http://www.eisinc.com/release/storiesh/NYSELS.247.html

 

News from New York State Board of Elections

 

For more information: Lee Daghlian, (518) 474-1953, ldaghlian@elections.state.ny.us or Robert Brehm, (518) 474-1953; rbrehm@elections.state.ny.us

 

VOTING SYSTEMS STANDARDS RECEIVE FINAL STATE BOARD ADOPTION

 

ALBANY, NY -- (04/27/2006; 1430)(EIS) -- Today the New York State Board of Elections announced the final adoption of Voting Systems Standards that regulate the testing and certification of new voting systems for use in New York State.

 

The new regulations were unanimously adopted by the Commissioners of the State Board of Elections on Thursday, April 20, 2006. In addition to the New York State Law provisions for a voter verifiable paper audit trail and accessibility for voters with disabilities, these new standards go beyond Help America Vote Act (HAVA) requirements and contain a number of features that make them model regulations for the nation:

 

-- All new voting equipment must adhere to the 2005 Voluntary Voting System Guidelines adopted by the US Election Assistance Commission -- making New York State one of the first in the nation to test all equipment to these standards.

 

-- All testing will be conducted in a transparent process.

 

-- All testing and certification reports (with the exception of some security functions) will be public records posted on the State Board of Elections website.

 

-- Voting machine manufacturers are required to submit detailed system security analyses concerning their equipment; and,

 

-- Voting machine manufacturers are required to submit affidavits with their applications for certification that make detailed disclosures of all political contributions and all litigation relating to any issue concerning the operation of their voting system; and, any interest of the manufacturer in any independent testing laboratory.

 

New York State is fully committed to implementing HAVA in a way which protects and enhances the voting process in New York. Such implementation requires a careful and deliberate process to make sure that HAVA and new voting systems are deployed properly, the first time, to avoid depriving the public of their right to vote and have their votes counted.

 

Voting machine manufacturers may begin submitting proposed systems for testing and possible certification.

 

A copy of the New York's Voting Systems Standards can be found at www.elections.state.ny.us

 

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