WASHINGTON – First District Congressman Paul Ryan today voted in favor of legislation that will strengthen the election system in America. H.R. 3295, the "Help America Vote Act of 2001," passed the House of Representatives by a vote of 362-63.  As a result of this legislation, Wisconsin would receive approximately $42 million over the next three years for electoral system improvements.

"We need to make sure our voting systems are accurate and leave as little room as possible for confusion or inconsistency," Ryan said. "This legislation will help states and counties do this and restore America's confidence in our voting processes."

Overall, this legislation authorizes $2.65 billion for federal election reform, $400 million of which will help states or counties replace punch card voting systems.  Funds will also go toward improving equipment, recruiting and training poll workers, improving access for disabled voters and educating voters about their rights and responsibilities.

The bill also will require states to adopt minimum election standards, including that states:

• have a voter registration system linked to local jurisdictions in the state;
• permit in-precinct provisional voting;
• have a system for maintaining the accuracy of voter registration records;
• adopt uniform standards defining what constitutes a vote on the different types of voting equipment;
• ensure that absent uniformed and overseas voters have their votes counted;
• require new voting systems to provide a practical and effective means for voters with disabilities to cast a secret ballot;
• give voters the opportunity to correct errors.