Source: https://www.gpo.gov/fdsys/pkg/USCODE-2011-title42/html/USCODE-2011-title42-chap146.htm
Timestamp: 2016-08-30 08:02:47
Document Index: 165355090

Matched Legal Cases: ['art 1', '§1', '§102', '§6301', '§625', '§625', '§6301', 'art 1', 'art 2', 'art 3', '§6', 'art 3', 'art 3', '§15481', 'art 3', '§15481', '§1973', '§575', '§588', '§15481', '§1973', '§588', '§588', '§588', '§15481', '§575', '§1973', '§1973', '§1973', '§1973', '§1973', '§1973', '§15041', '§1973', '§1973', '§15481', '§801', '§1973', '§1973', '§1973', '§1973', '§1973', '§1973', '§12101', '§701']

CHAPTER 146—ELECTION ADMINISTRATION IMPROVEMENT
SUBCHAPTER I—PAYMENTS TO STATES FOR ELECTION ADMINISTRATION IMPROVEMENTS AND REPLACEMENT OF PUNCH CARD AND LEVER VOTING MACHINES
15301.Payments to States for activities to improve administration of elections.
15302.Replacement of punch card or lever voting machines.
15303.Guaranteed minimum payment amount.
15304.Authorization of appropriations.
15305.Administration of programs.
15306.Effective date.
SUBCHAPTER II—COMMISSION
15321.Establishment.
15322.Duties.
15323.Membership and appointment.
15324.Staff.
15325.Powers.
15326.Dissemination of information.
15327.Annual report.
15328.Requiring majority approval for actions.
15329.Limitation on rulemaking authority.
15330.Authorization of appropriations.
15341.Establishment.
15342.Duties.
15343.Membership of Standards Board.
15344.Membership of Board of Advisors.
15345.Powers of Boards; no compensation for service.
15346.Status of Boards and members for purposes of claims against Board.
15361.Technical Guidelines Development Committee.
15362.Process for adoption.
Part B—Testing, Certification, Decertification, and Recertification of Voting System Hardware and Software
15371.Certification and testing of voting systems.
Part C—Studies and Other Activities To Promote Effective Administration of Federal Elections
15381.Periodic studies of election administration issues.
15382.Study, report, and recommendations on best practices for facilitating military and overseas voting.
15383.Report on human factor research.
15384.Study and report on voters who register by mail and use of Social Security information.
15385.Study and report on electronic voting and the electoral process.
15386.Study and report on free absentee ballot postage.
15387.Consultation with Standards Board and Board of Advisors.
15401.Requirements payments.
15402.Allocation of funds.
15403.Condition for receipt of funds.
15404.State plan.
15405.Process for development and filing of plan; publication by Commission.
15406.Requirement for public notice and comment.
15407.Authorization of appropriations.
15408.Reports.
15421.Payments to States and units of local government to assure access for individuals with disabilities.
15422.Amount of payment.
15423.Requirements for eligibility.
15424.Authorization of appropriations.
15425.Reports.
15441.Grants for research on voting technology improvements.
15442.Report.
15443.Authorization of appropriations.
15451.Pilot program.
15452.Report.
15453.Authorization of appropriations.
15461.Payments for protection and advocacy systems.
15462.Authorization of appropriations.
15471.National Student and Parent Mock Election.
15472.Authorization of appropriations.
SUBCHAPTER III—UNIFORM AND NONDISCRIMINATORY ELECTION TECHNOLOGY AND ADMINISTRATION REQUIREMENTS
Part A—Requirements
15481.Voting systems standards.
15482.Provisional voting and voting information requirements.
15483.Computerized statewide voter registration list requirements and requirements for voters who register by mail.
15484.Minimum requirements.
15485.Methods of implementation left to discretion of State.
Part B—Voluntary Guidance
15501.Adoption of voluntary guidance by Commission.
15502.Process for adoption.
15511.Actions by the Attorney General for declaratory and injunctive relief.
15512.Establishment of State-based administrative complaint procedures to remedy grievances.
SUBCHAPTER V—HELP AMERICA VOTE COLLEGE PROGRAM
15521.Establishment of program.
15522.Activities under Program.
15523.Authorization of appropriations.
SUBCHAPTER VI—TRANSFER TO COMMISSION OF FUNCTIONS UNDER CERTAIN LAWS
15531.Transfer of functions of Office of Election Administration of Federal Election Commission.
15532.Transfer of functions.
15533.Transfer of property, records, and personnel.
15534.Effective date; transition.
15541.State defined.
15542.Audits and repayment of funds.
15543.Review and report on adequacy of existing electoral fraud statutes and penalties.
15544.Other criminal penalties.
15545.No effect on other laws.
Not later than 45 days after October 29, 2002, the Administrator of General Services (in this subchapter referred to as the “Administrator”) shall establish a program under which the Administrator shall make a payment to each State in which the chief executive officer of the State, or designee, in consultation and coordination with the chief State election official, notifies the Administrator not later than 6 months after October 29, 2002, that the State intends to use the payment in accordance with this section.
A State shall use the funds provided under a payment made under this section to carry out one or more of the following activities:
(E) Developing the State plan for requirements payments to be submitted under subpart 1 of part D of subchapter II of this chapter.
(F) Improving, acquiring, leasing, modifying, or replacing voting systems and technology and methods for casting and counting votes.
(G) Improving the accessibility and quantity of polling places, including providing physical access for individuals with disabilities, providing nonvisual access for individuals with visual impairments, and providing assistance to Native Americans, Alaska Native citizens, and to individuals with limited proficiency in the English language.
(H) Establishing toll-free telephone hotlines that voters may use to report possible voting fraud and voting rights violations, to obtain general election information, and to access detailed automated information on their own voter registration status, specific polling place locations, and other relevant information.
A State may not use the funds provided under a payment made under this section—
In order to receive a payment under the program under this section, the State shall provide the Administrator with certifications that—
(1) the State will use the funds provided under the payment in a manner that is consistent with each of the laws described in section 15545 of this title, as such laws relate to the provisions of this chapter; and
Subject to section 15303(b) of this title, the amount of payment made to a State under this section shall be the minimum payment amount described in paragraph (2) plus the voting age population proportion amount described in paragraph (3).
The minimum payment amount described in this paragraph is—
(B) in the case of the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico, Guam, American Samoa, or the United States Virgin Islands, one-tenth of 1 percent of such aggregate amount.
The voting age population proportion amount described in this paragraph is the product of—
The term “voting age population proportion” means, with respect to a State, the amount equal to the quotient of—
Subchapter III of this chapter, referred to in subsecs. (b)(1)(A) and (c)(2), was in the original “title III”, meaning title III of Pub. L. 107–252, Oct. 29, 2002, 116 Stat. 1704, which enacted subchapter III of this chapter and amended section 405 of this title. For complete classification of title III to the Code, see Tables.
This chapter, referred to in subsec. (c)(1), was in the original “this Act”, meaning Pub. L. 107–252, Oct. 29, 2002, 116 Stat. 1666, which is classified principally to this chapter. For complete classification of this Act to the Code, see Short Title note set out below and Tables.
Pub. L. 107–252, §1(a), Oct. 29, 2002, 116 Stat. 1666, provided that: “This Act [enacting this chapter and chapter 1526 of Title 36, Patriotic And National Observances, Ceremonies, and Organizations, amending sections 405, 1973ff, 1973ff–1, 1973ff–3, 1973gg–6, and 1973gg–7 of this title, section 438 of Title 2, The Congress, sections 3132 and 7323 of Title 5, Government Organization and Employees, section 8G of the Inspector General Act of 1978, Pub. L. 95–452, set out in the Appendix to Title 5, and section 1566 of Title 10, Armed Forces, and enacting provisions set out as notes under sections 1973ff–1 and 1973ff–3 of this title and section 8G of the Inspector General Act of 1978, Pub. L. 95–452, set out in the Appendix to Title 5] may be cited as the ‘Help America Vote Act of 2002’.”
Not later than 45 days after October 29, 2002, the Administrator shall establish a program under which the Administrator shall make a payment to each State eligible under subsection (b) of this section in which a precinct within that State used a punch card voting system or a lever voting system to administer the regularly scheduled general election for Federal office held in November 2000 (in this section referred to as a “qualifying precinct”).
A State shall use the funds provided under a payment under this section (either directly or as reimbursement, including as reimbursement for costs incurred on or after January 1, 2001, under multiyear contracts) to replace punch card voting systems or lever voting systems (as the case may be) in qualifying precincts within that State with a voting system (by purchase, lease, or such other arrangement as may be appropriate) that—
Except as provided in subparagraph (B), a State receiving a payment under the program under this section shall ensure that all of the punch card voting systems or lever voting systems in the qualifying precincts within that State have been replaced in time for the regularly scheduled general election for Federal office to be held in November 2004.
