States take action on the help America Vote Act.

• Position: Statestats

Making it easier for Americans to cast their ballots, as well as streamlining the system so results are tallied fast and fairly-that was the goal of the Help America Vote Act (HAVA) of 2002.

The federal law provides $3.65 billion to upgrade election systems and requires a number of specific state election reforms. The first batch of money, $650 million, is being paid out to states now. It's intended to help states replace outdated punch card and lever voting machines and plan for the more extensive changes they'll make in the future. In this round of funding, states will receive between $5 million and $83 million, depending on their population and number of voting precincts. States have only to ask for this money-there are no strings attached.

A second, larger pot of money will be made available later (it's not yet clear exactly when). To date, Congress has appropriated only about $830 million of the total $3 billion in this allocation. Smaller states should receive a minimum of $15 million, while California will get the largest share, nearly $339 million. In order to qualify for this second allocation, states have to meet specific requirements for reform, appropriate matching funds, and submit a detailed plan on how they will use the money.

* States with comprehensive HAVA-compliance laws.

* States that passed comprehensive HAVA-compliance bills that the governor vetoed.

* States with comprehensive HAVA-compliance bills that are awaiting gubernatorial action.

* States with comprehensive HAVA-compliance bills pending in the legislature.

* States with some kind of legislation dealing with a provision or two of HAVA.

* States that have no HAVA-related legislation at all this year.

HAVA REQUIREMENTS

The Help America Vote Act requires states to adopt specific election reforms. They must:

* Replace outdated voting machines.

* Make all polling places accessible for disabled voters.

* Computerize a statewide voter registration list.

* Pass stricter voter registration requirements.

* Expand provisional voting.

* Improve...