UNITED STATES 

ELECTION ASSISTANCE 

COMMISSION

STRATEGIC PLAN 

Fiscal Years: 

2009 Through 2014

 March 2009
U.S. Election Assistance Commission 

EAC Strategic Plan: FYs 2009 - 2014 

TABLE OF CONTENTS 

BACKGROUND.................................................................... 1 

Funding State Improvements to Elections............ 1 

Standards for Voting Systems................................... 1 

Election Assistance Commission............................. 2

Guiding Principles ......................................................... 3 

The Planning Process................................................... 4

VISION AND MISSION.................................................... 5 

GOALS AND OBJECTIVES........................................... 6 

GOAL 1 - Communicate ............................................... 6

GOAL 2 - Fund and Oversee....................................... 9

GOAL 3 - Study, Guide, and Assist..........................12

GOAL 4 - Test and Certify ...........................................17

GOAL 5 - Manage ...........................................................20 

EXTERNAL FACTORS THAT 

IMPACT ACCOMPLISHMENT OF 

THE GOALS AND OBJECTIVES................................23 

APPENDICES .......................................................................23 

1. Organization Chart...................................................24

2. Stakeholders ..............................................................25 

3. Summary of Goals, Objectives, & Measures ..26
U.S. Election Assistance Commission 

EAC Strategic Plan: FYs 2009 - 2014 1

BACKGROUND 

In October 2002, Congress, with the leadership and overwhelming 

bipartisan support of the members of the U.S. House of 

Representatives’ Committee on House Administration, passed the 

Help America Vote Act (HAVA). The passage of HAVA represented 

an unprecedented effort by Congress to enhance the administration 

of Federal elections through funding, guidance, and policies. 

HAVA was not contemplated as a short-term or partial solution to the 

issues and problems with the administration of Federal elections that 

came to the forefront during the 2000 elections. The law recognized 

the need to invest in our election infrastructure and set out a 

comprehensive program of funding, guidance, and ongoing research 

that spans the course of many years. 

Funding State Improvements to Elections 

Congress initially appropriated approximately $3 billion for payments 

to states during Fiscal Years 2003 and 2004. These funds were 

authorized under three separate sections of HAVA. Section 101 

funds could be used to improve the administration of elections for 

Federal office. Section 102 funds could be used to replace punchcard and lever-action voting systems. Section 251 funds could be 

used to (1) improve voting systems, (2) establish and implement 

statewide voter registration databases, (3) implement provisional 

voting, (4) provide information to the voting public in the polling 

place, and (5) otherwise improve the administration of elections for 

Federal office. Congress appropriated an additional $215 million of 

Section 251 funds in Fiscal Year 2008 ($115 million) and Fiscal Year 

2009 ($100 million). Generally, the funds are available to states until 

expended. 

 

Standards for Voting Systems 

A major provision of HAVA established minimum requirements for 

voting systems used in Federal elections. Each voting system must: 

 Permit the voter to verify the selections made prior to casting 

the ballot; 

 Permit the voter to change a selection prior to casting the 

ballot; 
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EAC Strategic Plan: FYs 2009 - 2014 2

 Notify the voter when an overvote (making more than the 

permissible number of selections in a single contest) occurs; 

 Notify the voter of the ramifications of an overvote; 

 Produce a permanent paper record that can be used in a 

recount or audit of an election; 

 Provide accessibility to disabled voters; 

 Provide foreign language accessibility in jurisdictions covered 

by Section 203 of the Voting Rights Act; and 

 Meet the error rate standard established in the 2002 Voting 

System Standards. 

 

Election Assistance Commission 

To foster election assistance programs and to promote and enhance 

voting for United States citizens, HAVA established the Election 

Assistance Commission (EAC). EAC is an independent, bipartisan 

commission. Four full-time commissioners, appointed by the 

President and confirmed by the U.S. Senate, guide the EAC. 

Through the agency, the Federal government assumed a larger role 

in the administration of Federal elections. Specifically, EAC is 

statutorily required to: 

 Create a clearinghouse of information for election officials and 

the public; 

 Distribute and monitor HAVA funds to states for election 

administration improvements; 

 Conduct periodic studies of election administration issues; 

 Establish best practices and guidelines on election 

administration for state and local election officials; 

 Issue, and periodically review and modify, as necessary, 

voluntary voting system guidelines; 

 Accredit voting system test labs, and test and certify voting 

equipment; 
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EAC Strategic Plan: FYs 2009 - 2014 3

 Develop requirements for voter registration form design for 

states; 

 Develop a standardized report for use by states to report on 

the absentee ballots transmitted to and received from absent 

uniformed services voters and overseas voters; and 

 Provide Congress with a biennial report to assess the impact 

of the National Voter Registration Act (NVRA). 

HAVA also set up the Standards Board and the Board of Advisors to 

counsel EAC. In addition, the law established the Technical 

Guidelines Development Committee (TGDC) to assist EAC in the 

preparation of the voluntary voting system guidelines (VVSG). 

EAC has 40 full-time employees, including the four commissioners 

and their four special assistants. EAC is located in Washington, D.C., 

is managed by an Executive Director, and is organized (Appendix 1) 

to provide responsive service to its stakeholders (Appendix 2). Its 

budget for internal operations in Fiscal Year 2008 was $13,280,000. 