If a State certifies to the Administrator not later than January 1, 2004, that the State will not meet the deadline described in subparagraph (A) for good cause and includes in the certification the reasons for the failure to meet such deadline, the State shall ensure that all of the punch card voting systems or lever voting systems in the qualifying precincts within that State will be replaced in time for the first election for Federal office held after November 1, 2010.
A State is eligible to receive a payment under the program under this section if it submits to the Administrator a notice not later than the date that is 6 months after October 29, 2002 (in such form as the Administrator may require) that contains—
(A) certifications that the State will use the payment (either directly or as reimbursement, including as reimbursement for costs incurred on or after January 1, 2001, under multiyear contracts) to replace punch card voting systems or lever voting systems (as the case may be) in the qualifying precincts within the State by the deadline described in subsection (a)(3) of this section;
(B) certifications that the State will continue to comply with the laws described in section 15545 of this title;
(C) certifications that the replacement voting systems will meet the requirements of section 15481 of this title; and
(D) such other information and certifications as the Administrator may require which are necessary for the administration of the program.
In the case of a State that requires State legislation to carry out an activity covered by any certification submitted under this subsection, the State shall be permitted to make the certification notwithstanding that the legislation has not been enacted at the time the certification is submitted and such State shall submit an additional certification once such legislation is enacted.
Subject to paragraph (2) and section 15303(b) of this title, the amount of payment made to a State under the program under this section shall be equal to the product of—
If the amount of funds appropriated pursuant to the authority of section 15304(a)(2) of this title is insufficient to ensure that each State receives the amount of payment calculated under paragraph (1), the Administrator shall reduce the amount specified in paragraph (1)(B) to ensure that the entire amount appropriated under such section is distributed to the States.
If a State receiving funds under the program under this section fails to meet the deadline applicable to the State under subsection (a)(3) of this section, the State shall pay to the Administrator an amount equal to the noncompliant precinct percentage of the amount of the funds provided to the State under the program.
In this subsection, the term “noncompliant precinct percentage” means, with respect to a State, the amount (expressed as a percentage) equal to the quotient of—
(A) the number of qualifying precincts within the State for which the State failed to meet the applicable deadline; and
For purposes of this section, a “punch card voting system” includes any of the following voting systems:
(Pub. L. 107–252, title I, §102, Oct. 29, 2002, 116 Stat. 1670; Pub. L. 110–28, title VI, §6301(a), May 25, 2007, 121 Stat. 171; Pub. L. 111–8, div. D, title VI, §625(a), Mar. 11, 2009, 123 Stat. 678.)
2009—Subsec. (a)(3)(B). Pub. L. 111–8 substituted “November 1, 2010” for “March 1, 2008”.
2007—Subsec. (a)(3)(B). Pub. L. 110–28 substituted “March 1, 2008” for “January 1, 2006”.
Pub. L. 111–8, div. D, title VI, §625(b), Mar. 11, 2009, 123 Stat. 678, provided that: “The amendment made by subsection (a) [amending this section] shall take effect as if included in the enactment of the Help America Vote Act of 2002 [Pub. L. 107–252].”
Pub. L. 110–28, title VI, §6301(b), May 25, 2007, 121 Stat. 171, provided that: “The amendment made by subsection (a) [amending this section] shall take effect as if included in the enactment of the Help America Vote Act of 2002 [Pub. L. 107–252].”
In addition to any other payments made under this subchapter, the Administrator shall make a payment to each State to which a payment is made under either section 15301 or 15302 of this title and with respect to which the aggregate amount paid under such sections is less than $5,000,000 in an amount equal to the difference between the aggregate amount paid to the State under sections 15301 and 15302 of this title and $5,000,000. In the case of the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico, Guam, American Samoa, and the United States Virgin Islands, the previous sentence shall be applied as if each reference to “$5,000,000” were a reference to “$1,000,000”.
The Administrator shall make such pro rata reductions to the amounts described in sections 15301(d) and 15302(c) of this title as are necessary to comply with the requirements of subsection (a) of this section.
There are authorized to be appropriated for payments under this subchapter $650,000,000, of which—
Any payment made to a State under this subchapter shall be available to the State without fiscal year limitation (subject to subsection (c)(2)(B) of this section).
The amounts described in paragraph (2) shall be transferred to the Election Assistance Commission (established under subchapter II of this chapter) and used by the Commission to make requirements payments under subpart 1 of part D of subchapter II of this chapter.
(B) Any amounts appropriated for payments under this subchapter which remain unobligated as of September 1, 2003.
When a State has established an election fund described in section 15404(b) of this title, the State shall ensure that any funds provided to the State under this subchapter are deposited and maintained in such fund.
In addition to the amounts authorized under subsection (a) of this section, there are authorized to be appropriated to the Administrator such sums as may be necessary to administer the programs under this subchapter.
In administering the programs under this subchapter, the Administrator shall take such actions as the Administrator considers appropriate to expedite the payment of funds to States.
The Administrator shall implement the programs established under this subchapter in a manner that ensures that the Administrator is able to make payments under the program not later than the expiration of the 45-day period which begins on October 29, 2002.
There is hereby established as an independent entity the Election Assistance Commission (hereafter in this subchapter referred to as the “Commission”), consisting of the members appointed under this subpart. Additionally, there is established the Election Assistance Commission Standards Board (including the Executive Board of such Board) and the Election Assistance Commission Board of Advisors under subpart 2 of this part (hereafter in this subpart referred to as the “Standards Board” and the “Board of Advisors”, respectively) and the Technical Guidelines Development Committee under subpart 3 of this part.
(5) carrying out the duties described in part B of subchapter III of this chapter (relating to the adoption of voluntary guidance); and
No member appointed to the Commission under subsection (a) of this section may engage in any other business, vocation, or employment while serving as a member of the Commission and shall terminate or liquidate such business, vocation, or employment before sitting as a member of the Commission.
This chapter, referred to in subsecs. (a), (b), and (d), was in the original “this Act”, meaning Pub. L. 107–252, Oct. 29, 2002, 116 Stat. 1666, known as the Help America Vote Act of 2002, which is classified principally to this chapter. For complete classification of this Act to the Code, see Short Title note set out under section 15301 of this title and Tables.
In subsec. (e), “section 6101 of title 41” substituted for “section 3709 of the Revised Statutes of the United States (41 U.S.C. 5)” on authority of Pub. L. 111–350, §6(c), Jan. 4, 2011, 124 Stat. 3854, which Act enacted Title 41, Public Contracts.
(3) Information on the voluntary voting system guidelines adopted or modified by the Commission under subpart 3 of this part and information on the voluntary guidance adopted under part B of subchapter III of this chapter.
This chapter, referred to in pars. (1) and (2), was in the original “this Act”, meaning Pub. L. 107–252, Oct. 29, 2002, 116 Stat. 1666, known as the Help America Vote Act of 2002, which is classified principally to this chapter. For complete classification of this Act to the Code, see Short Title note set out under section 15301 of this title and Tables.
The Commission shall not have any authority to issue any rule, promulgate any regulation, or take any other action which imposes any requirement on any State or unit of local government, except to the extent permitted under section 1973gg–7(a) of this title.
In addition to the amounts authorized for payments and grants under this subchapter and the amounts authorized to be appropriated for the program under section 15523 of this title, there are authorized to be appropriated for each of the fiscal years 2003 through 2005 such sums as may be necessary (but not to exceed $10,000,000 for each such year) for the Commission to carry out this subchapter.
There are hereby established the Election Assistance Commission Standards Board (hereafter in this subchapter referred to as the “Standards Board”) and the Election Assistance Commission Board of Advisors (hereafter in this subchapter referred to as the “Board of Advisors”).
The Standards Board and the Board of Advisors shall each, in accordance with the procedures described in subpart 3 of this part, review the voluntary voting system guidelines under such subpart, the voluntary guidance under subchapter III of this chapter, and the best practices recommendations contained in the report submitted under section 15382(b) of this title.
Subchapter III of this chapter, referred to in text, was in the original “title III”, meaning title III of Pub. L. 107–252, Oct. 29, 2002, 116 Stat. 1704, which is classified principally to subchapter III (§15481 et seq.) of this chapter. For complete classification of title III to the Code, see Tables.
Subject to certification by the chair of the Federal Election Commission under subsection (b) of this section, the Standards Board shall be composed of 110 members as follows:
If a State does not transmit a notice to the chair of the Federal Election Commission under paragraph (1) within the deadline described in such paragraph, no representative from the State may participate in the selection of the initial Executive Board under subsection (c) of this section.
Not later than 60 days after the last day on which the appointment of any of its members may be certified under subsection (b) of this section, the Standards Board shall select nine of its members to serve as the Executive Board of the Standards Board, of whom—
Appointments shall be made to the Board of Advisors under subsection (a) of this section in a manner which ensures that the Board of Advisors will be bipartisan in nature and will reflect the various geographic regions of the United States.
1 So in original. Probably should be “National Association of County Recorders, Election Officials and Clerks.”
2 So in original. Probably should be “International Association of Clerks, Recorders, Election Officials and Treasurers.”
