Help America Vote Act

The Help America Vote Act (HAVA), passed by Congress and signed by President George W. Bush in 2002, provides federal funding to the 50 states to improve election-related standards. HAVA was passed in an effort to improve voting standards across the country and ensure that each polling place in America has accessible voting systems in place. It is the most sweeping voting initiative the country has seen in four decades. 

Among the central requirements that must be implemented by states in 2006 are:

• A centralized statewide voter registration list
• Improved voting systems and technology for casting and counting votes
• Increased quantity of polling places that offer improved accessibility for disabled and visually impaired voters and assistance to non-English language dominant voters
• Education program to inform voters about voting procedures, voting rights and voting technology
• Training for election officials, poll workers and election volunteers