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Coffman’s Statement on SB07-234
Permanent Mail Ballot System a “Sensible Option” That Preserves Voter Choice
Denver, April 26, 2007 – Secretary of State Mike Coffman today released the following statement regarding Senate Bill 07-234, sponsored by Senator Ken Gordon (D-Denver). SB07-234 would create a permanent mail ballot system, so a voter could sign up once to automatically receive an absentee ballot (or mail ballot) without having to request one before each election; the voter would continue to receive a mail ballot as long as he or she voted in the previous election.
“While I do not support an all mail ballot system for partisan elections, I do believe that absentee voting is a convenient choice for voters in Colorado.
SB07-234 would create a permanent absentee (or mail) ballot voting list; a voter on this list would automatically receive a ballot in the mail from their county clerk, without having to request the ballot before each general election. Voters who prefer to go to the polls or take advantage of Early Voting would still have that choice available to them.
I initially had concerns with the language of SB07-234, however, my staff worked closely with Senator Gordon to add important security measures to the bill: the bill was amended so a voter who fails to vote in one general election, and who does not return the postcard from the county clerk, will no longer automatically receive a mail ballot. This important provision will ensure the integrity of this voter list.
SB07-234 provides Coloradans with a convenient method of voting, while not limiting the choices that voters have to exercise their right to vote.
Some may argue that this bill brings Colorado one step closer to an all mail ballot system. However, as Colorado’s chief elections official, I will strenuously oppose any attempt to create an all mail ballot election system for general elections in Colorado.
Voters should have a choice in how they vote; SB07-234 does not diminish that choice, but offers a sensible option for voters who wish to vote by mail.”
