Election Assistance Commission October 2006 – Federal Register Recent Federal Regulation Documents

The U.S. Election Assistance Commission has submitted the following information collection request to the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) for review and clearance in accordance with the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995. The information collection was previously published in the Federal Register on August 1, 2006, at 71 FR 43477. The notice allowed for a 60-day public comment period. Fourteen comments were received on this information collection, and modifications were made to improve and clarify the information collection based on those comments. The purpose of this notice is to allow an additional 30 days for public comments. Comments are encouraged and will be accepted until November 27, 2006. This process is conducted in accordance with 5 CFR 1320.10. Comments are invited on: (a) Whether the proposed collection of information is necessary for the proper performance of the functions of the agency, including whether the information shall have practical utility; (b) the accuracy of the agency's estimate of the burden of the proposed information collection; (c) ways to enhance the quality, utility, and clarity of the information to be collected; and (d) ways to minimize the burden of the information collection on respondents, including through the use of automated collection techniques or other forms of information technology.

The EAC has drafted a procedural manual for its Voting System Testing and Certification Program. This program sets administrative procedures for obtaining an EAC Certification for voting systems. Participation in the program is strictly voluntary. The program is mandated by 42 U.S.C. Sec. 15371. The purpose of this notice is twofold: (1) To request public comment on the substantive aspects of the program (2) to request public comment on the proposed collection of information pursuant to the emergency processing provisions of the Paperwork Reduction Act as submitted to the Office of Management and Budget (OMB). (1) Substantive Comments: The EAC seeks substantive comments from the public on its proposed procedural manual. Please submit comments consistent with the information below. Comments should identify and cite the section of the manual at issue. Where a substantive issue is raised, please propose a recommended change or alternative policy. This publication and request for comment is not required under the rulemaking, adjudicative or licensing provisions of the Administrative Procedures Act (APA). It is a voluntary effort by the EAC to gather input from the public on the EAC's administrative procedures for certifying or decertifying voting systems. Furthermore, this request by the EAC for public comment is not intended to make any of the APA's rulemaking provisions applicable to development of this or future EAC procedural programs.