FARMINGTON -- It's looking like the state will contribute funds to Davis and the other 28 counties for the November election.

That's because the state-wide voucher issue will be on the Nov. 6 ballot, says Steve Rawlings, Davis County Clerk/

Auditor.

That means the new electronic equipment will need to be used to meet HOVA (Help America Vote Act) requirements, he said.

The cost of the November election, as well as the Western Presidential Primary in February 2008, are both estimated at $261,000, Rawlings said.

Of that, the state may kick in $123,253, or nearly half, a meeting with Lt. Gov. Gary Herbert and State Election Officer Michael Cragun indicated.

"They have not gotten buyout from the Legislature on funding, but the Legislature has indicated it will take a look at it, do anything they can," Rawlings said.

Originally, the November election could've been handled by the cities and special service districts because they are the only government bodies that would've held elections.

However, the county commission likely will also add the 1/4 cent sales tax to the ballot.

"It will be handled on a county-wide basis, and we hope we can get all the municipalities and special districts incorporated into that, so we can do it together," Rawlings said.

"Most of the cities have committed they will put forward their budgeted amounts to the county," he has been told by a city official.

"In Davis County, three cities said they would like to contract for the electronic equipment for the primary. There may be more that will want to do that," Rawlings said. The county's election division will meet with city officials on June 28.

So far, three cities have contracted with the county to run their elections in November, Rawlings said. That number could increase by election time.

For the Sept. 11 primary election, meanwhile, cities will handle that on their own, Rawlings said.

tbusselberg@davisclipper.com