Colorado counties prepare for 45-day MOVE Act

Denver, September 17, 2010 – Today, Colorado Secretary of State Bernie Buescher announced that his office has worked collaboratively with the U.S. Department of Justice to reach an agreement that will ensure that each of Colorado’s 64 counties will meet the 45-day ballot mailing deadline in the MOVE Act. Buescher has instructed every county to mail ballots to military and overseas voters no later than 45 days. Despite the late primary election and ongoing challenges that have impeded printing, most counties will send a traditional ballot on normal ballot stock. Although some counties may need to send a ballot on copy paper if their regular ballots are not printed in time, these ballots will be counted similar to any other ballot.

In addition, Colorado is working with the Department of Defense on a pilot project that will offer a new ballot delivery service for overseas military electors from eight Colorado counties. This service aims to dramatically improve the usability and efficiency of overseas voting. Military and overseas voters in El Paso, Denver, Weld, Park, Gilpin, Adams, Morgan and Yuma counties will have the option to participate.

“I’m proud to say that Colorado continues to lead the country in its policies and options available to all overseas voters,” Buescher said. “My office and the county clerk’s offices continue to stand by to assist with election related needs.”

Voters may review and update their voter registration on the Secretary of State website at www.GoVoteColorado.com; and may also follow the link to the Military and Overseas Voters page that has a wealth of information on registration and voting for military and overseas voters, including county contact. Voters will also be able to review the federal and state candidates on their ballots.