U.S. Election Assistance Commission to hold hearing at OSU
(Correction: This news advisory corrects an earlier version to reflect the fact that public testimony may be submitted in writing.)
The U.S. Election Assistance Commission (EAC) will hold a public hearing on the use of provisional voting in the 2004 election from 1 to 5 p.m. on Wednesday (2/23) in the Saxbe Auditorium (room 130) at the Ohio State University Moritz College of Law, 55 W. 12th Ave.
The purpose of the hearing is to identify the problems and successes involved with the use of provisional voting. EAC commissioners will take testimony from three panels comprised of state and local election officials, academic experts on provisional voting and representatives of voter advocacy organizations. The public is invited to submit testimony in writing to the EAC at t\"estimony@eac.gov. Written testimony will also be accepted at the hearing.
Through the Election Law@Moritz initiative, the Moritz College of Law is a leader in providing election law information and expertise.
Media are welcome to cover the hearing. In order to reserve a seat, please call Kay Stimson, EAC Communications, at 202-566-3100 by 5 p.m. on Monday (2/21).
The three panels are:
Election officials – Hon. Glenda Hood, Florida Secretary of State; Hon. Rebecca Vigil-Giron, New Mexico Secretary of State; Hon. J. Kenneth Blackwell, Ohio Secretary of State; Mr. Michael Vu, Director, Cuyahoga County Board of Elections; and Ms. Cherie Poucher, Director, Wade County Board of Elections (NC).
Academics – Professor Dan Tokaji, Moritz College of Law, Ohio State University, Mr. John Lott, Resident Scholar, American Enterprise Institute; and Professor Edward Foley, Moritz College of Law, Ohio State University.
Voter Advocacy Organization Representatives – Ms. Kay Maxwell, National President, League of Women Voters; Mr. John Fund, Editorial Board Member, Wall Street Journal; and Mr. Miles Rapoport, President, Demos
Under a federal election reform law, the Help America Vote Act of 2002 (HAVA), all states were required to offer provisional ballots beginning in 2004. Provisional ballots are available to voters who believe they are eligible to vote although their names do not appear on the registration rolls. HAVA also charges EAC with developing voluntary guidance on the subject.
Congress created the four-member U.S. Election Assistance Commission under HAVA, which has provided approximately $3 billion in funding for election reform. EAC is charged with disbursing payments to states for replacement of voting systems and election administration improvements, adopting voluntary voting system guidelines, and serving as a national clearinghouse for the collection of information regarding election administration. EAC is also charged with providing guidance to states on a variety of election reform topics. EAC
Commissioners are Gracia Hillman, Chair; Paul DeGregorio, Vice Chair; Ray Martinez III; and DeForest Soaries, Jr.
WHAT: EAC public hearing on use of provisional voting in 2004 election.
WHEN: 1 to 5 p.m. on Wednesday (2/23). MEDIA SHOULD RESERVE A SEAT BY 5 P.M. ON MONDAY (2/21).
WHERE: Saxbe Auditorium (room 130), Moritz College of Law, 55 W.12th Avenue
WHY: To help the EAC identify the problems and successes involved with the use of
provisional voting.
