THE NEY-DODD-HOYER-MCCONNELL HELP AMERICA VOTE ACT OF 2002
(H.R. 3295)
ENHANCING VOTING FOR PERSONS WITH DISABILITIES



By building on provisions found in the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and the Voting Accessibility for the Elderly and Handicapped Act (VAEHA), the Help America Vote Act makes it easier for persons with disabilities to vote independently and privately. This legislation will ensure that persons with disabilities have the same access to voting as other citizens. The Help America Vote Act:

-Requires that every precinct across the nation have at least one voting machine or system that is accessible to individuals with disabilities by January 1, 2006.
-Authorizes $100 million in grants to improve polling place access for disabled voters.
-Authorizes an additional $40 million to improve state protection and advocacy systems. Beginning in 2003, the Secretary of Health and Human Services will award this money in four allotments of $10 million per year. The grants will be presented to entities in each state that represent persons with disabilities, and will be used to provide services that enable these individuals to participate fully in the electoral process.