Four Directions Requesting Use Of HAVA Funds

The group Four Directions has requested the use of Help America Vote (HAVA) funds for an additional absentee voting location in Eagle Butte, Fort Thompson and Wanblee. The three towns have high percentages of Native Americans and are far from towns that have courthouses where early voting takes place. The State Board of Elections voted against a resolution supporting Four Directions' request. As Secretary of State, Jason Gant says it's his responsibility to oversee the administration of HAVA funds in South Dakota. In a statement, he said he won't use HAVA funds unless it's clearly defined that he do so. Sioux Falls Argus Leader reporter/columnist Jonathan Ellis has been covering this story and provides an overview. Also, South Dakota Secretary of State Jason Gant and Brett Healey, a spokesman for Four Directions, discuss this issue.