More than 1,000 Election Partners Participate in 3-Day “Tabletop the Vote”
July 20, 2021
May 07 , 2021
The EAC would like to thank all who entered the 2020 National Clearinghouse Awards competition, or Clearies, for best practices and innovations in election administration. The EAC Commissioners, judges, and staff were impressed with the ingenuity and resourcefulness of election officials from large to small jurisdictions who navigated record voter turnout in the middle of the COVID-19 pandemic.
Apr 22 , 2021
EAC Commissioner Ben Hovland met virtually with Cyber Navigator Program Manager for the Illinois State Board of Elections, Amy Kelly, to discuss best practices in election administration for the category of Outstanding Innovation in Cybersecurity and Technology for their Cyber Navigator Program. Check out this video.
Apr 20 , 2021
EAC Commissioner Christy McCormick met virtually with Jefferson County Colorado Clerk and Recorder George Stern to discuss best practices in election administration for the category of Outstanding Innovation in Elections: Medium Jurisdictions. Check out this video.
Apr 08 , 2021
Mar 08 , 2021
EAC Commissioner Christy McCormick interviews Bexar County Texas Elections Administrator Jacquelyn Callanen for Women's History Month.
Oct 31 , 2020
PRESS RELEASE
October 30, 2020
For Immediate Release
Mar 29 , 2019
Puerto Rico State Elections Commission representatives Roberto Benítez and Anibal Zambrana outline how the Elections Commission is rebuilding the island’s election systems to improve upon what was lost and the role that 2018 Help America Vote Act funds have played in the recovering and improving Puerto Rico’s election system.
Oct 16 , 2018
* Secretary of State Jim Condos, Vermont, Opening Remarks
* William Evanina, Director of the National Counterintelligence
and Security Center
* Christopher Krebs, Under Secretary for the Department of Homeland Security’s National Protection and Programs Directorate
* EAC Vice
Oct 16 , 2018
* Paul Lux, Supervisor of Elections, Okaloosa County, Florida
* EAC Vice Chair Christy McCormick, Moderator
* Sherry Poland, Director, Hamilton County, OH, Board of Elections
* Secretary of State Mac Warner, West Virginia
* Secretary of State Wayne
Jan 17 , 2018
EAC Commissioners Open Mic Remarks at the 2018 EAC Summit
Jan 16 , 2018
Expert summit panelists discuss how to improve access to voting while boosting election security and ensuring privacy for individuals who need special provisions at the polls is a critical issue for election administrators and voters.
Jan 16 , 2018
Each of these expert panelists brought a unique perspective to this conversation about how best to use election data, as well as research trends moving forward.
Jan 16 , 2018
Bob Kolasky, Acting Deputy Undersecretary for the Department of Homeland Security’s National Protection and Programs Directorate, delivers the summit’s keynote address at the EAC Summit.
Jan 16 , 2018
Doug Chapin, Director of the Program for Excellence in Election Administration at the Humphrey School of Public Affairs, kicks off the summit.
Jan 16 , 2018
Our expert summit panel looks at the election security challenges that lie ahead and the best, most successful approaches available to address these threats.
Mar 23 , 2017
During this streaming event, panelists will provide examples of successful state voter list maintenance approaches, offer best practices and examine tools available to help election officials improve the accuracy of voter registration rolls. They will also discuss how election officials can measure the success of their efforts.
Apr 21 , 2016
standards board 2016 EAC Executive Director
Mar 03 , 2016
Press Release Battleground Roundtable 1 6 2016 Final
Oct 23 , 2017
The following suggested checklist will help ensure a successful mailing:
▢ Call Your Postal Service Election Mail Coordinator
▢ Discuss the specific purpose for the mailing (e.g., information, ballots, and voter registration)
▢ Discuss when you intend to present the mail to the Postal Service
Oct 23 , 2017
The EAC has led the way in ensuring voting systems brought to the market are vigorously tested against Voluntary Voting System Guidelines (VVSG), including security requirements and the capability to accurately report election results.
Aug 03 , 2017
The U.S. Election Assistance Commission has collaborated with local election officials to develop a series of helpful tips for election management. This series provides tips and suggests best practices that help you to run efficient and effective elections.
