Secretary Coffman Seeks Public Comment on Security Standards for Electronic Voting Machines

Coffman Announces Statewide Tour to Examine How Coloradans Vote

Denver, January 16, 2007 – Secretary of State Mike Coffman took public comments today on security standards proposed by the Department of State to ensure that electronic voting machines meet state- and federally-mandated specifications.

“Developing appropriate security standards for Colorado voting equipment is a critical step to help restore public confidence in our electoral process,” said Secretary Coffman. “Federal and state law require that Colorado use electronic voting machines; it is my responsibility to ensure that the procedures surrounding their use are secure and promote confidence in the system.”

The informal public meeting, held at the Secretary of State’s office, was convened to receive public input on the initial draft amendments to Election Rule 45, concerning voting systems standards for certification. Election Rule 45 must be amended pursuant to an order issued by Denver District Court, that requires “a rule concerning minimum security standards for DRE’s as required by § 1-5-616(1)(g), C.R.S. (2006).” DRE’s refer to Direct Recording Electronic voting devices.

The proposed rules will be finalized and considered at a February 6 rulemaking hearing. Following this hearing, the record will be held open for twenty days to allow for additional public comment on the proposed rules. At the close of the public comment period, Secretary Coffman will consider the public comments submitted and make a determination regarding the adoption of rule amendments.

Secretary Coffman also announced today that he will conduct public townhall meetings throughout the state to hear from voters directly on election issues, including the use of electronic voting machines. As Colorado must use electronic voting machines due to a federal mandate, Secretary Coffman will invite members of Congress to participate in meetings in their area, as well as state legislators, county clerks and election officials and others concerned with election issues.

“I’m anxious to hear from local leaders and from voters about their concerns on election issues and I welcome this opportunity to report back to my constituents on the progress we are making to restore voter confidence,” Secretary Coffman said.

The statewide, townhall-style tour will begin with a February 15, 2007 public meeting in the Secretary’s Denver office and will include stops during the next two months in Fort Collins, Greeley, Boulder, Grand Junction, Pueblo and Colorado Springs. Details on the February 15 meeting, as well as the other meetings around the state, are to follow.