The federal government has sent Utah a hefty check: $16 million, all for elections. The money deposited in the state treasury this week is the second installment called for under the federal Help America Vote Act, which identified and required several election reforms. The state now has $25 million in the bank to implement specific mandates in HAVA, such as voter outreach and education, training of election officials and a statewide voter database. The bulk of the money, $20.5 million, will go toward replacing the punch-card system, which most Utah counties now use, with newer technology, possibly touch-screen voting machines. HAVA calls for Utah to get $3 million more, though the money hasn't been allocated. "This is an important step in election reform," said Lt. Gov. Gayle McKeachnie. "Utah has a reputation for fair, efficient and professionally administered elections that we must maintain." A committee of state, county and election officials are expected to select a vendor early next year to provide the state with new voting equipment, though critics of the plan say Utah is rushing into the change and should wait until better technology emerges. State officials currently plan to have some new voting machines in polling places as early as next year's municipal elections and all new technology by 2006 primary election. - Thomas Burr