HAVA OVERVIEW
As an answer to the call for election reform heard across the nation
after the presidential election in 2000, Congress passed a federal
election reform law, the Help America Vote Act 2002 (HAVA), in
October 2002. The goal of the legislation is to improve administration of elections
nationwide and beginning January 1, 2003, states began implementing new federal
mandates designed to meet that objective. Senate Bill 479
was passed during the 2004 legislative session which enacted federal mandates to state law.
HAVA enhances voting standards and education, accessibility for people with disabilities, and
voter registration file maintenance. Kansas developed training and education programs for voters
and election officials. In addition, every polling place in Kansas has voting
equipment which enables individuals with disabilities to cast an unassisted vote. These changes have
strengthened the integrity of Kansas' electoral system.