In this time of war, there's been a great deal of discussion regarding freedom and what it means to be an American. About a week ago, I participated in a meeting that focused on one of the most fundamental aspects of our freedom: our right and ability to vote. I am very proud to have been appointed to the Help America Vote Act Advisory Committee, which is charged with implementing a host of new federal requirements, and am looking forward to the challenge.
In late 2002, Congress passed the Help America Vote Act in response to problems that took place throughout the country during the 2000 presidential election. Money is to be distributed to every state for efforts such as poll worker training, public education, replacement of punch cards and lever machines, and voter accessibility. A variety of federal mandates involve voter registration, challenged ballots, election official training and accessibility for people with disabilities. Each state must establish a statewide, centralized, computerized voter registration system and make all polling places handicap accessible.
The advisory committee on which I'm serving will help Secretary of State Joe Manchin prepare a highly detailed plan that lays out the steps the state must take to comply with the federal act. The first meeting of the Help America Vote Act Advisory Committee was held in Flatwoods on April 7. The committee is made up of 35 members, representing a wide variety of interests from all across the state. There are representatives of each political party, business and labor, and recognized leaders of groups historically identified with get out the vote efforts, including several organizations that advocate for West Virginians with disabilities.
The Committee has a tight deadline for implementing a plan to establish and direct the federal dollars that will be used to target the particular provisions required by Congress to establish a more modern and accessible voting system with accurate, modern equipment available to all voters.
The West Virginia Legislature's election subcommittee, which I chaired on the House side, has already worked on companion legislation geared to help us quickly comply with the federal act,
thus making us eligible for the necessary funds. As we studied the issue, we noted with particular interest that one of the major effects of the legislation would be to allow independent voting to West Virginians with disabilities. For some of those citizens, the 2004 elections will offer a new opportunity to do just that.
But the HAVA Advisory Committee must act by May 26 in order to ensure that those funds will be here to purchase the equipment that will make that possible and place us in compliance with the Act. The committee will meet again on April 28 to hear more about the actual voting equipment and the options from which West Virginia will choose.
In addition to the committee, there were dozens of observers around the room who also participated in the discussion. These included county commissioners, county clerks, elections officials and concerned citizens. Their participation, as well as discussion and questions from the committee members made for a lively and productive first meeting.
And I'm pleased to report that prior to the Help America Vote Act, Secretary Manchin, working in concert with the Legislature's election subcommittee, had already made strides in increasing voter participation. During the 2002 election, 35,000 more voters went to the polls than participated in the previous non-presidential election in 1998. It was West Virginia's highest non-presidential election voter turnout in 16 years. With this new effort underway and ample federal support, we hope that every eligible West Virginian will soon exercise this most basic American right.
I welcome and appreciate your input on these issues, or any other legislative matter. Please call me at (304)340-3106 or write to Delegate Virginia Mahan, 215-E, Capitol Complex, Charleston, WV 25305.