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Democracy
USA Advisory
DEFUNDING DEMOCRACY Congress and the President cut funding for critical election reform legislation State Spotlight: Due to cuts in
federal aid and delay in forming new federal agency to disburse money
already appropriated, North Dakota may close 20% of
precincts. Washington, DC – August 5, 2003 – In 2002 President Bush signed the Help America Vote Act (HAVA), saying “The fairness of all elections is a federal priority.” But following his lead, last week the House Appropriations Committee approved HAVA funding for 2004 at only half the level called for in the law and a third of what likely will be needed to help states modernize elections. More than $800 million of urgently needed state aid is also being held up until the president submits nominations for the Election Assistance Commission (EAC). HAVA authorized $3.9 billion in funding over three years. But the Bush administration ‘s initial 2003 budget recommended less than $500 million, far less than the $2 billion authorized by HAVA. Congress increased that amount to $1.5 billion, but more than half of that money has not reached the states because the EAC has not been formed. Now the administration’s budget again shortchanges electoral reform, requesting only $495 million for 2004. “We urge the President to truly make fair elections a priority,” said former congressman and Center for Voting & Democracy board chair John Anderson. “If we don’t back up talk with money and formation of the Election Administration Commission, the widespread problems highlighted in Florida will continue to plague elections across the country.” Voting rights organizations tracking the legislation noted that the bill calls for the General Services Administration to disburse the remaining 2003 funds until the EAC is up and running. But there are some concerns about whether this move will be a good substitute. “It’s certainly understandable given the fact that the EAC isn’t in place yet, although it does raise some questions about who’s going to be in charge and exactly how the money will be distributed,” said Rob Randhava, a policy analyst for the Leadership Conference on Civil Rights (www.civilrights.org, 202-466-6058). “I also wonder if this is going to slow down the push to appoint commissioners, which is clearly something that everybody wants” The impact of delays in federal funding has filtered down to state and county governments. In order to receive federal payments, legislatures must appropriate 5% of the total cost of their election upgrades. Because many states face severe budget constraints, county governments are sometimes forced to shoulder the burden of buying new equipment and meeting other new HAVA requirements. In North Dakota, for example, a proposed bill to upgrade voting machines could result in closing 20% of the state’s precincts. The cost to counties of updating each polling place would be about $10,000, and counties say they can’t afford to do so for every precinct. Democracy USA is a new initiative designed to protect, enhance and exercise the power of the right to vote. Its November 21-23 conference in Washington, D.C. has backing from several leading national organizations. For more information visit www.DemocracyUSA.org. -End-
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