Election Day Update - November 7, 7:30 pm

Denver CO, November 7, 2006 – The Colorado Secretary of State’s office announced that polls closed at 7 p.m. Preliminary reports from the counties indicate voter turnout was very high.

The Secretary of State’s office will continue to provide support to the county clerks as they begin tabulating their election results. Voting results are tallied county-by-county by the county clerks, and then reported to the media. Each county clerk and recorder will be processing ballots carefully to ensure records are accurate and every eligible vote is counted.

Other than the lawsuit filed in Denver District Court to keep the polls in Denver County open beyond 7 p.m., which was denied by the judge, no other challenges or lawsuits were filed in any Colorado county.

Some voters expressed concerns about long lines in Denver County. Secretary of State Gigi Dennis said she and her staff will continue to work with the counties on their voting procedures. “As always, we will work cooperatively with all the county clerk and recorders to determine if any improvements to the voting process should be addressed,” Dennis said. “I want to ensure maximum security of the equipment and provide a positive voter experience while providing ease of use for the election officials.”

Important Dates to Remember:
November 27 – Last day for County Clerks to submit election results to the Secretary of State.
December 1 – Last day for the Secretary of State to total returns and order recounts.
December 1 – Secretary of State will have official election results available on the “Elections Center” website.
December 7 – Last day to order a recount.

The Secretary of State’s office will be working throughout the evening to provide advice and support to the County Clerks.