Number: RS20898
Title: Elections Reform: Overview and Issues
Authors: Kevin Coleman, Government and Finance Division; Eric A. Fischer, Resources, Science, and Industry Division 
Abstract: Since the November 2000 Presidential election, previously obscure details of voting and vote counting have become the focus of ongoing public attention and legislative action at the state and federal levels. The Help America Vote Act (HAVA, P.L. 107-252) was enacted in October 2002, and states have made many changes to election laws and procedures before and since. HAVA created a new federal agency, set requirements for several aspects of election administration, and provided federal funding. However, it did not supplant state and local control over election administration. Issues in the 109th Congress included state compliance with HAVA requirements, voter identification and citizenship requirements for voting, funding, and paper audit trails for electronic voting systems. A similar set of issues has been considered in the 110th Congress. For FY2008, funding was provided by a consolidated appropriations act, which included $16.5 million for the Election Assistance Commission and $115 million for election reform grants to states, along with smaller amounts for other programs. The continuing resolution for FY2009 contained similar amounts. Several election-reform bills have been introduced, but none have been enacted.
Pages: 6
Date: October 24, 2008