• provides an absentee ballot tracker, and
• compensates county clerks for transmitting registration applications.⁷

The director of elections conducts mandatory training and accreditation programs for clerks as well as continuing education training for clerks.⁸

The state pays for security seals.⁹

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Notes

¹ MCLS § 168.689
² MCLS § 168.667
³ MCLS § 168.794a(1) and (2)
⁴ MCLS §§ 168.669 and 168.662(1)
⁵ MCLS §§ 168.683 and 168.33
⁶ MCLS §§ 168.389a(2) and 168.315(2)
⁷ MCLS §§ 168.761d(2), 168.500b(2), 168.31(1)(j)-(m), and 168.764c(1)
⁸ MCLS § 168.33
⁹ MCLS §§ 168.668a(1) and 168.666

Minnesota

Local Responsibilities

Counties pay the costs of:

• printing ballots;
• absentee voting expenses (including military and overseas voting);
• voter registration;
• county canvassing board compensation; and
• other expenses.¹

Municipalities pay the costs of:

• providing and equipping polling places;
• providing ballot boxes;
• poll worker compensation; and
  other expenses.²

Counties or municipalities pay for voting machines and may issue bonds or other certificates of indebtedness to do so.³

The county auditor or municipal clerk provides postage-paid envelopes for absentee ballots.⁴

Expenses for elections held by political subdivisions at the same time as statewide general elections are shared among the relevant subdivisions according to procedures set by the Secretary of State.⁵ These expenses include poll worker salaries, absentee ballot applications, ballot preparation, election notices, and more.

State Responsibilities

The secretary of state:

• pays the costs of preparing pollbooks;
• prepares and distributes instructional voter pamphlets;
• provides training materials for local election officials and poll workers;
• conducts training conferences for county auditors and certifies auditors; and
• may enter into statewide contracts for auditors to purchase ballots, forms, or other election supplies.⁶

The secretary of state reimburses counties and cities for the costs of operating temporary polling locations on college campuses, up to a statutory limit.⁷ Reimbursable costs for campus polling locations include voting equipment, staffing, ballot printing, voting booths, and more. If there are not enough funds to reimburse counties and cities fully, the secretary reduces reimbursements proportionally.

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Notes

¹ Minn. Stat. §§ 204B.32(b), 201.211, 203B.15, and 203B.27
² Minn. Stat. § 204B.32(c)
³ Minn. Stat. § 206.59
⁴ Minn. Stat. § 203B.07
⁵ Minn. Stat. § 204B.32(Subd. 2)
⁶ Minn. Stat. §§ 201.211 and 204B.27(Subd. 4, 5, 9, and 10)
⁷ Minn. Stat. §§ 203B.0815(a), (b), and (c)

Mississippi

County Responsibilities

Counties pay for ballots and election official and poll worker compensation, including registrars and poll managers.¹

Counties and municipalities are authorized to purchase or rent optical scanning equipment.²

County boards of supervisors:

• are authorized to provide ballot boxes, voter lists, and voting compartments;
• are authorized to purchase and renovate or maintain polling places or pay rent for polling places as necessary;
  pay for security seals;
• compensates county election commission members for attending mandatory training sessions; and
• are authorized to compensate poll managers for attending mandatory training sessions.³

County election commissioners, together with the circuit clerk, sponsor and conduct mandatory poll manager training.⁴

State Responsibilities

The secretary of state distributes money annually from the Election Support Fund to counties proportionally as provided for in statute.⁵ Counties can use these funds to pay expenses including:

• acquiring, upgrading, maintaining, and repairing voting equipment;
• systems and supplies;
• hiring staff to conduct elections; and
• training election officials.⁶

The secretary provides a mandatory training and certification program for election commissioners.⁷ The secretary also provides a certification program for poll managers.⁸

The state pays for the costs associated with applying for and issuing voter ID cards.⁹

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Notes

¹ Miss. Code Ann. §§ 23-15-355, 23-15-225(1), 23-15-227(3), and 23-15-153(2)
² Miss. Code Ann. § 23-15-505
³ Miss. Code Ann. §§ 23-15-595, 23-15-281(2), 23-15-239(3), 23-15-259, 23-15-505, and 23-15-211
⁴ Miss. Code Ann. § 23-15-239(1)
⁵ Miss. Code Ann. § 23-15-5
⁶ Miss. Code Ann. § 23-15-5
⁷ Miss. Code Ann. § 23-15-211(4) and (5)
⁸ Miss. Code Ann. § 23-15-239(7)
⁹ Miss. Code Ann. § 23-15-7(1)

Missouri

Local Responsibilities

Counties and other political subdivisions pay a proportional share of statewide general election costs when they hold an election on the same day, as determined with the state.¹

Election and voter registration expenses in cities with more than 300,000 people are split between the counties and cities depending on the population and location of a city within counties, as specified in statute.²

Election authorities are authorized to lease, with or without the option to purchase, electronic voting machines.³

Election authorities provide ballots and voting booths and may rent polling places as necessary.⁴

Depending on the population of a county or city and the location of a city, the county, city, or both may pay election commissioner compensation as specified in statute.⁵

State Responsibilities

The state pays a proportional share of the cost of statewide general elections when counties or other political subdivisions hold an election on the same day.⁶ Proportional election costs include any additional expenses the county incurs in conducting the election and may include county employee compensation and renting voting machines or e-pollbooks.⁷ If only statewide offices are on the ballot, the state pays for all election costs.