 

Guiding Principles 

EAC is committed to: 

 Bipartisan collaboration to serve the best interests of the 

American voters; 

 Transparency in its work; 

 Professionalism, excellence, and adherence to the highest 

level of performance standards for EAC staff and contractors; 

 Accountability and integrity in the management and conduct of 

all EAC activities and programs; 

 Careful stewardship of taxpayer dollars and overall fiscal 

responsibility; 

 Timely performance of its duties; 

 Performance and public service without regard to race, sex, 

religion, national origin, age, physical or mental disability; 

sexual orientation, gender identity and expression, or political 

affiliation in everything it does; and 
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EAC Strategic Plan: FYs 2009 - 2014 4

 Thorough and efficient distribution of appropriate election 

administration information it gathers. 

The Planning Process 

To meet the challenge of supporting the states and local 

governments in implementing HAVA reforms, EAC developed a 

strategic plan that provides the framework for how it will use its 

resources effectively. The plan lays out an approach to create a 

receptive and productive agency fully capable of the unique 

leadership role it has been given as a national clearinghouse, a 

manager of Federal financial assistance, a certifier of voting 

systems, and a resource for election officials throughout the country 

regarding the administration of Federal elections. 

The plan was a valuable opportunity for the agency to work together 

as a team to consider a collective, strategic outlook. With the help of 

the Commissioners, a vision and mission were reconfirmed. EAC’s 

senior management team then identified the critical issues facing 

EAC in the coming years and determined how best to meet them. 

The plan is intended to be the foundation from which to address 

issues that arise during Fiscal Years 2009 through 2014. The senior 

management team identified five strategic goals, which are 

described in detail in this document and summarized in Appendix 3. 
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EAC Strategic Plan: FYs 2009 - 2014 5

VISION AND MISSION

Vision 

Lead election reform that reaffirms the right to vote and to have all 

eligible votes counted accurately. 

Mission 

Assist the effective administration of Federal elections. 
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EAC Strategic Plan: FYs 2009 - 2014 6

GOALS AND OBJECTIVES

 

GOAL 1: COMMUNICATE 

Communicate timely and accurate information on the 

effective administration of elections for Federal office 

and on the operations and services offered by EAC. 

Increased interest in elections, new Federal funding, the rapid pace 

of change in election administration and Congressional direction has 

led EAC to operate a national clearinghouse of election information. 

EAC obtains election information through in-house research and 

chartered studies and from other credible sources. EAC presents this 

information to the election community, the public, the media, and 

EAC employees principally through its website. Also, EAC seeks to 

be responsive to valid inquiries about its programs and operations. 

Outcome

Congress, Federal agencies, state and local election officials, and 

the public receive reliable, accurate, and non-partisan information 

about administering, conducting, and participating in Federal 

elections and how, where, and when Americans vote. 

Objective 1: Operate the EAC clearinghouse effectively.

Means and strategies for accomplishing objective: 

(a) Set EAC policy for a web-based clearinghouse that will (i) 

establish the physical description of the clearinghouse and (ii) 

describe the contents to be presented to the public. 

(b) Launch a public information initiative about the contents and 

uses of the EAC clearinghouse. 

(c) Maintain current and relevant information on the EAC website. 

(d) Conduct regular information audits of all EAC divisions to 

update the clearinghouse and website. 

Performance Measure 

(1) Issue clearinghouse policy within 6 months. 
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EAC Strategic Plan: FYs 2009 - 2014 7

(2) Establish a separate location on the EAC website in 2010 to 

present and manage all clearinghouse information. 

(3) Post applicable information on the web-based clearinghouse 

within 24 business hours of receipt. 

(4) Distribute at least one email update per month to stakeholders 

about the web-based clearinghouse. 

Objective 2: Respond to outside requests about EAC timely 

and accurately. 

Means and strategies for accomplishing objective: 

(a) Establish and implement policies and procedures for tracking 

requests, gathering information from EAC, responding to 

requests, verifying and documenting responses, and updating 

information for stakeholders. 

(b) Coordinate briefings between Members of Congress and 

Congressional staffers by Commissioners and EAC staff. 

(c) Maintain and make available to EAC staff a database of 

media and Congressional inquiries and responses. 

(d) Maintain an electronic Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) 

reading room. 

(e) Provide FOIA training to EAC staff to improve response rates. 

Performance Measure 

(1) Issue policies and procedures to process requests from outside 

the agency by September 2009. 

(2) Distribute media and Congressional inquiry and response log to 

EAC staff on a daily basis. 

(3) Respond to FOIA requests in accordance with requirements. 

(4) Respond to 75 percent of non-FOIA requests within 72 hours. 
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EAC Strategic Plan: FYs 2009 - 2014 8

Objective 3: Convey the results of EAC operations and 

accomplishments. 

Means and strategies for accomplishing objective: 

(a) Identify technologies and other communication opportunities 

that will ensure rapid delivery of information to a wide variety 

of stakeholders. 

(b) Actively promote the EAC electronic newsletter to include and 

educate all EAC stakeholders. 

