U.S. Election Assistance Commission

WASHINGTON- The U.S. Election Assistance Commission (EAC) is accepting applications for its Election Data Collection Grant Program. The program will award five grants worth $2 million each to five different states to collect data for the November 2008 presidential election.

The program aims to provide states with the resources needed to develop and implement election data collection administrative and procedural best practices that can be shared with and replicated by other states.

How and When to Apply
Applications are due by 4:00 p.m. Eastern Daylight Time on April 28, 2008, and may be submitted by mail or electronically. To view the grant announcement and application instructions, go to www.eac.gov/grants or www.submitgrant.net. Questions concerning application submissions may be directed to the EAC Support Center by calling (888) 203-6161, or by sending an email to EAC@lcgnet.com.

Eligibility Requirements
Only states are eligible to apply for this award, and must do so through their chief election official. States that use contractors to assist them in collecting data are also eligible; however, contractors may not be listed as co-applicants or sub-grantees.

Grant Restrictions
Awards must be used to collect data for the 2008 presidential election only. For additional restrictions and application requirements, consult the grant announcement at www.eac.gov/grants.

Background
The EAC Election Data Collection Grant Program was authorized by the Congress’s Omnibus Appropriations Act for Fiscal year 2008. Public Law 110-161 specifically authorizes the EAC to award $10 million in grants through an Election Data Collection Program to develop a series of best practices for collecting data that can be replicated by other states; improve data collection processes; enhance states’ capacity to gather data; and document and describe data collection practices, policies and procedures.

The EAC is an independent bipartisan commission created by the Help America Vote Act. The EAC serves as a national clearinghouse and resource of information regarding election administration. It is charged with administering payments to states and developing guidance to meet HAVA requirements, adopting voluntary voting system guidelines, and accrediting voting system test laboratories and certifying voting equipment. It is also charged with developing and maintaining a national mail voter registration form. The four EAC commissioners are Rosemary Rodriguez, chair; Caroline Hunter, vice chair; Donetta Davidson; and Gracia Hillman.