The secretary of state:

• pays the costs of postage for absentee mail ballot return if not otherwise covered by the postal service;
• maintains a system for voters to determine the status of their provisional ballot;
• distributes provisional ballot envelopes; and
• may develop multilingual voting instructions for election authorities.⁸

The state pays for non-driver’s license photo ID for voters that do not already have an ID.⁹

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Notes

¹ §§ 115.063(2) and 115.065 R.S.Mo.
² §§ 115.071 and 115.073 R.S.Mo.
³ § 115.267 R.S.Mo.
⁴ §§ 115.117, 115.247(1), and 115.411 R.S.Mo.
⁵ § 115.035 R.S.Mo.
⁶ § 115.063(2) R.S.Mo.
⁷ § 115.065(4) R.S.Mo.
⁸ §§ 115.285, 115.430(3) and (13), and 115.417(3) R.S.Mo.
⁹ § 115.427(6)(1) R.S.Mo.

Montana

County Responsibilities

Counties pay statewide general election expenses unless otherwise noted.¹ Political subdivisions pay a proportional share of additional election costs when they hold an election at the same time as statewide general elections, as determined by the county.²

Counties:

• purchase voting machines and may pay for them by the same methods available for other capital equipment purchases;
• pay the costs of third-party testing for voting systems; and
• pay the costs of mandatory election continuing education.³

Election administrators pay absentee election board member and poll worker compensation, including for time spent at training.⁴

Election administrators provide official ballots, secure ballot transport boxes, and voting stations.⁵

State Responsibilities

The secretary of state reimburses counties for post-election audit costs.

The secretary of state trains and certifies election administrators and their staff and pays for related costs.⁶

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Notes

¹ 13-1-302(1), MCA
² 13-1-302(3) and (7), MCA
³ 13-17-104, 13-17-103(4)(b), and 13-1-203(4), MCA
⁴ 13-13-228 and 13-4-106, MCA
⁵ 13-12-212, 13-19-307(6), and 13-13-111, MCA
⁶ 13-17-508 and 13-1-203(3)(b), MCA

Nebraska

County Responsibilities

Counties pay statewide general election expenses unless otherwise noted.¹ If political subdivisions put an office or special issue on the general election ballot, they pay counties a proportional share of the costs of ballots, election notices, voter lists, postage, operating voting systems, election official and poll worker compensation, including inspectors and clerks, and other relevant expenses as specified in statute.²

Counties:

• provide all necessary supplies, materials, and equipment for registering voters and conducting elections, including ballot boxes and voting booths;
• are authorized to purchase, lease, lease-purchase, rent, or contract for voting machines and may issue bonds, certificates of indebtedness or other obligations to do so; and
• purchase mail-in voter registration applications from the Secretary of State.³

County boards pay for the publication of sample ballots in newspapers in English and any other required language.⁴

State Responsibilities

The secretary of state:

• prints forms for voter registration and early voting;
• maintains a system for voters to determine the status of their provisional ballot; and
• provides training for election commissioners, county clerks, and other election officials.⁵

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Notes

¹ R.R.S. Neb. § 32-1201
² R.R.S. Neb. §§ 32-1207, 32-1202, and 32-1203
³ R.R.S. Neb. §§ 32-216(2), 32-1042, 32-906(2), and 32-320
⁴ R.R.S. Neb. § 32-803(4)
⁵ R.R.S. Neb. §§ 32-202(2), (6), and (13) and 32-947

Nevada

Local Responsibilities

Counties and cities are authorized to purchase or lease voting machines and may issue bonds, certificates of indebtedness, or other obligations to do so.¹

County or city clerks designate polling places and may rent polling locations as necessary.²

County clerks provide county specific voter education programs for ballots used in their counties.³

State Responsibilities

The secretary of state:

• reimburses counties for the cost of basic ballot stock;
• maintains a system for voters to determine the status of their provisional ballot;
• provides mandatory training on election procedures for county and city clerks;
• reimburses counties and cities for the costs of clerks attending training courses and may reimburse counties or cities for the costs of other employees that attend training courses; and
• may enter into contracts to purchase mail ballots and return envelopes on behalf of counties.⁴

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Notes

¹ Nev. Rev. Stat. Ann. §§ 293B.125 and 293B.1245
² Nev. Rev. Stat. Ann. § 293.437
³ Nev. Rev. Stat. Ann. § 293.2693
⁴ Nev. Rev. Stat. Ann. §§ 293.2504, 293.3086, and 293.2694; NAC 293.200

New Hampshire

Municipality Responsibilities

Municipalities pay the costs of e-pollbooks and pay to purchase or lease electronic ballot counting devices if they choose to use such equipment.¹

