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The "Help America Vote Act of 2002" (HAVA) impacts every part of the voting process, from voting machines to provisional ballots, from voter registration to poll worker training. Election officials, legislators, and advocates in each state are responsible for implementing HAVA properly.
Under HAVA, states must meet many new federal requirements. They will have to issue provisional ballots, create statewide computerized voter lists, allow for "second chance" voting, and increase access for disabled voters. States will receive federal funds for each of these purposes, and will receive general funds "to improve the administration of elections." However, to be eligible for such funds, each state must design a plan, pass enabling legislation, and devote a small amount of state funds to HAVA implementation. Each state must develop its implementation plan through a process that includes citizen participation and a public review.
Along with these explicit requirements, some of the looser language in the HAVA bill can be interpreted by state lawmakers in ways that will limit, not expand, voting rights. Such interpretations must be resisted vigorously.
Dig deeper into HAVA with these selected documents and resources, including text of the law itself and various technical details of its implementation.
Advocates Guide to HAVA
(Demos: 2003)
A two-page overview of important goals that pro-democracy advocates should fight for as their states implement HAVA.
How to Best Implement HAVA
(Leadership Conference on Civil Rights: December 2002)
A detailed memo that "aims to encourage HAVA implementation that will be most efficient and sensitive to the voting rights of all Americans."
Full Text of the Help America Vote Act of 2002
(October 2002)
Justice Department Letter to the States Regarding HAVA
(March 17, 2003)
HAVA Implementation Timeline
(Congressional Research Service: December 2002)
President's Statement upon Signing HAVA
(October 2002)
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