http://www.eisinc.com/release/storiesh/NYSELS.247.html
For more information: Lee Daghlian, (518) 474-1953,
ldaghlian@elections.state.ny.us or Robert Brehm, (518) 474-1953;
rbrehm@elections.state.ny.us
ALBANY, NY -- (04/27/2006; 1430)(EIS) -- Today the New York
State Board of Elections announced the final adoption of Voting Systems
Standards that regulate the testing and certification of new voting systems for
use in New York State.
The new regulations were unanimously adopted by the
Commissioners of the State Board of Elections on Thursday, April 20, 2006. In
addition to the New York State Law provisions for a voter verifiable paper
audit trail and accessibility for voters with disabilities, these new standards
go beyond Help America Vote Act (HAVA) requirements and contain a number of
features that make them model regulations for the nation:
-- All new voting equipment must adhere to the 2005
Voluntary Voting System Guidelines adopted by the US Election Assistance
Commission -- making New York State one of the first in the nation to test all
equipment to these standards.
-- All testing will be conducted in a transparent process.
-- All testing and certification reports (with the exception
of some security functions) will be public records posted on the State Board of
Elections website.
-- Voting machine manufacturers are required to submit
detailed system security analyses concerning their equipment; and,
-- Voting machine manufacturers are required to submit
affidavits with their applications for certification that make detailed
disclosures of all political contributions and all litigation relating to any
issue concerning the operation of their voting system; and, any interest of the
manufacturer in any independent testing laboratory.
New York State is fully committed to implementing HAVA in a
way which protects and enhances the voting process in New York. Such
implementation requires a careful and deliberate process to make sure that HAVA
and new voting systems are deployed properly, the first time, to avoid
depriving the public of their right to vote and have their votes counted.
Voting machine manufacturers may begin submitting proposed systems
for testing and possible certification.
A copy of the New York's Voting Systems Standards can be
found at www.elections.state.ny.us
-30-
EMPIRE INFORMATION SERVICES
P.O. BOX 1262 . ALBANY, NY 12201
518-429-2800 . 800-552-2194