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OpinionElection improvements expectedTo the editor: When it comes to voting and elections, Minnesota has a reputation for being among the best. Thatís why I want to thank Minnesotaís U.S. Senators, Norm Coleman and Mark Dayton, for last week voting for $1.5 billion to pay for national election improvements.ÝOf this, we expect about $20 million to come to Minnesota, pending approval of companion legislation in the U.S. House, as the President has said he would approve the expenditure when it gets to his desk.Ý This will benefit every voter, every county, every city, and every township in Minnesota. The money will help state and local officials to meet the Help America Vote Actís mandates to replace outdated voting equipment, make it easier for people with disabilities to vote privately and independently, increase poll worker training, educate voters about their rights, make voting more accessible, and much more. Senators Coleman and Dayton have voted to provide well-timed funding that will help us move forward with improvements for next yearís presidential election.Ý Moreover, when fully implemented in 2006, the Help America Vote Act will have strengthened the election system-especially election equipment-nationwide.Ý This is great news, indeed. I encourage readers to call their U.S. Representatives at (202) 224-3121 to ask them to vote for the same funding of the Help America Vote Act that the Senate has approved (the Ney-Hoyer proposal in the House). Mary Kiffmeyer ©ECM Post Review |