3 So in original. Probably should be “Barriers”.
(A) not less frequently than once every year for purposes of voting on the voluntary voting system guidelines referred to it under section 15362 of this title;
This chapter, referred to in subsecs. (a)(1) and (b), was in the original “this Act”, meaning Pub. L. 107–252, Oct. 29, 2002, 116 Stat. 1666, which is classified principally to this chapter. For complete classification of this Act to the Code, see Short Title note set out under section 15301 of this title and Tables.
Subsection (a) of this section may not be construed to limit personal liability for criminal acts or omissions, willful or malicious misconduct, acts or omissions for private gain, or any other act or omission outside the scope of the service of a member of the Standards Board or the Board of Advisors.
There is hereby established the Technical Guidelines Development Committee (hereafter in this subpart referred to as the “Development Committee”).
At the time the Commission adopts any voluntary voting system guideline pursuant to section 15362 of this title, the Development Committee shall cause to have published in the Federal Register the recommendations it provided under this section to the Executive Director of the Commission concerning the guideline adopted.
This chapter, referred to in subsec. (e)(3), was in the original “this Act”, meaning Pub. L. 107–252, Oct. 29, 2002, 116 Stat. 1666, which is classified principally to this chapter. For complete classification of this Act to the Code, see Short Title note set out under section 15301 of this title and Tables.
Upon receipt of voluntary voting system guidelines described in subsection (b) of this section (or a modification of such guidelines) from the Executive Director of the Commission, the Board of Advisors and the Standards Board shall each review and submit comments and recommendations regarding the guideline (or modification) to the Commission.
A voluntary voting system guideline described in subsection (b) of this section (or modification of such a guideline) shall not be considered to be finally adopted by the Commission unless the Commission votes to approve the final adoption of the guideline (or modification), taking into consideration the comments and recommendations submitted by the Board of Advisors and the Standards Board under subsection (c) of this section.
The Commission shall provide for the testing, certification, decertification, and recertification of voting system hardware and software by accredited laboratories.
Not later than 6 months after the Commission first adopts voluntary voting system guidelines under subpart 3 of part A of this subchapter, the Director of the National Institute of Standards and Technology shall conduct an evaluation of independent, non-Federal laboratories and shall submit to the Commission a list of those laboratories the Director proposes to be accredited to carry out the testing, certification, decertification, and recertification provided for under this section.
The Commission shall vote on the accreditation of any laboratory under this section, taking into consideration the list submitted under paragraph (1), and no laboratory may be accredited for purposes of this section unless its accreditation is approved by a vote of the Commission.
The Commission shall publish an explanation for the accreditation of any laboratory not included on the list submitted by the Director of the National Institute of Standards and Technology under paragraph (1).
In cooperation with the Commission and in consultation with the Standards Board and the Board of Advisors, the Director of the National Institute of Standards and Technology shall monitor and review, on an ongoing basis, the performance of the laboratories accredited by the Commission under this section, and shall make such recommendations to the Commission as it considers appropriate with respect to the continuing accreditation of such laboratories, including recommendations to revoke the accreditation of any such laboratory.
The accreditation of a laboratory for purposes of this section may not be revoked unless the revocation is approved by a vote of the Commission.
Until such time as the Commission provides for the testing, certification, decertification, and recertification of voting system hardware and software by accredited laboratories under this section, the accreditation of laboratories and the procedure for the testing, certification, decertification, and recertification of voting system hardware and software used as of October 29, 2002, shall remain in effect.
On such periodic basis as the Commission may determine, the Commission shall conduct and make available to the public studies regarding the election administration issues described in subsection (b) of this section, with the goal of promoting methods of voting and administering elections which—
For purposes of subsection (a) of this section, the election administration issues described in this subsection are as follows:
(10) The feasibility and advisability of conducting elections for Federal office on different days, at different places, and during different hours, including the advisability of establishing a uniform poll closing time and establishing—
(13)(A) The laws and procedures used by each State that govern—
The Commission shall submit to the President and to the Committee on House Administration of the House of Representatives and the Committee on Rules and Administration of the Senate a report on each study conducted under subsection (a) of this section together with such recommendations for administrative and legislative action as the Commission determines is appropriate.
“(a) Election Data Collection Grants.—Not later than March 30, 2008, the Election Assistance Commission (in this section referred to as the ‘Commission’) shall establish an election data collection grant program (in this section referred to as the ‘program’) to provide a grant of $2,000,000 to 5 eligible States to improve the collection of data relating to the regularly scheduled general election for Federal office held in November 2008. For purposes of this section, the term ‘State’ has the meaning given such term in section 901 of the Help America Vote Act of 2002 (42 U.S.C. 15541).
“(b) Eligibility.—A State is eligible to receive a grant under the program if it submits to the Commission, at such time and in such form as the Commission may require, an application containing the following information and assurances:
“(1) A plan for the use of the funds provided by the grant which will expand and improve the collection of the election data described in subsection (a) at the precinct level and will provide for the collection of such data in a common electronic format (as determined by the Commission).
“(2) An assurance that the State will comply with all requests made by the Commission for the compilation and submission of the data.
“(3) An assurance that the State will provide the Commission with such information as the Commission may require to prepare and submit the report described in subsection (d).
“(c) Timing of Grants; Availability.—
“(1) Timing.—The Commission shall award grants under the program to eligible States not later than 60 days after the date on which the Commission establishes the program.
“(2) Availability of funds.—Amounts provided by a grant under the program shall remain available without fiscal year limitation until expended.
“(1) Report.—Not later than June 30, 2009, the Commission, in consultation with the States receiving grants under the program and the Election Assistance Commission Board of Advisors, shall submit a report to Congress on the impact of the program on the collection of the election data described in subsection (a).
“(2) Recommendations.—The Commission shall include in the report submitted under paragraph (1) such recommendations as the Commission considers appropriate to improve the collection of data relating to regularly scheduled general elections for Federal office in all States, including recommendations for changes in Federal law or regulations and the Commission's estimate of the amount of funding necessary to carry out such changes.”
The Commission, in consultation with the Secretary of Defense, shall conduct a study on the best practices for facilitating voting by absent uniformed services voters (as defined in section 1973ff–6(1) of this title) and overseas voters (as defined in section 1973ff–6(5) of this title).
Not later than the date that is 18 months after October 29, 2002, the Commission shall submit to the President and Congress a report on the study conducted under subsection (a)(1) of this section together with recommendations identifying the best practices used with respect to the issues considered under subsection (a)(2) of this section.
Not later than 1 year after October 29, 2002, the Commission, in consultation with the Director of the National Institute of Standards and Technology, shall submit a report to Congress which assesses the areas of human factor research, including usability engineering and human-computer and human-machine interaction, which feasibly could be applied to voting products and systems design to ensure the usability and accuracy of voting products and systems, including methods to improve access for individuals with disabilities (including blindness) and individuals with limited proficiency in the English language and to reduce voter error and the number of spoiled ballots in elections.
The Commission shall conduct a study of the impact of section 15483(b) of this title on voters who register by mail.
The study conducted under subparagraph (A) shall include—
(i) an examination of the impact of section 15483(b) of this title on first time mail registrant voters who vote in person, including the impact of such section on voter registration;
(ii) an examination of the impact of such section on the accuracy of voter rolls, including preventing ineligible names from being placed on voter rolls and ensuring that all eligible names are placed on voter rolls; and
(iii) an analysis of the impact of such section on existing State practices, such as the use of signature verification or attestation procedures to verify the identity of voters in elections for Federal office, and an analysis of other changes that may be made to improve the voter registration process, such as verification or additional information on the registration card.
Not later than 18 months after the date on which section 15483(b)(2) of this title takes effect, the Commission shall submit a report to the President and Congress on the study conducted under paragraph (1)(A) together with such recommendations for administrative and legislative action as the Commission determines is appropriate.
Not later than 18 months after the date on which section 15483(a)(5) of this title takes effect, the Commission, in consultation with the Commissioner of Social Security, shall study and report to Congress on the feasibility and advisability of using Social Security identification numbers or other information compiled by the Social Security Administration to establish voter registration or other election law eligibility or identification requirements, including the matching of relevant information specific to an individual voter, the impact of such use on national security issues, and whether adequate safeguards or waiver procedures exist to protect the privacy of an individual voter.
For the effective dates of subsecs. (a)(5) and (b)(2) of section 15483 of this title, referred to in subsecs. (a)(2) and (b), see section 15483(d) of this title.
The Commission shall conduct a thorough study of issues and challenges, specifically to include the potential for election fraud, presented by incorporating communications and Internet technologies in the Federal, State, and local electoral process.
