Archive for 2017

Secretaries of State from across the nation were in Washington, DC this past weekend for the annual Winter Meeting of the National Association of Secretaries of State (NASS) – and before leaving town, the membership approved two resolutions registering NASS’ position on key issues (federal election legislation and critical infrastructure) in the ongoing struggle to balance federal and state control over elections.

The already simmering debate over Texas’ voter ID requirement has heated up again after reports that hundreds of voters took advantage of an affidavit requirement to cast a ballot despite possessing the necessary ID. Whether or not these otherwise eligible voters are subject to any further legal action remains to be seen – but either way voter ID is once again back on the front page in the Lone Star State.

The peaceful transition of power is what will separate this country from every other country in the world. – George Washington | Elections belong to the people. It’s their decision. – Abraham Lincoln
[Regular blog returns tomorrow.]

electionlineWeekly’s latest edition focuses on the battle over the future over the Election Assistance Commission – and finds that while some policymakers argue it’s obsolete, many others appreciate the role it plays as a set of eyes and ears (and voice) in Washington, DC. As Colorado SoS Wayne Williams notes, “they have recognized the importance of their middle name.”

During this week’s Technical Guidelines Development Committee meeting, the group heard a presentation from a representative of the Department of Homeland Security on the recent designation of elections as critical infrastructure. The presentation left many states uncertain about what happens next – suggesting that the plan likely faces a bumpy ride for the foreseeable future.

The Technical Guidelines Development Committee is working on a function-based approach to voting technology standards. This approach, reminiscent of how USB “plug and play” changed the PC market, could liberate buyers and sellers alike by allowing them to focus on specific components that meet specific functions – opening up the market, allowing election officials to focus on targeted upgrades and reducing costs.

It’s fair to say that no state faced more change and uncertainty in 2016 on election law than North Carolina. Suddenly, though, there is a pause as both the state’s, and the nation’s, high courts press pause on election law changes. Election officials are likely anxious how it will turn out but also grateful for a short breather before the sprint begins again.

Last year, Missouri voters approved a voter ID requirement in state elections – but now, the state’s new Secretary of State and Governor don’t agree on what the law will cost or what state monies will be available to pay for it. That will be significant both for short-term implementation as well as for any eventual legal challenge to voter ID in the Show Me State.

This week’s electionlineWeekly features a guest piece by former PCEA Commissioner and Bipartisan Policy Center fellow Tammy Patrick on efforts underway to improve tracking and delivery of electionmail nationwide.

State and local officials are breathing a sigh of relief but still facing some challenges after it was discovered that more than 5,800 ballots went unreported in Dallas County, IA. This story illuminates the importance – and finality – of certification of election results.