Boulder County Voting System Certified

published 02/28/2008

Colorado Secretary of State Mike Coffman certified Boulder County's Hart InterCivic central count scanners and Ballot Now software today.

In his final ruling released today, Coffman certified Hart's central count scanners and Ballot Now software under the one condition that "language be placed on the ballot so that the voter is effectively notified of the need to check their ballots for any extraneous or stray marks within the voting boxes on the ballot."

"We are pleased the Secretary of State took into account how current Statutes and Rules already address the issue of stray marks," said Boulder County Clerk & Recorder Hillary Hall. "Our number one priority in Boulder County has always been, and continues to be, ensuring we have accurate elections with transparent processes and verified results. Our administrative processes achieve this."

Coffman, who heard testimony on both Feb. 21 and Feb. 26 from Clerk and Recorder Hall and fellow clerks who use Hart's equipment, found that the administrative procedures they presented were sufficient in mitigating the issue of stray marks on ballots.

Under House Bill 1155, the clerks were allowed to present to the Secretary of State the administrative processes that address issues raised in the certification process. The clerks' administrative procedures had not previously been included in the certification process until the public hearings.

"We know that we will be using the equipment that we understand best and that we have already invested in with valuable tax dollars," said Boulder County Clerk Hillary Hall. "We will continue working with the Secretary of State's office to address the conditions of use and refining our audit processes to ensure accurate elections."

CONTACT: Hillary Hall, Boulder County Clerk & Recorder, 303-413-7700 or 303-884-0593


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