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The Center for Tech and Civic Life, a nonprofit organization, has awarded Charlotte County $20,000 to plan and execute a safe and secure election.

The award was requested by the Charlotte Electoral Board to offer the county’s officers of elections hazardous pay due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

Interim General Registrar/Director of Elections Eric Goode said there are currently 52 officers working on election day, and with the grant, the electoral board plans to pay poll workers an additional $50 as hazardous pay. The Chief Officer of Election will receive an additional $60.

According to Goode the Electoral Board also approved a pay increase from $8 per hour to $11 per hour for the chief and $10 per hour for officers working the early voting precinct.

Neighboring Lunenburg County also received the safe and secure election grant in the amount of $9,860 and will be adding $100 to their poll worker’s pay.

The Center for Tech and Civic Life received grant applications from more than 2,500 local election jurisdictions across the country to help ensure they have the staffing, training, and equipment necessary so this November every eligible voter can participate in a safe and timely way and have their vote counted.