,,ii #aafth ,,congress #b;d ,session ,s4 #cbjf ,,in ,,the ,,senate ,,of ,,the ,,united ,,states ,january #af1 #bjbj,mr4 ,casey 7for himself1 ,ms4 ,klobuchar1 and ,mrs4 ,gillibrand7 introduced the following bill2 which was read twice and referred to the ,committee on ,rules and ,administration ,a ,,bill ,to amend the ,help ,america ,vote ,act of #bjjb to increase voting accessibility for individuals with disabilities and older individuals1 and for other purposes4 #a4 ,short title2 table of contents 7a7 ,short title ,this ,act may be cited as the ,accessible ,voting ,act of #bjbj4 7b7 ,table of contents ,the table of contents of this ,act is as follows3 ,sec4 #a4 ,short title2 table of contents4,sec4 #b4 ,findings2 purpose4,,title ,i--,election ,assistance ,commission ,office of ,accessibility,sec4 #aja4 ,establishment of the ,election ,assistance ,commission ,office of ,accessibility4,sec4 #ajb4 ,national ,resource ,center on ,accessible ,voting4,sec4 #ajc4 ,establishment of national voter accessibility website4,,title ,,ii--,state requirements and payments,sec4 #bja4 ,establishment and maintenance of ,state accessible election websites4,sec4 #bjb4 ,designation of single ,state office4,sec4 #bjc4 ,transparency regarding changes4,sec4 #bjd4 ,access to absentee registration procedures and no-excuse absentee voting for all voters4,sec4 #bje4 ,protections for in-person voting for individuals with disabilities and older individuals4,sec4 #bjf4 ,protections for individuals subject to guardianship4,sec4 #bjg4 ,payments to ,states for implementation of accessibility requirements4,sec4 #bjh4 ,technical and conforming amendments relating to issuance of voluntary guidance and enforcement4,,title ,,iii--,federal assistance,sec4 #cja4 ,expansion and reauthorization of grant program to assure voting access for individuals with disabilities and older individuals4,sec4 #cjb4 ,appointments to ,,eac ,board of ,advisors4,sec4 #cjc4 ,removal of limitation on use of funds for participation of protection and advocacy systems in litigation related to election-related disability access4,sec4 #cjd4 ,funding for protection and advocacy systems4 #b4 ,findings2 purpose 7a7 ,findings ,congress finds the following3 7#a7 ,since its founding1 ,america has steadily worked to ensure the right to vote for all through ,state law1 ,federal law1 and constitutional amendments4 7#b7 ,almost a quarter of the electorate will be #fe years old or older in #bjbj4 7#c7 ,of the #cg1jjj1jjj voting age individuals with disabilities in ,america1 an estimated #ad1cjj1jjj citizens with disabilities reported voting in the ,november #bjah election4 7#d7 ,older individuals who have been lifelong voters and who now find it difficult to leave their home often cannot vote in person4 7#e7 ,despite ,federal laws requiring fully accessible voting places1 barriers to vote for people with disabilities and older individuals still exist4 7#f7 ,in #bjaf only #dj percent of polling places were architecturally accessible and only #de percent of voting booths were accessible4 7#g7 ,combining deficiencies in architectural and voting booth access1 only #ag percent of polling places could be considered fully accessible in #bjaf4 7#h7 ,people with disabilities voted at a rate of #d4g percent less than non-disabled individuals in #bjaf4 7#i7 ,in #bjag1 the ,native ,american ,voting ,rights ,coalition found that the distance needed to travel to polling locations and drop off boxes for absentee ballots greatly affected the ability of ,native ,americans to cast ballots4 7#aj7 ,the ,national ,congress of ,american ,indians found that the turnout rate for ,native ,americans and ,alaska ,native registered voters is between #e to #ad percent lower than turnout rates of other racial and ethnic groups4 7#aa7 ,according to the ,united ,states ,census ,bureau1 there are nearly #bf1jjj1jjj individuals in the ,united ,states with limited ,english proficiency and more than #ff1jjj1jjj who speak a language other than ,english at home4 ,americans with limited ,english proficiency can face challenges when attempting to register to vote and cast a ballot4 7#ab7 ,a strong legislative focus on the needs of older individuals1 individuals with disabilities1 ,native ,americans1 ,alaska ,natives1 and individuals with limited proficiency in the ,english language is necessary to remove obstacles to vote and ensure they can exercise their right to vote4 7b7 ,purpose ,the purpose of this ,act is to improve access for older individuals1 individuals with disabilities1 ,native ,americans1 ,alaska ,natives1 and individuals with limited proficiency in the ,english language to register to vote and to cast a ballot by-- 7#a7 providing ,states and local governments with resources to improve accessibility when registering to vote1 voting by absentee1 and casting a ballot in person2 and 7#b7 expanding ,federal oversight and support to ensure greater accessibility to ,state voting systems4 ,i ,election ,assistance ,commission ,office of ,accessibility #aja4 ,establishment of the ,election ,assistance ,commission ,office of ,accessibility 7a7 ,in general ,subtitle ,a of title ,,ii of the ,help ,america ,vote ,act of #bjjb 7#eb ,u4,s4,c4 #bjiba7 is amended by adding at the end the following new part3 #d ,election ,assistance ,commission ,office of ,accessibility #bbc4 ,election ,assistance ,commission ,office of ,accessibility 7a7 ,establishment ,there is hereby established the ,election ,assistance ,commission ,office of ,accessibility 7hereinafter in this part referred to as the ,office of ,accessibility74 7b7 ,duties ,the ,office of ,accessibility shall-- 7#a7 serve as the effective and visible advocate on behalf of voters with access needs1 including older individuals1 individuals with disabilities1 ,native ,americans1 ,alaska ,native citizens1 and individuals with limited proficiency in the ,english language-- 7,a7 within the ,election ,assistance ,commission and with other departments and agencies of the ,federal ,government regarding all ,federal policies affecting such individuals2 and 7,b7 in the ,states to promote the enhanced accessibility of voting systems and compliance with this ,act and other ,federal law and regulations2 7#b7 ensure ,state and local election officials are taking steps to maintain voting systems that meet ,department of ,justice accessibility standards2 7#c7 if the ,director of the ,office of ,accessibility finds that a ,state has not taken steps to meet such standards1 refer the finding to the ,department of ,justice for enforcement2 7#d7 evaluate ,state proposals to expand voter accessibility in order to meet the requirements of sections #cjd through #cji2 7#e7 ensure ,state and local governments meet the requirements of sections #cjd through #cji 7relating to accessible election websites and other accessibility requirements71 including through referral to the ,attorney ,general for action under section #dja as appropriate2 7#f7 administer and evaluate payments to ,states for the establishment and maintenance of accessible election websites under section #big2 7#g7 establish and operate the ,national ,resource ,center on ,accessible ,voting under section #bbd2 7#h7 establish the national voter accessibility website under section #bbe2 7#i7 collect and disseminate information related to challenges experienced by older individuals1 individuals with disabilities1 ,native ,americans1 ,alaska ,natives1 and individuals with limited proficiency in the ,english language when registering to vote or casting a ballot2 and 7#aj7 recommend policies and priorities to improve the accessibility of ,state voter registration systems1 voting systems1 the casting of ballots1 and the application for and casting of absentee ballots4 7c7 ,objectives ,the ,office of ,accessibility shall have the following primary objectives3 7#a7 ,educating ,state and local election officials on the challenges faced by older individuals1 individuals with disabilities1 ,native ,americans1 ,alaska ,natives1 and individuals with limited proficiency in the ,english language when voting1 and teaching evidence-based strategies for overcoming those challenges4 7#b7 ,educating ,state and local election officials regarding the needs of individuals with disabilities and older individuals4 7#c7 ,providing educational resources in plain language to older individuals and individuals with disabilities on their rights and resources when registering to vote and voting4 7#d7 ,providing