Boards of selectmen provide polling places and furnish them with supplies including ballot boxes and voting booths.²

State Responsibilities

The state pays for ballots.³

The secretary of state provides information on voter registration and absentee voting to voters and maintains a website for absentee ballot tracking.⁴

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Notes

¹ RSA 652:27(II), 656:40, and 656:43
² RSA 658:9(I)
³ RSA 656:1
⁴ RSA 652:23 and 657:26

New Jersey

County Responsibilities

Counties pay for statewide general election expenses including:

• rent for polling place as necessary;
• voter registration;
• election notices; and
• election official and officer compensation, including commissioners and members of the county board.¹

Boards of county commissioners reimburse the State House Commission for the costs of voting machines purchased by the commission.²

County clerks furnish mail and in-person ballots, mail ballot envelopes, forms, stationery, and other supplies.³

County boards provide ballot boxes that municipal clerks pay to repair and store, and purchase and furnish polling place equipment, including voting booths.⁴

County boards of elections pay the costs of any early voting locations established in addition to the locations required by law.⁵

State Responsibilities

The secretary of state:

• reimburses counties for the costs of implementing mail voting;
• establishes a system for voters to determine the status of their provisional, mail, or overseas ballot;
• provides county commissioners with voter registration forms; and
• reimburses counties $0.50 for every new registered voter.⁶

The state reimburses:

• costs related to early voting, including the costs of early voting locations required law; and
• a portion of the compensation for members of the district board of elections that serve at general elections, as described in statute.⁷

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Notes

¹ N.J. Stat. §§ 19:45-4, 19:12-7(f), 19:12-9(d), and 19:31-2
² N.J. Stat. § 19:48-3.8
³ N.J. Stat. §§ 19:63-7 and 19:9-2
⁴ N.J. Stat. §§ 19:8-11 and 19:8-6
⁵ N.J. Stat. § 19:15A-1(b)(1)
⁶ N.J. Stat. §§ 19:31-6.8, 19:63-29, 19:31-6.4(a), and 19:61-4
⁷ N.J. Stat. §§ 19:15A-6, 19:15A-1(b)(1), and 19:45-6.2

New Mexico

County Responsibilities

Boards of county commissioners are authorized to purchase or lease additional voting machines beyond what is provided by the secretary of state with authorization from the State Board of Finance.¹

Boards of county commissioners designate or provide polling places.²

County clerks provide sample ballots in English and Spanish.³

State Responsibilities

The secretary of state:

• purchases paper ballots or ballot on-demand systems, if applicable;
• pays or reimburses counties for the costs of voting equipment and personnel for polling places and secure drop boxes on Indian nation, tribal, or pueblo land;
• provides voting machines;
• procures and distributes mail ballot envelopes and postage-paid return envelopes;
• conducts mandatory training for county officials and pays the costs of attending the training;
• conducts mandatory training for voting system technicians;
• provides training manuals to precinct boards; and
• reimburses counties for costs related to precinct vote tabulator audits.⁴

The State Board of Finance purchases voting machines that may be paid for by counties or by the state using funds in the voting system revolving fund.⁵

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Notes

¹ N.M. Stat. Ann. §§ 1-9-7(B) and (C), 1-9-17, and 1-9-18
² N.M. Stat. Ann. § 1-3-7
³ N.M. Stat. Ann. §§ 1-10-10 and 1-10-11
⁴ N.M. Stat. Ann. §§ 1-21A-10, 1-9-7, 1-6-8(A), 1-9-7.1, 1-2-4, 1-2-5, 1-9-13, 1-14-13.2(A) and (J), and 1-14-25
⁵ N.M. Stat. Ann. §§ 1-9-7(C), 1-9-17, and 1-9-19

New York

County (and City of New York) Responsibilities

Counties and the City of New York pay statewide general election expenses unless otherwise noted, including:

• providing polling places, voting booths, and ballot boxes;
• voting machine maintenance;
• costs and expenses related to military and overseas voting; and
• election officer compensation, including compensation for inspectors or clerks who attend mandatory training.¹

Counties and the City of New York Local boards of elections:

• provide ballots, early and absentee mail ballot applications, postage-paid mail ballot return envelopes, and other election supplies;
• direct the purchase, acquisition, or lease of voting machines;
• maintain early and absentee mail ballot tracking systems integrated with the state Board’s system;
• provide voter lists and other forms and supplies for voter registration; and
• conduct mandatory training and certification programs for election inspectors, poll workers, and election coordinators.²

State Responsibilities

The State Board of Elections:

• maintains electronic early and absentee mail ballot application portals and tracking systems;
• provides training on routine voting machine maintenance and testing;
• hosts an education and training institute to certify poll worker trainers; and
• provides voter registration materials in Spanish and Chinese.³

