EAC Launches Online Map That Shows Where Federally Certified Voting Systems Are Used

Development signals improved transparency as high-value data is easier for public to access

Builds on wealth of existing election administration, registration and turnout data available at EAC.gov

WASHINGTON, Oct. 7 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- The U.S. Election Assistance Commission (EAC) today launched an online map that shows where federally certified voting systems are being used during the 2010 federal election. The Certified Voting System Map allows users to quickly access key information about EAC-certified voting systems, including the county in which they are used and test reports issued during the certification process.

Under the Help America Vote Act, EAC accredits voting system test laboratories and certifies voting equipment, marking the first time the federal government has offered these services to the states. Participation by states in the program is voluntary.

The new interactive map makes it easy to track advisory alerts that EAC has issued about a system, a critical component of EAC's Quality Monitoring Program in which EAC notifies the public about potential performance issues, including anomalies, with federally certified voting systems.

The map also depicts state requirements for voting system certification. Twelve states require federal certification; nine states require testing to federal standards; and thirteen states require testing by a federally accredited laboratory. Sixteen states have no federal requirement.

The Certified Voting Systems Map represents the most recent enhancement to the nation's clearinghouse on election administration information, EAC.gov, which features numerous reports, in-depth research and state-specific data on the election administration process.

For more information about EAC's Voting System Certification and Testing Program, read the Frequently Asked Questions on our Web site.

About EAC

EAC is an independent federal commission created by the Help America Vote Act of 2002. Among its duties, EAC collects election data from states, certifies voting systems, and maintains a national mail voter registration form. The three EAC commissioners are Donetta Davidson, chair; Gracia Hillman; and Gineen Bresso. There is one vacancy on the commission. For more information, visit www.eac.gov.

SOURCE U.S. Election Assistance Commission