The Commission may include in the study conducted under paragraph (1) an examination of—
(A) the appropriate security measures required and minimum standards for certification of systems or technologies in order to minimize the potential for fraud in voting or in the registration of qualified citizens to register and vote;
(B) the possible methods, such as Internet or other communications technologies, that may be utilized in the electoral process, including the use of those technologies to register voters and enable citizens to vote online, and recommendations concerning statutes and rules to be adopted in order to implement an online or Internet system in the electoral process;
(C) the impact that new communications or Internet technology systems for use in the electoral process could have on voter participation rates, voter education, public accessibility, potential external influences during the elections process, voter privacy and anonymity, and other issues related to the conduct and administration of elections;
(D) whether other aspects of the electoral process, such as public availability of candidate information and citizen communication with candidates, could benefit from the increased use of online or Internet technologies;
(E) the requirements for authorization of collection, storage, and processing of electronically generated and transmitted digital messages to permit any eligible person to register to vote or vote in an election, including applying for and casting an absentee ballot;
(F) the implementation cost of an online or Internet voting or voter registration system and the costs of elections after implementation (including a comparison of total cost savings for the administration of the electoral process by using Internet technologies or systems);
(G) identification of current and foreseeable online and Internet technologies for use in the registration of voters, for voting, or for the purpose of reducing election fraud, currently available or in use by election authorities;
(H) the means by which to ensure and achieve equity of access to online or Internet voting or voter registration systems and address the fairness of such systems to all citizens; and
(I) the impact of technology on the speed, timeliness, and accuracy of vote counts in Federal, State, and local elections.
Not later than 20 months after October 29, 2002, the Commission shall transmit to the Committee on House Administration of the House of Representatives and the Committee on Rules and Administration of the Senate a report on the results of the study conducted under subsection (a) of this section, including such legislative recommendations or model State laws as are required to address the findings of the Commission.
The Commission, in consultation with the Postal Service, shall conduct a study on the feasibility and advisability of the establishment of a program under which the Postal Service shall waive or otherwise reduce the amount of postage applicable with respect to absentee ballots submitted by voters in general elections for Federal office (other than balloting materials mailed under section 3406 of title 39) that does not apply with respect to the postage required to send the absentee ballots to voters.
As part of the study conducted under paragraph (1), the Commission shall conduct a survey of potential beneficiaries under the program described in such paragraph, including the elderly and disabled, and shall take into account the results of such survey in determining the feasibility and advisability of establishing such a program.
Not later than the date that is 1 year after October 29, 2002, the Commission shall submit to Congress a report on the study conducted under subsection (a)(1) of this section together with recommendations for such legislative and administrative action as the Commission determines appropriate.
The report submitted under paragraph (1) shall contain an estimate of the costs of establishing the program described in subsection (a)(1) of this section.
The report submitted under paragraph (1) shall contain an analysis of the feasibility of implementing the program described in subsection (a)(1) of this section with respect to the absentee ballots to be submitted in the general election for Federal office held in 2004.
The report submitted under paragraph (1) shall—
(A) include recommendations on ways that program described in subsection (a)(1) of this section would target elderly individuals and individuals with disabilities; and
(B) identify methods to increase the number of such individuals who vote in elections for Federal office.
The term “Postal Service” means the United States Postal Service established under section 201 of title 39.
The Commission shall make a requirements payment each year in an amount determined under section 15402 of this title to each State which meets the conditions described in section 15403 of this title for the year.
Except as provided in paragraphs (2) and (3), a State receiving a requirements payment shall use the payment only to meet the requirements of subchapter III of this chapter.
(B) the amount expended with respect to such other activities does not exceed an amount equal to the minimum payment amount applicable to the State under section 15402(c) of this title.
A State shall use a requirements payment made using funds appropriated pursuant to the authorization under section 15407(a)(4) of this title only to meet the requirements under the Uniformed and Overseas Citizens Absentee Voting Act [42 U.S.C. 1973ff et seq.] imposed as a result of the provisions of and amendments made by the Military and Overseas Voter Empowerment Act.
Notwithstanding any other provision of this part, including the maintenance of effort requirements of section 15404(a)(7) of this title, a State may use a requirements payment as a reimbursement for costs incurred in obtaining voting equipment which meets the requirements of section 15481 of this title if the State obtains the equipment after the regularly scheduled general election for Federal office held in November 2000.
A State may use a requirements payment for any costs for voting equipment which meets the requirements of section 15481 of this title that, pursuant to a multiyear contract, were incurred on or after January 1, 2001, except that the amount that the State is otherwise required to contribute under the maintenance of effort requirements of section 15404(a)(7) of this title shall be increased by the amount of the payment made with respect to such multiyear contract.
Subchapter III of this chapter, referred to in subsec. (b)(1), (2)(A), was in the original “title III”, meaning title III of Pub. L. 107–252, Oct. 29, 2002, 116 Stat. 1704, which is classified principally to subchapter III (§15481 et seq.) of this chapter. For complete classification of title III to the Code, see Tables.
The Uniformed and Overseas Citizens Absentee Voting Act, referred to in subsec. (b)(3), is Pub. L. 99–410, Aug. 28, 1986, 100 Stat. 924, which is classified principally to subchapter I–G (§1973ff et seq.) of chapter 20 of this title. For complete classification of this Act to the Code, see Short Title note set out under section 1971 of this title and Tables.
The Military and Overseas Voter Empowerment Act, referred to in subsec. (b)(3), is subtitle H (§§575–589) of title V of div. A of Pub. L. 111–84, Oct. 28, 2009, 123 Stat. 2318, which enacted sections 1973ff–2a, 1973ff–2b, 1973ff–4a, and 1973ff–7 of this title and section 1566a of Title 10, Armed Forces, amended sections 1973ff to 1973ff–2, 1973ff–3, 1973ff–4, 15401, 15403, 15404, and 15407 of this title, and enacted provisions set out as notes under sections 1971 and 1973ff to 1973ff–2 of this title. For complete classification of this Act to the Code, see Short Title of 2009 Amendment note set out under section 1971 of this title and Tables.
2009—Subsec. (b)(1). Pub. L. 111–84, §588(a)(1), substituted “paragraphs (2) and (3)” for “paragraph (2)”.
Subject to subsection (c) of this section, the amount of a requirements payment made to a State for a year shall be equal to the product of—
(1) the total amount appropriated for requirements payments for the year pursuant to the authorization under section 15407 of this title; and
The “State allocation percentage” for a State is the amount (expressed as a percentage) equal to the quotient of—
(1) in the case of any of the several States or the District of Columbia, one-half of 1 percent of the total amount appropriated for requirements payments for the year under section 15407 of this title; or
The Administrator 1 shall make such pro rata reductions to the allocations determined under subsection (a) of this section as are necessary to comply with the requirements of subsection (c) of this section.
1 So in original. Probably should be “Commission”.
A State is eligible to receive a requirements payment for a fiscal year if the chief executive officer of the State, or designee, in consultation and coordination with the chief State election official, has filed with the Commission a statement certifying that the State is in compliance with the requirements referred to in subsection (b) of this section. A State may meet the requirement of the previous sentence by filing with the Commission a statement which reads as follows: “____________ hereby certifies that it is in compliance with the requirements referred to in section 253(b) of the Help America Vote Act of 2002.” (with the blank to be filled in with the name of the State involved).
(A) contains each of the elements described in section 15404(a) of this title (or, for purposes of determining the eligibility of a State to receive a requirements payment appropriated pursuant to the authorization provided under section 15407(a)(4) of this title, contains the element described in paragraph (14) of such section) with respect to the fiscal year;
(2)(A) Subject to subparagraph (B), the State has filed with the Commission a plan for the implementation of the uniform, nondiscriminatory administrative complaint procedures required under section 15512 of this title (or has included such a plan in the State plan filed under paragraph (1)), and has such procedures in place for purposes of meeting the requirements of such section. If the State does not include such an implementation plan in the State plan filed under paragraph (1), the requirements of sections 15405(b) and 15406 of this title shall apply to the implementation plan in the same manner as such requirements apply to the State plan.
(B) Subparagraph (A) shall not apply for purposes of determining the eligibility of a State to receive a requirements payment appropriated pursuant to the authorization provided under section 15407(a)(4) of this title.
(3) The State is in compliance with each of the laws described in section 15545 of this title, as such laws apply with respect to this chapter.
(4) To the extent that any portion of the requirements payment is used for activities other than meeting the requirements of subchapter III of this chapter—
(A) the State's proposed uses of the requirements payment are not inconsistent with the requirements of subchapter III of this chapter; and
(B) the use of the funds under this paragraph is consistent with the requirements of section 15401(b) of this title.
(5)(A) Subject to subparagraph (B), the State has appropriated funds for carrying out the activities for which the requirements payment is made in an amount equal to 5 percent of the total amount to be spent for such activities (taking into account the requirements payment and the amount spent by the State) and, in the case of a State that uses a requirements payment as a reimbursement under section 15401(c)(2) of this title, an additional amount equal to the amount of such reimbursement.
(B) Subparagraph (A) shall not apply for purposes of determining the eligibility of a State to receive a requirements payment appropriated pursuant to the authorization provided under section 15407(a)(4) of this title for fiscal year 2010, except that if the State does not appropriate funds in accordance with subparagraph (A) prior to the last day of fiscal year 2011, the State shall repay to the Commission the requirements payment which is appropriated pursuant to such authorization.
