RHODE ISLAND RECEIVES FEDERAL RESEARCH GRANT TO ASSIST MILITARY AND OVERSEAS CITIZEN VOTERS

Rhode Island receives $50,163.00 from the Federal Voting Assistance Program to provide military personnel with online access to blank ballots.

PROVIDENCE, RI  - Rhode Island, along with Idaho, Kentucky, Nevada and Texas are recipients of the second round of grants for the Effective Absentee Systems for Elections 2 (EASE 2) research grant program.

The EASE 2 grants fund two research areas:

1. The development and effect of online blank ballot delivery tools.
2. The establishment and effect of a single point of contact in a State election office for the transmission of election materials.

Rhode Island will enhance its current online system where military and overseas voters from Rhode Island will be able to access their blank ballot via online systems.  These updated systems will be available prior to the States’ primary election in 2014. 

Secretary Mollis, who is committed to making it easier to vote in the state of Rhode Island says, “I am pleased to be able to provide online blank ballot access through this enhanced system, which will make the voting process easier for military personnel and overseas voters.  Everyone should have the opportunity to vote, and feel their voice has been heard.”  

The EASE 2 research grant program awarded a total of $10,531,898.00. 

This effort is sponsored by the Department of Defense Federal Voting Assistance Program (FVAP).  The content of the information does not necessarily reflect the position or policy of the Government; and no official Government endorsement should be inferred.