(c) Inform Members of Congress and Congressional staffers 

about EAC initiatives and programs in general and in their 

districts. 

(d) Edit EAC materials and deliverables to ensure their accuracy 

and consistency. 

(e) Produce speeches and talking points for Commissioners and 

EAC staff that accurately capture EAC activities and output. 

(f) Create an atmosphere of creativity and customer service. 

Performance Measure 

(1) Provide weekly updates about EAC activities and election 

administration issues to EAC employees. 

(2) Produce an annual FOIA report to chronicle requests and 

responses. 

(3) Issue quarterly press releases summarizing EAC activities. 

(4) Provide regular briefings regarding EAC activities to 

Congressional staffers. 

(5) Produce the annual report of EAC activities to Congress by 

January 1 of each year for the preceding year ending September 

30. 

(6) Issue at least 12 EAC newsletters per year. 
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EAC Strategic Plan: FYs 2009 - 2014 9

Program Evaluation 

To evaluate the program: 

 Establish a feedback mechanism to gain public input on 

effectiveness and relevance of web-based clearinghouse. 

 Conduct monthly information audits on web-based clearinghouse 

to ensure content is accurate and updated. 

GOAL 2: FUND AND OVERSEE 

Deliver and manage Federal funds effectively. 

For the first time, the Federal government is funding improvements 

to the voting process. EAC is responsible for the distribution and 

oversight of approximately $3.2 billion in payments to states and for 

other grant programs to improve Federal elections and gather 

election data. Historically, States have used most of the funding for 

the purchase of new voting equipment that meets the standards in 

HAVA and for establishing a computerized statewide voter 

registration list. States may also use the funds to educate voters 

about voting procedures, rights, and technology; to train election 

officials, poll workers, and election volunteers; to improve the 

accessibility and quantity of polling places; and otherwise to improve 

the administration of elections for Federal office. EAC is responsible 

for the administration of these funds. 

Outcome 

States and other recipients promptly and accurately receive Federal 

funds administered by EAC and use the funds appropriately to 

improve the administration of elections for Federal office. 

Objective 1: Accurately and timely disburse Federal financial 

assistance administered by EAC. 

Means and strategies for accomplishing objective: 

(a) Develop a program handbook covering each Federal financial 

assistance program administered by the EAC. 

(b) Thoroughly review all competitive grant applications to select 

appropriate recipients. 
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EAC Strategic Plan: FYs 2009 - 2014 10

(c) Thoroughly review requests for payments and state plans to 

help ensure recipients use funds for appropriate purposes. 

(d) Timely publish state plans and amendments to state plans in 

the Federal Register. 

(e) Timely disburse funds on the basis of requests for 

reimbursement, certifications, and/or amendments to state 

plans. 

(f) Recoup and redistribute unspent Section 102 funds. 

Performance Measure 

(1) Publish program handbook in Fiscal Year 2009. 

 

(2) Award grants within established timeframes. 

(3) Submit state plans for publication in the Federal Register within 

30 days of receipt of the plan. 

(4) Submit payment requests to General Services Administration 

(GSA) with 10 days of receipt of acceptable 

requests/certifications. 

(5) Recoup and redistribute unspent Section 102 funds by February 

2011. 

Objective 2: Effectively monitor Federal financial assistance 

administered by EAC.

Means and strategies for accomplishing objective: 

(a) Include in the program handbook reporting requirements and 

monitoring procedures. 

(b) Review in a timely manner all financial and narrative reports 

submitted. 

(c) Follow up on anomalies in reports or on non-reporting entities. 

(d) Prepare a timely annual report to the Congress on states’ use 

of HAVA funds. 
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EAC Strategic Plan: FYs 2009 - 2014 11

(e) Review audit reports to identify recipient internal control 

weaknesses and questionable uses of Federal funds 

administered by the EAC. 

(f) Conduct site visits of recipients for whom EAC has found 

significant problems in financial and/or narrative reports 

and/or in audit reports. 

(g) Negotiate in a timely manner indirect cost rates with state 

election agencies. 

Performance Measures 

(1) Review financial and performance reports and notify recipients of 

reporting anomalies or failure to file within 30 days of knowledge 

of such conditions, in writing in all cases and by telephone as 

time permits, to offer assistance and answer questions. 

(2) Resolve 100 percent of audit findings within established time 

frames. 

(3) Conduct site visits to at least three high priority grantees each 

year. 

(4) Negotiate indirect cost rates within 30 days of receipt of 

acceptable indirect cost proposals. 

(5) Issue the annual report to Congress on the expenditure of HAVA 

funds by July 15 of each year. 

Objective 3: Provide technical assistance and guidance on the 

management of Federal financial assistance administered by 

EAC to reduce the risk of inappropriate use of funds and 

accounting errors. 

Means and strategies for accomplishing objective: 

(a) Include in the program handbook guidance/references on use 

of funds, allowable costs, and managing funds. 

(b) Offer workshops and training sessions on management, use, 

and reporting of Federal financial assistance administered by 

EAC. 
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EAC Strategic Plan: FYs 2009 - 2014 12

Performance Measures 

(1) Submit to the Commissioners all recommended policy and 

guidance concerning the administration of Federal financial 

assistance administered by EAC within established time frames. 

