www.eac.gov Page 1

NOTE FROM THE STANDARDS BOARD CHAIR 

Dear Fellow Standards Board Members,

At last, we are within sight of our goal! At our upcoming meeting in Miami (April 18-20), we will consider

a resolution to recommend that the Election Assistance Commission adopt “VVSG 2.0,” the first 

comprehensive update of the voluntary voting system guidelines since 2005, more than 12 years ago.

While you’ve previously received the proposed VVSG 2.0, this document is included in this newsletter for 

your convenience. I have also included a draft agenda for our time together.

We greatly appreciate the work of everyone at the EAC, TGDC, and 

NIST, who helped us reach this point. During our meeting, we will 

discuss the important details that we want the EAC to consider in 

moving forward on VVSG 2.0, such as planning for a smooth 

implementation and ensuring that the important role of the 

Standards Board will be respected and preserved as the commission 

uses these updated guidelines.

Ahead of our gathering next month, I encourage you to read 

“Resolution 2018-01,” which is also included in this newsletter. It 

sets forth some of these discussion topics. Of course, you may have 

further issues regarding the proposed standards and the ongoing 

implementation of the new guidelines, so please be prepared to 

discuss those when we meet, as well. 

Please note that it is not too late to submit your comments about the 

proposed standards. If you have questions about VVSG 2.0, contact 

Brian Hancock (bhancock@eac.gov).

I look forward to seeing you in Miami and to hope to celebrate the 

achievements of the Standards Board!

With best regards,

Brad King 

STANDARDS BOARD

EXECUTIVE BOARD

J. Bradley King, Chair 

Co-Director, Indiana Elections Division 

Vice-Chair (Vacant) 

Secretary (Vacant) 

Mark Goins

Coordinator of Elections Tennessee 

Division of Elections 

Gary Poser

Director of Elections Minnesota Secretary 

of State 

Greg Riddlemoser 

Director of Elections / Gen. Registrar 

Stafford County, Virginia 

Reynaldo Valenzuela, Jr.

Director of Elections Maricopa County, 

Arizona

Genevieve Whitaker 

Deputy Supervisor of Elections U.S. Virgin 

Islands 

Sally Williams Director

Election Liaison Division Michigan Bureau 

of Elections

Standards Board Newsletter

March 2018

Volume 5, Issue 1

U.S. Election Assistance Commission

1335 East West Highway, Suite 4300

Silver Spring, MD 20910
www.eac.gov Page 2

WHAT’S NEW

(Please note that all links connect to a trusted source.)

Election Security Hearing Scheduled

On the afternoon of April 18 in Miami, the EAC’s will hold a public hearing focused on election security 

and exclusively featuring testimony from state and local election officials. Election officials gathered in 

Miami for the EAC’s Standards Board meeting, as well as other election administrators in attendance will 

have the opportunity to provide comments about their plans ahead of election day, concerns about cyber 

or other security matters, or other related topics. Members of the general public are invited to submit 

written testimony, but will not have the opportunity to provide oral testimony.

New Election Security Resource

The EAC recently released a new short video that details the broad spectrum of steps election officials take 

to secure elections. The new resource is part of the commission’s #Countdown18 effort to provide election 

officials with the tools necessary to carry out secure, accessible and efficient elections. Read the press 

release here. 

Postal Preparation

The Standards Board’s USPS Committee has compiled a new resource featuring tips 

for state and local elections officials as they gear up for the 2018 election cycle. This 

one page document is included at the end of this newsletter. It features important 

reminders and information pertaining to election mail, as well as contact information 

for experts who are able to assist election officials with questions or concerns.

Honoring a Legend of Election

In a joint statement, the three EAC Commissioners honored Former Boone County Clerk Wendy Noren, 

who was also a member of the EAC’s Board of Advisors. In part, the Commissioners noted that Wendy 

“will long be remembered as one of our nation’s most innovative, informed, and dedicated election 

officials. She was also the consummate example of preparedness, professionalism, and grit.”

