This election will cost communities a lot more than expected thanks to COVID-19. Janesville City Clerk-Treasurer Dave Godek says he’s already spent tens-of-thousands of dollars on absentee ballot mailings alone. Godek says the city has gotten a welcome windfall in the amount of more than 180-thousand dollars in a grant from the Center for Tech and Civic Life. He expects to use the money to pay for postage, as well as buy a ballot folding machine, and other election related equipment. Godek does warn an opposing political group has filed lawsuits against some communities taking the money, claiming it’s a bribe to help increase voter turn-out in Democratic-leaning areas. He doesn’t believe the suits have substance and two complaints filed with the Wisconsin Elections Commission have already been dismissed.