(2) Offer at least one workshop per year. 

(3) Respond to all inquires by recipients about the use and 

administration of funds in accordance with EAC requirements in 

a timely manner. 

Program Evaluation 

To evaluate the program: 

 Assess the results of: 

o Audits (by the EAC Office of Inspector General and by state 

auditors) of recipient expenditure of Federal financial 

assistance administered by EAC, 

o EAC oversight including monitoring visits and desk audits, and 

o EAC reviews of recipient annual financial reports. 

 Implement additional controls over EAC administration of Federal 

financial assistance, as appropriate, on the basis of the 

assessments. 

GOAL 3: STUDY, GUIDE, AND ASSIST

Identify and develop information on areas of pressing 

concern regarding the administration of elections for 

Federal office, issue recommended improvements, 

guidance, translations, and best practices as required 

by HAVA, and carry out responsibilities under the 

National Voter Registration Act (NVRA). 

HAVA mandates that EAC conduct research on current election 

administration issues with the aim of promoting methods of voting 

and administering elections which will be the most “convenient, 

accessible, and easy to use;” “will yield the most accurate, secure, 

and expeditious system for voting and tabulating election results;” 
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EAC Strategic Plan: FYs 2009 - 2014 13

“will be nondiscriminatory;” and “will be efficient and cost-effective.” 

In addition, HAVA requires that EAC produce guidelines and best 

practices for state use in implementing HAVA. HAVA also transfers 

from the Federal Election Commission to the EAC the responsibility 

for creating regulations governing the national mail voter registration 

application and for reporting to Congress on the impact of NVRA on 

elections for Federal office. 

Outcome 

The election community and other key stakeholders improve the 

administration of elections for Federal office on the basis of pertinent, 

impartial, timely, and high-quality information, recommendations, 

guides, and other tools on election and voting issues. In addition, 

eligible citizens use the national mail voter registration application to 

register to vote, register with a political party, or report a change of 

name, address, or other information. 

 

Objective 1: Complete research on relevant issues that 

improve the administration of elections for Federal office and 

expeditiously report on critical election administration subjects 

and data. 

Means and strategies for accomplishing objective: 

(a) Analyze unfinished research mandated by HAVA, and 

develop and prioritize an inventory of ideas for potential new 

projects internally and on the basis of input from stakeholders. 

(b) Establish, based on the inventory, annual research plans for 

completing research projects by EAC and by contractors in 

order of priority. Present plan to Board of Advisors and 

Standards Board for information and comments only. Obtain 

Commissioners’ approval for the plan and inform Congress of 

any mandated research that no longer appears relevant in the 

current election administration environment. 

(c) Develop timelines, schedules, and deliverables to ensure 

timely completion of approved annual research plans. 

(d) Recommend improvements and offer technical assistance 

and training to the election community on the basis of 

completed research. 
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EAC Strategic Plan: FYs 2009 - 2014 14

Performance Measures 

(1) Complete an inventory of potential research projects in Fiscal 

Year 2010. 

(2) Start 100 percent of planned and funded projects each year. 

(3) Meet milestones for the completion of research projects in 

accordance with schedules and deliverables each year. 

(4) Disseminate all completed research project reports to 

stakeholders. 

(5) Establish, in Fiscal Year 2010, a baseline for measuring 

stakeholder use of EAC research and educational products to 

improve the administration of elections for Federal office. In 

subsequent years, increase the percentage of stakeholder use of 

EAC research products. 

Objective 2: Identify and collect required and useful data on 

election administration practices, voting methods, and 

demographics; and make recommendations for improving the 

quality of practices, methods, and data. 

Means and strategies for accomplishing objective: 

(a) Identify data required by law to be collected and data needed 

by Congress, election officials, and other stakeholders. 

(b) Interact with state and local election data collection agencies 

and election associations to exchange information on data 

collection practices and identify ways to ensure data quality. 

(c) Amend EAC’s Election Day Survey to include the collection of 

data on new and emerging election administration topics and 

on changes in required and desirable data elements. 

(d) Issue reports to Congress presenting data required by the 

Uniformed and Overseas Citizens Absentee Voting Act 

(UOCAVA), NVRA, HAVA, and the EAC Election Day Survey 

and recommend improvements to the data collection process.
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EAC Strategic Plan: FYs 2009 - 2014 15

Performance Measure 

(1) Establish a baseline in Fiscal Year 2009 on the accuracy and 

completeness of data reported by states in response to EAC 

surveys. Increase the accuracy and completeness of reported 

data in each of the succeeding years. 

 

(2) Include recommendations to improve election data collection and 

data provided to Congress in the biennial report on the Election 

Day Survey. 

(3) Issue required reports to Congress by statutory deadlines. 

 

Objective 3: Issue guidance and administer programs that 

provide timely and useful information to election officials and 

voters. 

Means and strategies for accomplishing objective: 

(a) Provide guidance to states concerning the proper 

implementation of HAVA Title III, Uniform and Non 

discriminatory Election Technology and Administration 

Requirements. 

(b) Develop and administer the EAC Language Accessibility 

Program to assist election officials in meeting the needs of 

language minority proficiency voters. 

