Gessler partners with Teller County to oversee primary election

Two state staffers will join official observer to manage local election

Denver, June 20, 2012 - Seeking to quell rising concerns in Teller County, Secretary of State Scott Gessler will dedicate additional state staff to oversee the June 26 primary election.

"Obviously, there’s no college degree in elections administration," Gessler said. "Experience managing elections is invaluable and, right now, the Teller County Clerk’s Office needs additional resources to ensure a fair election."

The Teller County Commissioners and County Clerk and Recorder J.J. Jamison welcomed the additional resources supplied by state’s chief election officer.

Teller County Board of County Commissioner Chairman James Ignatius added “The Commissioners completely endorse the Secretary of State’s decision to dedicate additional resources to the Teller County election process. The integrity of the election is a vital concern and must be protected at any cost."

Gessler's announcement follows a misstep described last week in which mail ballots failed to include a signature line and affidavit as required by law. This week the Secretary of State’s office designated former San Miguel County Clerk Peggy Nerlin as an official election observer and representative of the office.

Following today’s announcement, Gessler will deploy two additional state staffers to join Nerlin through the primary election.

"With contested races on the ballot, we wanted to reassure Teller County voters," Gessler said. "I agree with the Teller County commissioners and the Teller County Clerk that 'an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure.' We’re taking steps now to manage this election properly so that the people of Teller County can have confidence in the results."

Jamison will continue to lead the clerk’s office and will share management and oversight duties with the state employees through the primary election.