MEDIA ADVISORY:
February 13-14, 2017
Next Generation of Voting System Requirements to Shape Upcoming TGDC Meeting
EAC, NIST, DHS, State & Local Election Officials, Researchers on Agenda
Washington, DC – The Technical Guidelines Development Committee (TGDC) will meet at the U.S. Access Board in Washington, DC, from Feb. 13-14 to discuss next steps toward development of the next generation of Voluntary Voting System Guidelines (VVSG). The meeting will feature officials from the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), Election Assistance Commission (EAC), National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST), as well as election officials, researchers and voting system vendors. The meeting comes as DHS has affirmed its intent to maintain designation of election systems as part of the nation’s critical infrastructure, and as Americans are focused on improving the accessibility, accuracy and security of elections.
VVSG are a set of specifications and requirements against which voting systems can be tested to determine if the systems meet required standards. Some factors examined under these tests include basic functionality, accessibility, and security capabilities. The Help America Vote Act of 2002 mandates that EAC develop and maintain these requirements. On December 13, 2005, the EAC unanimously adopted the 2005 VVSG, which significantly increased security requirements for voting systems and expanded access, including opportunities for individuals with disabilities to vote privately and independently. The guidelines updated and augmented the 2002 Voting System Standards, as required by HAVA, to address advancements in election practices and computer technologies. These guidelines were updated by the EAC’s Commissioners on March 31, 2015. The new VVSG are slated to be complete by 2018. These guidelines are voluntary. States may decide to adopt them entirely or in part prior to the effective date.
WHAT:
Technical Guidelines Development Committee (TGDC) meeting to discuss next steps toward development of the next generation of Voluntary Voting System Guidelines (VVSG)