July 17, 2003

Secretary of State Terri Lynn Land today announced that the deadline for public comment about the state plan to improve elections has been extended to the end of the month.

The plan is required under the Help America Vote Act (HAVA) and is posted on the department's Web site at www.Michigan.gov/sos. Michigan stands to receive about $45 million in HAVA funding this year. This will allow the state to replace outdated voting equipment and ensure voters with disabilities have access at the polls, as well as making it easier for voters who are living outside the country, including military personnel stationed overseas, to vote in a timely fashion.

The 71-page document outlines how the state will meet HAVA's 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.

"We have received some excellent suggestions that are being incorporated into the plan. It is clear that people are giving the matter serious thought," Land said. "Public input is at the heart of this process, and it is important we provide residents with ample opportunity to comment."

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.

Once the public-comment period ends July 31, the plan will be revised as necessary and submitted for publication in the Federal Register.