Aug 03 , 2017
The U.S. Election Assistance Commission (EAC) collaborated with the U.S. Department of Defense’s Federal Voting Assistance Program (FVAP) to develop these tips for working with Service members, their families and citizens residing overseas.
Aug 03 , 2017
The U.S. Election Assistance Commission has collaborated with local election officials to develop a series of helpful tips for election management. This series provides tips and suggests best practices to help you run efficient and effective elections.
Aug 03 , 2017
The U.S. Election Assistance Commission has collaborated with local election officials to develop a series of helpful tips for election management. This series provides tips and suggests best practices to help you run efficient and effective elections.
Oct 14 , 2016
Election security through three topics: (1) overview of American election administration system’s inherent security (2) breaches of two states’ voter registration databases (3) the EAC’s support regarding the security of the American election administration system.
Mar 04 , 2016
eBinder Ballot Processing Procedures 2015 10 22
Feb 05 , 2016
emergency disaster contingency planning guide
Feb 05 , 2016
Election Disaster and Contingency Planning Sample September 2014
Jan 14 , 2016
Continuity of Operations Plan (COOP) for emergencies during elections
Sep 16 , 2010
Public Meeting - June 3, 2004
To see other documents associated with this public meeting, please visit the events page at http://www.eac.gov/public_meeting_06032004/
Sep 16 , 2010
Public Meeting - May 5, 2004
To see other documents associated with this public meeting, please visit the events page at http://www.eac.gov/public_meeting_05052004/
Sep 14 , 2010
Commissioner Davidson - January 19 2010
Aug 27 , 2010
Elections are in the spotlight more than ever, and voters and candidates receive information on the elections process from multiple outlets. The chapter offers suggestions regarding planning, timelines, and materials that an election official may use to effectively communicate with the public. The strategies presented here have proven successful and an election official may be able to simply tailor them for his or her community.
Aug 27 , 2010
HAVA establishes a voter’s right to cast a fail-safe, or provisional, ballot in Federal elections. Voters cast provisional ballots for a variety of reasons, and many States have created various additional requirements for fail-safe ballots. This chapter discusses how States have developed statewide standards for processing provisional ballots including how standards direct local election officials and/or election boards to count provisional ballots in a uniform manner. This chapter will guide an election official through creating internal elections office procedures for provisional ballots fr
Aug 27 , 2010
The elections office is often the smallest agency in local government until Election Day, when it often becomes the largest. Managing an elections office, however, can be a full-time job with some of the most complex responsibilities expected of a public servant. This chapter aims to help election officials implement the most efficient processes for managing an elections office.
Aug 27 , 2010
Election officials understand that the voting process does not end on election night. A close contest can be part of an election as it is not uncommon for a handful of votes to determine the outcome of the election. A recount provides an opportunity for an election official to ensure that all the ballots cast are counted accurately and that the correct candidate or ballot issue wins. This chapter gives information on types of recounts according to state requirements, timelines for completion, training for and cost of a recount among other important issues.
Aug 27 , 2010
Voting technology has changed substantially over the years. New voting options provide accessibility, security, and privacy for the voter. This chapter aims to provide information on innovative uses for technology in the elections office and the voting process including tips on managing cost, maintenance, and replacement of technology.
May 14 , 2010
This report provides best practices and samples for the design of ballots and polling place materials.
May 13 , 2010
Acceptance testing of voting systems is perhaps the most important function that local election officials conduct in order to ensure the security and accuracy of their elections. This chapter covers acceptance testing for optical scan ballot counters, touch screen voting stations, and end-to-end voting. Additionally, a sample of how to conduct touch screen acceptance testing procedures is provided.
May 13 , 2010
Ballots are cast by mail in every State. However, the management of absentee voting and vote by mail varies through the nation based on State law. Differences relate to State laws, rules and regulations that control which voters can request a ballot by mail. This chapter provides information including and specific procedures on ballot preparation, mailing, reception, processing, storage, and security.
May 13 , 2010
Chapter 13 reviews the issues with Canvassing and Certifying an Election, including Policies, Preparation, Procedures, and Sample Observer Rules of Conduct Sheet. This is combined with Chapters 12-16.
