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.