TITLE
Recommendation to refer discussion and recommendation relative to City voting system replacement alternatives to the Elections Oversight Committee for report back to City Council by November 21, 2006, with scheduled meetings on September 5, September 12, and
September 19, 2006, along with possible scheduling of an election system demonstration day with vendors of certified California voting systems; and request that the City Auditor work in conjunction with the Elections Oversight Committee to provide input and recommendations concerning the cost, the current elections structure, and contract, as well as alternatives voting systems being reviewed by the Committee.
DISCUSSION
Background
In 2002, the Help America Vote Act (HAVA) and Proposition 41 (State Voting Modernization Fund) provided California with more than $495 million for procurement of new voting systems in California’s 58 counties. With the availability of these funding sources, came new legal requirements:
1. Under HAVA all voting systems in which federal candidates appear on the ballot must be
capable of allowing blind and disabled voters the opportunity to cast their ballots without assistance. Systems must also provide protection to prevent over votes. This requirement became effective January 1, 2006,
2. Under State law, the Legislature mandated that all direct record electronic (DRE) voting equipment be augmented with a printer to produce a contemporaneous voter-verified paper trail audit (WPAT). This requirement became effective January 1,2006.
In 2003, the City requested $2.8 million from the Secretary of State for the Municipal Elections Pilot Project (attached), which would have provided a funding source to improve the City’s voting system. Citing scarcity of funds, the request was denied and the City was encouraged to seek assistance from the Los Angeles County Registrar Recorder/County Clerk (RRCC). Furthermore, it has been opined that HAVA and Proposition 41 do not apply ...
Click here for full text