The Help America Vote Act (HAVA) of
2002 (42 U.S.C. §15371) requires that the U.S. Election Assistance
Commission (EAC) certify and decertify voting systems. Section
231(a)(1) of HAVA specifically requires the EAC to "… provide for
the certification, de-certification and re-certification of voting
system hardware and software by accredited laboratories."
Furthermore, HAVA Section 231(b) requires the EAC to provide for
the accreditation and revocation of accreditation of independent,
non-federal laboratories qualified to test voting systems to
Federal standards. Generally, the EAC considers for accreditation
those laboratories evaluated and recommend by the National
Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) pursuant to HAVA
Section 231(b)(1). However, consistent with HAVA Section
231(b)(2)(B), the Commission may also vote to accredit laboratories
outside of those recommended by NIST upon publication of an
explanation of the reason for any such accreditation. In order to
perform these mandated functions, the EAC has established 1) Voting
System Testing and Certification Program ("Certification Program")1
and 2) Voting System Test Laboratory Program ("Laboratory
Program"). The Laboratory Program's information collection
activities are being presented in this ICR for approval under the
requirements of the Paperwork Reduction Act (PRA). Approval of this
collection is essential in order for the EAC to comply with its
HAVA requirements. This program requires the collection and
retention of information by voting system test
laboratories.
US Code:
42
USC 15301 Name of Law: Help America Vote Act of 2002 (HAVA)
On behalf of this Federal agency, I certify that
the collection of information encompassed by this request complies
with 5 CFR 1320.9 and the related provisions of 5 CFR
1320.8(b)(3).
The following is a summary of the topics, regarding
the proposed collection of information, that the certification
covers:
(i) Why the information is being collected;
(ii) Use of information;
(iii) Burden estimate;
(iv) Nature of response (voluntary, required for a
benefit, or mandatory);
(v) Nature and extent of confidentiality; and
(vi) Need to display currently valid OMB control
number;
If you are unable to certify compliance with any of
these provisions, identify the item by leaving the box unchecked
and explain the reason in the Supporting Statement.