Women’s History Month

During Women’s History Month, the EAC is celebrating women from across the nation whose broad 

spectrum of professional experience contributes to election administration. The EAC is posting video 

content and original blogs, including a Q&A series “hosted” by Vice Chair McCormick. first installment 

featured FVAP’s Meghan Kelly, whose interview you can read here. The 

List Maintenance

If it’s March, it’s time to focus on “spring cleaning” and list maintenance. Keep an eye on the 

commission’s website for new blogs and resources related to voter registration list maintenance, including 

a new “Deep Data Dive” focused on election technology such as e-poll books. 
www.eac.gov Page 3

UPCOMING DATES & BOARD UPDATES 

Standards Board Meeting

April 18: EAC Public Hearing on Election Security (See above for 

details)

April 19 -20: Standards Board Meeting 

Miami, Florida

Draft Agenda Attached

Please contact Robin Sargent (rsargent@eac.gov) to discuss about travel or 

other logistics.

Standards Board members gathered in San Antonio last year for their annual meeting.
www.eac.gov Page 4

Draft Agenda

U.S. ELECTION ASSISTANCE COMMISSION

STANDARDS BOARD MEETING

Hyatt Regency Coral Gables

Coral Gables, Florida 33134

April 18-20, 2018

[subject to change and approval]

Wednesday, April 18, 2018

Miami-Dade Emergency Operation Center (a.m.)

EAC Public Hearing on Election Security (p.m.)

Thursday, April 19, 2018

7:30 a.m. - 8:30 a.m. Registration

8:00 a.m. - 8:15 a.m. Brief Executive Board meeting 

Brief Resolution Committee meeting concerning Resolution 2018-1

Breakfast 

8:30 a.m. - 9:00 a.m. Welcome

 

Call to Order

J. Bradley King, Chairman, EAC Standards Board

 

Pledge of Allegiance

Christy McCormick, Vice-Chairman, EAC, DFO

Roll Call

Secretary pro tem, EAC Standards Board

Roll Call; Determination of Quorum

J. Bradley King, Chairman, EAC Standards Board
www.eac.gov Page 5

Thursday, April 19, 2018, cont.

Welcoming Remarks from the Commissioners

Thomas Hicks, Chairman, EAC

Christy McCormick, Vice-Chair, EAC, DFO

Matthew Masterson, Commissioner, EAC

9:00 a.m. – 9:30 a.m. Introductory Business 

Approval of Minutes of April 27-28, 2017 Meeting

Presentation of Certificates to New Members

Packet Material Review: incl. committee interest

Overview of VVSG, Bylaws, EAVS, EAC Clearinghouse, and USPS committees

9:30 a.m. – 9:45 a.m. FACA Responsibilities and role of Board under HAVA

Clifford D. Tatum, General Counsel, EAC

9:45 a.m. – 11:45 a.m. VVSG 

Brian Hancock & Ryan Macias, Testing & Certification, EAC

Greg Riddlemoser, VVSG Committee

11:45 a.m. – 1:15 p.m. Lunch

Elections & Disaster Recovery

EAC Commissioner Christy McCormick (moderator)

Bob Giles, Director of the New Jersey Division of Elections

Walt Latham, General Registrar of York County, Virginia

Genevieve Whitaker, Deputy Supervisor of Elections, Virgin Islands

1:15 p.m. – 3:00 p.m. VVSG Cont.; Consideration of Resolution 2018-1

3:00 p.m. – 3:15 p.m. Break/Refreshments

3:15 p.m. – 4:45 p.m. Election Security

4:45 p.m. – 5:00 p.m. Miscellaneous Announcements & Business

Recess until Friday, April 20, 2018

Dinner On your own

7:30 p.m. Executive Board meeting

Approval of past minutes

Committee reports

Election of Officers

Review of member interest surveys

Review of committee members
www.eac.gov Page 6

Friday, April 20, 2018

7:30 a.m. – 8:00 a.m. Breakfast

8:00 a.m. - 8:15 a.m. Housekeeping

8:15 a.m. - 9:15 a.m. Committee Meeting Breakouts

VVSG

EAC Clearinghouse

EAVS

USPS

Bylaws

Open mic with EAC Commissioners

9:15 a.m. – 9:45 a.m. Committee Reports

9:45 a.m. – 10:00 a.m. Overview of EAC Mission & Objectives for 2018 & Beyond (EAC Video)

