AVCB Tabulator Funding

The application for funding for absent voter counting board tabulators is now available.

The Legislature appropriated $1 million for the purchase of tabulators in an effort to encourage the use of absent voter counting boards (AVCB).  In order to support as many jurisdictions as possible, the Bureau of Elections will cover 50 percent of the cost of purchasing a tabulator. Any additional costs such as software, modems, and other components will not be covered. Jurisdictions that have already  purchased a tabulator in 2019 for the purpose of an AVCB may also submit an application to be considered for reimbursement. Jurisdictions that wish to purchase an additional tabulator for an existing AVCB may also apply, but will not be given highest priority. As there is limited funding, high-speed tabulators will not be eligible for cost share or reimbursement.

The money will be spent on a first come, first serve basis. In order to receive funding, jurisdictions must agree to use of a permanent absent voter application  list (if not using one already), commit to using an AVCB for all even-year primary and general elections, and commit to pay 50 percent of the cost of the tabulator and the full cost of all additional components (including maintenance after the first five years).

Review the AVCB Information Sheet for answers to basic questions regarding using an AVCB and what is required.

To apply, complete the AVCB Tabulator Funding Application. All applications must be submitted by January 10, 2020. We will process applications in the order they are received until funding is exhausted.

Line Study Report

The Bipartisan Policy Center (BPC) and MIT have released their report,  The 2018 Voting Experience: Polling Place Lines. Many Michigan jurisdictions participated in the line study in November 2018 and provided data for this report. In fact, we were by far the best-represented state in the report; there is even special recognition of Metz Township in Presque Isle County for being the smallest jurisdiction to participate. The report concludes that long lines are not the norm for most voters, but when they do occur, the wait can be well over the 30-minute maximum recommendation.

The report highlights how resources affect polling place lines.  A few key points:

• The ability to expand the number of voting booths available to voters can reduce lines.  Remember, the Bureau of Elections recommends at least one voting booth for every 80-100 registered voters in high turnout elections.
• Lines are more likely to occur before the polling place opens, which means it can take election inspectors time to catch up. Consider using dual ePollbooks (at minimum) at the beginning of the day to alleviate the morning rush.
• Polling places in urban areas or with a high concentration of rental properties experience longer lines. To manage lines better in these polling places, we recommend utilizing a Help Desk to assist voters that have moved, who need to register with the local clerk, or who have other status codes that may appear in their voter registration record.

The BPC/MIT report provides valuable insights into the election experience. As these researchers gather data over time, their analysis improves. Thank you for continuing to be a part of that process.

Happy Holidays

The Bureau of Elections wishes you all a wonderful holiday season. We thank you for your engagement this year as we work through the changes of Proposal 18-3.  Your dedication shows and we are confident you're prepared for 2020.

Enjoy your time with friends and family and recharge those batteries.

BOE will be closed for the holidays on December 24, 25, and 31, and January 1.

News Updates will resume in 2020.

QVF Refresh Update

QVF Release for December 13, 2019, is as follows:

Presidential Primary Software changes

• EPB Download.  Added EPB Export Ballot Types to the Ballot Setup screen
• AV Details.  Added date ranges for alternate and mailing addresses for voter application(s) and ballot(s) to be recorded for the appropriate election dates.

County Clerks - Ballot Administration Due Jan. 3

Ballot Administration due no later than January 3

The QVF Ballot Administration deadline for the March 10, 2020, Presidential Primary is January 3. Meeting this deadline is critical to ensure that city and township election officials can access their assigned election administration tasks for voters participating in this election.

Please refer to eLearning by searching for the key words ballot administration for the manual and training video. Once all full-term, partial term and proposals are entered and marked complete at 100 percent statewide, we will enable the MOVE Ballot and the Michigan Voter Information Center (MVIC) website.

Please be sure to mark “offices on ballot complete” and “candidates complete” under both the full and partial-term tabs, even if you do not have anything on the ballot. Bureau of Elections staff will enter the presidential primary candidates when the list is final.

Thank you in advance for completing this task promptly.

New Accreditation Classes Available

Two sessions of Election Officials' Accreditation for new clerks have been scheduled as follows:

January 23 & 24; Delta Township Hall near Lansing

January 30 & 31; Delta Township Hall near Lansing

The first day of each class will be from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. and the second day from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. This in-person class is one part of the Initial Accreditation Curriculum found in the eLearning Center.

All new clerks are required to attend the one and a half day in-person class as part of the initial curriculum.

Other new election officials are also welcome. This class is only for people who haven't previously been accredited. Registration is required via the eLearning Center.

BOE Question of the Week:

What is the Polling Place Greeting Application?

Answer: In our Train the Trainer training sessions, we've been highlighting the QVF Polling Place Greeting Application for use in line management in the polling place.  While instructions are being updated for the minor Refresh changes, the Polling Place Greeting Application Guide can provide you with full details.

Have a question you'd like to see in the Question of the Week?  Send it to Elections@Michigan.gov.