STATE OF MAINE OFFICE OF THE SECRETARY OF STATE
MATTHEW DUNLAP SECRETARY OF STATE

April 26, 2006 Dear Municipal Official:

Over the last few months, we have reorganized Maine's plan for the implementation of the federal Help America Vote Act (HAVA), and we would like to renew your involvement over the coming weeks and months. While you should plan on using your existing process for conducting the June election, we will intensify our interaction with you in the near future. As soon as we finalize our plan, we will communicate the next concrete steps toward full implementation for the November election. The Central Voter Registration System (CVR) has been held up in a period of extended negotiation with a vendor, and we are nearing completion of a separation agreement. As part of this separation from the prime vendor, we intend to keep the successful sub-vendor, PCC Technology Group, LLC, whose software program ElectioNet is being customized for Maine's needs. The main strategy change is that our office will take over management of the collection and conversion of data from municipal voter lists. The difficult work you have done so far has been crucial to implementing the CVR, and we look forward to continued cooperation with all municipalities in order to get the system on line.

The other major HAVA project is the Accessible Voting Solution (AVS). HAVA requires every polling place to be equipped with "one direct recording electronic voting system or other voting system equipped for individuals with disabilities." Our office released a Request for Proposals (RFP), starting the procurement process for acquiring the AVS. The State of Maine will purchase the equipment, deliver it to municipalities, and train election officials. Vendors must respond to the State by May 1 5, and we anticipate an aggressive schedule for selecting and putting the AVS in place this year. If you would like more information about the AVS and our requirements, please view our RFP at www.maiiie.gov/sos/cec/elec/liava/AVS.html
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We are grateful for your patience, cooperation, and hard work. Please continue to keep your voter registration records up-to-date using your current voter registration system. If you have any questions, do not hesitate to call my HAVA team at 624-7650.

Matthew Dunlap Secretary of State

Sincerely,

148 STATE HOUSE STATION • AUGUSTA, MAINE • O4333-O148 • TELEPHONE: (2O7) 626-84OO • FAX: (2O7) 287-8598