The Help America Vote Act (HAVA) provides for federal monies to assist states in upgrading voting equipment and election procedures to protect the right to vote of all citizens.

• NJ HAVA State Plan
• First Addendum to State Plan: Sections One & Six
• Second Addendum to State Plan: Sections, One & Six (6/09)

HAVA Voting Systems

HAVA sets forth standards for voting equipment and voting procedures to be used in federal elections, for the purpose of protecting the individual right to vote and assuring the accuracy for, and confidence in, the electoral process.

To that end, HAVA requires that all voting systems in the United States meet the following criteria -

• A system that allows voters to review the accuracy of their selections indicated on the voting machine before the ballot is finally cast;
• A means to allow the voter to correct any votes, including any overvotes;
• The provision of an audit of the votes cast, or a permanent paper trail of the votes cast, which would facilitate a more efficient and reliable recount;
• A means to ensure that voters with disabilities, including voters with visual impairments, will be able to vote independently without third party assistance by providing each polling place with at least one direct recording electronic voting system or other voting system equipped for individuals with disabilities;
• The furnishing of multi-lingual ballots in required election districts;
• A system which produces an error rate that does not exceed the error rate standards established under section 3.2.1 of the voting systems standards issued by the Federal Election Commission;
• Establishment of uniform and non-discriminatory standards as to what constitutes a vote.

HAVA Contact Information

Help America Vote Act (HAVA)
Statewide Voter Registration System

NJ Division of Elections
PO Box 304
Trenton, NJ 08625-0304

33 West State Street
4th Floor
Trenton, NJ 08608

Feedback@sos.nj.gov

HAVA Federal Website

Federal Election Commission

 

Page Last Updated: 02/21/19