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The recent decertification and then recertification of voting machines, the ongoing challenges with the new statewide voter registration database, and the anticipated large turnout for the 2008 election will require increased vigilance of election administration and increased voter education and outreach to make sure that all Coloradans are able to participate.

Voting Machines: While counties now have a clearer sense of the type of voting equipment they will use this fall, the questions surrounding the integrity of the equipment remain. With the decertification and recertification of the voting machines also came requirements for upgrades and improvements to ensure the machines are meeting new requirements. Because of the ongoing machine problems we can expect a vote count challenge post election. We must ensure every county is monitored for security and machine integrity as well as effective post election audits. Voter confidence is important for a successful election.

Problems with the Statewide Database: SCORE II, Colorado’s new statewide voter database, is currently being tested and reports out of the Secretary of State’s office indicate ‘all will be well’ come this fall. Our concerns over the implementation of this new voter registration system stem from the fact that this database will serve as the gatekeeper for all voters. Any programming glitch, improper implementation, or simple data entry error could gravely impact a voter’s opportunity to cast a ballot and have it counted. While provisional ballots will be offered to any voter who is not on the registration list, only those provisional ballots that can be verified (through a voter registration list) will be counted. Anytime we see a major change in technology, we have heightened concern and will watch closely to ensure voters are protected.

The two examples above are new to 2008, but most election barriers occur time and again, every election year. The number one reason voters contact JVC on Election Day is to obtain basic information about their voter registration status and the location of their polling place.

Some of the annual election problems Colorado will face include:

1. Inadequate Voter Education: Voters are often unaware of fundamental voting rights such as ID requirements, their right to a provisional ballot, the hours of voting, and that they are entitled to time off from their employment.

2. Ballot Access for Vulnerable Populations: County specific issues such as language assistance and student voting remain. In the four corners area, there have been concerns about voter access for tribal communities. In La Plata and El Paso counties, there has been a history of complaints about voter intimidation to discourage student voting.

3. Provisional Ballots: Often these ballots are given out in excess and place the voter in a secondary status because their ballot needs to be verified after the close of the polls. Ideally, election judges can resolve a voter’s questions and find the voter’s proper registration to allow the voter to cast a regular ballot. In 2006, provisional ballots were used as back up ballots when polling places ran out of ballots or machines went down. Provisional ballots should not be used for this purpose; emergency paper ballots should be available.

4. Absentee (Mail) Ballots: Nearly every year we see ballots being sent out late with little remedy for voters. We must ensure ballots are sent on time, and that replacement ballots are available for voters who did not receive their mail ballots. We should also increase drop off locations, and make clear what the postage requirements are to limit voter confusion.

5. Election Judge training: Many Election Day issues can be traced back to inadequate training of election workers. Each county differs greatly in terms of the kind of training, length of training, even how issues are dealt with. Inadequate information and sometimes inaccurate information leads to unnecessary problems for voters on Election Day. Training must be improved and should include procedures on how to handle crisis situations.

6. Logistical/Planning problems: The key to a successful election is in proper planning and administration. In 2006 we saw many counties fail in their attempt to implement vote centers because of inadequate planning. County administrators can address such deficiencies through proper planning. Counties should be prepared for record turnout and have good contingency plans in place. Lessons from prior elections teach us what must be improved such as better communication plans between county offices and election workers and adequate supply and delivery procedures for back up ballots, provisional ballots, other materials needed at the polls.