As an answer to the call for election reform heard across the nation after the presidential election in 2000, Congress passed a federal election reform law, the Help America Vote Act 2002 (HAVA), in October 2002. The goal of the legislation is to improve administration of elections nationwide and beginning January 1, 2003, states began implementing new federal mandates designed to meet that objective. Senate Bill 479 was passed during the 2004 legislative session which enacted federal mandates to state law.
HAVA enhances voting standards and education, accessibility for people with disabilities, and voter registration file maintenance. Kansas developed training and education programs for voters and election officials. In addition, every polling place in Kansas has voting equipment which enables individuals with disabilities to cast an unassisted vote. These changes have strengthened the integrity of Kansas' electoral system.