GREEN BAY, WI (WTAQ) — Green Bay will receive a chunk of a $6.3 million grant as part of an effort to keep voters safe at the polls this year.
The Wisconsin Safe Voting Plan grant, awarded by the nonpartisan Center for Tech and Civic Life, are aimed at supporting early in-person voting and voting by mail, poll worker recruitment and training, ensuring safe and efficient voting day operations, and expanding voter education and outreach.
Green Bay will receive just over $1 million.
“The coronavirus pandemic has provided a stress test for our democratic institutions, including our elections, and we know we must do better,” said Green Bay Mayor Eric Genrich in a press release. “The support of the Center for Tech and Civic Life will enable us to ensure that all Green Bay citizens can exercise their right to vote safely and securely in August and November.”
Green Bay’s response to issues during the April election was highly criticized after COVID-19 concerns caused the city to open just two polling sites, leading to hours long lines. Genrich and City Clerk Kris Teske took additional heat for turning down the assistance of trained Wisconsin National Guard poll workers on election day.
Milwaukee, Madison, Racine and Kenosha will also receive funds.
