Office of the Legislative Auditor - Financial Audit Division

Overall Conclusion:

• The Office of the Secretary of State operated within available resources and complied with management’s established internal controls. However, we have concerns about the office’s contract administration procedures and its use of Help America Vote Act (HAVA) funding.

Key Findings:

• The Office of the Secretary of State did not follow appropriate procedures when it cancelled a computer services contract.
• The Office of the Secretary of State did not spend HAVA funds in compliance with state appropriation laws and did not accurately report the use of funds to the Legislature.

Audit Scope:

Audit Period:
Calendar Years 2003 – 2004

• Fee Receipts
• Payroll
• Administrative Expenditures
• Help America Vote Act

The Office of the Secretary of State has primary responsibility to ensure that elections are conducted in accordance with state legal requirements. The office operates a statewide network connecting all counties and allowing access to business loan and voter registration databases.

The office is funded by a General Fund appropriation and fees deposited in the Special Revenue Fund. Beginning in fiscal year 2003, the office has received federal funding to implement the Help America Vote Act.