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Notes

¹ NY CLS Elec §§ 4-136, 3-420(1) and (2), and 10-118
² NY CLS Elec §§ 3-226, 8-704, 8-406, 5-502, 9-106, 4-128, 8-712(1), 8-414(1), and 3-412(1)
³ 9 NYCRR §§ 6210.2(f) and 6213.2(a); NY CLS Elec §§ 8-408(1), 8-706(1), 8-712(1), 3-412(1-b), and 8-414(1)

North Carolina

County Responsibilities

Counties purchase or lease voting machines and pay for e-pollbooks and ballot duplication systems if they use such equipment.¹

Counties pay election official and poll worker compensation, including compensation for attending poll worker training.²

County boards of elections:

• contract for ballot printing and other supplies;
• purchase and maintain voting booths, ballot boxes, registration and pollbooks, and other forms and equipment,
  provide polling places, including renting spaces as necessary;
• issue election notices and publications; and
• pay to mail absentee ballots.³

State Responsibilities

The State Board of Elections:

• provides a training and screening program for poll workers;
• conducts mandatory election law and procedure training and certification programs for county elections directors; and
• conducts a certification program for election officials.⁴

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Notes

¹ N.C. Gen. Stat. §§ 163-165.10 and 163-165.7(c)(4)
² N.C. Gen. Stat. §§ 163-32 and 163-46
³ N.C. Gen. Stat. §§ 163-33(6), (7), and (8), 163-230.1(c)(3), and 163-129
⁴ N.C. Gen. Stat. §§ 163-22(n) and 163-82.24

North Dakota

County Responsibilities

Counties pay for ballots, ballot boxes, and election official compensation.¹

County auditors:

• provide voting machines and other supplies required for voting;
• supply materials for absentee ballot precincts and early voting precincts in counties that choose to offer early voting, conduct mandatory training programs for county and precinct election officials, including poll clerks; and
• compensate county and precinct officials who attend training sessions.²

State Responsibilities

The secretary of state develops training programs for election officials and publishes and distributes election procedures manuals.³

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Notes

¹ N.D. Cent. Code, §§ 16.1-06-01, 16.1-06-22, 16.1-15-31, and 16.1-15-18
² N.D. Cent. Code, §§ 16.1-06-17, 16.1-01-01(5)(a) and (d), 16.1-07-12.1, 16.1-07-15, 16.1-05-05, and 16.1-06 et. seq.
³ N.D. Cent. Code, §§ 16.1-05-03(1) and 16.1-01-01(2)(a)

Ohio

County Responsibilities

Counties pay statewide general election costs unless otherwise noted.¹

Boards of county commissioners purchase or lease voting machines, marking devices, and automatic tabulators and may issue bonds or promissory notes to do so.² Boards of elections and boards of county commissioners also pay the costs of equipment maintenance, repair, and operation.³

Boards of county commissioners pay for other election-related costs and expenses including:

• printing and delivering ballots, registration lists, and other supplies;
• polling places, booths, ballot boxes, and other election equipment; and
• election official and poll worker compensation, including members of the board of elections.⁴

Boards of county commissioners conduct mandatory training for poll workers.⁵

State Responsibilities

The secretary of state:

• reimburses county boards of elections for post-election audit costs; and
• provides grants to county boards of elections to pay the costs of conducting training for poll workers.⁶

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Notes

¹ ORC Ann. 3501.17
² ORC Ann. 3506.03
³ OAC Ann. 111:3-3-04(F
⁴ ORC Ann. 3501.17(A), (B), and (C)
⁵ ORC Ann. 3501.27(B)
⁶ ORC Ann. 3505.331(E) and 3501.27(B), (D), and (E)

Oklahoma

County Responsibilities

Counties pay statewide general election expenses including:

• county specific ballots in statewide general elections if the state ballot does not have enough space for county questions;
• rent for polling places as necessary;
• absentee ballot boxes, voting booths, notices, and other materials; and
• a portion of poll worker compensation as described in statute, including inspectors and clerks.¹

State Responsibilities

The state pays for voting machines and other supplies that are not paid for by counties.²The state pays for ballots for state, federal, and county offices as well as county questions (space permitting).³

The State Election Board:

• issues election supplies to local officials, including relevant forms;
• may purchase e-pollbooks, if funding is available;
• pays a portion of poll worker compensation as described in statute, including inspectors and clerks;
• provides training programs for poll workers and compensates them for their attendance;
• conducts training programs for county election boards and compensate members and employees for their attendance; and
• may implement physical and cybersecurity measures, if funding is available.⁴

The state reimburses counties for county election board secretary compensation.⁵

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Notes

¹ 26 Okl. St. §§ 3-104 and 2-129(D); O.A.C. § 230:25-13-1.1
² 26 Okl. St. § 3-104
³ 26 Okl. St. § 10-105; O.A.C. § 230:25-13-1.1
⁴ O.A.C. 230:35-3-66 and 230:35-5-17; 26 Okl. St. §§ 4-112(A), 2-129(D), 3-102, 3-109, 3-110, 3-111, 7-102, 7-102.1(B), and 3-131
⁵ 26 Okl. St. § 2-118(B)

