Judge affirms Gessler's review of 2010 Saguache ballots

Denver, August 12, 2011 – Yesterday, Judge Martin A. Gonzales affirmed Secretary of State Scott Gessler's plan to review the Saguache County's 2010 General Election ballots. According to Judge Gonzales' decision, "Simply put the Clerk must comply with the Secretary’s order."

On March 16, Gessler planned a public review of Saguache County’s 2010 ballots. Teams of local residents would have tabulated votes cast in the races for County Commissioner, County Clerk and Recorder and a control group. Saguache County Clerk and Recorder Melinda Myers and the statewide clerks' association refused to cooperate with the review. This prompted Gessler's suit to compel Myers to release the election records.

"This decision by Judge Gonzales affirms the public's right to verify our elections in Colorado and stands as a victory for Saguache County voters," Gessler said. "Improving voter confidence starts with an open and accountable system that preserves voter privacy. The ruling today reiterates these hallmarks of Colorado elections."  Gessler and his staff are again preparing a review of Saguache’s ballots and will provide more details of the review later this month.

Judge Gonzales' decision (PDF)