May 13 , 2010
This chapter reviews pre-election Logic and Accuracy (L&A) testing, which is the act of testing every ballot style and every component of the voting system prior to the election. The chapter also includes sections about parallel testing before and during Election Day and post-election testing for election officials to consider. Testing helps to ensure that elections are administered in a fair, accurate, and transparent manner.
May 13 , 2010
Polling places and vote centers provide locations at which registered voters are able to cast a ballot at an in-person facility. This chapter gives information on locating sites, reviews the recommended guidelines for polling places based on the ADA Standards for Accessible Design, including locating polling places, inspection requirements, and detailed step-by-step suggestions for evaluating potential polling places.
May 13 , 2010
EAC is responsible for issuing voluntary voting system standards and testing and certifying voting systems. This chapter reviews the early history of EAC’s Testing and Certification Program, including an overview of the program's Manual and Methodology. Currently, four voting systems and two modifications have been certified through EAC’s Testing and Certification Program.
May 13 , 2010
This chapter references the standards, procedures, and actions election officials might take to protect voting systems and related facilities and equipment from natural and environmental hazards, tampering, vandalism, and theft. This chapter includes sections about conducting a security review, issues with paper ballots, personnel, voting equipment, and peripheral devices. It also highlights potential security concerns at various points during the election process.
May 13 , 2010
Provides information about dealing with new Federal, State and local election requirements, new technology, budget adjustments, and staffing changes. The guide includes tips about evaluating the need to change existing policies and procedures, developing and implementing a change management plan, and minimizing the impact that change may have on an elections office.
May 13 , 2010
Chapter 12 covers the essentials of Community Partnerships, including the Partnership Types, Establishing Partnerships, and Managing and Recognizing Partnerships. This is combined with Chapters 12-16.
May 13 , 2010
Election officials will need to be able to respond to events that have the ability to disrupt elections in their local jurisdictions. They may do so by developing contingency and change management plans in order to respond to these situations in a timely and effective manner. This chapter provides useful information for identifying, assessing, developing and implementing contingency plans, including related tips and information about organizing response teams and pre- and post-election issues.
May 13 , 2010
Easily understood ballots are important for a successful election. This chapter discusses issues common to all types of ballots (paper-based and electronic) and highlights specific considerations for touch screen ballots, optical scan ballots, and audio ballots. It concludes with information about testing and validating of the ballots before use in an election.
May 13 , 2010
Military and overseas voters face unique challenges in registering to vote, requesting and receiving a blank ballot, and returning their voted ballots. The Uniform and Overseas Citizens Absentee Voting Act ensures the rights of absent uniformed services and overseas voters to register to vote and to cast absentee ballots for Federal offices. This chapter covers the basics for anyone wishing to understand overseas voting, its challenges along with resources for local election officials. This chapter was published before the MOVE Act was signed into law in October 2009.
May 13 , 2010
This chapter reviews the factors election officials might consider to enhance voting system security. The discussion includes software security related to installation, monitoring, networking, and transmitting results. It also includes a section about possible policies and procedures for promoting system security among elections office staff, vendor personnel, and the public, as well as tips on password maintenance.
May 13 , 2010
This guide reviews the complexities of Managing an Elections Office, including Managing Internal Operations, Preparing for an Election, Facilities and Equipment Management, Staffing and Budgeting.
May 13 , 2010
The EMGs provide a comprehensive set of election resources to assist State and local election officials in effectively managing and administering elections. The nineteen chapters cover a wide spectrum of election administration subjects ranging from procedures conducted prior to an election to post-election management. A few of the topics covered include: absentee voting
May 13 , 2010
Election officials can use documentation to prove the accuracy, validity, and integrity of an election. Formal audit trails also are an essential tool for election officials to evaluate the relative strengths and weaknesses of their current policies and procedures. This chapter covers the procedures for developing an audit trail, including the type of documentation necessary, and discusses audit trails for pre- and post-election activities, absentee voting, early voting, polling places, and equipment.
