Statement of EAC Vice-Chair Rosemary E. Rodriguez
Seeks Input from Voters and Advocacy Groups

As one of the new commissioners on the U.S. Election Assistance Commission (EAC) and a lifelong advocate of voters’ rights, I believe it is important to establish a dialogue with organizations that are dedicated to making sure that the rights of voters are protected. Your input will inform my orientation as I participate in the day-to-day work of the EAC.

During my experience on the Denver City Council and as the clerk and recorder for the city and County of Denver, I learned the value of public input and transparency. I will employ the same approach as an EAC commissioner.

Therefore, I seek to gauge whether there is interest in participating in monthly brownbag lunch discussions about issues that impact voters as we approach the 2008 election. I also seek input on the agenda, including the topics of discussion, for these sessions, which would take place at EAC’s office in Washington, D.C. All members of the EAC will be invited to attend. I would also like input on the possibility of hosting similar sessions in cities that I plan to visit over the next year.

Please contact me at rrodriguez@eac.gov or toll-free at 866-747-1471 with your ideas. I look forward to working with you to make sure our elections are fair, accessible, and accurate.

EAC is an independent bipartisan commission created by HAVA. It is charged with administering payments to states and developing guidance to meet HAVA requirements, adopting voluntary voting system guidelines, and accrediting voting system test laboratories and certifying voting equipment. EAC also serves as a national clearinghouse and resource of information regarding election administration. The four EAC commissioners are Donetta Davidson, chair; Rosemary Rodriguez, vice chair; Caroline Hunter; and Gracia Hillman.

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