Oregon

County Responsibilities

Counties pay statewide general election expenses including election clerk compensation and purchasing or otherwise procuring voting machines.¹

County clerks print ballots and procure equipment, facilities, and supplies, including mail ballot return envelopes.²

Counties may enter into an agreement with the Secretary of State to jointly produce a voter pamphlet.³

State Responsibilities

The state pays for USPS return postage for mail ballots, unless the cost of postage is otherwise covered by the postal service.⁴

The secretary of state:

• distributes federal and state voter registration cards;
• pays for costs associated with translating certain portions of state and county voter pamphlets;
• prepares a voter pamphlet and may enter into agreements with counties to jointly produce a voter pamphlet; and
• conducts mandatory conferences on election law administration.⁵

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Notes

¹ ORS §§ 246.250, 254.545(6), and 246.530
² ORS §§ 246.250 and 254.185
³ ORS § 251.008
⁴ ORS § 254.473
⁵ ORS §§ 251.170(2) and (6), 247.171(1), 251.026, 251.008, and 246.140

Pennsylvania

County Level Responsibilities

Counties (and the City of Philadelphia) pay statewide general election expenses unless otherwise noted, including election official and poll worker compensation, ballots, ballot boxes, automatic tabulators, notices, and other supplies.¹ Political subdivisions that hold a special election at the same time as statewide general elections are responsible for the expenses of their ballots.²

Counties purchase, lease, or otherwise procure voting machines and may issue bonds to do so.³ County boards of elections or other designated authorities train judges and inspectors in using voting machines and compensate them for their attendance.⁴

County boards of elections determine rent for polling places as necessary.⁵

State Responsibilities

The secretary of the commonwealth:

• supplies voter registration applications;
• establishes an electronic system for military and overseas voters to apply for and receive election materials; and
• provides a voluntary certification and poll worker training program for county election officials.⁶

The commonwealth reimburses counties $0.60 for each ballot mailed or delivered to certain military and overseas voters. If funds appropriated for reimbursement are insufficient, counties will be reimbursed proportionately with available funds.⁷

The Department of Transportation issues free ID cards to certain registered voters.⁸

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Notes

¹ 25 P.S. §§ 2645(a), 2642(c), and 3031.10(a)
² 25 P.S. § 2645(a)(1) and (2)
³ 25 P.S. §§ 3008 and 3031.8
⁴ 25 P.S. § 2684
⁵ 25 P.S. § 2731
⁶ 25 P.S. §§ 2621(f.1), 1327(c)(1) and (c)(6), and 3506(c)(1)
⁷ 25 P.S. § 2645(c)
⁸ 25 P.S. § 2626(b)

Rhode Island

Municipality Responsibilities

Municipalities pay for the expenses of canvassing board member compensation and furnishing polling places.¹

State Responsibilities

The Department of Administration procures voting machines that the State Board of Elections provides to municipalities.²

The state pays for ballots. The secretary of state furnishes in-person ballots, mail ballots, and postage-paid mail ballot return envelopes.³

The State Board of Elections:

• provides other election materials not provided by the secretary of state, including forms and supplies for voter registration;
• appoints and compensates election inspectors;
• develops training for local boards; and
• provides informational materials to local election officials.⁴

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Notes

¹ R.I. Gen. Laws §§ 17-18-5, 17-8-3, and 17-19-23.2
² R.I. Gen. Laws § 17-19-2
³ R.I. Gen. Laws §§ 17-20-2.2(e), 17-19-5, 17-20-21, and 17-20-10
⁴ R.I. Gen. Laws §§ 17-7-5(a)(2), (a)(4) and (a)(5), 17-9.1-2, and 17-19-16,

South Carolina

County Responsibilities

County boards of voter registration and elections provide sample ballots and voting booths.¹

Counties or municipalities provide voting machines.²

Counties pay for stationery, election boxes, rents, vote recorders, and other similar election expenses.³

Counties pay for the printing and distribution of ballots for offices that are not covered by the state, as detailed below.⁴

State Responsibilities

The state:

• pays for the printing and distribution of general election ballots for state and federal offices;
• provides an annual supplement to counties for the expenses of voter registration personnel; and
• pays a quarterly stipend for general election officers.⁵

The State Election Commission:

• furnishes voter registration forms, voter lists, and ballots for military and overseas voters; and
• conducts mandatory training and certification programs for members and staff of county boards of voter registration and election.⁶

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Notes

¹ S.C. Code Ann. §§ 7-13-1740 and 7-13-740
² S.C. Code Ann. § 7-13-1680
³ S.C. Code Ann. §§ 7-23-40 and 7-13-1350
⁴ S.C. Code Ann. § 7-13-340
⁵ S.C. Code Ann. §§ 7-13-340, 7-5-40, and 7-23-10
⁶ S.C. Code Ann. §§ 7-5-280, 7-3-20(D)(7), 7-15-630(D), and 7-5-10(D)

South Dakota

County Responsibilities

Counties pay statewide general election expenses unless otherwise noted.¹ This includes ballots, postage, poll workers, and election equipment, including tabulators.²

