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

Texas State Plan

Secretary of State Roger Williams is the chief election officer of the state and is responsible for managing a HAVA-compliant —State Plan“ that ensures the state and counties will meet the new requirements. The Texas State Plan‘s priorities are to:

• Upgrade existing voting systems or purchase new systems to include at least one electronic voting machine at each polling place
• Develop a centralized statewide voter registration list that can verify voters‘ identification and be accurately updated
• Implement a voter education program to educate constituents on voting systems and the proper use of those voting systems

VOTEXAS: Texas Voter Education Program

The VOTEXAS education initiative plans to make voter information readily available to all Texans, create high-impact educational materials and advertisements, and most importantly, instill confidence in voting. The program will be launched in January 2006 and will continuously run throughout the year, concluding after the November General Election.

The voter education program‘s goals are to:

• Educate voters on how to use voting systems, when elections are held and where to vote
• Inform Texans on the legalities, responsibilities and rights of voting
• Increase confidence in voting through a safe and more secure voting system

The state is working with county election officials and organizations to develop a comprehensive plan to address the concerns citizens may have about the advancement of voting. In order to educate citizens across Texas, the state has devised an extensive outreach plan. The education program includes advertising as well as a mobile exhibit tour that will travel across the state to special events, festivals and other public venues allowing voters the opportunity to see, touch and become familiar with using the voting machines.

Voters are encouraged to take advantage of the opportunities to learn about the voting improvements. Look for the mobile exhibit at a city near you, or visit www.VOTEXAS.org or call 1-800-252-VOTE for more information.