A State may not file a statement of certification under subsection (a) of this section until the expiration of the 45-day period (or, in the case of a fiscal year other than the first fiscal year for which a requirements payment is made to the State under this part, the 30-day period) which begins on the date notice of the State plan under this part is published in the Federal Register pursuant to section 15405(b) of this title.
In this part, the “chief State election official” of a State is the individual designated by the State under section 10 of the National Voter Registration Act of 1993 (42 U.S.C. 1973gg–8) to be responsible for coordination of the State's responsibilities under such Act.
This chapter, referred to in subsec. (b)(3), was in the original “this Act”, meaning Pub. L. 107–252, Oct. 29, 2002, 116 Stat. 1666, known as the Help America Vote Act of 2002, which is classified principally to this chapter. For complete classification of this Act to the Code, see Short Title note set out under section 15301 of this title and Tables.
Subchapter III of this chapter, referred to in subsec. (b)(4), was in the original “title III”, meaning title III of Pub. L. 107–252, Oct. 29, 2002, 116 Stat. 1704, which is classified principally to subchapter III (§15481 et seq.) of this chapter. For complete classification of title III to the Code, see Tables.
The National Voter Registration Act of 1993, referred to in subsec. (e), is Pub. L. 103–31, May 20, 1993, 107 Stat. 77, which is classified principally to subchapter I–H (§1973gg et seq.) of chapter 20 of this title. For complete classification of this Act to the Code, see Short Title note set out under section 1971 of this title and Tables.
2011—Subsec. (d). Pub. L. 112–74 inserted “notice of” before “the State plan”.
2009—Subsec. (b)(1)(A). Pub. L. 111–84, §588(b)(1)(B), substituted “section 15404(a) of this title (or, for purposes of determining the eligibility of a State to receive a requirements payment appropriated pursuant to the authorization provided under section 15407(a)(4) of this title, contains the element described in paragraph (14) of such section)” for “section 15404 of this title”.
Subsec. (b)(2). Pub. L. 111–84, §588(b)(2), designated existing provisions as subpar. (A), substituted “Subject to subparagraph (B), the State” for “The State”, and added subpar. (B).
Subsec. (b)(5). Pub. L. 111–84, §588(b)(3), designated existing provisions as subpar. (A), substituted “Subject to subparagraph (B), the State” for “The State”, and added subpar. (B).
(1) How the State will use the requirements payment to meet the requirements of subchapter III of this chapter, and, if applicable under section 15401(a)(2) of this title, to carry out other activities to improve the administration of elections.
(3) How the State will provide for programs for voter education, election official education and training, and poll worker training which will assist the State in meeting the requirements of subchapter III of this chapter.
(4) How the State will adopt voting system guidelines and processes which are consistent with the requirements of section 15481 of this title.
(A) the costs of the activities required to be carried out to meet the requirements of subchapter III of this chapter;
(9) A description of the uniform, nondiscriminatory State-based administrative complaint procedures in effect under section 15512 of this title.
(10) If the State received any payment under subchapter I of this chapter, a description of how such payment will affect the activities proposed to be carried out under the plan, including the amount of funds available for such activities.
(A) is developed and published in the Federal Register in accordance with section 15405 of this title in the same manner as the State plan;
(B) is subject to public notice and comment in accordance with section 15406 of this title in the same manner as the State plan; and
(13) A description of the committee which participated in the development of the State plan in accordance with section 15405 of this title and the procedures followed by the committee under such section and section 15406 of this title.
For purposes of subsection (a)(5) of this section, a fund described in this subsection with respect to a State is a fund which is established in the treasury of the State government, which is used in accordance with paragraph (2), and which consists of the following amounts:
Subchapter III of this chapter, referred to in subsec. (a)(1), (3), (6)(A), was in the original “title III”, meaning title III of Pub. L. 107–252, Oct. 29, 2002, 116 Stat. 1704, which is classified principally to subchapter III (§15481 et seq.) of this chapter. For complete classification of title III to the Code, see Tables.
The Military and Overseas Voter Empowerment Act, referred to in subsec. (a)(14), is subtitle H (§§575–589) of title V of div. A of Pub. L. 111–84, Oct. 28, 2009, 123 Stat. 2318, which enacted sections 1973ff–2a, 1973ff–2b, 1973ff–4a, and 1973ff–7 of this title and section 1566a of Title 10, Armed Forces, amended sections 1973ff to 1973ff–2, 1973ff–3, 1973ff–4, 15401, 15403, 15404, and 15407 of this title, and enacted provisions set out as notes under sections 1971 and 1973ff to 1973ff–2 of this title. For complete classification of this Act to the Code, see Short Title of 2009 Amendment note set out under section 1971 of this title and Tables.
2011—Subsec. (a)(11). Pub. L. 112–74 inserted “notice of” before “the change” in introductory provisions and subpar. (C).
2011—Subsec. (b). Pub. L. 112–74 inserted “posted on the Commission's website with a notice” after “cause to have the plan”.
For purposes of section 15401(a)(1)(C) 1 of this title, a State plan meets the public notice and comment requirements of this section if—
Section 15401(a)(1)(C) of this title, referred to in text, probably should be a reference to section 15403(b)(1)(C) of this title because there is no subsec. (a)(1)(C) in section 15401 and subsec. (b)(1)(C) of section 15403 relates to public notice and comment requirements of section 15406 of this title.
In addition to amounts transferred under section 15304(c) of this title, there are authorized to be appropriated for requirements payments under this subpart the following amounts:
(4) For fiscal year 2010 and subsequent fiscal years, such sums as are necessary for purposes of making requirements payments to States to carry out the activities described in section 15401(b)(3) of this title.
Any amounts appropriated pursuant to the authority of subsection (a) of this section shall remain available without fiscal year limitation until expended.
(1) a list of expenditures made with respect to each category of activities described in section 15401(b) of this title;
(3) an analysis and description of the activities funded under this subpart to meet the requirements of this chapter and an analysis and description of how such activities conform to the State plan under section 15404 of this title.
This chapter, referred to in par. (3), was in the original “this Act”, meaning Pub. L. 107–252, Oct. 29, 2002, 116 Stat. 1666, known as the Help America Vote Act of 2002, which is classified principally to this chapter. For complete classification of this Act to the Code, see Short Title note set out under section 15301 of this title and Tables.
The Secretary of Health and Human Services shall make a payment to each eligible State and each eligible unit of local government (as described in section 15423 of this title).
Each application submitted under subsection (a) of this section shall—
No action may be brought under this chapter against a State or unit of local government on the basis of any information contained in the application submitted under subsection (a) of this section.
This chapter, referred to in subsec. (c)(1), was in the original “this Act”, meaning Pub. L. 107–252, Oct. 29, 2002, 116 Stat. 1666, which is classified principally to this chapter. For complete classification of this Act to the Code, see Short Title note set out under section 15301 of this title and Tables.
Not later than the 1 6 months after the end of each fiscal year for which an eligible State or eligible unit of local government received a payment under this subpart, the State or unit shall submit a report to the Secretary on the activities conducted with the funds provided during the year, and shall include in the report a list of expenditures made with respect to each category of activities described in section 15421(b) of this title.
(1) certifications that the research and development funded with the grant will take into account the need to make voting equipment fully accessible for individuals with disabilities, including the blind and visually impaired, the need to ensure that such individuals can vote independently and with privacy, and the need to provide alternative language accessibility for individuals with limited proficiency in the English language (consistent with the requirements of the Voting Rights Act of 1965 [42 U.S.C. 1973 et seq.]); and
The Director of the National Institute of Standards and Technology (hereafter in this section referred to as the “Director”) shall submit to the Commission an annual list of the Director's suggestions for issues which may be the subject of research funded with grants awarded under this subpart during the year.
The Commission shall include the evaluations submitted under subparagraph (A) for a year in the report submitted for the year under section 15327 of this title.
The Voting Rights Act of 1965, referred to in subsec. (b)(1), is Pub. L. 89–110, Aug. 6, 1965, 79 Stat. 437, as amended, which is classified generally to subchapters I–A (§1973 et seq.), I–B (§1973aa et seq.), and I–C (§1973bb et seq.) of chapter 20 of this title . For complete classification of this Act to the Code, see Short Title note set out under section 1971 of this title and Tables.
An entity shall submit a report required under subsection (a) of this section not later than 60 days after the end of the fiscal year for which the entity received the grant which is the subject of the report.
(1) certifications that the pilot programs funded with the grant will take into account the need to make voting equipment fully accessible for individuals with disabilities, including the blind and visually impaired, the need to ensure that such individuals can vote independently and with privacy, and the need to provide alternative language accessibility for individuals with limited proficiency in the English language (consistent with the requirements of the Voting Rights Act of 1965 [42 U.S.C. 1973 et seq.] and the requirements of this chapter); and
The Director of the National Institute of Standards and Technology (hereafter in this section referred to as the “Director”) shall submit to the Commission an annual list of the Director's suggestions for issues which may be the subject of pilot programs funded with grants awarded under this subpart during the year.