County auditors provide pollbooks, sample ballots, voting booths, voting equipment, and other supplies.³

County auditors conduct mandatory training for precinct superintendents and their deputies and compensate them for their attendance.⁴

In certain counties, auditors hire and compensate Sioux dialect interpreters for voter registration and voting.⁵

State Responsibilities

The Office of the Secretary of State:

• reimburses counties for the costs of post-election audits, including supplies and staff compensation, up to certain limits provided for in state rulemaking; and
• provides a system for military and overseas voters to register to vote, request ballots, and receive ballots electronically.⁶

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Notes

¹ S.D. Codified Laws § 12-1-11
² S.D. Codified Laws § 12-1-11 and ARSD 5:02:23:15
³ S.D. Codified Laws §§ 12-16-17, 12-16-28, and 12-17B-6; ARSD 5:02:09:04.03(1)
⁴ S.D. Codified Laws § 12-15-7
⁵ S.D. Codified Laws §§ 12-3-10 and 12-3-11
⁶ ARSD 5:02:23:15; S.D. Codified Laws §§ 12-19-2, 12-19-2.3, and 12-4-4.12

Tennessee

County Responsibilities

Counties pay for ballots and purchase other election supplies.¹ If a municipal election is held on the same day as a statewide general election, the municipalities pay the additional expenses incurred by the county in conducting their election.²

County election commissions designate and supply polling places, including paying rent as necessary.³

Counties and municipalities purchase voting machines and may issue bonds, certificates of indebtedness, or other obligations to do so.⁴ Counties are also authorized to enter into a contract, lease, and option agreement with the state coordinator of elections to acquire voting machines.⁵

Counties pay election official and poll worker compensation, including inspectors and precinct registrars.⁶

Counties conduct mandatory training programs for poll workers and compensate them for their attendance.⁷ Counties also pay training expenses for administrators.⁸

State Responsibilities

The state:

• pays for ballot boxes, paper-based absentee voting materials, and voter registration forms; and
• contributes $18,000 annually to the general funds of counties with certified election administrators, unless the Department of State’s budget is reduced in any given year.⁹

In 2024, the state reimbursed county election commissions for the costs of conducting post-election audits, up to $50.00 in set-up costs per machine and $0.35 per ballot audited.¹⁰

The state coordinator of elections is required to conduct training and certification programs for administrators, deputies, and county election commissioners.¹¹ Training is mandatory for administrators, but the certification program is optional.

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Notes

¹ Tenn. Code Ann. §§ 2-5-202, 2-5-206(c), 2-5-207(e), and 2-12-201(4)
² Tenn. Code Ann. § 2-12-109(b)
³ Tenn. Code Ann. §§ 2-5-216, 2-3-108(a) and (d), and 2-3-107(a) and (c)
⁴ Tenn. Code Ann. § 2-9-111
⁵ Tenn. Code Ann. § 2-9-112
⁶ Tenn. Code Ann. §§ 2-12-203 and 2-4-109
⁷ Tenn. Code Ann. §§ 2-4-102(b)(4) and 2-4-108
⁸ Tenn. Code Ann. § 2-11-202(18)(a)
⁹ Tenn. Code Ann. §§ 2-5-217, 2-6-312, 2-2-136, and 2-12-209
¹⁰ Tenn. Code Ann. § 2-20-103(c)
¹¹ Tenn. Code Ann. § 2-11-202(a)(9), (a)(18)(A), and (b)

Texas

County Responsibilities

Counties pay statewide general election expenses unless otherwise noted.¹ This includes expenses related to routine voter registration operations and conducting mandatory training programs for poll workers, including compensation for attending training.²

Counties purchase, lease, or otherwise acquiring voting system equipment and may issue bonds or other evidence of indebtedness to do so.³

County clerks procure election equipment, ballots, sample ballots, forms, voter lists, and other materials.⁴

Commissioners’ courts may purchase or construct a building to use as a polling place as necessary.⁵ A designated authority may also reimburse the expenses of using a public building as necessary.⁶

State Responsibilities

The state pays for mail-in voter registration forms and postage.⁷

The state disburses funds to counties for specified voter registration expenses based on a statutory funding model.⁸ The funds from this funding model can also be used to offset the costs of early voting polling places in counties with a population of less than 55,000.⁹

The secretary of state:

• provides an online mail ballot tracking tool;
• conducts randomized post-election audits at no cost to the selected counties;
• provides training materials for election officials and poll workers, including cybersecurity training;
• provides a voluntary online training program for election officials and poll workers;
• prepares translations for state-prescribed voter forms and election materials; and
• administers a program using mobile units to provide free election identification certificates to voters without other identification.¹⁰

