Franklin County Approves $1M for November Election Preparation

Franklin County is laying the groundwork for November well before the first ballot is cast. 

The Board of Commissioners approved two resolutions at the June 16, 2026 General Session authorizing a combined $1.05 million in election administration investments through the Board of Elections. The larger of the two, Resolution 402-26, authorizes $975,000 in supplemental appropriations to cover poll worker compensation for the November 3, 2026 general election, a 12-month extension of the county's offsite poll worker training center lease, and costs associated with conducting the City of Whitehall's special election scheduled for June 23, 2026. 

On the Whitehall special election costs, Commissioner Boyce asked directly whether the city would reimburse the county. Board of Elections Director Antoine White confirmed that Whitehall is required to reimburse Franklin County for those expenses, has already prepaid 65 percent of the estimated $38,000 cost, and will receive a final reconciled bill after the election. 

The second resolution, Resolution 401-26, authorizes $75,750 for the purchase of 25 refurbished DS200 ballot scanners from Election Systems and Software. The scanners will be used in election-day training programs for poll workers, youth at the booth students, and election support specialists. 

Together, the investments support the county's election infrastructure ahead of what will be a significant cycle. The Board voted unanimously on both resolutions.