The Voting Rights Act of 1965, referred to in subsec. (b)(1), is Pub. L. 89–110, Aug. 6, 1965, 79 Stat. 437, as amended, which is classified generally to subchapters I–A (§1973 et seq.), I–B (§1973aa et seq.), and I–C (§1973bb et seq.) of chapter 20 of this title. For complete classification of this Act to the Code, see Short Title note set out under section 1971 of this title and Tables.
This chapter, referred to in subsec. (b)(1), was in the original “this Act”, meaning Pub. L. 107–252, Oct. 29, 2002, 116 Stat. 1666, which is classified principally to this chapter. For complete classification of this Act to the Code, see Short Title note set out under section 15301 of this title and Tables.
Not later than 90 days after the date on which the initial appropriation of funds for a fiscal year is made pursuant to the authorization under section 15462 of this title, the Secretary shall set aside 7 percent of the amount appropriated under such section and use such portion to make payments to eligible entities to provide training and technical assistance with respect to the activities carried out under this section.
The Developmental Disabilities Assistance and Bill of Rights Act of 2000, referred to in subsec. (a), is Pub. L. 106–402, Oct. 30, 2000, 114 Stat. 1677. Subtitle C of title I of the Act is classified generally to part C (§15041 et seq.) of subchapter I of chapter 144 of this title. For complete classification of this Act to the Code, see Short Title note set out under section 15001 of this title and Tables.
In addition to any other amounts authorized to be appropriated under this part, there are authorized to be appropriated $10,000,000 for each of the fiscal years 2003, 2004, 2005, and 2006, and for each subsequent fiscal year such sums as may be necessary, for the purpose of making payments under section 15461(a) of this title; except that none of the funds provided by this subsection shall be used to initiate or otherwise participate in any litigation related to election-related disability access, notwithstanding the general authorities that the protection and advocacy systems are otherwise afforded under subtitle C of title I of the Developmental Disabilities Assistance and Bill of Rights Act of 2000 (42 U.S.C. 15041 et seq.).
(A) school forums and local cable call-in shows on the national issues to be voted upon in an “issues forum”;
(A) Except as provided in subparagraph (B), the voting system (including any lever voting system, optical scanning voting system, or direct recording electronic system) shall—
(ii) provide the voter with the opportunity (in a private and independent manner) to change the ballot or correct any error before the ballot is cast and counted (including the opportunity to correct the error through the issuance of a replacement ballot if the voter was otherwise unable to change the ballot or correct any error); and
(iii) if the voter selects votes for more than one candidate for a single office—
(I) notify the voter that the voter has selected more than one candidate for a single office on the ballot;
(II) notify the voter before the ballot is cast and counted of the effect of casting multiple votes for the office; and
(III) provide the voter with the opportunity to correct the ballot before the ballot is cast and counted.
(B) A State or jurisdiction that uses a paper ballot voting system, a punch card voting system, or a central count voting system (including mail-in absentee ballots and mail-in ballots), may meet the requirements of subparagraph (A)(iii) by—
(i) establishing a voter education program specific to that voting system that notifies each voter of the effect of casting multiple votes for an office; and
(ii) providing the voter with instructions on how to correct the ballot before it is cast and counted (including instructions on how to correct the error through the issuance of a replacement ballot if the voter was otherwise unable to change the ballot or correct any error).
(C) The voting system shall ensure that any notification required under this paragraph preserves the privacy of the voter and the confidentiality of the ballot.
(iii) The paper record produced under subparagraph (A) shall be available as an official record for any recount conducted with respect to any election in which the system is used.
The voting system shall—
(A) be accessible for individuals with disabilities, including nonvisual accessibility for the blind and visually impaired, in a manner that provides the same opportunity for access and participation (including privacy and independence) as for other voters;
(B) satisfy the requirement of subparagraph (A) through the use of at least one direct recording electronic voting system or other voting system equipped for individuals with disabilities at each polling place; and
(C) if purchased with funds made available under subchapter II of this chapter on or after January 1, 2007, meet the voting system standards for disability access (as outlined in this paragraph).
The voting system shall provide alternative language accessibility pursuant to the requirements of section 1973aa–1a of this title.
The error rate of the voting system in counting ballots (determined by taking into account only those errors which are attributable to the voting system and not attributable to an act of the voter) shall comply with the error rate standards established under section 3.2.1 of the voting systems standards issued by the Federal Election Commission which are in effect on October 29, 2002.
In this section, the term “voting system” means—
(2) the practices and associated documentation used—
Nothing in this section shall be construed to prohibit a State or jurisdiction which used a particular type of voting system in the elections for Federal office held in November 2000 from using the same type of system after the effective date of this section, so long as the system meets or is modified to meet the requirements of this section.
For purposes of subsection (a)(1)(A)(i) of this section, the term “verify” may not be defined in a manner that makes it impossible for a paper ballot voting system to meet the requirements of such subsection or to be modified to meet such requirements.
Each State and jurisdiction shall be required to comply with the requirements of this section on and after January 1, 2006.
If an individual declares that such individual is a registered voter in the jurisdiction in which the individual desires to vote and that the individual is eligible to vote in an election for Federal office, but the name of the individual does not appear on the official list of eligible voters for the polling place or an election official asserts that the individual is not eligible to vote, such individual shall be permitted to cast a provisional ballot as follows:
(2) The individual shall be permitted to cast a provisional ballot at that polling place upon the execution of a written affirmation by the individual before an election official at the polling place stating that the individual is—
States described in section 1973gg–2(b) of this title may meet the requirements of this subsection using voter registration procedures established under applicable State law. The appropriate State or local official shall establish and maintain reasonable procedures necessary to protect the security, confidentiality, and integrity of personal information collected, stored, or otherwise used by the free access system established under paragraph (5)(B). Access to information about an individual provisional ballot shall be restricted to the individual who cast the ballot.
The appropriate State or local election official shall cause voting information to be publicly posted at each polling place on the day of each election for Federal office.
In this section, the term “voting information” means—
(D) instructions for mail-in registrants and first-time voters under section 15483(b) of this title;
(E) general information on voting rights under applicable Federal and State laws, including information on the right of an individual to cast a provisional ballot and instructions on how to contact the appropriate officials if these rights are alleged to have been violated; and
Any individual who votes in an election for Federal office as a result of a Federal or State court order or any other order extending the time established for closing the polls by a State law in effect 10 days before the date of that election may only vote in that election by casting a provisional ballot under subsection (a) of this section. Any such ballot cast under the preceding sentence shall be separated and held apart from other provisional ballots cast by those not affected by the order.
Each State and jurisdiction shall be required to comply with the requirements of this section on and after January 1, 2004.
Except as provided in subparagraph (B), each State, acting through the chief State election official, shall implement, in a uniform and nondiscriminatory manner, a single, uniform, official, centralized, interactive computerized statewide voter registration list defined, maintained, and administered at the State level that contains the name and registration information of every legally registered voter in the State and assigns a unique identifier to each legally registered voter in the State (in this subsection referred to as the “computerized list”), and includes the following:
(i) The computerized list shall serve as the single system for storing and managing the official list of registered voters throughout the State.
(ii) The computerized list contains the name and registration information of every legally registered voter in the State.
(iii) Under the computerized list, a unique identifier is assigned to each legally registered voter in the State.
(iv) The computerized list shall be coordinated with other agency databases within the State.
(v) Any election official in the State, including any local election official, may obtain immediate electronic access to the information contained in the computerized list.
(vi) All voter registration information obtained by any local election official in the State shall be electronically entered into the computerized list on an expedited basis at the time the information is provided to the local official.
(vii) The chief State election official shall provide such support as may be required so that local election officials are able to enter information as described in clause (vi).
(viii) The computerized list shall serve as the official voter registration list for the conduct of all elections for Federal office in the State.
The requirement under subparagraph (A) shall not apply to a State in which, under a State law in effect continuously on and after October 29, 2002, there is no voter registration requirement for individuals in the State with respect to elections for Federal office.
The appropriate State or local election official shall perform list maintenance with respect to the computerized list on a regular basis as follows:
(i) If an individual is to be removed from the computerized list, such individual shall be removed in accordance with the provisions of the National Voter Registration Act of 1993 (42 U.S.C. 1973gg et seq.), including subsections (a)(4), (c)(2), (d), and (e) of section 8 of such Act (42 U.S.C. 1973gg–6).
(ii) For purposes of removing names of ineligible voters from the official list of eligible voters—
(I) under section 8(a)(3)(B) of such Act (42 U.S.C. 1973gg–6(a)(3)(B)), the State shall coordinate the computerized list with State agency records on felony status; and
(II) by reason of the death of the registrant under section 8(a)(4)(A) of such Act (42 U.S.C. 1973gg–6(a)(4)(A)), the State shall coordinate the computerized list with State agency records on death.
