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County clerks say they need help providing the personal protective equipment and sanitizers to poll

Polling station
Hilary Farrell

County clerks are asking the federal government to come up with 40 million dollars so Michigan poll workers can have the personal protective equipment and other supplies they’ll need in August and November. 

State election officials are encouraging Michiganders to vote absentee to avoid possibly spreading the coronavirus.

But Saginaw County Clerk Mike Hanley expects many will still vote in person.

“Many people prefer to go to the polls to vote.  And we believe strongly that the federal government should ensure that they have that right to exercise that right safely.”

The Brennan Center for Justice estimates it will cost at least two billion dollars to ensure a free and fair election nationally this fall.