Jan 14 , 2010
Commissioner Davidson - January 19 2010
Statement by Commissioner Hillman at OSCE Chairmanship Expert Seminar on Electoral Management Bodies
Jul 17 , 2009
Commissioner Hillman - July 17 2009
Feb 18 , 2009
Commissioner Hillman - February 18 2009
Nov 04 , 2008
Commissioner Hillman on Readiness Checklist & Resources for November 4, 2008.
Apr 18 , 2007
Commissioner Hillman - April 18 2007
Jan 01 , 2007
Commissioner Hillman - January 01 2007
Statement and Presentation by Commissioner Martinez to the National Conference of State Legislatures
Aug 17 , 2005
Commissioner Martinez - August 17 2005
Sep 09 , 2004
EAC - July 30 2004
Feb 15 , 2019
The U.S. Election Assistance Commission (EAC) today announced the recipients of the 2018 Clearinghouse Awards for best practices in election administration, also known as the “Clearie” Awards. Born of the EAC’s mandate to serve as a national clearinghouse of information on election administration, the annual “Clearie” awards recognize best practices in election administration and highlight exemplary models which can serve as examples to other officials and jurisdictions.
Feb 14 , 2019
The U.S. Election Assistance Commission (EAC) today announced that the Weber County Elections Office in Utah was the recipient of a 2018 “Clearie” Award for Outstanding Innovations in Elections. Weber County received the award for its “Winning in Weber” program to engage students, veterans, teens, seniors, individuals with disabilities, and children in the electoral process.
Feb 14 , 2019
The U.S. Election Assistance Commission (EAC) today announced that the Wisconsin Elections Commission (WEC) was the recipient of a 2018 “Clearie” Award for Outstanding Innovations in Elections. The WEC received the award for a cybersecurity training series intended to better secure the state-wide election database.
Feb 14 , 2019
The U.S. Election Assistance Commission (EAC) today announced that the New Mexico Secretary of State’s Office was the recipient of a 2018 “Clearie” Award for Outstanding Innovations in Elections. The Secretary of State’s Office received the award for its implementation of a new electronic ballot software system which allowed blind or visually impaired voters to independently cast an absentee ballot.
Feb 14 , 2019
The U.S. Election Assistance Commission (EAC) today announced that the City of Rochester Hills, Mich. was the recipient of a 2018 “Clearie” Award for Outstanding Innovations in Elections. Rochester Hills received the award for an Election Day Precinct Support Portal.
May 21 , 2018
Following the release of “So far, few states have sought federal money to secure elections,” a POLITICO article published on May 17, U.S. Election Assistance Commission Chairman Thomas Hicks submitted the following letter to the publication’s editors.
Mar 02 , 2018
The U.S. Election Assistance Commission (EAC) today released a new short video that details the broad spectrum of steps election officials take to secure elections. The new resource is part of the commission’s #Countdown18 effort to provide election officials with the tools necessary to carry out secure, accessible and efficient elections.
Feb 23 , 2018
Commissioner Thomas Hicks has been selected to serve as Chairman of the U.S. Election Assistance Commission (EAC), a position effective Feb. 24. He will be Chairman for one year and will continue to serve alongside EAC Commissioners Christy McCormick, who now moves to the role of Vice Chair, and Commissioner Matthew Masterson, who served as chairman during the past year. Hicks previously served as Chairman from February 2016 to February 2017.
Jan 03 , 2018
Ahead of the 2018 midterm elections, the U.S. Election Assistance Commission will host an all-day summit to highlight a spectrum of issues that state and local election officials will face as they work to administer secure, accessible and efficient 2018 federal elections. The event will feature keynote speakers and expert panelists who will address topics such as election security, voting accessibility, and how to use election data to improve the voter experience.
Dec 19 , 2017
The U.S. Election Assistance Commission (EAC) recently released the EAVS Data Interactive, a new data visualization tool that allows users to pull data most relevant to them from the 2016 Election Administration and Voting Survey (EAVS), the most comprehensive nationwide data on election administration in the United States.
Dec 18 , 2017
The U.S. Election Assistance Commission (EAC) recently released the EAVS Data Interactive, a new data visualization tool that allows users to pull data most relevant to them from the 2016 Election Administration and Voting Survey (EAVS), the most comprehensive nationwide data on election administration in the United States.