(c) Develop methods for making voting more accessible to Native 

Americans and Alaska Natives with the Language 

Accessibility Program. 

(d) Develop and maintain “A Voter’s Guide to Federal Elections” 

in languages covered under the Voting Rights Act. 

(e) Create interactive versions of the various Glossaries of Key 

Election Terminology on the EAC website. 

(f) Coordinate with the Department of Justice Voting Section to 

provide EAC language resources to jurisdictions required to 

meet the language minority requirements in Sections 203 and 

4(f)4 of the Voting Rights Act. 
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EAC Strategic Plan: FYs 2009 - 2014 16

(g) Develop and administer the Election Management Guidelines 

program to provide technical assistance and training to 

election officials. 

Performance Measures 

(1) Complete guidance regarding HAVA Section 301 by January 

2012. 

(2) Complete guidance regarding HAVA Section 302 by August 

2010. 

(3) Complete guidance regarding HAVA Section 303 by June 2011. 

(4) Complete the “Voters Guide to Federal Elections” in languages 

currently covered under the minority language provisions of the 

Voting Rights Act by September 2009. 

(5) Translate the “Voters Guide to Federal Elections” to any 

additional languages determined to be covered under minority 

language provisions of the Voting Rights Act on the basis of the 

2010 Census. 

(6) Complete initial materials for addressing the needs of Native 

Americans and Alaska Natives by October 2010. 

(7) Complete interactive glossaries by March 2010. 

(8) Establish a baseline for measuring stakeholder use of EAC 

teaching materials by the end of Fiscal Year 2010. In 

subsequent years, increase the percentage of stakeholder use of 

EAC teaching materials. 

Objective 4: Enact regulations governing the national mail 

voter registration application, collection of voter registration 

and related data, and reporting to the Congress as required by 

NVRA. 

Means and strategies for accomplishing objective: 

(a) Start the rulemaking process, as outlined by the 

Administrative Procedures Act, to create regulations that will 

update the national mail voter registration application and 

describe the data to be collected for the biennial report to 

Congress. 
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EAC Strategic Plan: FYs 2009 - 2014 17

(b) Implement interim procedures to improve and maintain the 

national mail voter registration application and to govern state 

requests for changes to the application. 

(c) Provide guidance to states concerning the proper 

implementation of NVRA. 

(d) Determine the feasibility of making the national mail voter 

registration application available in all languages covered 

under the Voting Rights Act. 

Performance Measures 

(1) Begin NVRA rulemaking process and adopt interim procedures 

by January 2010. 

(2) Complete NVRA rulemaking process and issue guidance by 

October 2012 and make new regulations effective immediately 

following the Federal general election of 2012. 

(3) Issue the biennial report on the impact of NVRA by June 30 of 

each odd-numbered year. 

(4) Complete a feasibility study of making the national mail voter 

registration application available in all languages covered by the 

Voting Rights Act by June 2010. 

Program Evaluation 

To evaluate the program: 

 Develop an assessment tool to monitor election community 

acceptance of EAC recommendations and guides. 

GOAL 4: TEST AND CERTIFY 

Build public confidence in elections by testing and 

certifying voting systems to improve system security, 

operation, and accessibility. 

EAC’s first step in instituting a Testing and Certification Program was 

to work with its advisory committees and the National Institute of 

Standards and Technology (NIST) to develop the Voluntary Voting 

System Guidelines (VVSG) against which voting systems will be 
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EAC Strategic Plan: FYs 2009 - 2014 18

evaluated. EAC completed the first iteration of the VVSG in 2005, 

and will regularly review and update the VVSG. In addition, EAC 

works with NIST to accredit laboratories to test voting equipment. 

After a thorough review of the testing of equipment and software 

conducted by accredited laboratories, EAC will certify, decertify, or 

recertify voting systems, as appropriate. 

Outcome

Voting equipment operates more reliably and securely and is more 

accessible to voters with disabilities. States use the EAC Testing and 

Certification Program to ensure voting systems meet standards. 

Objective 1: Develop and update the VVSG. 

Means and strategies for accomplishing objective: 

(a) Develop an updated VVSG that adequately address accuracy 

and reliability of voting systems and that are cost effective. 

(b) Develop, with the assistance of NIST, and maintain testable, 

objective, and repeatable voluntary voting system test suites 

and (or) test methods. 

(c) Submit an updated draft of the 2005 VVSG, based on 

recommendations from the Technical Guidelines 

Development Committee (TGDC), to the Federal Register for 

public comment and hold public meetings with stakeholders 

on the proposed guidelines. 

(d) Consider comments on the draft TGDC version of the VVSG 

and prepare an EAC draft VVSG. Publish the EAC draft in the 

Federal Register for public comment. 

(e) Update the guidelines and present them at a public meeting 

for a vote of the Commissioners after consideration of 

comments. 

Performance Measure 

(1) Produce updates to the VVSG in Fiscal Years 2010 and 2013. 

Objective 2: Provide for the accreditation and revocation of 

accreditation of independent, non-federal laboratories qualified 

to test voting systems to Federal standards. 
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EAC Strategic Plan: FYs 2009 - 2014 19

Means and strategies for accomplishing objective: 

(a) Develop, implement, and maintain policies and procedures for 

the accreditation and revocation of accreditation of voting 

system test laboratories (VSTLs). 