(iii) Notwithstanding the preceding provisions of this subparagraph, if a State is described in section 4(b) of the National Voter Registration Act of 1993 (42 U.S.C. 1973gg–2(b)), that State shall remove the names of ineligible voters from the computerized list in accordance with State law.
The list maintenance performed under subparagraph (A) shall be conducted in a manner that ensures that—
(ii) only voters who are not registered or who are not eligible to vote are removed from the computerized list; and
The appropriate State or local official shall provide adequate technological security measures to prevent the unauthorized access to the computerized list established under this section.
The State election system shall include provisions to ensure that voter registration records in the State are accurate and are updated regularly, including the following:
(A) A system of file maintenance that makes a reasonable effort to remove registrants who are ineligible to vote from the official list of eligible voters. Under such system, consistent with the National Voter Registration Act of 1993 (42 U.S.C. 1973gg et seq.), registrants who have not responded to a notice and who have not voted in 2 consecutive general elections for Federal office shall be removed from the official list of eligible voters, except that no registrant may be removed solely by reason of a failure to vote.
(B) Safeguards to ensure that eligible voters are not removed in error from the official list of eligible voters.
Except as provided in clause (ii), notwithstanding any other provision of law, an application for voter registration for an election for Federal office may not be accepted or processed by a State unless the application includes—
(I) in the case of an applicant who has been issued a current and valid driver's license, the applicant's driver's license number; or
(II) in the case of any other applicant (other than an applicant to whom clause (ii) applies), the last 4 digits of the applicant's social security number.
(ii) Special rule for applicants without driver's license or social security number
If an applicant for voter registration for an election for Federal office has not been issued a current and valid driver's license or a social security number, the State shall assign the applicant a number which will serve to identify the applicant for voter registration purposes. To the extent that the State has a computerized list in effect under this subsection and the list assigns unique identifying numbers to registrants, the number assigned under this clause shall be the unique identifying number assigned under the list.
The State shall determine whether the information provided by an individual is sufficient to meet the requirements of this subparagraph, in accordance with State law.
The chief State election official and the official responsible for the State motor vehicle authority of a State shall enter into an agreement to match information in the database of the statewide voter registration system with information in the database of the motor vehicle authority to the extent required to enable each such official to verify the accuracy of the information provided on applications for voter registration.
The official responsible for the State motor vehicle authority shall enter into an agreement with the Commissioner of Social Security under section 405(r)(8) of this title (as added by subparagraph (C)).
In the case of a State which is permitted to use social security numbers, and provides for the use of social security numbers, on applications for voter registration, in accordance with section 7 of the Privacy Act of 1974 (5 U.S.C. 552a note), the provisions of this paragraph shall be optional.
Notwithstanding section 6(c) of the National Voter Registration Act of 1993 (42 U.S.C. 1973gg–4(c)) and subject to paragraph (3), a State shall, in a uniform and nondiscriminatory manner, require an individual to meet the requirements of paragraph (2) if—
(B)(i) the individual has not previously voted in an election for Federal office in the State; or
(ii) the individual has not previously voted in such an election in the jurisdiction and the jurisdiction is located in a State that does not have a computerized list that complies with the requirements of subsection (a) of this section.
An individual meets the requirements of this paragraph if the individual—
(i) in the case of an individual who votes in person—
(I) presents to the appropriate State or local election official a current and valid photo identification; or
(II) presents to the appropriate State or local election official a copy of a current utility bill, bank statement, government check, paycheck, or other government document that shows the name and address of the voter; or
(ii) in the case of an individual who votes by mail, submits with the ballot—
(II) a copy of a current utility bill, bank statement, government check, paycheck, or other government document that shows the name and address of the voter.
An individual who desires to vote in person, but who does not meet the requirements of subparagraph (A)(i), may cast a provisional ballot under section 15482(a) of this title.
An individual who desires to vote by mail but who does not meet the requirements of subparagraph (A)(ii) may cast such a ballot by mail and the ballot shall be counted as a provisional ballot in accordance with section 15482(a) of this title.
Paragraph (1) shall not apply in the case of a person—
(A) who registers to vote by mail under section 6 of the National Voter Registration Act of 1993 (42 U.S.C. 1973gg–4) and submits as part of such registration either—
(ii) a copy of a current utility bill, bank statement, government check, paycheck, or government document that shows the name and address of the voter;
(B)(i) who registers to vote by mail under section 6 of the National Voter Registration Act of 1993 (42 U.S.C. 1973gg–4) and submits with such registration either—
(i) entitled to vote by absentee ballot under the Uniformed and Overseas Citizens Absentee Voting Act [42 U.S.C. 1973ff et seq.];
(ii) provided the right to vote otherwise than in person under section 1973ee–1(b)(2)(B)(ii) of this title; or
(iii) entitled to vote otherwise than in person under any other Federal law.
The mail voter registration form developed under section 6 of the National Voter Registration Act of 1993 (42 U.S.C. 1973gg–4) shall include the following:
(i) The question “Are you a citizen of the United States of America?” and boxes for the applicant to check to indicate whether the applicant is or is not a citizen of the United States.
(ii) The question “Will you be 18 years of age on or before election day?” and boxes for the applicant to check to indicate whether or not the applicant will be 18 years of age or older on election day.
(iii) The statement “If you checked ‘no’ in response to either of these questions, do not complete this form.”.
(iv) A statement informing the individual that if the form is submitted by mail and the individual is registering for the first time, the appropriate information required under this section must be submitted with the mail-in registration form in order to avoid the additional identification requirements upon voting for the first time.
If an applicant for voter registration fails to answer the question included on the mail voter registration form pursuant to subparagraph (A)(i), the registrar shall notify the applicant of the failure and provide the applicant with an opportunity to complete the form in a timely manner to allow for the completion of the registration form prior to the next election for Federal office (subject to State law).
Nothing in this subsection shall be construed to require a State that was not required to comply with a provision of the National Voter Registration Act of 1993 (42 U.S.C. 1973gg et seq.) before October 29, 2002, to comply with such a provision after October 29, 2002.
The last 4 digits of a social security number described in subsections (a)(5)(A)(i)(II) and (b)(3)(B)(i)(II) of this section shall not be considered to be a social security number for purposes of section 7 of the Privacy Act of 1974 (5 U.S.C. 552a note).
Except as provided in subparagraph (B), each State and jurisdiction shall be required to comply with the requirements of subsection (a) of this section on and after January 1, 2004.
If a State or jurisdiction certifies to the Commission not later than January 1, 2004, that the State or jurisdiction will not meet the deadline described in subparagraph (A) for good cause and includes in the certification the reasons for the failure to meet such deadline, subparagraph (A) shall apply to the State or jurisdiction as if the reference in such subparagraph to “January 1, 2004” were a reference to “January 1, 2006”.
Each State and jurisdiction shall be required to comply with the requirements of subsection (b) of this section on and after January 1, 2004, and shall be prepared to receive registration materials submitted by individuals described in subparagraph (B) on and after the date described in such subparagraph.
The provisions of subsection (b) of this section shall apply to any individual who registers to vote on or after January 1, 2003.
The National Voter Registration Act of 1993, referred to in subsecs. (a)(2)(A)(i), (4)(A) and (b)(5), is Pub. L. 103–31, May 20, 1993, 107 Stat. 77, as amended, which is classified principally to subchapter I–H (§1973gg et seq.) of chapter 20 of this title. For complete classification of this Act to the Code, see Short Title note set out under section 1971 of this title and Tables.
Section 7 of the Privacy Act of 1974, referred to in subsecs. (a)(5)(D) and (c), is section 7 of Pub. L. 93–579, which is set out as a note under section 552a of Title 5, Government Organization and Employees.
The Uniformed and Overseas Citizens Absentee Voting Act, referred to in subsec. (b)(3)(C)(i), is Pub. L. 99–410, Aug. 28, 1986, 100 Stat. 924, as amended, which is classified principally to subchapter I–G (§1973ff et seq.) of chapter 20 of this title. For complete classification of this Act to the Code, see Short Title of 1986 Amendment note set out under section 1971 of this title and Tables.
Section is comprised of section 303 of Pub. L. 107–252. Subsec. (a)(5)(C) of section 303 of Pub. L. 107–252 amended section 405 of this title.
The requirements established by this subchapter are minimum requirements and nothing in this subchapter shall be construed to prevent a State from establishing election technology and administration requirements that are more strict than the requirements established under this subchapter so long as such State requirements are not inconsistent with the Federal requirements under this subchapter or any law described in section 15545 of this title.
To assist States in meeting the requirements of part A of this subchapter, the Commission shall adopt voluntary guidance consistent with such requirements in accordance with the procedures described in section 15502 of this title.
The Commission shall adopt the recommendations under this section not later than—
The adoption of the voluntary guidance under this part shall be carried out by the Commission in a manner that provides for each of the following:
The Attorney General may bring a civil action against any State or jurisdiction in an appropriate United States District Court for such declaratory and injunctive relief (including a temporary restraining order, a permanent or temporary injunction, or other order) as may be necessary to carry out the uniform and nondiscriminatory election technology and administration requirements under sections 15481, 15482, and 15483 of this title.
