FR 2021-01805

The document in question is a public notice from the U.S. Election Assistance Commission (EAC) concerning a virtual meeting scheduled for February 10, 2021. The meeting's purpose was to vote on the adoption of the Voluntary Voting System Guidelines (VVSG) 2.0, which represent updated federal standards for voting systems. These guidelines have been developed through collaboration between the EAC, the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST), and various advisory boards, as well as through public feedback collected over an extended period. The public had opportunities to participate via multiple hearings, meetings, and a comprehensive public comment period.

General Summary

The EAC's meeting is part of an ongoing process to ensure that voting systems across the United States meet modern standards for security, usability, and accessibility. The VVSG 2.0 is an evolutionary step aimed at correcting previous versions' shortcomings and helping states and jurisdictions implement systems that can uphold the integrity and inclusivity of elections. The meeting itself was open to public observation, emphasizing transparency and public involvement through a livestreamed session on the EAC's YouTube channel.

Significant Issues and Concerns

One notable issue is the lack of information regarding the costs involved in updating to the VVSG 2.0. Without clear budgetary details, it becomes challenging to assess the financial implications of these standards and whether resources are being utilized effectively. The document also presents a complex narrative of the development process, involving numerous stakeholders and phases, which might be challenging for the general public to follow. Simplifying the language and structure would aid in understanding.

The coverage of public comments—77 sets accounting for 1,660 individual comments—could benefit from a more succinct presentation, including specific examples to illustrate how these influenced the guidelines' final iteration. The document does not detail these influences comprehensively, which might raise transparency concerns among stakeholders who expect their feedback to be explicitly acknowledged.

Public Impact

Broadly, the adoption of VVSG 2.0 has the potential to enhance the reliability and accessibility of voting systems nationwide. For the general public, this can mean more trustworthy elections, where everyone, including those with disabilities, has an equitable opportunity to cast their vote. Confidence in electoral processes is foundational to democracy, and updated guidelines like the VVSG 2.0 aim to reinforce that trust.

Impact on Specific Stakeholders

For election officials and jurisdictions, the VVSG 2.0 offers guidance for upgrading and certifying voting systems. However, transitioning to these new standards may require significant investment in new technology and training, which could strain the resources of smaller or less-funded jurisdictions if not adequately supported.

For advocacy groups focused on election integrity and accessibility, the VVSG 2.0 may either alleviate or exacerbate ongoing concerns. While the guidelines intend to address various issues, the lack of clear examples detailing how public and expert feedback was incorporated might leave some stakeholders unsatisfied or questioning the guidelines' comprehensiveness.

Overall, while the document reflects a commendable effort to modernize America's voting systems through collaborative means, it also highlights areas for potential improvement in clarity, transparency, and resource allocation.