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Two counties taken off election watch list

By Myung Oak Kim, Rocky Mountain News (Contact)

Published July 24, 2008 at 11:38 a.m.
Updated July 24, 2008 at 11:53 p.m.

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Routt and Montrose counties are no longer under state election oversight because of improvements made since the 2006 elections, Secretary of State Mike Coffman announced Thursday.

Coffman placed the two counties on his watch list last year because of extensive wait times at polling sites during the November 2006 elections.

Not enough electronic voting machines caused lines up to four hours in Routt County. Some voters left without casting ballots.

In Montrose County, new electronic voting terminals failed because of incorrect operation by poorly trained election workers, causing long lines.

Election officials did not provide enough paper ballots or contingency plans, and also did not follow mandated security procedures.

Since then, both counties have made significant changes and requested removal from the watch list.

Montrose County added polling sites, increased election worker training, hired additional technical staff and improved security procedures.

Routt County bought more electronic voting machines and improved worker training and communication. The two counties also have increased the availability of paper ballots at polling sites.

Denver and Douglas counties remain on the state watch list.

They have made numerous changes to election systems and procedures since 2006.

kimm@RockyMountainNews.com or 303-954-2361