SENATE APPROVES COLLINS BACKED AMENDMENT TO INCREASE FUNDING FOR IMPROVED VOTER REGISTRATION IN MAINE

Washington, DC -- The Senate recently passed an amendment to increase funding for the Help America Vote Act (HAVA) by $1 billion. This increase would fully fund HAVA for 2004, to help states upgrade voting equipment and meet new national election standards. The resulting increase in funding would mean at least $5 million for Maine; the Secretary of State's Office expects to use a majority of the funds to generate a computerized and centralized statewide voter registration list and to provide voting technology at each polling place that allows the blind and visually impaired to vote independently.

"Mainers consistently display one of the highest voter turnouts in the country. This funding will help the state continue to operate elections efficiently and with integrity to best serve the will of the people," said Senator Collins.

Maine will also use the money to expand existing poll worker training and voter education and outreach programs.

Maine's Secretary of State's office supported the amendment to increase funding for HAVA, saying Maine needs full funding from the federal government in order to achieve complete compliance with new election requirements. Endorsements for the legislation also came from the National Conference of State legislatures, the National Association of Counties, the National Association of Secretaries of State, and numerous civil rights organizations.