Coffman removes Pueblo from State’s “Election Watch List”

County Clerk successfully performed ballot signature verification

Denver, December 4, 2007 – Secretary of State Mike Coffman announced the removal of Pueblo County from the state’s Election Watch List. During the 2006 General Election, former County Clerk Chris Muñoz refused to comply with state law requiring that all absentee ballots have their signatures checked with the last signature that the county clerk’s office had on record, ensuring the integrity of the voting process.

When newly elected Clerk and Recorder Gilbert “Bo” Ortiz assumed office in 2007, he worked with the Secretary of State’s office to correct the prior administration’s deficiencies.

“This is certainly a testament to Clerk Ortiz’s commitment to conducting fair and accountable elections,” said Coffman. “In fact, he went above and beyond what was required of him.”

Typically, county clerks are required to have two election judges of opposing parties review only those signatures that are in question. However, under Ortiz’s leadership, he had teams of election judges reviewing every signature on every mail ballot.

Because Pueblo County successfully performed the corrective actions necessary to remediate the past issues, the county was removed from the watch list.

Earlier this year, Coffman established the Election Watch List program for counties that failed to meet specific legal requirements conducting their elections or if they mismanaged an election to such an extent that it created unreasonable obstacles for citizens attempting to vote. Because Denver, Douglas, Montrose and Routt counties had problems dealing with excessive voting delays or security requirements for voting machines, they will need to overcome these deficiencies for the next General Election.

“Each of these counties on the Election Watch List has already shown great strides in meeting our shared objectives of providing fair and accountable elections,” said Coffman.

Denver, Colorado – Secretary of State Mike Coffman announced the removal of Pueblo County from the state’s Election Watch List. During the 2006 General Election, former County Clerk Chris Muñoz refused to comply with state law requiring that all absentee ballots have their signatures checked with the last signature that the county clerk’s office had on record, ensuring the integrity of the voting process.

When newly elected Clerk and Recorder Gilbert “Bo” Ortiz assumed office in 2007, he worked with the Secretary of State’s office to correct the prior administration’s deficiencies.

“This is certainly a testament to Clerk Ortiz’s commitment to conducting fair and accountable elections,” said Coffman. “In fact, he went above and beyond what was required of him.”

Typically, county clerks are required to have two election judges of opposing parties review only those signatures that are in question. However, under Ortiz’s leadership, he had teams of election judges reviewing every signature on every mail ballot.

Because Pueblo County successfully performed the corrective actions necessary to remediate the past issues, the county was removed from the watch list.

Earlier this year, Coffman established the Election Watch List program for counties that failed to meet specific legal requirements conducting their elections or if they mismanaged an election to such an extent that it created unreasonable obstacles for citizens attempting to vote. Because Denver, Douglas, Montrose and Routt counties had problems dealing with excessive voting delays or security requirements for voting machines, they will need to overcome these deficiencies for the next General Election.

“Each of these counties on the Election Watch List has already shown great strides in meeting our shared objectives of providing fair and accountable elections,” said Coffman.

To view full report, click here. Pueblo City Removal From Election Watch List.