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FYI...
October 4, 2002: Initial Summary of Election Reform Compromise
electionline.org's Aron Goetzl attended today's press conference
and briefing regarding the election reform compromise reached in Congress this
morning.
Until the actual
legislative language is available, here is his summary
of provisions in the compromise reached
between Senate and House conferees, as described by staff
aides:
- The disbursement of $865 million
immediately in the following manner: $325 million for state grants; $325
million to replace punch-card and lever machines; $100 million for purchase of
machines for disabled voters; and $115 million for other programs in the
bill.
- The disbursement of an additional
$3 billion during the next three years for state grants. A five
percent (5%) state match is
required to receive those funds.
- States and localities will be
reimbursed for the purchase of new voting systems retroactive to November
2000.
- The creation of an Election
Assistance Commission that will serve as a clearinghouse of elections
information and administer the block grants. The body will not have
rule-making authority.
- States are required to have
provisional balloting procedures in place by 2004.
- Beginning in 2003, first-time
voters who register by mail must provide a copy of or show in person a current
valid form of identification. If the voter provides a photo ID (i.e., government ID, student ID, driver license),
it need only include the voter’s
name. If the voter provides a document such as a credit card bill or utility
bill, it must include the voter’s name and current address.
- States are required to have
statewide voter registration systems in place by 2006. These systems must feature
electronic verification, which will enable states to match voters with a
unique identifying number, such as the last four digits of their Social
Security number, their driver license number or a state-assigned number.
States are required to link their registration systems to their respective
motor vehicles department.
- States are required to meet voting
machine requirements for the disabled by 2006.
- States are required to meet new
posting requirements at polling places by 2004.
- States are required to establish
an administrative grievance procedure to handle voters’ complaints. These
bodies must be in place before states are able to receive federal grants.
Of course, we will provide more detailed information as
it becomes available.
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