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    H.R. 811: Voter Confidence and Increased Accessibility Act of 2007 (Holt Bill)

    Published: January 26, 2009

    Over the past few years, several independent studies have revealed serious security vulnerabilities in the electronic voting machines used across the United States. Over the same period of time, a number of these machines have broken down and/or lost votes on Election Day.

    The good news is that experts who have looked at these machines believe that there are some simple steps that can be taken to make them significantly more secure and reliable. Many of the most important steps recommended by these experts are incorporated in the Voter Confidence and Increased Accessibility Act (H.R. 811) sponsored by Congressman Rush Holt (D-NJ). Last week, this bill was voted out of the Committee on House Administration. As of May 23, 2007, a majority of House members have given their support to the Holt Bill, and it is expected to receive a floor vote shortly. Senator Dianne Feinstein plans to introduce a similar bill in the Senate.

    Brennan Center Resources Related to the Holt Bill

    The Brennan Center has provided significant public comment on H.R. 811.

    Brennan Center Resources Related to Electronic Voting Systems

    The Brennan Center has spent three years studying the nation’s electronic voting systems.

    Other Resources Related to H.R. 811

    Amendments to H.R. 811

    On May 8, 2007, the Committee on House Administration Subcommittee on Elections favorably voted on an amended version of H.R. 811 in a 6–3 vote. Amendments proposed by Reps. Ehlers, Lungren, and McCarthy were voted down while an amendment by Rep. Capuano was adopted.