Dec 15 , 2017
The U.S. Election Assistance Commission (EAC) recently released the EAVS Data Interactive, a new data visualization tool that allows users to pull data most relevant to them from the 2016 Election Administration and Voting Survey (EAVS), the most comprehensive nationwide data on election administration in the United States.
Dec 14 , 2017
The U.S. Election Assistance Commission (EAC) recently released the EAVS Data Interactive, a new data visualization tool that allows users to pull data most relevant to them from the 2016 Election Administration and Voting Survey (EAVS), the most comprehensive nationwide data on election administration in the United States.
Dec 13 , 2017
The U.S. Election Assistance Commission (EAC) today released the EAVS Data Interactive, a new data visualization tool that allows users to pull data most relevant to them from the 2016 Election Administration and Voting Survey (EAVS), the most comprehensive nationwide data on election administration in the United States.
Dec 13 , 2017
The U.S. Election Assistance Commission (EAC) today released the EAVS Data Interactive, a new data visualization tool that allows users to pull data most relevant to them from the 2016 Election Administration and Voting Survey (EAVS), the most comprehensive nationwide data on election administration in the United States.
Nov 30 , 2017
The U.S. Election Assistance Commission (EAC) today announced that the Denver County Elections Division won a national competition recognizing best practices in election administration. The county was selected for its excellence in election innovations.
Nov 30 , 2017
The U.S. Election Assistance Commission (EAC) has announced the winners of its national competition for best practices in election administration. Born of the commission’s mandate to serve as a national clearinghouse of information on election administration, the annual “Clearie” awards recognize outstanding innovations in election administration that can serve as examples for other officials and jurisdictions to emulate.
Nov 30 , 2017
The U.S. Election Assistance Commission (EAC) today announced that Pierce County in Washington state won a national competition recognizing best practices in election administration. The county was selected for its excellence in election innovations.
Nov 30 , 2017
The U.S. Election Assistance Commission (EAC) today announced that Florida’s Indian River County won a national competition recognizing best practices in election administration. The county was selected for its excellence in election innovations.
Nov 29 , 2017
The U.S. Election Assistance Commission (EAC) today announced that Collin County Democrats with Disabilities (CCDWD) and Disability Rights Texas have won a national competition recognizing best practices in election administration. CCDWD and Disability Rights Texas were selected for its work to make the voting process more accessible for voters with disabilities.
Nov 28 , 2017
The U.S. Election Assistance Commission (EAC) today announced that the city of Minneapolis has won a national competition recognizing best practices in election administration. Minneapolis was selected for its work to recruit, train and retain election workers.
Nov 28 , 2017
The U.S. Election Assistance Commission (EAC) today announced that Port Huron Township has won a national competition recognizing best practices in election administration. The township was selected for its work to recruit, train and retain election workers.
Nov 15 , 2017
The U.S. Election Assistance Commission (EAC) released a brief today that shows a decline in the number of physical polling places across the country, the continued challenges jurisdictions report facing in recruiting poll workers, and age data for poll workers. This is the third in a series of “deep dives” into election administration trends and voting behavior ahead of the 2018 election cycle.
Oct 17 , 2017
The Election Assistance Commission (EAC) today released a brief on the growing trend of states offering early, no-excuse absentee and mail voting, and the increasing number of voters casting ballots before Election Day. This brief is the second in a series of “deep dives” into election administration trends and voting behavior ahead of the 2018 election cycle.
Sep 01 , 2017
Last week, the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) held meetings planned in coordination with the U.S. Election Assistance Commission (EAC) to further discuss and develop the Election Critical Infrastructure Subsector partnership framework. The meetings were held in conjunction with the Election Center National Conference and the National Association of State Election Directors Summer Conference in Orange County, Calif.
Mar 20 , 2017
As the House Intelligence Committee holds a hearing to examine threats posed by Russia, including potential threats to U.S. elections, Election Assistance Commission (EAC) Chair Matthew V. Masterson is assuring state and local election officials that the commission is actively working with other federal agencies to help them navigate challenges posed by those seeking to interfere with the nation’s vote.