translated educational resources for ,native ,americans1 ,alaska ,natives1 and individuals with limited proficiency in the ,english language on their rights and resources when registering to vote and voting4 7#e7 ,studying potential improvements and providing strategies that ,state and local election officials may implement1 and encouraging the enactment of ,state or local laws as necessary for such implementation1 with the goal of-- 7,a7 ensuring that individuals with disabilities and older individuals are provided the opportunity to cast a private and independent ballot in person in an election for ,federal office1 including-- 7i7 strategies to reduce adversely long wait times for casting ballots2 7ii7 alternative options to cast a ballot on the day of an election1 such as providing the option to cast a ballot outside of the polling place or from a vehicle2 7iii7 strategies and criteria to create expedited voting lines for those needing such service2 or 7iv7 the ability for an individual who cannot physically wait in line to exit the line without losing their place2 7,b7 ensuring that individuals with disabilities and older individuals are provided the opportunity to cast a private and independent absentee ballot1 including-- 7i7 ensuring the process for requesting and securing an absentee ballot is accessible to individuals with disabilities and older individuals2 7ii7 ensuring the process for submitting an absentee ballot is accessible to individuals with disabilities and older individuals2 and 7iii7 ensuring the process for marking an absentee ballot is accessible to individuals with disabilities and older individuals2 and 7,c7 implementing policies that encourage more individuals with disabilities and older individuals to serve as poll workers4 7#f7 ,promoting research into the use of accessible ballot marking devices and educating ,state and local election officials on the secure use of accessible ballot marking devices4 7d7 ,director of accessibility 7#a7 ,in general ,the ,office of ,accessibility shall be headed by a ,director of ,accessibility 7referred to in this part as the ,director7 who shall be appointed by the ,executive ,director of the ,election ,assistance ,commission4 7#b7 ,term of service for the director ,the ,director shall serve for a term of #d years4 ,the term of the first individual appointed to the position of ,director shall end on ,january #c1 #bjbe1 and the term of each individual appointed for a full term to the position of ,director thereafter shall end on ,january #c of each fourth year thereafter4 7#c7 ,procedure for appointment 7,a7 ,in general ,on the date that is #f months prior to the date on which a vacancy is scheduled to occur in the position of the ,director or the date on which the ,director submits a ,letter of ,resignation1 the ,election ,assistance ,commission ,standards ,board and ,election ,assistance ,commission ,board of ,advisors under part #b of this subtitle 7hereafter in this part referred to as the ,standards ,board and the ,board of ,advisors1 respectively71 shall each appoint a search committee to recommend at least three nominees for the position4 7,b7 ,requiring consideration of nominees ,the ,executive ,director of the ,election ,assistance ,commission shall consider the nominees recommended by the ,standards ,board and the ,board of ,advisors in appointing the ,director4 7#d7 ,procedure for reappointment 7,a7 ,in general ,the ,director may be reappointed for one or more additional full terms if the ,standards ,board and the ,board of ,advisors recommends such reappointment4 7,b7 ,timing of recommendation ,the ,standards ,board and the ,board of ,advisors may recommend such reappointment for an additional term before the date on which the current term of the ,director expires1 but not more than #c months before such date4 7#e7 ,continuation in office ,an individual serving in the position of ,director at the end of the term of the individual as ,director may continue to serve until a successor is appointed4 7e7 ,deputy director 7#a7 ,in general ,there shall be a ,deputy ,director of the ,office who shall-- 7,a7 be appointed by the ,director2 7,b7 perform such duties as may be assigned by the ,director2 and 7,c7 during the absence or incapacity of the ,director or during a vacancy in that office1 act as the ,director4 7#b7 ,term ,the term of an individual appointed to the position of ,deputy ,director shall end on the date on which the term of the ,director appointing the ,deputy ,director ends4 7#c7 ,continuation in office ,an individual serving in the position of ,deputy ,director at the end of the term of the individual as ,deputy ,director may continue to serve until a successor is appointed4 7f7 ,other staff ,subject to rules prescribed by the ,commission1 the ,director may appoint and fix the pay of such additional personnel as the ,director considers appropriate4 7g7 ,reports to ,congress ,not later than #b years after the date of enactment of this part1 and every #b years thereafter1 the ,director shall submit to ,congress a report describing the activities carried out under this part during the period since the last report was submitted under this subsection4 7h7 ,definitions ,in this part1 the term accessible1 individual with a disability1 older individual1 and ,state have the meaning given those terms in section #cjd4 7i7 ,authorization ,there are authorized to be appropriated to the ,office of ,accessibility to carry out the provisions of this part #ejj1jjj for each of fiscal years #bjba and #bjbb and such sums as may be necessary for each succeeding year4 4 7b7 ,conforming amendments 7#a7 ,conforming amendment to duties of ,,eac ,section #bjb of the ,help ,america ,vote ,act of #bjjb 7#eb ,u4,s4,c4 #bjibb7 is amended-- 7,a7 in paragraph 7#e71 by striking and at the end2 7,b7 in paragraph 7#f71 by striking the period at the end and inserting 2 and2 and 7,c7 by adding at the end the following new paragraph3 7#g7 establishing the ,election ,assistance ,commission ,office of ,accessibility under section #bbc4 4 7#b7 ,clerical amendment ,the table of contents of such ,act is amended by inserting after the item relating to section #bbb the following new items3 ,,part #d--;,election ,assistance ,commission ,office of ,accessibility ,sec4 #bbc4 ,election ,assistance ,commission ,office of ,accessibility4 4 #ajb4 ,national ,resource ,center on ,accessible ,voting 7a7 ,in general ,part #d of subtitle ,a of title ,,ii of the ,help ,america ,vote ,act of #bjjb1 as added by section #aja1 is amended by adding at the end the following new section3 #bbd4 ,national ,resource ,center on ,accessible ,voting 7a7 ,in general ,not later than ,january #a1 #bjba1 the ,office of ,accessibility shall1 directly or by grant or contract with eligible entities described in subsection 7d71 establish and operate a ,national ,resource ,center on ,accessible ,voting 7in this section referred to as the ,center74 7b7 ,activities ,in order to address the unique challenges faced by older individuals1 individuals with disabilities1 ,native ,americans1 ,alaska ,natives1 and individuals with limited proficiency in the ,english language1 the ,center shall provide ,state and local election officials1 poll workers1 and volunteers with the information and technical assistance needed to effectively provide accessible voting1 and ensure that individuals with disabilities and older individuals are given an equivalent opportunity to vote1 including with privacy and independence4 7c7 ,objectives ,the ,center shall assist the ,office of ,accessibility in carrying out the primary objectives of the ,office as described in section #bbc7;c74 7d7 ,eligible entities 7#a7 ,in general ,to be eligible to receive a grant or contract under this subsection1 an entity shall-- 7,a7 submit an application to the ,office of ,accessibility at such time1 in such manner1 and containing such information as the ,office of ,accessibility may reasonably require2 and 7,b7 meet the criteria described in paragraph 7#b74 7#b7 ,criteria described ,the criteria described in this paragraph1 with respect to an entity1 are that the entity-- 7,a7 has demonstrated expertise in working with organizations or individuals on issues affecting individuals with disabilities and older individuals2 7,b7 has documented experience in providing training and technical assistance on a national basis or a formal relationship with an organization that has such experience2 7,c7 partners