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Buescher to review voting system standards
Open meetings promote public participation and feedback
Denver, September 28, 2009 – Secretary of State Bernie Buescher recently announced a public process aimed at reviewing the state’s voting system standards. Following legislation passed earlier this year, Buescher will reopen Election Rules 37 and 45, which govern security, accuracy and accessibility for voting equipment. However, prior to the formal rulemaking process, Buescher is soliciting public input on the proposed draft rules.
“My aim with this additional process is to promote transparency and actively encourage feedback from voters and election administrators throughout the state,” Buescher said.“These rules cover everything from technical specifications to accessibility of voting equipment.”
During the past legislative session, the Colorado General Assembly took action on three bills aimed at improving elections in Colorado. The bills were derived largely from the work of the Election Reform Commission, which was established by the legislature. Specifically, House Bill 1335 allowed counties to continue using the voting equipment already purchased for the life of the machines. Without the bill, the state would have had to perform the certification tests on the same equipment for a third time.
“The legislature wisely granted a reprieve to counties and their taxpayers to continue to utilize voting equipment that already has a proven accurate, track record.” Buescher said.“The time-out, of sorts, allows us to revisit best practices used throughout the country, while giving technology time to catch up with state and federal regulations.”
On Friday, October 2, the Secretary of State’s office will host a public meeting to outline an initial draft of the rules along with a background and reason for the proposed changes. Following that meeting, members of the public and other stakeholders are invited to submit questions and comments on the draft rules. Finally, Buescher will convene a final public meeting on October 20 aimed at discussing a draft to submit for the formal rulemaking process.
The meetings will be hosted by the Secretary of State’s office located on the 2nd Floor of 1700 Broadway and will be open to the public. For more information, visit www.sos.state.co.us.