Brian D. Newby, Executive Director, EAC

10:00 a.m. – 11:30 a.m. EAC’s 2018 Campaign (and beyond) Preview

Sean Greene, Director of Research, EAC

Simona Jones, Webmaster & Social Media Specialist, EAC

David Kuennen, Senior Research Program Specialist, EAC

Natalie Longwell, Public Affairs Specialist, EAC

Brenda Bowser Soder, Director of Communications & Public Affairs, EAC

11:30 a.m. -11:45 a.m. Any remaining announcements or business

Motion to Adjourn
1

U.S. ELECTION ASSISTANCE COMMISSION

 STANDARDS BOARD

RESOLUTION 2018-01

Whereas, The United States Election Assistance Commission,

in accordance with Section 222 of Public Law 107-252, also 

designated as the Help America Vote Act of 2002 (HAVA), adopted 

Voluntary Voting System Guidelines on December 13, 2005, which 

were subsequently modified by the Election Assistance Commission 

in accordance with Section 222 on March 31, 2015;

Whereas, The Election Assistance Commission Standards 

Board was established by Section 211 of HAVA; 

Whereas, The Standards Board is required under Section 212 

of HAVA to review the Voluntary Voting System Guidelines in 

accordance with Section 222(b)(3) of HAVA;

Whereas, The Executive Director of the United States Election 

Assistance Commission has submitted to the Executive Board of the 

Standards Board proposals for further modifications of the Voluntary 

Voting System Guidelines recommended on September 12, 2017 by 

the Technical Guidelines Development Committee under Section 221 

of HAVA;

Whereas, The Executive Board has reviewed the proposed 

modifications to the Voluntary Voting System Guidelines and

forwarded its recommendation to the entire membership of the 

Standards Board that the proposed modifications be adopted as 

presented;
2

Whereas, The Executive Board has recommended that the 

membership of the Standards Board consider this recommendation at 

the next annual meeting of the Standards Board required under 

Section 215(a)(2) of HAVA; and

Whereas, after thorough and diligent review of the proposed 

modifications by the membership of the Standards Board;

Now, therefore, be it Resolved, by the Election Assistance 

Commission Standards Board, that:

SECTION 1. The United States Election Assistance 

Commission Standards Board recommends to the United States 

Election Assistance Commission that the proposed modifications to 

the Voluntary Voting System Guidelines recommended by the 

Technical Guidelines Development Committee on September 12, 

2017, be adopted by the Commission. 

SECTION 2. The United States Election Assistance 

Commission Standards Board further recommends that these 

modifications be designated as “Voluntary Voting System Guidelines 

2.0” to reflect the comprehensive nature of the modifications.

SECTION 3. The United States Election Assistance 

Commission Standards Board further recommends that the United 

States Election Assistance Commission, in its consideration of the 

recommended modifications, take into account the following: 

(1) The schedule and procedures to implement “Voluntary 

Voting System Guidelines 2.0” should be as efficient as 

possible to ensure a smooth transition to the new 

Guidelines.

(2)The role of the entire membership of the Standards Board 

under HAVA should be respected and preserved with 

regard to the implementation and modification of more 
3

detailed technical procedures and standards employed to 

conduct the certification of voting systems under 

“Voluntary Voting System Guidelines 2.0”. 

(3) The requirement under Section 311(c) of HAVA that the 

United States Election Assistance Commission review and 

update recommendations adopted with respect to voting 

system standards no less frequently than once every 4 

years. 

MOTION CARRIED

A True Record Attest:

Secretary Pro Tem

Standards Board 

Executive Board 

- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -

Submitted by: J. Bradley King

Approved as to Form by Resolution committee ____________________________

Submitted to the Standards Board for Approval/Denial on _____________________

Passed on 
09/12/2017 1

Voluntary Voting System Guidelines 2.0

Principles and Guidelines

Principle 1: HIGH QUALITY DESIGN

The voting system is designed to accurately, completely, and robustly carry out

election processes.

1.1 - The voting system is designed using commonly-accepted election process

specifications.

1.2 - The voting system is designed to function correctly under real-world operating

conditions.

1.3 - Voting system design supports evaluation methods enabling testers to clearly

distinguish systems that correctly implement specified properties from those that do

not.

Principle 2: HIGH QUALITY IMPLEMENTATION

The voting system is implemented using high quality best practices.

