Family Emergency Calls Secretary of State Away From Election Day

Denver, November 1, 2004 - Colorado Secretary of State Donetta Davidson today announced a family emergency has required her to fly to Phoenix to be at her injured brother’s bedside. Davidson’s brother is in a coma and in critical condition in a Phoenix hospital, following a motorcycle accident Saturday.

Election Day activities tomorrow, and through at least the end of the week, will be overseen by three trusted officials: Deputy Secretary of State Bill Hobbs, and election officers Bill Compton and Drew Durham. These men have been involved in election preparations and supervision for years.

"I have every confidence that my common-sense, experienced staff will ensure that every eligible voter has the opportunity to vote, and that their vote will be counted with accuracy. We have good lawyers standing by as well, to deal with any legal challenges that may arise. We’re ready to go, and we await the results like millions of Coloradans," said Davidson.

Davidson added that the Secretary of State staff has conducted many statewide elections, and the county clerks, where the votes are actually counted, have been preparing months to ensure a timely and accurate count.