Practical solutions for Colorado elections

Denver, May 20, 2009 – Following the extensive work performed by the legislature’s Election Reform Commission (ERC), policymakers focused their efforts on practical solutions aimed at Colorado’s election processes and procedures. Ultimately, these legislative efforts will help improve voter confidence and familiarity in future elections.

Using much of the data collected from last year’s elections and public input received by the ERC, a diverse coalition of stakeholders developed some important practical applications helping to improve the efficiency and integrity of elections in the state. Colorado voters can be proud of the bi-partisan cooperation between legislators, the county clerks, Governor Ritter’s office and numerous other representatives. Special thanks go to the tireless efforts and leadership of Rep. Carole Murray (R-Castle Rock), Rep. Nancy Todd (D-Aurora) and Sen. Suzanne Williams (DAurora).

The process included input from many different viewpoints. Though some interests may not have obtained everything they wanted, the vast majority agreed the legislation will improve election practices.

Much of the compromise in these bills centers on both convenience and familiarity for the voter. Over the past few election cycles, many voters have made the decision to vote by mail. The new laws will improve efficiencies for voters to cast their ballot by mail and build in additional safeguards to ensure their ballot is counted.

For those voters who prefer to use electronic voting machines, that option remains intact and voters can rest assured that the equipment they use was tested and certified by both the Federal and state governments. Voters have already utilized these handicapped-accessible machines successfully during the past election cycles. Retaining the use of the equipment ensures that counties will enjoy the voting machines throughout their lifecycles and prepare for the next generation of voting practices. As counties prepare for the popularity of voting by mail and supplementing their voting machine fleets, any future purchases of equipment will need to meet specific thresholds and will require approval by my office. This is a common sense approach that maintains familiarity for voters to cast their ballots and allows our state to plan for the future, review best practices and weigh new technologies as they arise.

Finally, Colorado electors will begin to see more uniformity and certainty in utilizing state and county election forms. In the past, some have complained about confusing voter registration forms or mail ballot request applications. In cooperation with the county clerks and a usability specialist, my office is redesigning these forms to improve the ease of use and establish consistency throughout the state.

Over the summer, my office will be promulgating rules and working to implement the laws signed by Governor Ritter last week. Additionally this summer, I will be appointing members to a new Best Practices and Vision advisory commission to help guide these efforts and look at new efficiencies and conveniences for the voter, while maintaining the integrity of the process. I’m confident these innovative practical solutions will continue to enhance Colorado’s election processes and establish a long-term vision for the state.