(B) Under the procedures, any person who believes that there is a violation of any provision of subchapter III of this chapter (including a violation which has occurred, is occurring, or is about to occur) may file a complaint.
(F) If, under the procedures, the State determines that there is a violation of any provision of subchapter III of this chapter, the State shall provide the appropriate remedy.
Not later than January 1, 2004, each nonparticipating State shall elect—
(A) to certify to the Commission that the State meets the requirements of subsection (a) of this section in the same manner as a State receiving a payment under this chapter; or
(B) to submit a compliance plan to the Attorney General which provides detailed information on the steps the State will take to ensure that it meets the requirements of subchapter III of this chapter.
A nonparticipating State (other than a State which makes the election described in paragraph (1)(A)) shall be deemed to not meet the requirements of subchapter III of this chapter if the Attorney General has not approved a compliance plan submitted by the State under this subsection.
In this section, a “nonparticipating State” is a State which, during 2003, does not notify any office which is responsible for making payments to States under any program under this chapter of its intent to participate in, and receive funds under, the program.
This chapter, referred to in subsecs. (a)(1) and (b)(1)(A), (3), was in the original “this Act”, meaning Pub. L. 107–252, Oct. 29, 2002, 116 Stat. 1666, known as the Help America Vote Act of 2002, which is classified principally to this chapter. For complete classification of this Act to the Code, see Short Title note set out under section 15301 of this title and Tables.
Subchapter III of this chapter, referred to in subsecs. (a)(2)(B), (F) and (b)(1)(B), (2), was in the original “title III”, meaning title III of Pub. L. 107–252, Oct. 29, 2002, 116 Stat. 1704, which is classified principally to subchapter III (§15481 et seq.) of this chapter. For complete classification of title III to the Code, see Tables.
Not later than 1 year after the appointment of its members, the Election Assistance Commission shall develop a program to be known as the “Help America Vote College Program” (hereafter in this subchapter referred to as the “Program”).
The purpose of the Program shall be—
(1) to encourage students enrolled at institutions of higher education (including community colleges) to assist State and local governments in the administration of elections by serving as nonpartisan poll workers or assistants; and
(2) to encourage State and local governments to use the services of the students participating in the Program.
In carrying out the Program, the Commission (in consultation with the chief election official of each State) shall develop materials, sponsor seminars and workshops, engage in advertising targeted at students, make grants, and take such other actions as it considers appropriate to meet the purposes described in section 15521(b) of this title.
In addition to any funds authorized to be appropriated to the Commission under section 15330 of this title, there are authorized to be appropriated to carry out this subchapter—
There are transferred to the Election Assistance Commission established under section 15321 of this title all functions which the Office of Election Administration, established within the Federal Election Commission, exercised before October 29, 2002.
There are transferred to the Election Assistance Commission established under section 15321 of this title all functions which the Federal Election Commission exercised under section 1973gg–7(a) of this title before October 29, 2002.
The contracts, liabilities, records, property, and other assets and interests of, or made available in connection with, the offices and functions of the Federal Election Commission which are transferred by this subchapter are transferred to the Election Assistance Commission for appropriate allocation.
The personnel employed in connection with the offices and functions of the Federal Election Commission which are transferred by this subchapter are transferred to the Election Assistance Commission.
Any full-time or part-time personnel employed in permanent positions shall not be separated or reduced in grade or compensation because of the transfer under this subsection during the 1-year period beginning on October 29, 2002.
This subchapter, referred to in text, was in the original “this subtitle”, meaning subtitle A (§§801–804) of title VIII of Pub. L. 107–252, Oct. 29, 2002, 116 Stat. 1725, which enacted this subchapter and amended section 1973gg–7 of this title and section 438 of Title 2, The Congress. For complete classification of subtitle A to the Code, see Tables.
This subchapter and the amendments made by this subchapter shall take effect upon the appointment of all members of the Election Assistance Commission under section 15323 of this title.
During the period which begins on October 29, 2002, and ends on the effective date described in subsection (a) of this section, the Office of Election Administration of the Federal Election Commission shall continue to have the authority to carry out any of the functions (including the development of voluntary standards for voting systems and procedures for the certification of voting systems) which it has the authority to carry out as of October 29, 2002.
This subchapter, referred to in subsecs. (a) and (b), was in the original “this title”, meaning title VIII of Pub. L. 107–252, Oct. 29, 2002, 116 Stat. 1725, which enacted this subchapter, amended section 1973gg–7 of this title, section 438 of Title 2, The Congress, sections 3132 and 7323 of Title 5, Government Organization and Employees, and section 8G of the Inspector General Act of 1978, Pub. L. 95–452, set out in the Appendix to Title 5, and enacted provisions set out as a note under section 8G of the Inspector General Act of 1978, Pub. L. 95–452, set out in the Appendix to Title 5. For complete classification of title VIII to the Code, see Tables.
If the Comptroller General determines as a result of an audit conducted under subsection (b) of this section that—
This chapter, referred to in subsecs. (a), (b)(1) to (4), and (c)(1), was in the original “this Act”, meaning Pub. L. 107–252, Oct. 29, 2002, 116 Stat. 1666, known as the Help America Vote Act of 2002, which is classified principally to this chapter. For complete classification of this Act to the Code, see Short Title note set out under section 15301 of this title and Tables.
The Attorney General shall conduct a review of existing criminal statutes concerning election offenses to determine—
(1) whether additional statutory offenses are needed to secure the use of the Internet for election purposes; and
The Attorney General shall submit a report to the Committees on the Judiciary of the Senate and House of Representatives, the Committee on Rules and Administration of the Senate, and the Committee on House Administration of the House of Representatives on the review conducted under subsection (a) of this section together with such recommendations for legislative and administrative action as the Attorney General determines appropriate.
Any individual who knowingly and willfully gives false information in registering or voting in violation of section 1973i(c) of this title, or conspires with another to violate such section, shall be fined or imprisoned, or both, in accordance with such section.
Any individual who knowingly commits fraud or knowingly makes a false statement with respect to the naturalization, citizenry, or alien registry of such individual in violation of section 1015 of title 18 shall be fined or imprisoned, or both, in accordance with such section.
Except as specifically provided in section 15483(b) of this title with regard to the National Voter Registration Act of 1993 (42 U.S.C. 1973gg et seq.), nothing in this chapter may be construed to authorize or require conduct prohibited under any of the following laws, or to supersede, restrict, or limit the application of such laws:
The approval by the Administrator or the Commission of a payment or grant application under subchapter I or subchapter II of this chapter, or any other action taken by the Commission or a State under such subchapter, shall not be considered to have any effect on requirements for preclearance under section 5 of the Voting Rights Act of 1965 (42 U.S.C. 1973c) or any other requirements of such Act [42 U.S.C. 1973 et seq.].
The National Voter Registration Act of 1993, referred to in subsec. (a), is Pub. L. 103–31, May 20, 1993, 107 Stat. 77, which is classified principally to subchapter I–H (§1973gg et seq.) of chapter 20 of this title. For complete classification of this Act to the Code, see Short Title note set out under section 1971 of this title and Tables.
The Voting Rights Act of 1965, referred to in subsecs. (a)(1) and (b), is Pub. L. 89–110, Aug. 6, 1965, 79 Stat. 437, which is classified generally to subchapters I–A (§1973 et seq.), I–B (§1973aa et seq.), and I–C (§1973bb et seq.) of chapter 20 of this title. For complete classification of this Act to the Code, see Short Title note set out under section 1971 of this title and Tables.
The Voting Accessibility for the Elderly and Handicapped Act, referred to in subsec. (a)(2), is Pub. L. 98–435, Sept. 28, 1984, 98 Stat. 1678, which is classified generally to subchapter I–F (§1973ee et seq.) of chapter 20 of this title. For complete classification of this Act to the Code, see Short Title note set out under section 1971 of this title and Tables.
The Uniformed and Overseas Citizens Absentee Voting Act, referred to in subsec. (a)(3), is Pub. L. 99–410, Aug. 28, 1986, 100 Stat. 924, which is classified principally to subchapter I–G (§1973ff et seq.) of chapter 20 of this title. For complete classification of this Act to the Code, see Short Title of 1986 Amendment note set out under section 1971 of this title and Tables.
The Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990, referred to in subsec. (a)(5), is Pub. L. 101–336, July 26, 1990, 104 Stat. 327, which is classified principally to chapter 126 (§12101 et seq.) of this title. For complete classification of this Act to the Code, see Short Title note set out under section 12101 of this title and Tables.
The Rehabilitation Act of 1973, referred to in subsec. (a)(6), is Pub. L. 93–112, Sept. 26, 1973, 87 Stat. 355, which is classified generally to chapter 16 (§701 et seq.) of Title 29, Labor. For complete classification of this Act to the Code, see Short Title note set out under section 701 of Title 29 and Tables.