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Notes

¹ Tex. Elec. Code § 1.014
² Tex. Elec. Code §§ 1.014, 32.112, and 32.114; 1 TAC § 81.14
³ Tex. Elec. Code § 123.031
⁴ Tex. Elec. Code §§ 51.003, 51.001, and 52.008
⁵ Tex. Elec. Code § 43.032
⁶ Tex. Elec. Code § 43.033(a)
⁷ Tex. Elec. Code § 13.121
⁸ Tex. Elec. Code §§ 19.002 and 19.004(a); 1 TAC § 81.13
⁹ Tex. Elec. Code §§ 19.002 and 19.004(a); 1 TAC § 81.13
¹⁰ Tex. Elec. Code §§ 127.351, 31.127, 279.003, 87.0031, 127.010, 87.0272, 32.1111, 32.115, 86.015(a), 101.008, 272.011(b), 272.007, and 31.013

Utah

County Responsibilities

Counties pay for ballots and sample ballots.¹

Counties are authorized to purchase, lease, or otherwise acquire voting systems.²

County election officers provide ballot boxes, voting booths, and any other supplies required for voting.³ Officers also provide recorded video surveillance of unattended ballot drop boxes.⁴

County clerks provide voter registration forms.⁵ County clerks establish compensation for poll workers. ⁶

State Responsibilities

The lieutenant governor operates and maintains a mail ballot tracking system.⁷

The lieutenant governor provides mandatory training for election administrators and reimburses their cost of attendance.⁸

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Notes

¹ Utah Code Ann. § 20A-5-405(1)(h)
² Utah Code Ann § 20A-5-302
³ Utah Code Ann. §§ 20A-5-403(2)
⁴ Utah Code Ann § 20A-5-403.5(1)(iv)
⁵ Utah Code Ann § 20A-2-301(1)
⁶ Utah Code Ann § 20A-5-601(1)
⁷ Utah Code Ann. § 20A-3a-401.5(2)
⁸ Utah Code Ann. § 20A-1-107

Vermont

Municipality Responsibilities

Municipalities pay statewide general election expenses including:

• vote tabulators;
• furnishing ballot boxes;
• separate ballots for municipal justices; and
• attendance at state-organized workshops.¹

State Responsibilities

The state pays for consolidated general election ballots, mail ballot envelopes, and voter registration forms.²

The Office of the Secretary of State:

• pays postage costs for general election mail ballot return if not otherwise covered by the postal service;
• provides drop boxes to municipalities;
• organizes mandatory regional workshops for election officials; and
• distributes forms used in the counting process.³

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Notes

¹ 17 V.S.A. §§ 2491(c), 2506, 2457(b), and 2471
² 17 V.S.A. § 2145(e), 2471(a), and 2536
³ 17 V.S.A. § 2537a(a)(2), 2543a(f), 2457(a), and 2586

Virginia

County and Independent City Responsibilities

Counties and independent cities pay statewide general election expenses unless otherwise noted.¹ This includes polling places (as necessary), voter education, and poll worker training and compensation.²

Counties and independent cities purchase, lease, or otherwise acquire electronic voting systems.³ Localities are authorized to purchase e-pollbooks.⁴

Counties and independent cities provide postage, ballot containers, and voting booths.⁵

The general registrar is responsible for printing ballots.⁶ The electoral board or general registrar provides sample ballots.⁷

The general registrar provides absentee voting materials.⁸

State Responsibilities

The Department of Elections provides e-pollbooks.⁹

The Department of Elections conducts free mandatory training for electoral boards and certification programs for general registrars of counties and independent cities.¹⁰

The state reimburses counties and independent cities for electoral board member and general registrar compensation.¹¹

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Notes

¹ Va. Code Ann. §§ 24.2-600
² Va. Code Ann. §§ 24.2-600, 24.2-111, 24.2-115.2, 24.2-116, 24.2-310(B), and 24.2-701.2(D)
³ Va. Code Ann. § 24.2-626
⁴ Va. Code Ann. § 24.2-611(D)
⁵ Va. Code Ann. §§ 24.2-108, 24.2-627(A), and 24.2-623
⁶ Va. Code Ann. § 24.2-614
⁷ Va. Code Ann. § 24.2-641
⁸ Va. Code Ann. § 24.2-706(D)
⁹ Va. Code Ann. § 24.2-611(B)
¹⁰ Va. Code Ann. § 24.2-103(B) and (C)
¹¹ Va. Code Ann. §§ 24.2-108 and 24.2-111

Washington

Local Responsibilities

Counties, cities, towns, and districts pay for their proportional share of statewide general election expenses as determined with the state.¹ This includes printing and mailing ballots, envelopes, and instructions and mail ballot return postage if not otherwise covered by the postal service.²

Counties pay for voting equipment and automated signature verification systems.³

Counties pay for voter registration expenses in rural precincts.⁴ Municipalities pay for voter registration expenses in precincts that are fully contained within their boundaries.⁵

County auditors:

• provide supplies and materials for elections;
• contract with universities to operate student engagement hubs;
• develop community outreach plans about signature verification;
• provide ballot deposit locations; and
• print and distribute local voter pamphlets.⁶

Cities, towns, and districts pay a prorated share of the costs of producing the local voters’ pamphlet as described in statute.⁷

State Responsibilities

The state reimburses counties for its proportional share of election costs, including printing and mailing ballots, envelopes, and instructions and mail ballot return postage if not otherwise covered by the postal service.⁸

