STRENGTHEN THE ELECTION ASSISTANCE COMMISSION
* Text taken directly from the U.S. Election Assistance Commission website.
The U.S. Election Assistance Commission (EAC) is an independent, bipartisan commission charged with developing guidance to meet the Help America Vote Act of 2002 (HAVA) requirements.
The Help America Vote Act of 2002 was passed by the United States Congress to make sweeping reforms to the nation's voting process. HAVA addresses improvements to voting systems and voter access that were identified following the 2000 election. HAVA mandates that EAC test and certify voting equipment, maintain the National Voter Registration form and administer a national clearinghouse on elections that includes shared practices, information for voters and other resources to improve elections. Read the entire legislation here.
HAVA creates new mandatory minimum standards for states to follow in several key areas of election administration. The law provides funding to help states meet these new standards, replace voting systems and improve election administration. HAVA also established the Election Assistance Commission (EAC) to assist the states regarding HAVA compliance and to distribute HAVA funds to the states. EAC is also charged with creating voting system guidelines and operating the federal government's first voting system certification program. EAC is also responsible for maintaining the National Voter Registration form, conducting research, and administering a national clearinghouse on elections that includes shared practices, information for voters and other resources to improve elections. HAVA requires that the states implement the following new programs and procedures:
Section 202 of HAVA describes the duties of the U. S. Election Assistance Commission (EAC). HAVA states that the Commission shall serve as a national clearinghouse and resource for the compilation of information and review of procedures with respect to the administration of Federal elections. EAC shall establish and maintain a clearinghouse of information available to the public on:
SEC. 206. Dissemination of Information. In carrying out its duties, the Commission shall, on an ongoing basis, disseminate to the public (through the Internet, published reports, and such other methods as the Commission considers appropriate) information on the activities carried out under this Act.
Provisional Voting
Voting Information
Updated and Upgraded Voting Equipment
Statewide Voter Registration Databases
Voter Identification Procedures
Administrative Complaint Procedures
Voluntary guidance adopted by EAC regarding the following HAVA mandates: voting system standards, provisional voting and voting information requirements, computerized statewide voter registration list requirements and requirements for voters who register by mail.
Information on the experiences of State and local governments in implementing the Voluntary Voting System Guidelines and in operating voting systems in general.
Information relating to the testing, certification, decertification, and recertification of voting system hardware and software.
Information and training on the management of HAVA payments and grants.
The Help America Vote College Program.
EAC’s responsibilities under the National Voter Registration Act of 1993 (NVRA) which includes the development and maintenance of the national voter registration form and biennial reports to Congress on the impact of NVRA on the administration of federal elections.
Studies regarding election administration issues and other activities to promote the effective administration of Federal elections.
Compilation of federal and state laws and procedures regarding election administration and voting.