EAC solicited public comment on two draft grant announcements to fund the development of pre-election logic and accuracy testing and post-election audit processes and research on accessible voting technology. The 45-day public comment period began September 1 and ended October 15, 2009.

The Accessible Voting Technology Initiative (view HTML version) grant would award up to $5 million to fund research and technology adoption to make voting systems (including paper ballots) more accessible to all voters and make the entire election process more welcoming and accessible to individuals with disabilities.

The Voting System Pre-Election Logic and Accuracy Testing and Post-Election Audit Initiative grant would award $1 million in grants to develop and document processes for coordinating quality and cost-effective voting system pre-election logic and accuracy testing (L&A) and post-election audits. Deliverables for the competition will be materials (e.g., tool kits, guides, best practices) that will be shared widely with other election officials.

The draft grant announcements set forth funding parameters that include the scope of work, eligibility requirements and qualifications, selection criteria and other related details.