For Immediate Release                                                 Contact:  Chris Nelson

Wednesday, December 15, 2004                                             Phone:  605-773-3537

Comment Period Open for Help America Vote Act State Plan

Pierre, SD – Secretary of State Chris Nelson announced today that South Dakota’s Help America Vote Act (HAVA) Plan is available for a 30-day public comment period.

HAVA is federal legislation intended to assist states in improving their election procedures and vote counting machinery.  It is a result of the problems that Florida and Missouri faced with their elections in 2000.  HAVA requires that every state and territory develop a state plan to outline the actions it will take to implement this new election law. 

“The Help America Vote Act is the biggest overhaul of the election system ever seen in the history of South Dakota,” said Nelson.  “This state already has a very effective, reliable and trusted process.  Suggestions from the HAVA task force, auditors and general public will keep ensuring that South Dakotans have a voice in their steadfast election process.” 

South Dakota’s state plan can be viewed at www.sdsos.gov/hava.htm or by request from the Secretary of State.  All public comments can be sent to Secretary of State Chris Nelson, State Capitol, Suite 204, 500 East Capitol, Pierre, SD  57501-5070 or faxed to (605) 773-6580.  Comments must be received by January 14, 2005 

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