FR 2021-00318

The document outlines a notice from the U.S. Election Assistance Commission (EAC), announcing a virtual quarterly meeting for its Board of Advisors set for January 13, 2021. This notice includes details about the meeting’s timing, purpose, and how the public can participate by submitting written statements. The meeting will be livestreamed on YouTube, making it accessible for a broad audience.

Summary

The meeting serves as an opportunity for the Board of Advisors to receive updates on EAC activities and discuss upcoming meetings. By being virtual, it enables wider public access in comparison to in-person meetings. The advance posting of the agenda on the EAC’s website enhances transparency, as stakeholders can identify topics of their interest or concern beforehand. The public is encouraged to submit written statements for consideration before the meeting begins.

Significant Issues and Concerns

1. Meeting Access Confusion: While the meeting is accessible via livestream on YouTube, the document does not provide clear instructions for public access directly to the Zoom link, potentially causing confusion among participants who might expect to join the meeting through Zoom instead of just viewing it.

2. Security and Privacy: There is no mention of security or privacy protocols regarding the use of Zoom for a public government meeting. Participants might have concerns about the confidentiality and integrity of the virtual platform, especially in matters concerning sensitive election-related discussions.

3. Public Participation and Feedback: The document details how the public can submit statements but lacks information about how these statements will be acknowledged or addressed during the meeting. This absence might lead to uncertainty among participants about the impact of their contributions.

4. Agenda Details: The agenda is only briefly described, lacking specifics on which EAC activities will be discussed. More detailed preliminary descriptions could provide stakeholders with better preparation and engagement opportunities.

5. Cost Clarity: There is no explicit mention of costs associated with attending or accessing the virtual meeting, which could create ambiguity. Adding information about any potential fees, or confirming that participation is free, would eliminate any uncertainties.

Impact on the Public

For the general public, the opportunity to view the meeting online increases accessibility and democratizes the information-sharing process, supporting transparency in government operations. However, without detailed instructions on accessing the virtual meeting or reassurance regarding data security, interested individuals might face barriers to fully engaging with the content.

Impact on Specific Stakeholders

• Election Officials and Workers: They may benefit from updates on EAC activities and use this information to better inform electoral processes in their locales.

• Election Advocacy Groups: These stakeholders can gain insights into upcoming regulatory or policy changes and prepare for advocacy and outreach initiatives accordingly.

• General Public and Voter Organizations: The meeting offers a chance to understand governmental efforts regarding elections but might be hindered by the lack of information on live participation and follow-up on public statements.

Overall, while the document presents the framework for an informative and engaging discussion on election assistance, further clarification and enhancements in communication could significantly improve its utility and effectiveness for the attending audience.