Buescher announces elections advisory commission members

First Elections Best Practices and Vision Commission meets next month

Denver, March 19, 2010 – Today, Secretary of State Bernie Buescher announced the members of the inaugural Elections Best Practices and Vision Commission scheduled to meet next month.

“My aim through this commission is to fully vet the best practices used within and outside the state to seek improvements and efficiencies in our election processes,” Buescher said. “I will look to the unique experiences of each of the members to objectively review our current practices and make recommendations in the best interest of the voters.”

Last year, Buescher proposed a departmental rule establishing the commission and its membership. The draft rule calls for at least 11 members consisting of county, municipal and special district election administrators, political parties and other members of the public. The commission will hold its first meeting on April 21 at the Secretary of State’s office.

Elections Director Judd Choate will chair the commission, which also includes:

• State Representative Carole Murray (R-Castle Rock)
• State Senator Rollie Heath (D-Boulder)
• Stephanie O’Malley, Denver County Clerk
• Garland Wahl, Washington County Clerk
• Pam Anderson, Jefferson County Clerk
• Ryan Call, counsel to Colorado Republican Party
• Martha Tierney, counsel to Colorado Democratic Party
• Micki Wadhams, Colorado Special Districts Association
• Kathy Young, City of Colorado Springs Clerk
• Kevin Paul, attorney
• Joe Richey, Coloradans for Voting Integrity
• Carol Tone, Colorado League of Women Voters

Additional commission members may be added to further the regional and other diversity goals.