(Washington, D.C.)–Congressman Jim Langevin last night voted in favor of a measure urging the allocation of $1.5 billion in grants to assist state and local efforts to upgrade election technology and improve the administration of federal elections, as authorized by the Help America Vote Act (HAVA), legislation Langevin helped to draft.  Failure to provide full funding for state election reform efforts would prevent states from making sure that every vote cast is counted.

“The Help America Vote Act is referred to as the first civil rights legislation of the 21st century because it ensures that all Americans can participate fully in our democracy by being guaranteed the fundamental right to vote,” said Congressman Langevin.  “States are eager to enact new reforms made possible under the bill, but they lack the funds promised to them by Congress and the President.  Full funding to states for programs included in the Help America Vote Act will restore confidence in our electoral system.”

Earlier this month, Langevin and Congressman Alcee Hastings (D-FL) led an effort to urge their colleagues on the Appropriations Committee to approve the $1.5 billion for full implementation of the historic election reform legislation, stating:

“The 2000 election brought to light a myriad of problems that exist in our country’s election system.  The HAVA was Congress’s response to those problems and a demonstration of strong bipartisan cooperation.  Most importantly, Congress made a financial commitment to states and local governments to give them the appropriate resources to make the necessary changes to their election administration and systems, as well as to improve voter education and accessibility for people with disabilities…It is now time for us to reaffirm our commitment and appropriate the assistance of Congress guaranteed to states last year by fully funding the Help America Vote Act.”

 To date, Congress has provided only $1.5 billion of the $2.16 billion authorized in fiscal year 2003; $830 million of that amount has not been distributed to states.  HAVA authorized $1 billion for fiscal year 2004, but the House only appropriated $500 million.  In an effort to fully fund the very process through which our nation’s leaders are chosen, the Senate approved a total of $1.5 billion for election reform efforts in the Transportation, Treasury, and Independent Agencies Appropriations bill.  The House has yet to agree to the Senate proposal.
 
As Rhode Island Secretary of State, Langevin was instrumental in upgrading Rhode Island's election system to a state of the art model, through a comprehensive statewide survey followed by an upgrade of voting machines throughout the state.  In Congress, Langevin has continued his efforts to improve the accuracy of our voting system by introducing three pieces of legislation and sponsoring a demonstration for Members of Congress to highlight the various voting technologies used throughout the country.

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