State Receives First HAVA Funds

For Immediate Release: May 19, 2005

Lieutenant Governor Loren Leman announced Alaska today received $4.15 million in federal funds to improve voting.

As a result of the 2002 Help America Vote Act (HAVA), Alaska is expected to receive up to $19.6 million. States are required to make improvements to their elections processes, including installing new voting equipment by January 1, 2006.

“We continue to improve election laws, train election workers and prepare for the use of new equipment,“ said Elections Director Laura Glaiser. “Alaska remains a leader in election practices.”

Most of the funds will be used to purchase a new data management system, train workers and install new touch-screen voting equipment.

“I am pleased that we are keeping a promise I made to blind and disabled voters in 2000 – they will be able to vote an independent, private ballot,” said Leman. “Additionally our equipment will provide a verifiable paper trail.”

The next installment of federal funding is contingent on passage of the capital budget.

“I’ve been charged by Lt. Governor Leman and the Legislature to manage these funds to improve our elections process for years to come. I take that responsibility seriously,” said Glaiser.

For more information on HAVA please contact HAVA Project Coordinator, Jim Shine at 465-4611.

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