Public input for new voting systems extended one week

Due to several requests for additional time to comment on the creation of a Request for Proposals (RFP) for the County’s voting system, the Boulder County Clerk and Recorder’s office has extended the deadline one week for receipt of public input on the RFP development process.

The draft RFP has been posted at http://www.co.boulder.co.us/clerk/elections/ and will remain available for public review and comment until noon on Wednesday, January 4. This RFP will allow all interested voting equipment vendors to competitively bid their services to Boulder County for implementation of a new voting system for the 2006 primary and general elections.

The original deadline was scheduled for today, December 28, but because of holiday travel and related activities it was decided that extending the deadline one week was appropriate to give Boulder County residents more time to provide public comment. During the next week, citizens can visit the Web site, read the draft and submit comments or proposed language to the Clerk for consideration in the final RFP.

The quick turnaround time for public comment is necessary so that the RFP can be released to voting machine vendors in early January and equipment can be delivered by April 1. Boulder County residents may wish to note that this is only one step in the process that will allow for public input. Other opportunities, such as a public hearing hosted by the County Commissioners in late March, will provide voters with additional opportunities to participate in the selection process for a new voting system.

Providing for public input at this stage in the voting system selection process reflects an unprecedented move on behalf of Boulder County to involve the public in the elections process. While not required by law to request input from the public, Boulder County Clerk and Recorder Linda Salas believes it is in the best interest of Boulder County citizens to have the opportunity to weigh in on the process from the beginning. “We have received a lot of valuable feedback so far and now that the public comment period has been extended, we expect to receive even more. The input we receive from the public will help to ensure that when the final RFP is released, it will be a quality document asking vendors to tailor their bids to meet the specific needs of Boulder County,” Salas said.

Residents wishing to submit comments to the draft RFP should visit the Clerk and Recorder’s Web site or fax their comments to 303-413-7750. Only written comments will be accepted.

In the event that Josh Liss cannot be reached, calls may also be directed to Barb Halpin, Public Information Officer, Boulder County Commissioners’ Office, at 303-441-1622