The proposed bill aims to enhance the integrity and accuracy of mail ballot elections by modifying the signature verification process.
Current Process: Presently, in Colorado's mail ballot elections, a single election judge is responsible for verifying the voter's signature on each returned ballot envelope. This verification involves comparing the signature on the envelope to the voter's signature on file.
Proposed Changes:
Bipartisan Verification Teams: The bill permits county clerks to authorize bipartisan teams—comprising members from different political parties—to jointly conduct signature verifications. This collaborative approach aims to reduce potential biases and enhance trust in the verification process.
Rulemaking Authority: The Secretary of State is empowered to establish rules governing the procedures for these bipartisan teams, ensuring consistency and adherence to best practices across all counties.
By implementing these changes, the bill seeks to bolster public confidence in the electoral process, ensuring that mail-in ballots are accurately and fairly validated through a transparent and bipartisan approach.
Summary
Currently, in every mail ballot election coordinated with or
conducted by a county clerk and recorder, a single election judge personally conducts the review of each mail ballot for purposes of signature verification, unless the county clerk and recorder allows the election judge to use a signature verification device. The bill authorizes the county clerk and recorder to allow a team of bipartisan election judges, rather than a single election judge, to review mail ballots for purposes of signature verification. The bill authorizes the secretary of state to adopt rules concerning the procedure for using a team of bipartisan election judges for such signature verification.