2.1 - The voting system and its software are implemented using trustworthy materials and 

best practices in software development.

2.2 - The voting system is implemented using best practice user-centered design methods,

for a wide range of representative voters, including those with and without

disabilities, and election workers.

2.3 - Voting system logic is clear, meaningful, and well-structured.

2.4 - Voting system structure is modular, scalable, and robust.

2.5 – The voting system supports system processes and data with integrity.

2.6 - The voting system handles errors robustly and gracefully recovers from failure.

2.7 - The voting system performs reliably in anticipated physical environments.

Principle 3: TRANSPARENT

The voting system and voting processes are designed to provide transparency.
09/12/2017 2

3.1 - The documentation describing the voting system design, operation, accessibility

features, security measures, and other aspects of the voting system can be read and

understood.

3.2 - The processes and transactions, both physical and digital, associated with the voting

system are readily available for inspection.

3.3 - The public can understand and verify the operations of the voting system 

throughout the entirety of the election.

Principle 4: INTEROPERABLE

The voting system is designed to support interoperability in its interfaces to external

systems, its interfaces to internal components, its data, and its peripherals.

4.1 - Voting system data that is imported, exported, or otherwise reported, is in an

interoperable format.

4.2 - Standard, publicly-available formats for other types of data are used, where available.

4.3 - Widely-used hardware interfaces and communications protocols are used.

4.4 - Commercial-off-the-shelf (COTS) devices can be used if they meet applicable

VVSG requirements.

Principle 5: EQUIVALENT AND CONSISTENT VOTER ACCESS

All voters can access and use the voting system regardless of their abilities, without

discrimination.

5.1 - Voters have a consistent experience throughout the voting process in all modes of

voting.

5.2 - Voters receive equivalent information and options in all modes of voting.

Principle 6: VOTER PRIVACY

Voters can mark, verify, and cast their ballot privately and independently.

6.1 - The voting process preserves the privacy of the voter's interaction with the ballot,

modes of voting, and vote selections.

6.2 - Voters can mark, verify and cast their ballot or other associated cast vote 

record, without assistance from others.
09/12/2017 3

Principle 7: MARKED, VERIFIED, AND CAST AS INTENDED

Ballots and vote selections are presented in a perceivable, operable, and

understandable way and can be marked, verified, and cast by all voters.

7.1 - The default voting system settings for displaying the ballot work for the widest range

of voters, and voters can adjust settings and preferences to meet their needs.

7.2 - Voters and election workers can use all controls accurately, and voters have direct 

control of all ballot changes.

7.3 - Voters can understand all information as it is presented, including instructions,

messages from the system, and error messages.

Principle 8: ROBUST, SAFE, USABLE, AND ACCESSIBLE

The voting system and voting processes provide a robust, safe, usable, and accessible

experience.

8.1 - The voting system’s hardware and accessories protect users from harmful conditions.

8.2 - The voting system meets currently accepted federal standards for accessibility.

8.3 - The voting system is measured with a wide range of representative voters, including

those with and without disabilities, for effectiveness, efficiency, and satisfaction.

8.4 The voting system is evaluated for usability by election workers.

Principle 9: AUDITABLE

The voting system is auditable and enables evidence-based elections.

9.1 - An error or fault in the voting system software or hardware cannot cause an 

undetectable change in election results.

9.2 - The voting system produces readily available records that provide the ability to

check whether the election outcome is correct and, to the extent possible, identify

the root cause of any irregularities.

9.3 - Voting system records are resilient in the presence of intentional forms of tampering

and accidental errors.

9.4 - The voting system supports efficient audits.
09/12/2017 4

Principle 10: BALLOT SECRECY

The voting system protects the secrecy of voters’ ballot selections.

10.1 - Ballot secrecy is maintained throughout the voting process.

10.2 - The voting system does not contain nor produce records, notifications, information

about the voter or other election artifacts that can be used to associate the voter’s

identity with the voter’s intent, choices, or selections.

Principle 11: ACCESS CONTROL

The voting system authenticates administrators, users, devices, and services before

granting access to sensitive functions.

11.1 - Access privileges, accounts, activities, and authorizations are logged, monitored, and

reviewed periodically and modified as needed.