with an organization that has demonstrated expertise in election security2 and 7,d7 meets such other criteria as determined appropriate by the ,office of ,accessibility4 7e7 ,authorization of appropriations ,there are authorized to be appropriated to carry out this section not less than #e1jjj1jjj for fiscal year #bjba and each succeeding fiscal year4 ,amounts appropriated under the preceding sentence shall remain available until expended4 7f7 ,operating standards and reporting requirements ,the ,office of ,accessibility shall develop and issue operating standards and reporting requirements for the ,center4 4 7b7 ,clerical amendment ,the table of contents of such ,act is amended by inserting after the item relating to section #bbc1 as added by section #aja7;b77#b71 the following new item3 ,sec4 #bbd4 ,national ,resource ,center on ,accessible ,voting4 4 #ajc4 ,establishment of national voter accessibility website 7a7 ,purpose ,the purpose of this section is to create an accessible national website to provide support and information to ,state and local election officials1 individuals with disabilities1 and older individuals4 7b7 ,establishment ,part #d of subtitle ,a of title ,,ii of the ,help ,america ,vote ,act of #bjjb1 as added by section #aja and amended by section #ajb1 is amended by adding at the end the following new section3 #bbe4 ,establishment of national voter accessibility website 7a7 ,in general ,the ,office of ,accessibility shall work with ,state and local election officials to collect data and administer a public national voter accessibility website to-- 7#a7 ensure individuals with disabilities and older individuals are provided easy access to clear and understandable voter information for each ,state1 including-- 7,a7 a link to each ,state accessible election website as described in section #cjd2 7,b7 information on voting timelines for each ,state1 including deadlines to-- 7i7 register to vote2 7ii7 update voter registration information2 7iii7 submit an application to run for elected office2 7iv7 apply for an absentee ballot2 and 7v7 submit an absentee ballot2 and 7,c7 a plain language description of the voting laws of each ,state1 including information on-- 7i7 voter identification requirements2 7ii7 how to register to vote1 update registration info1 and confirm an individual is registered to vote in the ,state2 7iii7 the location and operating hours of polling places and the accessibility of polling places2 7iv7 the availability of aid or assistance for individuals with disabilities and older individuals to cast their vote in a manner that provides the same opportunity for access and participation 7including privacy and independence7 as for other voters at polling places2 7v7 the availability of aid or assistance from ,state and local agencies for individuals with disabilities or older individuals who are not able to travel to the polling place2 7vi7 how to contact ,state1 local1 and ,federal officials with complaints or grievances if individuals with disabilities and older individuals feel their ability to register to vote or vote has been blocked or delayed2 and 7vii7 access to aging and disability support resources in the ,state1 including-- 7,i7 protection and advocacy systems 7as defined in section #ajb of the ,developmental ,disabilities ,assistance and ,bill of ,rights ,act of #bjjj 7#db ,u4,s4,c4 #aejjb772 and 7,,ii7 information on how to obtain transportation to the polls from ,state or local agencies2 and 7#b7 provide a description of resources for local election officials to use in providing guidance to poll workers in order to ensure that polling places are accessible for individuals with disabilities and older individuals in a manner that provides the same opportunity for access and participation 7including privacy and independence7 as for other voters4 7b7 ,database 7#a7 ,in general ,the ,office of ,accessibility shall maintain a database of complaints or grievances from individuals who feel their ability to register to vote or vote has been blocked or delayed1 and the outcome of their complaints 7as reported by ,states pursuant to section #big7;d774 7#b7 ,public availability ,the ,office of ,accessibility shall make such complaints and a description of the outcomes of such complaints available to the public1 while maintaining the anonymity of any individual who submits a complaint4 7#c7 ,referral of complaints to ,department of ,justice ,the ,office of ,accessibility shall refer any complaints or grievances which violate ,federal law to the ,department of ,justice4 7c7 ,definitions ,in this section1 the terms accessible1 individual with a disability1 older individual1 and ,state have the meaning given those terms in section #cjd4 4 7c7 ,clerical amendment ,the table of contents of such ,act is amended by inserting after the item relating to section #bbd1 as added by section #ajb7;b71 the following new item3 ,sec4 #bbe4 ,establishment of national voter accessibility website4 4 ,,ii ,state requirements and payments #bja4 ,establishment and maintenance of ,state accessible election websites 7a7 ,in general ,title ,,iii of the ,help ,america ,vote ,act of #bjjb 7#eb ,u4,s4,c4 #bajah et seq47 is amended-- 7#a7 by redesignating sections #cjd and #cje as sections #cje and #cjf2 and 7#b7 by inserting after section #cjc the following3 #cjd4 ,establishment and maintenance of accessible election websites 7a7 ,in general ,each ,state shall ensure their election websites are accessible and meet the following requirements3 7#a7 ,local election officials ,the website shall provide local election officials1 poll workers1 and volunteers with-- 7,a7 guidance to ensure that polling places are accessible for individuals with disabilities and older individuals in a manner that provides the same opportunity for access and participation 7including privacy and independence7 as for other voters2 and 7,b7 online training and resources on-- 7i7 how best to promote the access and participation of individuals with disabilities and older individuals in elections for public office2 and 7ii7 the voting rights and protections for individuals with disabilities and older individuals under ,state and ,federal law4 7#b7 ,voters ,the website shall provide information about voting1 including-- 7,a7 the accessibility of all polling places within the ,state1 including outreach programs to inform individuals about the availability of accessible polling places2 7,b7 how to register to vote and confirm voter registration in the ,state2 7,c7 the location and operating hours of all polling places in the ,state2 7,d7 the availability of aid or assistance for individuals with disabilities and older individuals to cast their vote in a manner that provides the same opportunity for access and participation 7including privacy and independence7 as for other voters at polling places2 7,e7 the availability of transportation aid or assistance to the polling place for individuals with disabilities or older individuals2 7,f7 the rights and protections under ,state and ,federal law for individuals with disabilities and older individuals to participate in elections2 and 7,g7 how to contact ,state1 local1 and ,federal officials with complaints or grievances if individuals with disabilities1 older individuals1 ,native ,americans1 ,alaska ,natives1 and individuals with limited proficiency in the ,english language feel their ability to register to vote or vote has been blocked or delayed4 7b7 ,partnership with outside technical organization 7#a7 ,in general ,the chief ,state election official of each ,state1 through the committee of appropriate individuals under subsection 7c77#b71 shall partner with an outside technical organization with demonstrated experience in establishing accessible and easy to use accessible election websites to-- 7,a7 update an existing election website to make it fully accessible in accordance with this section2 or 7,b7 develop an election website that is fully accessible in accordance with this section4 7#b7 ,in-house training ,under such partnership1 the outside technical organization shall also be required to provide training to in-house personnel of the ,state or units of local government to maintain and update election websites in an accessible manner4 7c7 ,state plan 7#a7 ,development ,the chief ,state election official of each ,state shall1 through a committee of appropriate individuals as described in paragraph 7#b71 develop a ,state plan that