In 2004, Michigan began purchasing optical scan voting equipment, which Land had earlier selected as the new statewide standard. Optical scan equipment costs are covered by federal Help America Vote Act (HAVA) funds. Michigan is now in the final phase of the optical scan rollout. HAVA funding also allows for the purchase of at least one voting system that provides adequate accessibility for voters with disabilities in each polling place.
"We're committed to ensuring that all voices are heard at the ballot box," Land said. "This bid process is one more step in our ongoing initiative to improve voting access and convenience. Our first task was to upgrade the state's election equipment and that is nearly complete. We're now focused on making the casting of a vote as easy as possible. To that end, we will continue to work closely with members of Michigan's disability community to obtain their input and determine their needs."
The state plans to negotiate a master contract, which may involve multiple vendors. A state-led demonstration and equipment evaluation will be part of the formal bid process. In addition, equipment manufacturers will be required to prove that they have demonstrated their equipment to a variety of disability community groups, and have received written evaluations from such groups.
"We're looking forward to seeing the proposals that come forth," Land said. "The critical requirement is that the equipment must interact seamlessly with our optical scan voting systems and guarantee accurate voting counts."
Bids are due in mid-January. Contracts will be awarded and new equipment in place statewide in time for the 2006 primary election.
