This funding will help replace outdated voting equipment, train poll workers, educate voters and upgrade equipment.  Thanks to Langevin’s efforts, the legislation also requires states to make polling places accessible and to provide at least one accessible voting machine in each precinct that allows a disabled voter to cast a vote in a private and independent manner.
  
“Rhode Island recognized the need for a modernized voting system well before the fiasco that emerged from Florida in 2000,” said Congressman Langevin, former Rhode Island Secretary of State.  “Rather than be penalized for initiating election reform before the rest of the country, I am proud that, thanks to a group effort, Rhode Island will be able to improve upon a national model of excellence for voting systems.”

Thanks to the efforts of Congressman Langevin, states may apply for funds from a $100 million Access Grant program over the next three years to help increase access to polling places by individuals with disabilities.  States may also apply for funds to provide at least one voting machine in each precinct that allows a disabled voter to cast a vote in a private and independent manner. This requirement would take effect in 2004, but states could obtain waivers to delay its applicability until 2006. 

“This bipartisan legislation also establishes minimum standards for state election systems by requiring a statewide voter registration system and provisional voting and by mandating that new equipment purchased with federal funds must provide access to disabled voters,” Langevin added.

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