describes how the ,state and local governments will meet the requirements under this section4 7#b7 ,committee membership ,the committee shall comprise at least the following individuals3 7,a7 ,the chief election officials of the four most populous jurisdictions within the ,state4 7,b7 ,the chief election officials of the four least populous jurisdictions within the ,state4 7,c7 ,representatives from two disability advocacy groups1 including at least one such representative who is an individual with a disability4 7,d7 ,representatives from two older individual advocacy groups1 including at least one such representative who is an older individual4 7,e7 ,representatives from two independent non-governmental organizations with expertise in establishing and maintaining accessible websites4 7,f7 ,representatives from two independent non-governmental voting rights organizations4 7,g7 ,representatives from ,state protection and advocacy systems as defined in section #ajb of the ,developmental ,disabilities ,assistance and ,bill of ,rights ,act of #bjjj 7#db ,u4,s4,c4 #aejjb74 7d7 ,partnership ,to monitor and verify accessibility ,the chief ,state election official of each eligible ,state1 through the committee of appropriate individuals under subsection 7c77#b71 shall partner with at least two of the following organizations to monitor and verify the accessibility of the election website and the completeness of the election information and the accuracy of the disability information provided on such website3 7#a7 ,university ,centers for ,excellence in ,developmental ,disabilities ,education1 ,research1 and ,services designated under section #aea7;a7 of the ,developmental ,disabilities ,assistance and ,bill of ,rights ,act of #bjjj 7#db ,u4,s4,c4 #aejfa7;a774 7#b7 ,centers for ,independent ,living1 as described in part ,c of title ,,vii of the ,rehabilitation ,act of #aigc 7#bi ,u4,s4,c4 #gif;f et seq474 7#c7 ,a ,state ,council on ,developmental ,disabilities described in section #abe of the ,developmental ,disabilities ,assistance and ,bill of ,rights ,act of #bjjj 7#db ,u4,s4,c4 #aejbe74 7#d7 ,state protection and advocacy systems as defined in section #ajb of the ,developmental ,disabilities ,assistance and ,bill of ,rights ,act of #bjjj 7#db ,u4,s4,c4 #aejjb74 7#e7 ,statewide ,independent ,living ,councils established under section #gje of the ,rehabilitation ,act of #aigc 7#bi ,u4,s4,c4 #gif;d74 7#f7 ,state ,assistive ,technology ,act ,programs4 7#g7 ,a visual access advocacy organization4 7#h7 ,an organization for the deaf4 7#i7 ,a mental health organization4 7e7 ,definitions ,in this subtitle3 7#a7 ,accessible ,the term accessible means-- 7,a7 in the case of the election website under subsection 7a7 or section #bbe1 or an electronic communication under section #cjg-- 7i7 that the functions and content of the website or electronic communication1 including all text1 visual1 and aural content1 are as accessible to people with disabilities as to those without disabilities2 7ii7 that the functions and content of the website or electronic communication are accessible to individuals with limited proficiency in the ,english language2 and 7iii7 that the website or electronic communication meets1 at a minimum1 conformance to ,level ,,aa of the ,web ,content ,accessibility ,guidelines #b4j of the ,web ,accessibility ,initiative 7or any successor guidelines72 and 7,b7 in the case of a facility 7including a polling place71 that the facility is readily accessible to and usable by individuals with disabilities and older individuals1 as determined under the #bjaj ,,ada ,standards for ,accessible ,design adopted by the ,department of ,justice 7or any successor standards74 7#b7 ,individual with a disability ,the term individual with a disability means an individual with a disability1 as defined in section #c of the ,americans with ,disabilities ,act of #aiij 7#db ,u4,s4,c4 #abajb71 and who is otherwise qualified to vote in elections for ,federal office4 7#c7 ,older individual ,the term older individual means an individual who is #fj years of age or older and who is otherwise qualified to vote in elections for ,federal office4 7#d7 ,state ,the term ,state means a ,state of the ,united ,states1 the ,district of ,columbia1 the ,commonwealth of ,puerto ,rico1 and any territory or possession of the ,united ,states4 7f7 ,effective date ,this section shall apply on or after ,january #a1 #bjba4 4 7b7 ,clerical amendments ,the table of contents of such ,act is amended-- 7#a7 by redesignating the items relating to sections #cjd and #cje as relating to sections #cje and #cjf1 respectively2 and 7#b7 by inserting after the item relating to section #cjc the following new item3 ,sec4 #cjd4 ,establishment and maintenance of accessible election websites4 4 #bjb4 ,designation of single ,state office 7a7 ,in general ,title ,,iii of the ,help ,america ,vote ,act of #bjjb 7#eb ,u4,s4,c4 #bajah et seq471 as amended by section #bja1 is amended-- 7#a7 by redesignating sections #cje and #cjf as sections #cjf and #cjg2 and 7#b7 by inserting after section #cjd the following3 #cje4 ,designation of single ,state office to provide information for all individuals with disabilities and older individuals in the ,state 7a7 ,in general ,each ,state shall designate a single office which shall be responsible for providing information with respect to ,federal elections to all individuals with disabilities or older individuals4 7b7 ,responsibilities ,such office shall be responsible for the following3 7#a7 ,maintaining the accessible ,state election website as described in section #cjd4 7#b7 ,providing information regarding voter registration1 absentee ballots1 and in-person voting procedures to be used by individuals with disabilities and older individuals with respect to elections for ,federal office4 7#c7 ,regularly auditing polling places to ensure they are accessible1 as defined in section #cjd1 and publicly posting the results of such audits no later than #f months after the completion of the audit4 7#d7 ,providing information to ,state and local election officials on how to set up and operate accessible voting systems and information regarding the accessibility of voting procedures1 including guidance on compatibility with assistive technologies such as screen readers and ballot marking devices4 7#e7 ,working with-- 7,a7 community members with disabilities and disability advocacy groups year round2 and 7,b7 older individuals and advocacy groups for older individuals year round4 7#f7 ,integrating information on accessibility1 accommodations1 disability1 and older individuals into regular training materials for poll workers and election administration officials4 7#g7 ,training poll workers on how to make polling places accessible for individuals with disabilities and older individuals4 7#h7 ,promoting the hiring of individuals with disabilities and older individuals as poll workers and election staff4 7c7 ,effective date ,this section shall apply on or after ,january #a1 #bjba4 4 7b7 ,clerical amendment ,the table of contents of such ,act is amended by inserting after the item relating to section #cjd1 as added by section #bja7;b71 the following3 ,sec4 #cje4 ,designation of single ,state office to provide information for all individuals with disabilities and older individuals in the ,state4 4 #bjc4 ,transparency regarding changes 7a7 ,in general ,title ,,iii of the ,help ,america ,vote ,act of #bjjb 7#eb ,u4,s4,c4 #bajah et seq471 as amended by sections #bja and #bjb1 is amended-- 7#a7 by redesignating sections #cjf and #cjg as sections #cjg and #cjh2 and 7#b7 by inserting after section #cje the following3 #cjf4 ,transparency regarding changes 7a7 ,notice of enacted changes 7#a7 ,in general ,if a ,state or political subdivision makes any change in any prerequisite to voting or standard1 practice1 or procedure with respect to voting in any election for ,federal office that will result in the prerequisite1 standard1 practice1 or procedure being different from that which was in effect as of the date that is #ahj days before the election1 the ,state or political subdivision must provide reasonable public notice in such ,state or political subdivision and on the accessible ,state election website as described in section #cjd1 containing a concise description of the change1 including the difference between the changed prerequisite1 standard1 practice1 or procedure and the prerequisite1 standard1 practice1 or procedure