(b) Collaborate with NIST’s National Voluntary Laboratory 

Accreditation Program (NVLAP) to accredit laboratories and 

ensure compliance with accreditation requirements. 

(c) Implement a monitoring program to ensure the integrity of 

laboratories that test voting systems for Federal certification. 

Performance Measure 

(1) Complete accreditation reviews for all laboratories recommended 

to EAC by NIST and for all emergency actions within 90 days. 

(2) Test and document the results of the review of compliance with 

procedures by 100 percent of accredited laboratories every 2 

years. 

Objective 3: Administer the testing, certification, 

decertification, and recertification of voting system hardware 

and software by accredited laboratories. 

Means and strategies for accomplishing objective: 

(a) Develop, implement, and maintain policies and procedures for 

the testing, certification, decertification, and recertification of 

voting system hardware and software by accredited VSTLs. 

(b) Implement the most recent VVSG into the EAC’s testing and 

certification program and all of its components. 

(c) Monitor, in accordance with Chapter 8 of the Voting System 

Testing and Certification Program Manual, EAC-certified 

voting systems to ensure that the systems continue to meet 

the requirements of the Federal standards to which they were 

certified. 

(d) Conduct field reviews in state and local jurisdictions of EACcertified voting systems to ensure the fielded systems (i) 

match the system certified by the EAC and (ii) meet the 
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EAC Strategic Plan: FYs 2009 - 2014 20

requirements of the Federal standards to which they were 

certified. 

Performance Measure 

(1) Test 100 percent of systems qualifying for testing each year. 

(2) Conduct at least one review of a manufacturing facility of a 

registered manufacturer a least once every 4 years. 

(3) Plan to conduct field reviews for at least 50 percent of 

jurisdictions that volunteer for reviews. 

(4) Respond to requests for interpretations of voting system 

standards within 45 days (Measures may be modified after EAC 

determines average number of requests). 

 

Program Evaluation 

To evaluate the program: 

 Assess comments to Federal Register publications, other 

requests for comments, and results of EAC oversight reviews of 

laboratory testing and election system compliance with 

standards. 

GOAL 5: MANAGE 

Achieve organizational and management excellence. 

HAVA established EAC to help implement mandated improvements 

to Federal elections. To that end, EAC will employ a variety of plans, 

resources, skills, processes, and technologies to ensure effective 

and efficient agency management. 

Outcome 

EAC Commissioners and staff proficiently carry out EAC’s strategic 

objectives. 

Objective: Implement a high performance organization 

Means and strategies for accomplishing goal: 
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EAC Strategic Plan: FYs 2009 - 2014 21

(a) Foster a leadership environment that inspires, motivates, and 

guides employees toward the strategic goals; coaches, 

mentors, develops, and challenges staff; provides training and 

knowledge transfer; and, models high standards of honesty, 

integrity, trust, and respect for all individuals. 

(b) Establish an organizational structure, management systems, 

and decision-making processes that improve coordination and 

cooperation across EAC and that support the efficient 

accomplishment of goals and priorities. 

(c) Clarify roles and responsibilities of Commissioners and staff. 

(d) Attract and maintain an empowered, high-performing 

workforce that values internal and external customers, 

professionalism, initiative, creativity, self-development, and 

confidentiality. 

(e) Strive for a diverse staff that includes individuals with 

disabilities through outreach, competitive compensation, 

professional development, pleasant work space, flexible work 

schedules, telework, and state-of-art equipment. 

(f) In concert with stakeholders and staff, work to obtain sufficient 

funds, maximize use of the funds, and plan activities to 

accomplish the goals and objectives of EAC. 

(g) Provide effective financial management tools and support to 

EAC programs. 

(h) Provide effective legal support to promote the goals of the 

agency. 

(i) Monitor EAC progress in meeting goals and objectives. 

 

Performance Measure 

(1) Obtain a clean audit opinion on agency financial statements for 

Fiscal Year 2010. 

(2) Institute an internal integrated budget and financial management 

system in Fiscal Year 2010. 

(3) Implement 90 percent of OIG audit recommendations within 

agreed upon timeframes. 
U.S. Election Assistance Commission 

EAC Strategic Plan: FYs 2009 - 2014 22

Program Evaluation 

To evaluate the program: 

 Implement an effective internal control assessment process that 

meets the requirements of Office of Management and Budget 

Circular A-123, Management’s Responsibility for Internal 

Controls. Promptly implement agreed upon recommendations 

contained in EAC’s annual audit of its Performance and 

Accountability Report. 
U.S. Election Assistance Commission 

EAC Strategic Plan: FYs 2009 - 2014 23

EXTERNAL FACTORS THAT IMPACT 

ACCOMPLISHMENT OF THE GOALS AND 

OBJECTIVES 

 

EAC has an opportunity to remain a leader in the election community 

and have positive name recognition outside of the Federal 

government. However, the agency’s ability to accomplish such ends 

is dependent upon a number of external factors that outside the 

agency’s control. 

