THE LEAGUE OF WOMEN VOTERS ^®
OF HUNTINGTON

HAVA (Help America Vote Act 2002)

Call for Local League Action!

Election 2000 exposed problems. Two years later Congress passed HAVA, with funding. HAVA is supposed to help create a uniform, computerized voter registration list and assist states with establishing standardized electronic voting machines. In order to receive federal funds, each state must design a plan, pass enabling legislation and appropriate state funds. The process must also include citizen participation and public review.

What progress toward fair election reform, free of political agendas has been made in our state? The LWVNY September 2003 State Board Report and the Focus on HAVA, October 2003 NYS Assembly Report were used as reference to briefly summarize languishing advances. Both are available on web-site lwvny.org.

The 19 member HAVA Implementation Task Force appointed by the Governor includes Aimie Allaund, LWVNY. Hearings on the Draft Plan were held in Albany, Buffalo and New York City in July. Although the composition of the Task Force failed to be representative of New York's diverse population and the draft plan was deficient in a number of respects it is not too late to save this opportunity for real reform.

The Assembly has passed 9 bills addressing some of the Draft deficits. Two have been signed into law providing application for military ballot be effective through the subsequent two federal elections and the second requires posting of voting information, the ballot and voters rights at each polling place. The Senate has passed two bills. Both fall far short of HAVA goals and are currently in the Assembly Election Law Committee. No legislation has been produced to eliminate the full-face ballot.

The following sample letter includes the LWVNY HAVA Must-Haves.


CONTACT YOUR STATE SENATORS AND ASSEMBLY MEMBERS NOW! 
By writing you can help influence NYS legislation that will guide the implementation of HAVA (Help America Vote Act). 
Dear ______________________: 
The League of Women Voters is pleased to see that real election administration reform is taking place in New York State and the USA with the passage of HAVA. As a member of the (insert your League name), I write to suggest some items that must be included in NYS legislation that will make our election law compliant with HAVA and improve how we vote in this state. 
The League believes that: 
* NYS must eliminate the law which requires a 'full-face ballot.' This is an antiquated law and it prevents NYS from considering the use of all types of voting technologies that are now available. 
* NYS must specify what types of voter identification will be accepted for new voters who require ID when they register by mail. 
* NYS must expand its voter database by using all state agency lists. 
* NYS must mandate increased training and minimum compensation for all poll workers. 
* NYS Board of Elections must design and implement a comprehensive voter education plan. 
Governor Pataki and legislators like you must act now to ensure that compliant legislation is thoughtfully constructed and prevents future disenfranchisement. The right to vote is too important for New York State to play politics. Please take action to develop and implement a plan to improve election administration in New York State. 
Sincerely,

The public is invited to attend all general League meetings. For program information call (631) 421-5164.

For information about membership in the League, call Irene Ferrand at (631) 367-3041, or send e-mail

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