which was previously in effect4 7#b7 ,format ,the public notice described in paragraph 7#a7 shall be provided in a format that is convenient and accessible to individuals with disabilities and older individuals4 7#c7 ,accessible email and mail notices 7,a7 ,in general ,a ,state or political subdivision shall send out an accessible electronic mail or mail notice to any voter who request to be notified of any changes described in paragraph 7#a74 7,b7 ,establishment of process ,a ,state or political subdivision shall establish a process under which a voter may request to be notified of any such changes4 7#d7 ,deadline for notice ,a ,state or political subdivision shall provide the public notice required under paragraph 7#a7 not later than #g days after making the change involved4 7b7 ,transparency regarding polling place resources 7#a7 ,in general ,in order to identify any changes that may impact the right to vote of any individual1 prior to the #cjth day before the date of an election1 each ,state or political subdivision with responsibility for allocating registered voters1 voting machines1 and official poll workers to particular precincts and polling places shall provide reasonable public notice in such ,state or political subdivision and on the accessible ,state election website as described in section #cjd1 of the information described in paragraph 7#b7 for precincts and polling places within such ,state or political subdivision4 7#b7 ,information described ,the information described in this paragraph with respect to a precinct or polling place is each of the following3 7,a7 ,the name or number of the precinct or polling place4 7,b7 ,in the case of a polling place1 the location1 including the street address1 and confirmation that the polling place is accessible to individuals with disabilities and older individuals4 7,c7 ,the number of voting machines assigned1 including the number of voting machines accessible to individuals with disabilities and older individuals and the number of poll workers who have received training on how to set up and operate the accessible voting systems4 7,d7 ,the total number of poll workers officially assigned to the polling place1 including the number of such poll workers who have received training to assist individuals with disabilities and older individuals4 7,e7 ,the number of official volunteer poll workers assigned who have received training to assist individuals with disabilities and older individuals4 7,f7 ,in the case of a polling place1 the dates and hours of operation4 7#c7 ,updates in information reported ,if a ,state or political subdivision makes any change in any of the information described in paragraph 7#b7 with respect to which a notice is provided pursuant to paragraph 7#a71 the ,state or political subdivision shall provide reasonable public notice in such ,state or political subdivision and on the accessible ,state election website as described in section #cjd1 of the change in the information not later than #dh hours after the change occurs or1 if the change occurs fewer than #dh hours before the date of the election for ,federal office1 as soon as practicable after the change occurs4 7#d7 ,format ,the public notice described in paragraph 7#a7 or 7#c7 shall be provided in a format that is reasonably convenient and accessible to individuals with disabilities and older individuals4 7#e7 ,accessible email and mail notices 7,a7 ,in general ,a ,state or political subdivision shall send out an accessible electronic mail and mail notice to any voter who requests to be notified of any changes described in paragraph 7#a7 and to the ,state protection and advocacy systems 7as defined in section #ajb of the ,developmental ,disabilities ,assistance and ,bill of ,rights ,act of #bjjj 7#db ,u4,s4,c4 #aejjb774 7,b7 ,establishment of process ,a ,state or political subdivision shall establish a process under which a voter may request to be notified of any such changes4 7c7 ,effective date ,this section shall apply with respect to elections for ,federal office held on or after ,january #a1 #bjba4 4 7b7 ,clerical amendments ,the table of contents of such ,act is amended by inserting after the item relating to section #cje1 as added by section #bjb7;b71 the following3 ,sec4 #cjf4 ,transparency regarding changes4 4 #bjd4 ,access to absentee registration procedures and no-excuse absentee voting for all voters 7a7 ,in general ,title ,,iii of the ,help ,america ,vote ,act of #bjjb 7#eb ,u4,s4,c4 #bajah et seq471 as amended by sections #bja1 #bjb1 and #bjc1 is amended-- 7#a7 by redesignating sections #cjg and #cjh as sections #cjh and #cji2 and 7#b7 by inserting after section #cjf the following3 #cjg4 ,access to absentee registration procedures and no-excuse absentee voting for all voters 7a7 ,in general ,notwithstanding section #f7;c7 and subparagraph 7,b7 or 7,d7 of section #h7;a77#a7 of the ,national ,voter ,registration ,act of #aiic 7#eb ,u4,s4,c4 #bjeje7;c72 #bjejg7;a77#a771 each ,state shall-- 7#a7 permit any eligible voter to use absentee registration procedures and to vote by absentee ballot in elections for ,federal office2 7#b7 accept and process1 with respect to any election for ,federal office1 any otherwise valid voter registration application and absentee ballot application from any eligible voter if the application is received by the appropriate ,state election official not less than #g days before the election2 7#c7 in addition to any other method of registering to vote in the ,state1 establish procedures-- 7,a7 for ,states to send voter registration applications to eligible voters in accordance with the eligible voter's preferred method of transmission as designated under subparagraph 7,b72 7,b7 by which an eligible voter may designate whether the eligible voter prefers that such voter registration applications be transmitted by mail or electronically2 and 7,c7 to allow eligible voters to electronically submit the mail voter registration application form prescribed under section #i7;a77#b7 of the ,national ,voter ,registration ,act of #aiic 7#eb ,u4,s4,c4 #bjejh7;a77#b772 7#d7 in addition to any other method of applying for an absentee ballot in the ,state1 establish procedures-- 7,a7 for ,states to send absentee ballot applications to eligible voters in accordance with the eligible voter's preferred method of transmission as designated under subparagraph 7,b72 and 7,b7 by which an eligible voter may designate whether the eligible voter prefers that such absentee ballot registration be transmitted by mail or electronically2 7#e7 establish procedures to allow eligible voters to establish a permanent absentee voter status until the voter submits an application to terminate their permanent absentee voter status2 7#f7 transmit a validly requested absentee ballot to any eligible voter-- 7,a7 in the case in which the request is received at least #de days before an election for ,federal office1 not later than #de days before the election2 and 7,b7 in the case in which the request is received less than #de days before an election for ,federal office-- 7i7 in accordance with ,state law2 and 7ii7 if practicable and as determined appropriate by the ,state1 in a manner that expedites the transmission of such absentee ballot2 and 7#g7 if the ,state declares or otherwise holds a runoff election for ,federal office1 establish a written plan which provides that absentee ballots are made available to eligible voters in a manner that gives them sufficient time to vote in the runoff election4 7b7 ,designation of ,means of ,electronic ,communication for eligible voters ,to ,request and for ,states ,to ,send ,voter ,registration ,applications and ,absentee ,ballot ,applications1 and for ,other ,purposes ,related to ,voting ,information 7#a7 ,in general ,each ,state shall1 in addition to the designation of a single ,state office under section #cje1 designate not less than #a means of electronic communication-- 7,a7 for use by eligible voters who wish to register to vote or vote in any jurisdiction in the ,state to request voter registration applications and absentee ballot applications under paragraphs 7#c7 and 7#d71 respectively1 of subsection 7a72 7,b7 for use by ,states to send voter registration applications and absentee ballot applications requested under such paragraphs2 7,c7 for the purpose of providing related voting1 balloting1 and election information to eligible voters2 and 7,d7 that meets the accessibility requirement as