Mar 16 , 2017
As part of its month-long focus on voter list maintenance, the U.S. Election Assistance Commission (EAC) will host a streaming webinar titled "Spring Cleaning: Voter List Maintenance Best Practices, Tools and Success Stories" at 10:30 a.m. on Tuesday, March 21.The discussion, moderated by EAC Chairman Matthew V. Masterson, will feature the following speakers:
Mar 28 , 2019
The U.S. Election Assistance Commission (EAC) conducted a “Women in Elections” campaign to coincide with Women’s History Month. During the month of March, we interviewed several women at the heart of elections at the Secretary of State and county level, and within academia, and shared their insight about elections on the EAC’s Facebook, Twitter and Instagram pages.
We are completing our 2019 series by turning the tables and asking a few questions of the series’ interviewer, EAC Chairwoman.
Mar 25 , 2019
The EAC has launched a “Women in Elections” campaign to coincide with Women’s History Month. During the month of March, we will interview several women at the heart of elections at the Secretary of State and county level, and within academia, and share their insight about elections on the EAC’s Facebook, Twitter and Instagram accounts. Follow the conversation online at #WomeninElections.
Mar 19 , 2019
The EAC has launched a “Women in Elections” campaign to coincide with Women’s History Month. During the month of March, we will interview several women at the heart of elections at the Secretary of State and county, and within academia, and share their insight about elections on the EAC’s Facebook, Twitter and Instagram accounts. Follow the conversation online at #WomeninElections.
Mar 14 , 2019
The EAC has launched a “Women in Elections” campaign to coincide with Women’s History Month. During the month of March, we will interview several women at the heart of elections at the Secretary of State and county level, and within academia, and share their insight about elections on the EAC’s Facebook, Twitter and Instagram accounts. Follow the conversation online at #WomeninElections.
Mar 12 , 2019
The EAC has launched a “Women in Elections” campaign to coincide with Women’s History Month. During the month of March, we will interview several women at the heart of elections at the Secretary of State and county, and within academia, and share their insight about elections on the EAC’s Facebook, Twitter and Instagram accounts. Follow the conversation online at #WomeninElections.
Mar 08 , 2019
The EAC has launched a “Women in Elections” campaign to coincide with Women’s History Month. During the month of March, we will interview several women at the heart of elections at the Secretary of State and county, and within academia, and share their insight about elections on the EAC’s Facebook, Twitter and Instagram accounts. Follow the conversation online at #WomeninElections.
Mar 04 , 2019
A hundred years ago, Congress passed the 19th amendment to the Constitution, guaranteeing women the right to vote. It took another year for the States to ratify the amendment, and it radically changed the makeup of our American electorate. Just a month ago, in his State of the Union Address, the President stated to great cheers and chants of “USA! USA!” from both sides of the aisle, that we “have more women serving in Congress than in any time before.”
Mar 30 , 2018
The EAC is concluding our Women in Elections series with a conversation between EAC Vice Chair Christy McCormick and Connie Lawson, Indiana Secretary of State and President of the National Association of Secretaries of State (NASS).
Mar 22 , 2018
The EAC continues the Women in Elections series with a conversation between EAC Vice Chair Christy McCormick and Veronica Degraffenreid, Election Preparation & Support Manager for the North Carolina State Board of Elections & Ethics Enforcement (State Board).
Mar 19 , 2018
We are continuing our Women in Elections series with a conversation between EAC Vice Chair Christy McCormick and Monica Flores, Administrative Manager for the Los Angeles County Voting Solutions for All People initiative (VSAP).
Jan 05 , 2018
A recent House of Delegates race in Virginia played out in the national spotlight due to its razor-thin margin, the back-and-forth results between candidates Shelly Simonds and David Yancey, and the political stakes associated with the ultimate winner. No matter which candidate ultimately is declared the next delegate to represent Virginia’s 94th district, the race has offered a powerful teaching moment about American elections and the impact of every single vote.
Dec 01 , 2017
The Colorado Secretary of State’s Office and Arapahoe County allowed a few dozen people from across the nation to assist with the first statewide risk-limiting audit (RLA) in Colorado. EAC staff and leadership, including Chairman Matthew Masterson, Commissioner Hicks, Jerome Lovato and Ryan Macias, were among this crowd.