Commission approves state grant to replace Mount Clemens' voting equipment

The Mount Clemens City Commission voted to authorize the city clerk to enter a grant agreement with the State of Michigan's Bureau of Elections to replace the city's voting systems, approving a resolution that clears the way for new tabulators and voter-assist terminals.

The request, introduced under agenda item 9a, was moved and seconded by commissioners and discussed briefly by city staff. A Staff member explained that the State and federal funding (including assistance through the Help America Vote Act) will cover purchase orders and that Macomb County has selected a single vendor so jurisdictions within the county will use the same equipment. "The purchase of the new voting equipment will be at no cost to the City other than minimal minor cost for items such as additional backup flash drives and maintenance agreement charges beginning in years 6 through 10," the Staff member said.

The Staff member said the City will receive eight voting tabulators and six voter-assist terminals, and that the City Clerk's Office will receive training and will schedule sessions for election workers. The resolution was approved in a roll call vote with the commissioners present voting in favor.

The action aligns Mount Clemens with county-wide equipment standards and sets a timeline for training and implementation; the staff presentation noted grant acceptance and vendor agreements must be completed prior to equipment delivery. The commission completed routine business (minutes and agenda adoption) and adjourned after the vote.