described in subsection 7d74 7#b7 ,clarification regarding provision of multiple means of electronic communication ,a ,state may1 in addition to the means of electronic communication so designated1 provide multiple means of electronic communication to eligible voters1 including a means of electronic communication for the appropriate jurisdiction of the ,state4 7#c7 ,inclusion of designated means of electronic communication with informational and instructional materials that accompany balloting materials ,each ,state shall include a means of electronic communication so designated with all informational and instructional materials that accompany balloting materials sent by the ,state to eligible voters4 7#d7 ,transmission if no preference indicated ,in the case where an eligible voter does not designate a preference under paragraph 7#c77;,b7 or 7#d77;,b71 respectively1 of subsection 7a71 the ,state shall transmit the voter registration application or absentee ballot application by any delivery method allowable in accordance with applicable ,state law1 or if there is no applicable ,state law1 by mail4 7#e7 ,coordination with ,states ,the ,election ,assistance ,commission shall work with ,states to ensure the mail voter registration application form prescribed under section #i7;a77#b7 of the ,national ,voter ,registration ,act of #aiic 7#eb ,u4,s4,c4 #bjejh7;a77#b77 is accessible as defined in section #cjd and capable of being submitted electronically to ,state election offices by individuals4 7c7 ,transmission and marking of blank absentee ballots by mail and electronically 7#a7 ,in general ,each ,state shall establish procedures-- 7,a7 to securely transmit blank absentee ballots by mail and electronically 7in accordance with the preferred method of transmission designated by the eligible voter under subparagraph 7,b77 to eligible voters for an election for ,federal office2 and 7,b7 by which the eligible voter may designate whether the individual prefers that such blank absentee ballot be transmitted by mail or electronically4 7#b7 ,transmission if no preference indicated ,in the case where an eligible voter does not designate a preference under paragraph 7#a77;,b71 the ,state shall transmit the ballot by any delivery method allowable in accordance with applicable ,state law1 or if there is no applicable ,state law1 by mail4 7#c7 ,marking of blank absentee ballots ,each ,state shall establish procedures to allow voters to securely mark blank absentee ballots through assistive technology for an election for ,federal office4 7#d7 ,application of methods to track delivery to and return of ballot by individual requesting ballot 7,a7 ,in general ,subject to subparagraph 7,b71 under the procedures established under paragraph 7#a71 the ,state may apply such methods as the ,state considers appropriate which are in accordance with paragraph 7#a71 such as assigning a unique identifier to the ballot1 to ensure that if an eligible voter requests the ,state to transmit a blank absentee ballot to the individual in accordance with this subsection1 the voted absentee ballot which is returned by the individual is the same blank absentee ballot which the ,state transmitted to the individual4 7,b7 ,limitation ,in carrying out this paragraph1 a ,state may not adopt a method of tracking absentee ballots which would violate the right of an individual to a private ballot4 ,if a unique identifier is assigned to an absentee ballot1 the ,state must adopt procedures to ensure the identity of the individual remains secret4 7d7 ,accessibility requirement for electronic communications ,any electronic communication under this section1 including any application1 ballot1 or instructional material sent electronically1 shall be accessible as defined in section #cjd4 7e7 ,rule of construction ,nothing in this section may be construed to allow the casting of ballots over the internet4 7f7 ,effective date ,this section shall apply with respect to elections for ,federal office held on or after ,january #a1 #bjba4 4 7b7 ,conforming amendments 7#a7 ,technical amendment ,section #ijf7;a7 of the ,help ,america ,vote ,act of #bjjb 7#eb ,u4,s4,c4 #baade7;a77 is amended1 in the matter preceding paragraph 7#a71 by striking section #cjc7;b7 and inserting sections #cjc7;b7 and #cjg7;a74 7#b7 ,clerical amendment ,the table of contents of such ,act is amended by inserting after the item relating to section #cjf1 as added by section #bjc7;b71 the following3 ,sec4 #cjg4 ,access to absentee registration procedures and no-excuse absentee voting for all voters4 4 #bje4 ,protections for in-person voting for individuals with disabilities and older individuals 7a7 ,requirement 7#a7 ,in general ,title ,,iii of the ,help ,america ,vote ,act of #bjjb 7#eb ,u4,s4,c4 #bajah et seq471 as amended by sections #bja1 #bjb1 #bjc1 and #bjd1 is amended-- 7,a7 by redesignating sections #cjh and #cji as sections #cji and #caj2 and 7,b7 by inserting after section #cjg the following3 #cjh4 ,access to voting for individuals with disabilities and older individuals 7a7 ,in general ,each ,state shall-- 7#a7 ensure all polling places within the ,state are accessible1 as defined in section #cjd2 7#b7 consider procedures to address long wait times at polling places that allow individuals with disabilities and older individuals alternate options to cast a ballot in person in an election for ,federal office1 such as the option to cast a ballot outside of the polling place or from a vehicle1 or providing an expedited voting line2 and 7#c7 consider options to establish mobile polling sites to allow election officials or volunteers to travel to long-term care facilities and assist residents who request assistance in casting a ballot in order to maintain the privacy and independence of voters in these facilities4 7b7 ,clarification ,nothing in this section may be construed to alter the requirements under ,federal law that all polling places for ,federal elections are accessible to individuals with disabilities and older individuals4 7c7 ,effective date ,this section shall apply with respect to elections for ,federal office held on or after ,january #a1 #bjba4 4 7#b7 ,clerical amendment ,the table of contents of such ,act is amended by inserting after the item relating to section #cjg1 as added by section #bjd7;b71 the following3 ,sec4 #cjh4 ,access to voting for individuals with disabilities and older individuals4 4 7b7 ,revisions to ,voting ,accessibility for the ,elderly and ,handicapped ,act 7#a7 ,reports to ,election ,assistance ,commission ,section #c7;c7 of the ,voting ,accessibility for the ,elderly and ,handicapped ,act 7#eb ,u4,s4,c4 #bjajb7;c77 is amended-- 7,a7 in the subsection heading1 by striking ,federal ,election ,commission and inserting ,election ,assistance ,commission2 7,b7 in each of paragraphs 7#a7 and 7#b71 by striking ,federal ,election ,commission and inserting ,election ,assistance ,commission2 and 7,c7 by striking paragraph 7#c74 7#b7 ,conforming amendments relating to references ,the ,voting ,accessibility for the ,elderly and ,handicapped ,act 7#eb ,u4,s4,c4 #bjaja et seq471 as amended by paragraph 7#a71 is amended-- 7,a7 by striking handicapped and elderly individuals each place it appears and inserting individuals with disabilities and older individuals2 7,b7 by striking handicapped and elderly voters each place it appears and inserting individuals with disabilities and older individuals2 7,c7 in section #c7;b77#b77;,b71 by striking handicapped or elderly voter and inserting individual with a disability or older individual2 7,d7 in section #e7;b71 by striking handicapped voter and inserting individual with a disability2 and 7,e7 in section #h-- 7i7 by striking paragraphs 7#a7 and 7#b7 and inserting the following3 7#a7 accessible has the meaning given that term in section #cjd of the ,help ,america ,vote ,act of #bjjb1 as added by section #aja7;a7 of the ,accessible ,voting ,act of #bjbj2 7#b7 older individual has the meaning given that term in such section #cjd2 2 and 7ii7 by striking paragraph 7#d71 and inserting the following3 7#d7 individual with a disability has the meaning given that term in such section #cjd2 and 4 7#c7 ,short title amendment 7,a7 ,in general ,section #a of the ,voting ,accessibility for the ,elderly and ,handicapped ,act 7,public ,law #ih-dce2 #db ,u4,s4,c4 #aigc;ee note7 is amended by striking for the ,elderly and ,handicapped and inserting for ,individuals with ,disabilities and ,older ,individuals4 7,b7 ,references ,any reference in any other provision of law1 regulation1 document1 paper1 or other record of the ,united ,states to the ,voting ,accessibility for the ,elderly and ,handicapped ,act shall be deemed to be a reference to the ,voting ,accessibility for ,individuals with ,disabilities and ,older ,individuals ,act4 7#d7 ,effective date ,the amendments made by this subsection shall take effect on ,january #a1 #bjba1 and apply to with respect to elections for ,federal office held on or after that date4 #bjf4 ,protections for individuals subject to guardianship 7a7 ,in general ,title ,,iii of the ,help ,america ,vote ,act of #bjjb 7#eb ,u4,s4,c4 #bajah et seq471 as amended by sections #bja1 #bjb1 #bjc1 #bjd1 and #bje1 is amended-- 7#a7 by redesignating sections #cji and #caj as sections #caj and #caj;,a2 and 7#b7 by inserting after section #cjh the following3 #cji4 ,protections for individuals subject to guardianship 7a7 ,in general ,a ,state shall not determine that an individual lacks the capacity to vote in an election for ,federal office on the ground that the individual is subject to guardianship1 unless a court of competent jurisdiction issues a court order finding by clear and convincing evidence that the individual cannot communicate1 with or without accommodations1 a desire to participate in the voting process4 7b7 ,effective date ,this section shall apply with respect to elections for ,federal office held on or after ,january #a1 #bjba4 4 7b7 ,clerical amendments ,the table of contents of such ,act is amended by inserting after the item relating to section #cjh1 as added by section #bje7;a77#b71 the following3 ,sec4 #cji4 ,protections for individuals subject to guardianship4 4 #bjg4 ,payments to ,states for implementation of accessibility requirements 7a7 ,in general ,subtitle ,d of title ,,ii of the ,help ,america ,vote ,act of #bjjb 7#eb ,u4,s4,c4 #bajja7 is amended by adding at the end the following new part3 #g ,payments to ,states for implementation of accessibility requirements #big4 ,payments to ,states for implementation of accessibility requirements 7a7 ,payments 7#a7 ,in general ,the ,director of the ,office of ,accessibility 7hereinafter in this section referred to as the ,director7 shall make payments to each eligible ,state 7as described in subsection 7c77 in an amount determined under paragraph 7#b7 for each applicable period 7as defined in paragraph 7#c77 beginning on or after ,october #a1 #bjbj4 7#b7 ,allocation of funds 7,a7 ,in general ,subject to subparagraph 7,c71 the amount of a payment made to a ,state for an applicable period shall be equal to the product of-- 7i7 the total amount appropriated for requirements payments for the applicable period pursuant to the authorization under subsection 7g72 and 7ii7 the ,state allocation percentage for the ,state 7as determined under subparagraph 7,b774 7,b7 ,state allocation percentage defined ,the ,state allocation percentage for a ,state is the amount 7expressed as a percentage7 equal to the quotient of-- 7i7 the voting age population of the ,state 7as reported in the most recent decennial census72 and 7ii7 the total voting age population of all ,states 7as reported in the most recent decennial census74 7,c7 ,minimum payment ,the amount of any payment made to an eligible ,state under this section shall not be less than #a1jjj1jjj4 7,d7 ,pro rata reductions ,the ,director shall make such pro rata reductions to the allocations determined under subparagraph 7,a7 as are necessary to comply with the requirements of subparagraph 7,c74 7,e7 ,continuing availability of funds after appropriation ,a payment made to a ,state under this section shall be available to the ,state without fiscal year limitation4 7#c7 ,applicable period defined ,the applicable period1 with respect to a payment under this section1 is a period of #b fiscal years4 7#d7 ,distribution of funds to units of local government ,at least #aj percent of funds allocated to a ,state under this section shall be distributed to units of local government to develop or upgrade accessible election websites and to share information with the statewide accessible election website as described in section #cjd4 7b7 ,use of funds 7#a7 ,in general ,an eligible ,state shall use a payment under this section to meet the requirements of sections #cjd through #cji4 7#b7 ,prohibition on use of funds for separate accessible election websites ,funds under this section may not be used to establish accessible election websites for individuals with disabilities and older individuals under section #cjd that are separate from the election websites for the general population4 ,funds must be used to make existing election websites accessible1 or to develop accessible election websites where one does not already exist4 7c7 ,requirements for eligibility 7#a7 ,in general ,each ,state that desires to receive a payment under this section for an applicable period shall submit an application for such payment to the ,director at such time and in such manner and containing such information as the ,director shall require4 7#b7 ,contents of application ,each application submitted under paragraph 7#a7 shall include-- 7,a7 with respect to the requirements under section #cjd 7relating to accessible election websites7-- 7i7 a description of the ,state plan as developed by the committee of appropriate individuals under subsection 7c7 of such section2 7ii7 an assurance that the ,state will work with ,state and local disability and aging advocates to ensure the election website is accessible to individuals with disabilities and older individuals2 7iii7 a description of how the ,state will ensure the election website maintains accessibility2 7iv7 a description of how the ,state will ensure information on the election website is accessible to local election officials2 and 7v7 identification of each organization the ,state is partnering with pursuant to subsection 7d7 of such section in order to monitor and verify the accessibility of the ,state election website1 including the written support of each such organization2 7,b7 with respect to the requirements under sections #cje through #cji1 a description of how the ,state will meet such requirements2 and 7,c7 such other information as the ,director determines appropriate to ensure compliance with the requirements of such sections #cjd through #cji4 7d7 ,reports 7#a7 ,reports by recipients 7,a7 ,in general ,not later than the #f months after the end of each applicable period for which an eligible ,state received a payment under this section1 the ,state shall submit a report to the ,director on the activities conducted using such payments during the applicable period1 and shall include in the report a list of expenditures during such applicable period4 7,b7 ,inclusion ,each report submitted under subparagraph 7,a7 shall include the number and description of complaints and grievances by individuals alleging their ability to register to vote or vote was unfairly blocked or delayed4 7#b7 ,report by ,director to committees ,with respect to each applicable period for which the ,director makes payments under this section1 the ,director shall submit a report on the activities carried out under this section to the ,committee on ,house ,administration of the ,house of ,representatives and the ,committee on ,rules and ,administration and the ,special ,committee on ,aging of the ,senate4 7e7 ,standards and guidelines ,the ,director shall establish standards and guidelines for approved activities supported by payments under this section4 ,such standards and guidelines shall permit eligible ,states receiving such a payment to refine or adapt the standards and guidelines for an individual project1 where such a refinement or adaptation is made necessary by a local circumstance4 7f7 ,definitions ,in this section1 the terms accessible1 individual with a disability1 older individual1 and ,state have the meaning given those terms in section #cjd4 7g7 ,authorization of appropriations 7#a7 ,in general ,there are authorized to be appropriated to carry out the provisions of this section-- 7,a7 #ajj1jjj1jjj for fiscal years #bjba and #bjbb2 7,b7 #ajj1jjj1jjj for fiscal years #bjbc and #bjbd2 and 7,c7 #ajj1jjj1jjj for fiscal years #bjbe and #bjbf4 7#b7 ,continuing availability of funds after appropriation ,a payment made to an eligible ,state under this section shall be available to the ,state without fiscal year limitation1 but