Acceptance by the Election Community

HAVA strictly limits EAC’s regulatory authority to that held by the 

Federal Election Commission (FEC) over NVRA. As such, a 

significant number of EAC’s research and guidance is voluntary. It is 

critical to have state and local election officials adopt and apply these 

voluntary principles if EAC’s efforts are to succeed. 

Budget

Adequate funding for the maintenance of staff and support functions 

is essential for attainment of EAC goals and strategic objectives. 

Legislative Changes 

Statutory changes to either the agency’s enabling legislation or to 

other statutes that directly impact the agency could affect the EAC’s 

ability to meet its goals and strategic objectives.

Technology 

Developments in rapidly changing technology could provide both 

new opportunities and new risks for EAC. 
U.S. Election Assistance Commission 

 EAC Strategic Plan: FYs 2009 - 2014 24

APPENDIX 1 

ORGANIZATION CHART

 

Special COMMISSIONERS

Assistants

Advisory Boards & 

Committee 

Executive Director

Meeting 

Coordinator

Communications 

& Clearinghouse General Counsel

Chief Financial

Officer

Chief Operating

Officer

Budget

Grants

Procurement Elect. Admin.

Research &

Programs

Voting System

Certifications

CIO - Info.

Technology

Management

Services

Human

Resources

Accounting
U.S. Election Assistance Commission 

EAC Strategic Plan: FYs 2009 - 2014 25

APPENDIX 2 

STAKEHOLDERS 

Government Entities with Oversight & Decision-Making 

Authority Regarding EAC

White House Staff

Members of Congress 

Office of Management & Budget 

Groups Directly Affected by EAC Activities That Also Impact

EAC Decision-Making

Chief Election Authorities in Each State 

Local Election Officials 

EAC Standards Board 

EAC Board of Advisors 

EAC Technical Guidelines Development Committee 

Other Government Entities with HAVA Implementation 

Responsibilities or Interest in HAVA

Federal Agencies 

Governors (Mayor in Washington, DC) 

State Legislatures (City Council in Washington, DC) 

Non-Government Groups Affected by HAVA Implementation

Professional Groups for Election Officials 

Professional Groups Representing State & Local Government 

Election Equipment & Services Vendors 

National Political Parties 

Other Groups Interested in EAC Activities & HAVA 

Implementation

U.S. Citizens here and abroad 

Voter Advocacy Groups 

Universities and Academics 

Think Tanks 

International Organizations/Interests 

State and Local Election Officials
U.S. Election Assistance Commission 

EAC Strategic Plan: FYs 2009 - 2014 26

APPENDIX 3 

GOALS, OBJECTIVES, & MEASURES 

GOAL 1: COMMUNICATE - Communicate timely and accurate information on the effective 

administration of elections for Federal office and on the operations of EAC 

Objectives Measures 

1. Operate the EAC clearinghouse 

effectively. 

1. Issue clearinghouse policy within 6 months. 

2. Establish a separate location on the EAC website in 2010 to 

present and manage all clearinghouse information. 

3. Post applicable information on the web-based clearinghouse 

within 24 business hours of receipt. 

4. Distribute at least one email update per month to stakeholder 

about the web-based clearinghouse. 

2. Respond to outside requests about 

EAC timely and accurately. 

1. Issue policies and procedures concerning request responses by 

September 2009. 

2. Distribute media and Congressional inquiry and response log to 

EAC staff on a daily basis. 

3. Respond to FOIA requests in accordance with requirements. 

4. Respond to 75 percent of non-FOIA requests within 72 hours 

3. Convey the results of EAC operations 

and accomplishments. 

1. Provide weekly updates about EAC activities and election 

administration issues to EAC employees. 

2. Produce an annual FOIA report to chronicle requests and 

responses. 

3. Issue quarterly press releases summarizing EAC activities. 

4. Provide regular briefings regarding EAC activities to 

Congressional staffers. 

5. Provide the annual report of EAC activities to Congress by 

January 1 of each year for the preceding year ending September 

30 

6. Issue at least 12 EAC newsletters per year. 

GOAL 2: FUND AND OVERSEE - Deliver and manage Federal funds effectively 

Objectives Measures 

1. Accurately and timely disburse Federal 

financial assistance administered by EAC. 

1. Publish program handbook in Fiscal Year 2009. 

2. Award grants within established timeframes. 

3. Submit state plans for publication in the Federal Register within 

30 days of receipt. 

4. Submit payment requests to GSA within 10 days of receipt of 

acceptable request/certification. 

5. Recoup and redistribute unspent Section 102 funds by February 

2011. 

2. Effectively monitor Federal financial 

assistance administered by EAC. 

1. Review financial and performance reports and notify recipients 

regarding reporting anomalies or failure to file within 30 days of 

knowledge of such conditions. 

2. Resolve 100 percent of audit findings within established 

timeframes. 

3. Conduct site visits to at least 3 high priority grantees each year. 

4. Negotiate indirect cost rates within 30 days of receipt of 

acceptable indirect cost proposals. 

5. Issue the annual report to Congress on the expenditure of HAVA 

funds by July 15 of each year. 
U.S. Election Assistance Commission 

EAC Strategic Plan: FYs 2009 - 2014 27

APPENDIX 3 

GOALS, OBJECTIVES, & MEASURES 

3. Provide technical assistance and 

guidance on the management of Federal 

financial assistance administered by EAC 

to reduce the risk of inappropriate use of 

funds and accounting errors.

