The Commission is examining a broad agenda of topics during the course of its work, and is holding four public hearings to help inform its thinking and decision-making. The hearings are being held March through June, 2001 at the Carter Center in Georgia, the Reagan Library in California, the Johnson Library in Texas, and the Ford Library in Michigan. They feature experts in the field, elected leaders, interest group representatives, and academic scholars.

In establishing the scope of its work, the Commission identified several specific areas of focus:

	Voting techniques and ballot design, whether with suggestions and subsidies or with minimum national and statewide standards;   The breadth and integrity of voter registration;   The timing of federal elections and release of election results;   The problems that have arisen with respect to absentee and overseas military votes;   The rules and procedures for contesting and recounting the results of elections for federal offices;   New technology for conducting elections; and   New institutions, such as a national elections commission or a strengthened version of the existing Office of Election Administration of the Federal Election Commission, that would oversee progress toward a more standardized and modernized federal election process.

In order to most effectively explore these vital areas, the Commission established three task forces to provide reports, information, and advice as the Commissioners go forward. The task forces are comprised of both individuals with practical experience as well as outstanding scholars in political science, law, and history. The task forces are as follows:

The Task Force on Election Administration is considering new voting technology and working on establishing a set of Abest practices.@ It is also examining the relationship between election processes and effective citizen participation. The coordinator for this task force is David King of Harvard University.

The Task Force on the Federal Election System is examining the historical background of our election institutions, the evolution of the right to vote, past experiences with reform, and options for structural change. The coordinator for this task force is John Mark Hansen of the University of Chicago.

The Task Force on Constitutional and Federal Election Law is considering equal protection questions, the federal-state relationship, and the implementation and enforcement of existing laws relevant to federal election reform. The coordinator for this task force is Daniel Ortiz of the University of Virginia.

In order to keep the public and political leadership fully informed of its work, the Commission has established this interactive website. The hearings are webcast live on this site with archived video made available shortly after each meeting. The Commission has conducted other outreach efforts, including op-ed articles in the press. Commission members and staff also conduct regular meetings with Members of Congress, congressional staff, and members of the President's staff to keep them apprised of the Commission's progress. Finally, the Commission staff and task force coordinators consult with other groups conducting research work, such as the Caltech-MIT Voting Technology Project and the Constitution Project's Forum on Election Reform.

The Commission is financially supported by the David and Lucile Packard Foundation, the William and Flora Hewlett Foundation, and the John S. and James L. Knight Foundation. None of these foundations has any political affiliation.