Alabama Governor Riley Asks to End Role as Special Master

Reports No Significant Voter Problems In Alabama During Super Tuesday

March 03, 2008 -- MONTGOMERY -- Alabama Governor Bob Riley is telling a federal judge today that Alabama had no significant problems with its new voter registration system during last month’s presidential primaries and he wants to relinquish his court-appointed responsibility for the system and turn it back over to the Secretary of State.

In August 2006, U.S. District Judge Keith Watkins appointed Governor Riley as special master and put him in charge of developing a statewide voter registration system required by the federal Help America Vote Act (HAVA). 14 months later, Governor Riley reported to Judge Watkins that the task had been accomplished and the judge agreed the state was in compliance with HAVA.

The lack of significant problems -- even with record voter turnout during last month’s Super Tuesday primaries -- shows the new system works and the need for a special master no longer exists, Governor Riley said.

"So many people worked hard to bring Alabama into compliance. Now, I believe we have the best system in the country. I’m very pleased we’ll be able to turn over to the Secretary of State’s office a system that is HAVA compliant and works very well," said Governor Riley.

Among those who deserve praise, Governor Riley said, are members of the HAVA Implementation Committee, Secretary of State Beth Chapman and her staff, probate judges and their staffs, and registrars and circuit clerks in all 67 counties

Source: Alabama Governor

Bookmark/Search this post with:

 •    •    •    •    •    •    •    •    •    •    •    •