U.S. Election Assistance Commission

WASHINGTON- The U.S. Election Assistance Commission (EAC) today certified the Assure 1.2 voting system by Premier Election Solutions, which includes optical-scan and direct recording electronic device (DRE) technology, to the 2002 Voting System Standards. It is the third voting system to achieve federal certification under the EAC Voting System Testing and Certification Program.

An EAC certification means that a voting system has met the requirements of the federal guidelines by passing a series of comprehensive tests conducted by a federally accredited test laboratory. Manufacturers of certified systems must also meet technical and ethical standards that ensure the integrity of the process and the system as it goes from the test lab to production and into the marketplace.

Laboratory test plans, test reports and related information about the Premier Assure 1.2 are posted at www.eac.gov, along with an outline describing each step of the certification process.

Certification became official today with Premier Election Solutions demonstrating compliance with the following final certification requirements:

• Rebuild the voting system in a trusted environment, known as a “trusted build” (this is performed by the accredited test lab)
• Provide software identification tools to EAC so that whoever purchases the system can verify its authenticity
• Provide voting system software for EAC repository
• Agree in writing to all EAC certification conditions and program requirements

Launched in 2007, EAC’s certification program marks the first time the federal government has tested and certified voting systems. The program is authorized by the Help America Vote Act (HAVA), and is voluntary—states are not required to use EAC-certified voting systems, or to test their systems against federal standards. At least 12 states require the use of federally certified voting machines.

The EAC certified its first voting system, a direct recording electronic (DRE) device called the MicroVote EMS 4.0, on February 6, 2009. On July 21, 2009, it certified a second voting system, the ES&S Unity 3.2.0.0 optical-scan machine.

Six voting systems remain in EAC’s Testing and Certification Program. They include Dominion Voting Democracy Suite, ES&S Unity 3.0.1.0 and Unity 3.0.1.1 w. ATS 1.3, ES&S Unity 4.0, Sequoia WinEDS 4.0.34, Unisyn OpenElect Voting System, and Avante Optical Vote-Trakker. To participate in the program, manufacturers must register with the EAC, fill out an application, and select a federally accredited test laboratory to conduct testing to the applicable voting system guidelines.

EAC Quality Monitoring Program
EAC monitors all voting systems it certifies through its Quality Monitoring Program. The program requires manufacturers to submit reports whenever a federally certified system experiences an irregularity. It also requires manufacturers to notify EAC if it modifies a certified system’s hardware, software or firmware. EAC will also conduct site visits of accredited test laboratories and participating manufacturer facilities.

Real Time Program Updates
The public is notified about program updates through an RSS feed, weekly newsletter, press releases and frequent updates at www.eac.gov. Visitors can access thousands of documents about testing and certification, including test plans and reports, correspondence, registered participants and other program updates. A video about the process is also available on the EAC Web site.

The EAC is an independent commission created by the Help America Vote Act.  The EAC serves as a national clearinghouse and resource of information regarding election administration.  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.  It is also charged with developing and maintaining a national mail voter registration form. The three EAC commissioners are Gineen Beach, chair; Gracia Hillman, vice chair; and Donetta Davidson. There is one vacancy on the commission.