Election Day Update - November 7, 1:30 pm

Denver CO, November 7, 2006 – The Colorado Secretary of State’s office reports the statewide election process running smoothly.

When polls opened at 7:00 a.m. there was a great deal of interest from voters. Long lines were reported in scattered areas this morning, but were attributed to heightened interest in some races and a lengthy ballot.

Denver election officials have also reported problems with their electronic poll book. The Secretary of State election staff is in communication with Denver County on the issue.

A lawsuit has been filed by the Colorado Democratic Party in Denver District Court to keep the polls open an additional two hours in Denver County. At this time no decision has been rendered by the court allowing this for Denver voters. The Secretary of State strongly urges voters to be at the polls by 7:00 p.m. State law provides that any voter in line by 7 p.m. may cast a ballot on Election Day.

“Please do not depend on polls being kept open late,” Gigi Dennis cautioned Denver voters. “If you are at the polls by 7 p.m. you will cast a ballot. All voters in line will be able to vote.”

Voters should be prepared for the after-work surge at the polls. Voters are reminded to bring picture ID or other acceptable forms of identification.

“It is great to see so much interest on Election Day,” Dennis added. “Based on previous election-day turnout, I anticipate 1,000,000 voters will cast a ballot today. Currently our records show a little over 410,000 voters have already voted absentee or in early voting.”

The Secretary of State’s office will be working throughout the evening to provide advice and support to the County Clerks. Additional updates will be sent out as new information becomes available.