Reply #11: CO: One person, one vote

[kpete]

Publish Date: 10/2/2006

One person, one vote


Nothing like confusion in the days leading up to an election to erode confidence among voters. Unfortunately, Colorado’s elections are somewhat confused this year because of a challenge to the secretary of state’s administration of the state election law, specifically the certification of electronic voting machines.

A Denver district judge issued a scathing decision in which he said decertifying the election machines now would cause more damage than letting the election go on with machines inadequately certified. Counties using the machines, however, will need to undergo certification after the election. The electronic voting machines are being used for the first or second time in counties across the state.

Voters going to the polls expect that their votes will be counted. When uncertainty enters the picture, it can have an impact on turnout and certainly has an impact on voter trust in government.

While the failure of the Secretary of State to perform her job adequately under the law is unfortunate, it isn’t the end of the world for Colorado elections. In fact, county clerks can go a long way toward regaining voter confidence, even with machines that have not been properly certified.

Here’s how:

more at:
http://www.canoncitydailyrecord.com/Opinion-story.asp?ID=4945