The impetus for the legislation was the furor over the stalemated 2000 presidential election, which eventually was decided weeks later by the Supreme Court.
Key lawmakers reached the deal on legislation after an all-night negotiating session. They planned to announce it at an afternoon news conference, congressional officials said.
"We have a deal," one House aide said, speaking on the condition of anonymity.
The compromise will enable the House and Senate to pass the bill before next month's election. Its provisions would not take effect, however, until the 2004 election.
The bill had been grid-locked for months as Democrats and Republicans fought over identification requirements and enforcement provisions.
Among the provisions of the election overhaul compromise:
- Nearly $4 billion would be sent to states over three years.
- Includes $325 million for states who want to replace punch-card and lever voting machines; $325 million to states to begin improvements required by the bill, such as poll worker training. This money would be sent immediately to states upon congressional approval. Each state is guaranteed at least $5 million.
- Establishes statewide registration systems.
- Establishes provisional voting for voters whose names do not appear on the registration lists but who still believe they are eligible to vote. Election officials would determine later whether the ballots were valid.
- Gives the Justice Department the right to sue states for violating voting requirements. States must also establish a grievance procedure for individuals alleging voting violations.
- Requires that each polling place have at least one machine that is accessible to the disabled. The bill also includes $100 million to improve disability access.
- Requires that jurisdictions with certain demographics provide translation services.
- Requires that voters who register by mail provide identification the first time they vote. Photo IDs, utility bills or other documents would be allowed.
- Requires that voters have an opportunity to check for and correct ballot errors privately.
- Includes $30 million for research on new voting technologies and $10 million to encourage college and high school students to volunteer as poll workers.
- Establishes a four-person bipartisan commission, appointed by the president, to issue voluntary guidelines and issue grant programs.
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