Secretary Coffman to hear from Opponents and Proponents of Electronic Voting Machines

Public Hearing Comes in Face of Challenges to Electronic Voting Machines across the Country

Denver, February 15, 2007 – In the face of recent challenges from around the country questioning the reliability and accuracy of electronic voting machines, Secretary of State Mike Coffman will hold a public hearing on Thursday to discuss their use in elections overseen by the Colorado Department of State.

“Individuals and organizations on both sides of the issue have strong opinions when it comes to the use of electronic voting machines in our elections,” Secretary Coffman said. “Some have questioned their accuracy and reliability, while others believe they satisfy an important need. I want to hear from all sides on this issue as we move closer to the 2008 election cycle.”

The meeting will give organizations that have historically opposed the use of electronic voting machines – as well as those organizations that support their use – the opportunity to express their views to Colorado’s chief elections officer.

The meeting will begin with formal presentations from leading experts:

• David Bolin, Executive Director, Center for People with Disabilities
• Harvie Branscomb, Coloradans for Voting Integrity
• Claudia Kuhns, Executive Director, The Public Integrity Project
• Neil McClure, Vice President, Election Solutions Group, Hart InterCivic
• Steve Moreno, County Clerk and Recorder, Weld County
• Natalie Orrell, Rocky Mountain Guide Dog Association

Attendees will also have the opportunity to give public testimony. The meeting will be broadcast live via the Secretary of State’s website. Click here to listen in live (click on Aspen Conference Room).

WHEN: Thursday, February 15, 2007, 9 AM to 11 AM

WHERE: Secretary of State’s Office, 1700 Broadway, Denver, CO, Aspen Room, 3rd Floor