Health and Human Services(HHS) Grants

HAVA Compliance

and Polling Place Accessibility

The Help America Vote Act

PUBLIC LAW 107-252

The Help America Vote Act Passed October 29, 2002

Section 261:

PAYMENTS TO STATES AND UNITS OF LOCAL GOVERNMENT TO ASSURE ACCESS FOR INDIVIDUALS WITH

DISABILITIES

To Assure Access

HAVA Section 261(b)Use of Funds (1)

Making polling places, including the path of travel, entrances, exits and voting areas of each polling facility, accessible to individuals with disabilities,

including the blind and visually impaired,

HAVA Section 261(b)Use of Funds (1)

in a manner that provides

the same opportunity

for access and participation

(including privacy and independence)

as for other voters; and

HAVA Section 261(b)Use of Funds (2)

Providing individuals with disabilities including the blind and visually impaired with information about the accessibility of polling places

including outreach programs to inform the individuals about the availability of accessible polling places

HAVA Section 261(b)Use of Funds (2)

and training of election officials,

poll workers, and election volunteers

on how best to promote the access and

participation of individuals with disabilities

in elections for Federal office

Assure Access

Funds are available

Make Polls Accessible

Path of travel Entrances Exits Voting areas Outreach to inform about availability of

accessible polling places Training staff and poll workers on how

to promote access

In 2004

Of the 44 counties 18 counties applied for HHS grants and

were reimbursed a total of:

$44,203

In 2005

Of the 44 counties So far 12 counties have applied for HHS

grants and were reimbursed a total of:

$36,466

To Date

26 countieshave submitted plans

to assure access to their polling places

HHS grants have reimbursed counties:

$80,669

Funds Available

Idaho has been awarded: $300,000 Idaho has utilized: $80,669

Funds Available = $219,331

Boundary County

Bonner County

Latah County

What’s Been Done

Parking provisions Ramps Cones Signs Lights Accessible voting booths Secrecy screens

What’s Been Done

Mailing of access information One time wages for student greeters Door handles Automatic Doors Door bells Disability Brochure and Video Project Vote support

Applying & Reporting

One page Application Form One page Precinct Description Form Available via email Estimate cost and submit File a Narrative Report March 1, 2006

describing the project(s) and how the funds were utilized

Assuring Access

Funds are available now Survey your polling places Make a reasonable plan Spread the work out Consider sub-contracting Call for assistance

Let Your Community Know

What you are doing now to assure access

What you will do to assure access

For all voters

Questions?

Please call if you need more information