Aging election equipment in need of $28 million overhaul

There is election equipment throughout the state rapidly approaching the end of its lifespan, and it will cost an estimated $28 million to replace the aging tools, Secretary of State Steve Simon told lawmakers Thursday.

Gov. Mark Dayton’s budget proposes spending $14 million over the next two years to aid county and local governments – mostly in Greater Minnesota – who own the equipment. After the 2000 presidential election, the federal government gave states money to replace old equipment. That was the last time machines saw an upgrade.

Simon told the House State Government Finance Committee he didn’t “want to cry wolf,” but the 2020 election could be asking a lot for some of these machines. No action was taken.

“No one is asking” the state to buy anything, Simon said. Unlike last time, the federal government isn’t expected to foot any election equipment-related expenses, leaving it up to the states. The governor’s budget proposal would cover half of the overall costs throughout Minnesota.

The local costs hover around $10,000 per polling place, Simon said, adding that it’s a “give or take” number.

Simon’s office wouldn’t see a bump in its budget request under the governor’s proposal, but it would simply act as a conduit for local election officials looking to upgrade their equipment.