WASHINGTON, D.C.— Today, Rep. Raúl M. Grijalva sent a letter to the commissioner of the U.S. Election Assistance Commission expressing concern that the funds of the $7,463,675 Help America Vote Act (HAVA) grant have yet to be distributed by the Arizona Secretary of State’s Office. HAVA grants are designed to secure voting infrastructure and improve access to the voting booth for vulnerable communities. The letter read in part: 

“While the timing of fund disbursement is determined by states and localities, I request that EAC provide guidance to states detailing the timeframe necessary to distribute funds in order to improve and safeguard the 2018 election. This is especially important in light of ongoing foreign interference concerns. Nothing is more fundamental to America’s democracy than the right of its citizens to vote. If we are to ensure that every American can vote and have that vote counted on Election Day, then it is imperative that the Secretary of State’s office fulfill its role in distributing the funding necessary to make this possible. As the 2018 mid-term elections are fast approaching, it is imperative that this funding be distributed in a timely manner.

Every year, agencies such as Arizona Center for Disability Law, the federally-designated protection and advocacy system for Arizona, utilizes HAVA funding to complete multiple projects that advocate for greater access to Arizona’s voting systems for people with disabilities. This includes projects such as poll-worker training covering topics like procedures regarding voters with disabilities, how to operate accessible voting equipment at polling sites, obligations regarding accommodations under Title II of the Americans with Disabilities Act and Arizona Civil Rights Act, and general disability etiquette.”

Click here to read the full letter.

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