Buescher responds to high use of provisional ballots

Denver, November 3, 2010 – Following reports that some counties were running low on envelopes and affidavits on the outside of provisional ballots, Secretary of State Bernie Buescher released a best practice used successfully in other counties. At issue are numerous reports of voters surrendering their mail ballots and voting provisionally as provided under state law. In turn, Buescher has instructed other counties to use older stock and even copies made on copy paper.

“I’m happy to say the professionals at the county clerks offices throughout the state quickly remedied the deficiency and accommodated voters in need of provisional ballots,” Buescher said. “I’ve shared with all of the counties a best practice aimed at ensuring these voters are expeditiously provided with the appropriate forms in these rare instances.

“The vast majority of voters arriving at the polls will not be affected; however, some in need of a provisional ballot may see a slight difference in the type of paper provided. I want to assure those voters that the safeguards and processes for those provisional ballots remain intact.”

Prior to releasing the information to the county clerks, Buescher consulted attorneys from the political parties and the Attorney General’s office.