The secretary of state:

• administers (or contracts out) mandatory training and certification programs for election officials and personnel;
• produces and distributes voter pamphlets for statewide general elections, including recorded or Braille transcripts; and
• furnishes voter registration applications.⁹

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Notes

¹ ARCW § 29A.04.410
² ARCW §§ 29A.04.410, 29A.04.420, 29A.36.220, and 29A.40.091
³ ARCW §§ 29A.04.470 and 29A.12.060; WAC § 434-335-615
⁴ ARCW § 29A.08.150
⁵ ARCW § 29A.08.150
⁶ ARCW §§ 29A.04.216, 29A.40.180(2), 29A.60.168, and 29A.32.210; WAC § 434-250-320
⁷ ARCW § 29A.32.270
⁸ ARCW §§ 29A.04.410, 29A.04.420, and 29A.36.220
⁹ ARCW §§ 29A.04.530, 29A.04.540, 29A.32.010, and 29A.08.260(1)

West Virginia

County Responsibilities

Counties pay for ballot printing, election official and poll clerk compensation (including compensation for attending training), and all other election expenses unless otherwise noted.¹

If counties adopt electronic voting systems, they must purchase or lease vote recording devices and automatic tabulators.²

Boards of ballot commissioners provide ballots and sample ballots.³

The county clerk provides pollbooks, tally sheets, ballot boxes, voting booths, and other supplies.⁴

County commissions pay for the resources required for voter registration.⁵ The county clerk makes state mail registration forms available through organized voter registration programs in the county, to the extent possible.⁶

Municipalities that hold elections at the same time as statewide general elections pay for a share of election costs as determined with the county commission.⁷

State Responsibilities

The State Election Commission prepares and distributes nonpartisan voter education materials and election manuals.⁸

The secretary of state pays to make state mail registration forms available through governmental and private entities and organized voter registration programs, to the extent possible.⁹

The secretary of state, together with the election commission, produces election training materials and conducts mandatory biennial training for county clerks.¹⁰

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Notes

¹ W. Va. Code § 3-1-44
² W. Va. Code §§ 3-4A-5 and 3-4A-6
³ W. Va. Code § 3-1-21(a)
⁴ W. Va. Code § 3-1-22
⁵ W. Va. Code § 3-2-4(b)
⁶ W. Va. Code § 3-2-10(c)
⁷ W. Va. Code § 3-1-31
⁸ W. Va. Code § 3-1A-5(c); W. Va. CSR 153-18-6
⁹ W. Va. Code § 3-2-10(b)
¹⁰ W. Va. Code § 3-1-46(a) and (h)

Wisconsin

Local Responsibilities

Municipalities pay statewide general election costs including:

• acquiring ballot boxes, voting booths, and voting machines;
• using polling places (as necessary);
• return postage for absentee voters mailing ballots from within the U.S., if not otherwise covered by the postal service; and
• election official and poll worker compensation, including inspectors.¹

Counties pay the costs of ballots, supplies, notices, and other materials for statewide general elections.² These costs are split proportionally between units of local government.

Municipal boards of election commissioners prepare and furnish copies of registrations, instructions, and forms for voter registration and election administration.³

State Responsibilities

The Wisconsin Elections Commission pays the costs of conducting mandatory training and certification programs for polling place inspectors.⁴ The Commission also provides or arranges training for municipal clerks and may produce training videos for local election officials, including registration officials.⁵

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Notes

¹ Wis. Stat. §§ 6.87(3)(a), 5.68(1), (3), and (5), 7.15(1)(b), and 7.03(1)
² Wis. Stat. §§ 5.68(2) and 7.10(1)
³ Wis. Stat. § 7.22(3)
⁴ Wis. Stat. § 7.31(5)
⁵ Wis. Stat. § 7.315 (2) and (3)

Wyoming

County Responsibilities

Boards of county commissioners are authorized to lease or purchase voting machines.¹

Boards determine the compensation for poll workers, including compensation for time spent attending training.²

County clerks:

• print ballots for statewide general elections;
• provide ballot boxes; and
• conduct mandatory training for poll workers, including judges and members of counting boards.³

If a municipal election takes place at the same time as statewide general elections, the municipality pays its proportional share of election costs as determined by the county clerk.⁴

State Responsibilities

The state pays for the expenses of publishing voter pamphlets.⁵

The state shares the expenses of preparing poll lists for statewide general elections with the other political subdivisions participating in the election.⁶

The secretary of state distributes absentee ballot envelopes to county clerks.⁷

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Notes

¹ Wyo. Stat. § 22-10-103
² Wyo. Stat. §§ 22-8-113 and 22-8-116
³ Wyo. Stat. §§ 22-6-102 and 22-8-113; WCWR 002-0005-27
⁴ Wyo. Stat. § 22-23-101
⁵ Wyo. Stat. § 22-20-106
⁶ Wyo. Stat. § 22-3-110
⁷ Wyo. Stat. § 22-9-110