Montgomery County Voter Services Office Eyes ‘Mobile Outreach Vehicle’ for 2024 Elections

Members of the Montgomery County Board of Commissioners gather for a photo following a reorganization meeting on Jan. 2, 2024, in Norristown. Pictured, from left, are Montgomery County Commissioners’ Vice Chairman Neil Makhija, Chairwoman Jamila Winder and Commissioner Tom DiBello. (Rachel Ravina – MediaNews Group)

NORRISTOWN – A new method to increase voter outreach was the subject of contention among Montgomery County Commissioners as they considered a request for proposal for a mobile outreach vehicle ahead of the 2024 general election.

The item, introduced at the July 18 Montgomery County Commissioners meeting, seeks bids from interested companies to “provide mobile outreach vehicles to increase access to voter services during the upcoming election,” according to the request for proposals. No additional information was immediately available, other than to say the initiative would be covered by the county’s Capital Improvement Program funding.

“We’re simply providing the same services that we would provide to people who come to Norristown, but without having to drive 45 minutes. I think this is a great way to ensure that our citizens’ right to vote is protected and respected,” said Neil Makhija, vice chairman of the Montgomery County Commissioners.

Makhija stressed the importance of consulting the county attorney’s office on this matter so they can better assess their options and ensure that the policy, if approved, is implemented correctly.

‘Ice cream truck’

The motion passed on a 2-1 roll call vote, with majority support from Makhija and Montgomery County Commissioners’ Chairwoman Jamila Winder, both Democrats. Commissioner Tom DiBello, a Republican, was the lone dissenter, opposing the concept, which he likened to a “mobile ice cream truck.” DiBello questioned the legitimacy of implementing a policy, noting that services remain available online.

“This is not our responsibility as a county government,” he said. “It is not … a good fiduciary use of taxpayer dollars to have a vehicle to drive around and reach voters in our communities.”

Accessibility emphasized

Winder disagreed with DiBello’s characterization, insisting that this is “not an ice cream truck” but offers a new level of accessibility.

“There are so many voters who just can’t get here, who can’t get online or don’t have that capacity, and so I think this is another way that we can support our most vulnerable,” Winder said.

Winder and Makhija noted that seniors and others were unable to leave their homes to drop off their ballots at a ballot box or at the Montgomery County Office of Voter Services in the county seat, Norristown.

“Does this mean we’re potentially going to have a fleet of trucks that will provide access to all of the county services in Montgomery County, or are we just concerned about collecting ballots for elections?” DiBello asked.

“What it says is for voter services right now. I can’t predict the future,” Winder responded, adding, “but in general, I think we need to think about ways to meet residents where they are. Not everyone can come to Norristown.”

Transparency in elections

Makhija agreed, also stressing the need for greater transparency among voters ahead of the 2024 presidential elections.

“There are counties in Pennsylvania that don’t even notify voters if they’re not going to count their vote and I think that’s wrong,” Makhija said. “I think this board has decided in line with the vision that every eligible voter, that is registered, should have the right to vote, that that should be respected, that their vote should be counted and if there is a problem, they should be informed and given the opportunity to fix it. That’s the policy we have in Montgomery County.

“In the past, even before we came here, there were notice and cure mechanisms and disenfranchisement procedures, as you might say, where we call people, text them, even send them a letter to let them know there is a problem and it gives them a chance to respond,” Makhija continued.

Another request for a motion related to elections was approved in a similar 2-1 vote on drop boxes. Voter services officials have set up about a dozen drop boxes around the county over the past few election seasons where registered voters can drop off their mail-in ballots. The issue has historically been contentious among conservatives who oppose mail-in voting.

“I think it’s fine to get an RFP for maintenance of current drop boxes and covers … but I don’t understand it. I mean, counties are doing away with drop boxes,” DiBello said. “I don’t understand why additional drop boxes would be part of this proposal.”

The request for proposals, also issued on behalf of the county’s Office of Voter Services, seeks to “provide additional and replacement mailboxes, covers and graphics for existing and potential mailbox locations throughout the county.” Funding would be obtained through the county’s general operating budget, with bids due by 10:30 a.m. Friday.

The voter registration deadline for the 2024 general election is Oct. 21. Those interested in voting by mail have until Oct. 29 to request a mail-in ballot. Election Day is Tuesday, Nov. 5, with polls open from 7 a.m. to 8 p.m. All ballots must be returned when the polls close. Visit montgomerycountypa.gov/753/Voter-Services for more information.