shall only be used for the purposes of this section4 7h7 ,relationship to requirements payments ,any payment to a ,state under this section shall be in addition to any requirements payment under section #bea and shall not be taken into account in determining the amount of such payment under section #beb4 4 7b7 ,clerical amendments ,the table of contents of such ,act is amended by inserting after the item relating to section #bif the following new item3 ,,part #g--,payments to ,states for implementation of accessibility requirements ,sec4 #big4 ,payments to ,states for implementation of accessibility requirements4 4 #bjh4 ,technical and conforming amendments relating to issuance of voluntary guidance and enforcement 7a7 ,issuance of voluntary guidance by election assistance commission ,section #caa of the ,help ,america ,vote ,act of #bjjb 7#eb ,u4,s4,c4 #baaja7 is amended-- 7#a7 in subsection 7a71 by striking subtitle ,a and inserting subtitles ,a and ,b2 and 7#b7 in subsection 7b7-- 7,a7 by striking and at the end of paragraph 7#b72 7,b7 by striking the period at the end of paragraph 7#c7 and inserting 2 and2 and 7,c7 by adding at the end the following new paragraph3 7#d7 in the case of the recommendations with respect to sections #cjd through #cji1 ,january #a1 #bjba4 2 and 7#c7 by adding at the end the following new subsection3 7d7 ,coordination with ,office of ,accessibility ,the ,commission shall coordinate with the ,election ,assistance ,commission ,office of ,accessibility established under section #bbc in adopting recommendations with respect to sections #cjd through #cji4 4 7b7 ,enforcement ,section #dja of such ,act 7#eb ,u4,s4,c4 #baaaa7 is amended by striking sections #cja1 #cjb1 and #cjc and inserting subtitle ,a of title ,,iii4 ,,iii ,federal assistance #cja4 ,expansion and reauthorization of grant program to assure voting access for individuals with disabilities and older individuals 7a7 ,purposes of payments ,section #bfa7;b7 of the ,help ,america ,vote ,act of #bjjb 7#eb ,u4,s4,c4 #bajba7;b77 is amended by striking paragraphs 7#a7 and 7#b7 and inserting the following3 7#a7 making absentee voting and voting in an individual's place of residence accessible to individuals with the full range of disabilities 7including impairments involving vision1 hearing1 mobility1 cognition1 or dexterity7 through the implementation of accessible absentee voting systems that work in conjunction with assistive technologies for which individuals have access at their homes1 independent living centers1 long-term care facilities1 or other facilities in a manner that provides the same opportunity for access and participation 7including privacy and independence7 as for other voters2 7#b7 making polling places1 including the path of travel1 entrances1 exits1 and voting areas of each polling facility1 accessible to individuals with disabilities1 including the blind and visually impaired1 in a manner that provides the same opportunity for access and participation 7including privacy and independence7 as for other voters2 and 7#c7 providing solutions to problems of access to voting and elections for individuals with disabilities that are universally designed and provide the same opportunities for individuals with and without disabilities4 4 7b7 ,reauthorization ,section #bfd7;a7 of such ,act 7#eb ,u4,s4,c4 #bajbd7;a77 is amended by adding at the end the following new paragraph3 7#d7 ,for fiscal year #bjba and each succeeding fiscal year1 such sums as may be necessary to carry out this part4 4 7c7 ,period of availability of funds ,section #bfd of such ,act 7#eb ,u4,s4,c4 #bajbd7 is amended-- 7#a7 in subsection 7b71 by striking ,any amounts and inserting ,except as provided in subsection 7b71 any amounts2 and 7#b7 by adding at the end the following new subsection3 7c7 ,return and transfer of certain funds 7#a7 ,deadline for obligation and expenditure ,in the case of any amounts appropriated pursuant to the authority of subsection 7a7 for a payment to a ,state or unit of local government for fiscal year #bjba or any succeeding fiscal year1 any portion of such amounts which have not been obligated or expended by the ,state or unit of local government prior to the expiration of the #d-year period which begins on the date the ,state or unit of local government first received the amounts shall be transferred to the ,commission4 7#b7 ,reallocation of transferred amounts 7,a7 ,in general ,the ,commission shall use the amounts transferred under paragraph 7#a7 to make payments on a pro rata basis to each covered payment recipient described in subparagraph 7,b71 which may obligate and expend such payment for the purposes described in section #bfa7;b7 during the #a-year period which begins on the date of receipt4 7,b7 ,covered payment recipients described ,in subparagraph 7,a71 a covered payment recipient is a ,state or unit of local government with respect to which-- 7i7 amounts were appropriated pursuant to the authority of subsection 7a72 and 7ii7 no amounts were transferred to the ,commission under paragraph 7#a74 4 #cjb4 ,appointments to ,,eac ,board of ,advisors 7a7 ,in general ,section #bad7;a7 of the ,help ,america ,vote ,act of #bjjb 7#eb ,u4,s4,c4 #bjidd7;a77 is amended-- 7#a7 in the matter preceding paragraph 7#a71 by striking #cg and inserting #di2 and 7#b7 by adding at the end the following new paragraphs3 7#ag7 ,two members appointed by the ,national ,council on ,disability4 7#ah7 ,two members appointed by the ,assistant ,secretary of ,health and ,human ,services for ,aging4 7#ai7 ,four members from organizations1 whose executive leadership team consists of fifty-one percent of individuals with disabilities1 representing the interests of voters with disabilities1 of whom-- 7,a7 two members shall be appointed by the ,committee on ,education and ,labor of the ,house of ,representatives1 of whom one shall be appointed by the chair and one shall be appointed by the ranking minority member2 and 7,b7 two members shall be appointed by the ,committee on ,health1 ,education1 ,labor1 and ,pensions of the ,senate1 of whom one shall be appointed by the chair and one shall be appointed by the ranking minority member4 7#bj7 ,four members from organizations representing the interests of older voters1 of whom-- 7,a7 two members shall be appointed by the ,committee on ,education and ,labor of the ,house of ,representatives1 of whom one shall be appointed by the chair and one shall be appointed by the ranking minority member2 and 7,b7 two members shall be appointed by the ,special ,committee on ,aging of the ,senate1 of whom one shall be appointed by the chair and one shall be appointed by the ranking minority member4 4 7b7 ,effective date ,the amendments made by subsection 7a7 shall take effect on ,january #a1 #bjba4 #cjc4 ,removal of limitation on use of funds for participation of protection and advocacy systems in litigation related to election-related disability access ,section #bib7;a7 of the ,help ,america ,vote ,act of #bjjb 7#eb ,u4,s4,c4 #bajfb7;a77 is amended by striking 2 except that and all that follows and inserting a period4 #cjd4 ,funding for protection and advocacy systems 7a7 ,inclusion of system serving ,american ,indian ,consortium ,section #bia7;a7 of the ,help ,america ,vote ,act of #bjjb 7#eb ,u4,s4,c4 #bajfa7;a77 is amended by striking of each ,state and inserting of each ,state and the eligible system serving the ,american ,indian consortium 7within the meaning of section #eji7;c77#a77;,b7 of the ,rehabilitation ,act of #aigc 7#bi ,u4,s4,c4 #gid;e7c77#a77;,b7774 7b7 ,grant amount ,section #bia7;b7 of the ,help ,america ,vote ,act of #bjjb 7#eb ,u4,s4,c4 #bajfa7;b77 is amended-- 7#a7 by striking as set forth in subsections 7c77#c7 and inserting as set forth in subsections 7c77#a77;,b7 7regardless of the fiscal year71 7c77#c72 and 7#b7 by striking except that and all that follows and inserting except that the amount of the grants to systems referred to in subsection 7c77#c77;,b7 of that section shall not be less than #gj1jjj and the amount of the grants to systems referred to in subsections 7c77#a77;,b7 and 7c77#d77;,b7 of that section shall not be less than #ce1jjj44 7c7 ,definition ,section #bia of the ,help ,america ,vote ,act of #bjjb 7#eb ,u4,s4,c4 #bajfa7 is amended by adding at the end the following3 7d7 ,state ,in this section1 the term ,state means-- 7#a7 a ,state as defined in section #ija2 and 7#b7 the ,commonwealth of the ,northern ,mariana ,islands4 4