Over 98% of jurisdictions already use voting systems with a paper record of every vote; this policy formally affirms the EAC’s support of 100% paper-based systems
WASHINGTON, DC – On May 27, the Commissioners of the U.S. Election Assistance Commission (EAC) unanimously approved a policy formally affirming the agency’s support for voting systems that are auditable and software-independent. This policy recommends election offices use voting systems that have a paper record of every vote, such as paper ballots, which already applies to systems in more than 98% of jurisdictions.
EAC Chairman Donald Palmer, Vice Chair Thomas Hicks, Commissioner Christy McCormick, and Commissioner Ben Hovland issued the following statement:
“We recognize the importance of producing a paper trail for voting systems to enhance election verifiability, audit functions, and voter confidence. While most jurisdictions already use voting systems that produce a paper record of every vote, the EAC has adopted this policy to encourage the few remaining election offices to follow their lead.
“States and localities select their own voting systems; however, auditable and software-independent voting systems are necessary to safeguard our nation’s elections. The agency’s newly adopted Voluntary Voting System Guidelines (VVSG 2.0) upholds this policy and requires the use of paper ballots in voting systems for certification. All voters, including those with disabilities, have the right to cast a ballot privately and independently. Accessibility remains a priority for the EAC, and this policy will not prevent voters with disabilities from exercising their right to cast a ballot. This action is part of the EAC’s congressional mandate to ensure elections are safe, secure, accurate, and accessible.”
Nothing in the new policy is intended to contradict the accessibility provisions of Section 301 of the Help America Vote Act of 2002 or any other accessibility provisions required by law.
The full policy is available at eac.gov.
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The U.S. Election Assistance Commission (EAC) was established by the Help America Vote Act of 2002 (HAVA). It is an independent, bipartisan commission charged with ensuring secure, accurate, and accessible elections by developing guidance to meet HAVA requirements, adopting voluntary voting system guidelines, and serving as a national clearinghouse of information on election administration. The EAC also accredits testing laboratories and certifies voting systems, as well as administers the use of HAVA funds. For more information, visit www.eac.gov.