V V S G 2 . 0
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Can you tell me more about VVSG?
VVSG, or Voluntary Voting System Guidelines, are a set of specifications and requirements adopted by the U.S. Election Assistance Commission (EAC) against which voting systems can be tested. The Help America Vote Act of 2002 (HAVA) mandates the EAC to develop and implement these standards, and adherence to them is voluntary except in states where it is required by state law.
How many versions of VVSG are currently in use?
There have been three approved versions of VVSG guidelines since 2005: VVSG 1.0, VVSG 1.1, and VVSG 2.0. The vast majority of voting systems on the market today comply with VVSG 1.0.
What is VVSG 2.0?
In 2021, the EAC officially adopted VVSG 2.0, which is a major overhaul of the VVSG 1.0. They are standards that lay the groundwork for modern voting systems, and aim to improve cybersecurity, accessibility, and usability requirements.
What is the EAC's timeline for testing VVSG 2.0 systems?
As of December 2022, both independent Voting System Test Labs (VSTL) accredited by the EAC were approved to test to the new VVSG 2.0 standards. As of November 15, 2023, all voting systems submitted for EAC certification must comply with VVSG 2.0. VVSG 1.0 and VVSG 1.1 will no longer be used by the EAC to certify voting systems, with the exception of systems currently under test that were submitted prior to the November 15, 2023 cut-off date.
When will voting system manufacturers have VVSG 2.0 systems available for testing and certification?
Jurisdictions interested in migrating to a VVSG 2.0-compliant voting system should speak directly with their voting system provider to learn more about the implementation timeline for their system and certification plan. As of March 2024, no voting system has been certified to VVSG 2.0 standards and voting systems are expected to be certified before the 2026 midterm elections.
Can I upgrade my VVSG 1.0 system to VVSG 2.0?
It may not be practical or cost-effective for jurisdictions to implement specific hardware upgrades to VVSG 1.0 voting systems required by the VVSG 2.0 standards. To protect jurisdictions’ investments in voting technology, VVSG 1.0 voting systems will not be decertified as part of the EAC’s VVSG migration. The migration only affects the standards and requirements manufacturers must meet to obtain future EAC certifications, and not voting systems that were previously certified to past standards.
Will my jurisdiction need to purchase a new voting system in order to have a complete VVSG 2.0 voting system?
Requirements for adherence to VVSG 2.0 standards will be up to local jurisdiction regulations and guidance. It is reasonable for jurisdictions to expect to purchase a new voting system within the next few years if their local laws or regulations require a VVSG 2.0 voting system.
Should my jurisdiction wait for the next VVSG 2.0 systems if we are planning to replace our systems in the next couple of years?
Local jurisdictions should reach out directly to their voting system provider to discuss their products’ current available features versus product features that may be part of a new equipment release, and also to determine optimal timelines for purchasing or upgrading to new equipment.
Who should I reach out to for more information about VVSG 2.0?
For more information about VVSG 2.0 and what it means for your jurisdiction, please contact a member of our team or visit https://www.eac.gov/voting-equipment/voluntary-voting-system-guidelines.