1. Submit to the Commissioners all recommended policy and 

guidance concerning the administration of Federal financial 

assistance administered by EAC within established timeframes. 

2. Offer at least on workshop per year. 

3. Respond to all inquiries by recipients about the use and 

administration of funds in accordance with EAC requirements in 

a timely manner. 

GOAL 3: STUDY, GUIDE, AND ASSIST - Identify and develop information on areas of pressing 

concern regarding the administration of elections for Federal office, issue recommended 

improvements, guidance, translations, and best practices as required by HAVA, and carry out 

responsibilities under the National Voter Registration Act.

Objectives Measures 

1. Complete research on relevant issues 

that improve the administration of 

elections for Federal office and 

expeditiously report on critical election 

administration subjects and election data. 

1. Complete an inventory of potential research projects in Fiscal 

Year 2010. 

2. Start 100 percent of planned and funded projects each year. 

3. Meet milestones for the completion of contracted research 

projects in accordance with schedules and deliverables. 

4. Disseminate all completed research project reports to 

stakeholders. 

5. Establish, in Fiscal Year 2010, a baseline for measuring 

stakeholder use of EAC research products to improve the 

administration of elections for Federal office. In subsequent 

years, increase the percentage of stakeholder use of EAC 

research products. 

2. Identify and collect required and useful 

data on election administration practices, 

voting methods, and demographics; and 

make recommendations for improving the 

quality of practices, methods, and data. 

1. Establish a baseline in Fiscal Year 2009 on the accuracy and 

completeness of data reported by states in response to EAC 

surveys. Increase the accuracy and completeness of reported 

data in each of the succeeding years. 

2. Include recommendations to improve election administration and 

data to Congress in the annual report on the Election Day 

Survey. 

3. Issue required reports to Congress by statutory deadlines. 

3. Issue guidance and administer 

programs that provide timely and useful 

information to election officials and voters. 

1. Complete guidance on HAVA Section 301 by January 2012. 

2. Complete guidance on HAVA Section 302 by August 2010. 

3. Complete guidance on HAVA Section 303 by June 2011. 

4. Complete the “Voters Guide to Federal Elections” in languages 

covered under the minority language provisions of the Voting 

Rights Act by September 2009. 

5. Translate the “Voters Guide to Federal Elections” to any 

additional languages determined to be covered under minority 

language provisions of the Voting Rights Act on the basis of the 

2010 Census. 

6. Complete initial materials for addressing the needs of Native 

Americans and Alaska Natives by October 2010. 

7. Complete interactive glossaries March 2010. 

8. Establish a baseline for measuring stakeholder use of EAC 

teaching materials by the end of Fiscal Year 2010. In 

subsequent years, increase the percentage of stakeholder use 

of EAC teaching materials. 
U.S. Election Assistance Commission 

EAC Strategic Plan: FYs 2009 - 2014 28

APPENDIX 3 

GOALS, OBJECTIVES, AND MEASURES 

GOAL 4: TEST AND CERTIFY- Build public confidence in elections by testing and certifying 

voting systems to improve system security, operation, and accessibility. 

Objectives Measures 

1. Develop and update the VVSG. 1. Produce updates to the VVSG in Fiscal Years 2010 and 2013. 

2. Provide for the accreditation and 

revocation of accreditation of 

independent, non-federal laboratories 

qualified to test voting systems to Federal 

standards 

1. Complete accreditation reviews for all laboratories 

recommended to EAC by NIST and for all emergency actions 

within 90 days. 

2. Test and document the results of the review of compliance with 

procedures by 100 percent of accredited laboratories ever 2 

years 

3. Administer the testing, certification, 

decertification, and recertification of 

voting system hardware and software by 

accredited laboratories.

1. Test 100 percent of systems presented for testing each year. 

2. Conduct at least one review of a manufacturing facility of a 

registered manufacturer a least once every 4 years. 

3. Conduct field reviews for at least 50 percent of jurisdictions that 

volunteer for reviews. 

4. Respond to requests for interpretations of voting system 

standards with 45 days. 

GOAL 5: MANAGE - Achieve organizational and management excellence. 

Objectives Measures 

1. Implement a high performance 

organization 

1. Obtain a clean audit opinion on agency financial statements for 

Fiscal Year 2010. 

2. Institute an internal integrated budget and financial management 

system in Fiscal Year 2010. 

3. Implement 90 percent of OIG audit recommendations within 

agreed upon timeframes. 

4. Enact regulations governing the 

national mail voter registration application, 

collection of voter registration and related 

data, and reporting to Congress. 

1. Begin NVRA rulemaking process and adopt interim procedures 

by January 2010. 

2. Complete NVRA rulemaking process and issue guidance by 

October 2012, and make new regulations effective immediately 

following the Federal general election of 2012. 

3. Issue the biennial report on the impact of NVRA by June 30 of 

each odd-numbered year. 

4. Complete a feasibility study of making the national mail voter 

registration application available in all languages covered by the 

Voting Rights Act by June 2010.