June 18, 2003

Secretary of State Terri Lynn Land today announced that final public comment is being sought on the state plan drafted for Michigan in compliance with the Help America Vote Act (HAVA).

The plan, required under HAVA and developed with input from an advisory committee appointed by Land, sets forth a plan of action for election reform in Michigan. The federal funding available under HAVA will allow Michigan to replace outdated voting equipment and ensure access for voters with disabilities and voters who are living outside the country, including military voters stationed overseas.

The proposed state plan will be posted to the HAVA web page for 30 days on the Department of State Web site at www.Michigan.gov/hava, beginning Tuesday, June 17. A printed copy of the 71-page document will also be sent to each county clerk.

When responding, residents are asked to clearly identify the sections of the plan they are commenting on by page number. Comments may be e-mailed to the department at HAVAplan@michigan.gov. Comments sent by U.S. mail should be addressed to the Michigan Department of State, Bureau of Elections, Attn: HAVA Plan, P.O. Box 20126, Lansing, Michigan, 48910-0726.

Residents with questions may call the Bureau of Elections at (517) 373-2540.

The advisory committee has been gathering public input for the state plan through a series of seven public hearings since March, Land explained. This feedback has helped shape the proposal, which is now offered to the public for final review.

"The state plan is a blueprint for election reform in Michigan so public input has been a requirement from the very beginning," said Land, the state's chief elections officer. "The public's response during the hearings was quite good, and I anticipate this final review will be greeted with the same interest and commitment. HAVA provides the state with a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to address some crucial election reforms, and I am pleased the residents of Michigan are stepping forward."

Once the public-comment period ends, the plan will be revised as necessary and submitted to Washington, D. C. for publication for 45 days in the Federal Register.

To date nearly $1.5 billion has been appropriated by Congress under HAVA to assist states with election reforms, including replacement of outdated voting equipment and improving access for voters with disabilities and voters who are living outside the country, including military voters stationed overseas. Michigan will receive about $45 million this year.

To be eligible for the federal funding, states must file a plan outlining how they will meet technology and election administration requirements; budget and monitor the funds received; adopt voting system guidelines consistent with the new federal requirements; educate voters and poll workers; adopt performance measures; and meet other specified requirements and criteria.

For more information about HAVA and other Department of State issues, visit the department's Web site at www.Michigan.gov/sos.