Voting Access for Individuals with Disabilities-Grants for Protection and Advocacy Systems
Program Funding
Annual program obligations reported to SAM.gov.
Program Objective
Section 291 of HAVA provides that funds be made available to Protection and Advocacy Systems to: (1) ensure full participation in the electoral process for individuals with disabilities; (2) provide education, training and assistance to individuals with disabilities that will promote their participation in the electoral process; (3) participate in advocacy and education efforts revolving around HAVA implementation efforts in their State or Territory; (4) training and education of election officials, poll workers, and election volunteers regarding the rights of the voters with disabilities and best practices in working with individuals with disabilities; (5) assist individuals with disabilities in filing complaints under the State-based administrative grievance procedure required by HAVA and represent individuals with disabilities in any hearing that may be held regarding the complaint; (6) provide assistance to States and other governmental entities regarding the physical accessibility of polling places; and (7) obtain training and technical assistance on voting issues, including education regarding accessible voting equipment and systems. Once educated, the information may be used to inform others of the availability of accessible voting equipment and its use.
Eligibility
Eligible Applicants
- U.S. State Government
- U.S. Territory Government
States and Territories who have a Protection and Advocacy System in place in accordance with the Developmental Disabilities Assistance and Bill of Rights Act of 2000 with the exception of the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands and Native Americans.
How to Apply
Award Procedure
Funds will be awarded annually.
Program details & compliance
Description
Section 291 of HAVA provides that funds be made available to Protection and Advocacy Systems to: (1) ensure full participation in the electoral process for individuals with disabilities; (2) provide education, training and assistance to individuals with disabilities that will promote their participation in the electoral process; (3) participate in advocacy and education efforts revolving around HAVA implementation efforts in their State or Territory; (4) training and education of election officials, poll workers, and election volunteers regarding the rights of the voters with disabilities and best practices in working with individuals with disabilities; (5) assist individuals with disabilities in filing complaints under the State-based administrative grievance procedure required by HAVA and represent individuals with disabilities in any hearing that may be held regarding the complaint; (6) provide assistance to States and other governmental entities regarding the physical accessibility of polling places; and (7) obtain training and technical assistance on voting issues, including education regarding accessible voting equipment and systems. Once educated, the information may be used to inform others of the availability of accessible voting equipment and its use.
Mission Categories
Primary: Disabled and Handicapped Services
Use of Funds
Allowed Uses
To assist Protection and Advocacy Systems to ensure full participation in the electoral process of individuals with a full-range of disabilities. Grant funds are only available for five years after the appropriation year, as required by 31 U.S.C. Section 1552.
Required Documentation
Cost will be determined in accordance with 45 CFR Part 75. OMB Circular No. A-87 applies to this program. 2 CFR 200, Subpart E - Cost Principles applies to this program.
Reporting & Compliance
Applicable 2 CFR 200 Subparts
- Subpart B — General Provisions
- Subpart C — Pre-Federal Award Requirements
- Subpart D — Post-Federal Award Requirements
- Subpart E — Cost Principles
- Subpart F — Audit Requirements