11.2 - The voting system limits the access of users, roles, and processes to the specific

functions and data to which each entity holds authorized access.

11.3 - The voting system supports strong, configurable authentication mechanisms to verify

the identities of authorized users and includes multi-factor authentication

mechanisms for critical operations.

11.4 - Default access control policies enforce the principles of least privilege and separation

of duties.

11.5 - Logical access to voting system assets are revoked when no longer required.

Principle 12: PHYSICAL SECURITY

The voting system prevents or detects attempts to tamper with voting system

hardware.

12.1 - The voting system supports mechanisms to detect unauthorized physical access.

12.2 - The voting system only exposes physical ports and access points that are essential to

voting operations.

Principle 13: DATA PROTECTION

The voting system protects sensitive data from unauthorized access, modification, or

deletion.
09/12/2017 5

13.1 –The voting system prevents unauthorized access to or manipulation of configuration

data, cast vote records, transmitted data, or audit records.

13.2 - The source and integrity of electronic tabulation reports are verifiable.

13.3 - All cryptographic algorithms are public, well-vetted, and standardized.

13.4 - The voting system protects the integrity, authenticity, and confidentiality of sensitive

data transmitted over all networks.

Principle 14: SYSTEM INTEGRITY

The voting system performs its intended function in an unimpaired manner, free

from unauthorized manipulation of the system, whether intentional or accidental.

14.1 - The voting system uses multiple layers of controls to provide redundancy against

security failures or vulnerabilities.

14.2 - The voting system limits its attack surface by reducing unnecessary code, data paths,

physical ports, and by using other technical controls.

14.3 - The voting system maintains and verifies the integrity of software, firmware, and

other critical components.

14.4 - Software updates are authorized by an administrator prior to installation.

Principle 15: DETECTION AND MONITORING

The voting system provides mechanisms to detect anomalous or malicious

behavior.

15.1 - Voting system equipment records important activities through event logging

mechanisms, which are stored in a format suitable for automated processing.

15.2 - The voting system generates, stores, and reports all error messages as they occur.

15.3 - The voting system employs mechanisms to protect against malware.

15.4 - A voting system with networking capabilities employs appropriate, well-vetted

modern defenses against network-based attacks, commensurate with current best

practice.
Make your mail ballots stand out!

Election Mail Logo

This symbol alerts both USPS personnel and voters  

that the contents are official and from a trusted

source.

Facer Identification Mark (FIM)

This small barcode, located to the left of the postage

area, helps the machine find the front of the mailing.

USPSTag 191

This tag provides greater visibility to ballots and

alerts USPS personnel to process quickly.

2018 ELECTION CYCLE PREPARATION   TIPS FOR STATE AND LOCAL ELECTION OFFICIALS

October 2017

US ElecƟon Assistance Commission Standards Board —USPS CommiƩee 

Reporting makes a difference!  USPS

works directly with election officials to

resolve reported problems.   

Report Problems

Report specific issues online here:

Electionmail.org

The most frequently reported issues

were:

          •Postmarking issues (FIM missing      

or obscured)

•Ballots misreturned to the voter or

the election official

Find Solutions

As a result, USPS is recommending print‐

ing the election official’s return address

Intelligent Mail Barcode (IMB) above and

below the return address.

Work with Specialists 

Speakers 

Tammy Patrick of the Democracy Fund

works directly with the USPS and has

valuable Ɵps and resources for elecƟon

officials.  Tammy can be available to

speak at state and local conferences –

contact her directly at:   

TPatrick@democracyfund.com   

Mail Design 

USPS Mail Design Analysts  are available

at: MDA@usps.com

As 2017 winds down and the 2018 cycle gears up, ensure you are up

to speed on USPS guidelines.  Take steps now to:

 Learn more about Intelligent Mail Barcodes

 Make your ballots stand out

 Manage ExpectaƟons

 Work with Mail Design Specialists

 Report Problems

 Implement SoluƟons

Be sure to reference the USPS ElecƟon Mail webpage.

USPS recommends using the Intelligent Mail Barcode (IMb)  

to obtain real Ɵme tracking informaƟon.  Learn More!

Manage expectaƟons 

Tell voters to assume one week for USPS delivery!

Find more helpful vote by mail informaƟon at EAC.gov.