Routt County Added to Election Watch List Due To Long Voter Wait Times on Election Day

Coffman “Extremely Encouraged” by Actions of County Clerk Weinland since November

Denver, April 4, 2007 – After a two-day visit that included meetings with the county clerk, county commissioners, and the Republican and Democrat county chairs, Secretary of State Mike Coffman today announced that he has added Routt County to the “Election Watch List.”

Routt County voters experienced significantly long lines during last November’s election, with one vote center remaining open past 11:00 PM. The long lines were the result of county officials underestimating the number of electronic voting machines needed. While Routt County was in compliance with minimum state standards, these long lines may have caused some voters to be turned away from the polls on Election Day.

Coffman determined that Routt County should be added to the Watch List despite the proactive steps county officials have taken since the November election. The Secretary’s office examines issues leading up to, and on, Election Day to determine if a county should be on the Watch List.

“I am extremely encouraged by the steps Clerk Weinland and other county officials have taken since November’s election,” Coffman said. “I have confidence in Kay Weinland’s leadership and I believe the problems in Routt County last November will not be repeated.”

“However, the fact remains that voters had to wait in lines for up to four hours. That is unacceptable and warrants inclusion on the Watch List,” Coffman concluded.

Coffman expects Routt County officials to work closely with the Secretary of State’s office to address their issues before the next election. Routt County will remain on the list until at least the 2008 General Election.

For information on the Watch List policy and the counties on the list, visit the Secretary of State’s website at http://www.elections.colorado.gov/DDefault.aspx?tid=887.