U.S. Election Assistance Commission
1225 New York Ave. NW – Suite 1100
Washington, DC 20005
	
--Media Advisory--

U.S. ELECTION ASSISTANCE COMMISSION
RELEASES BEST PRACTICES TOOL KIT

For Immediate Release						Contact:  Bryan Whitener
August 9, 2004                                                                                         (202) 566-3100

The U.S. Election Assistance Commission (EAC) today released a comprehensive report containing online links to thousands of pages of good ideas and practices to help ensure that the November election is free and fair.  The “Best Practices Tool Kit” is designed for local election administrators as they plan for the first presidential election following the historic election of November 2000.  It is also designed to be useful and informational for advocates and others who are interested in the administration of elections.

The “Best Practices Tool Kit” is the first document of its kind to be produced by the EAC.  It is user-friendly and designed to help prevent errors and give ideas on how election officials can better serve voters.  The practices are intended to help bolster public confidence in the elections process by providing guidance to election administrators on methods for keeping the process secure while ensuring that every eligible voter can cast a vote and have that vote counted.

The report presents tips, reminders and common sense recommendations culled from discussions with and materials provided by experienced local administrators, voter advocates and academics.  In addition, four key sections provide guidance on the management of specific voting systems, focusing on strengthening accountability, reliability, usability and security.  Electronic links throughout allow tool kit users to review models provided by their colleagues and other experts.  

To view the report, please visit  www.eac.gov

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*The U.S. Election Assistance Commission is an independent bipartisan agency created by the Help America Vote Act of 2002 (HAVA).  The Commission is charged with administering voluntary guidelines for election requirements under HAVA, serving as a “national clearinghouse and resource for the comparison of information" on various matters regarding election administration procedures including testing and certification of election equipment, and administering the Election Assistance and Help America Vote Programs.  The EAC commissioners are DeForest B. Soaries, Jr., Chairman; Gracia M. Hillman, Vice Chair; Paul DeGregorio and Ray Martinez III.