FW: PRESS 07192006 A response to Al Kolwicz

The Clerk’s official response to my Opinion Letter is below. I have this to say about it:

1.  The response that the “brochure” is a “voter guide” is simply playing games with words.  NO matter what the clerk wants to call it, the flyer serves as a promotional brochure – (1) name identification for Salas and (2) encourages people to vote absentee.

2002 Primary Election

Democratic ballots       9668

Republican ballots       7449

TOTAL VOTERS 2002 Primary, ALL METHODS: 17, 117

2006 Primary Election

Absentee ballot applications 21,000

Early Voting ????

Election Day Voting ????

TOTAL VOTERS 2006 Primary

The fact remains; there is no provision in the law. The “every body else is doing it defense” does not excuse Salas from exceeding the limits of the law. It was an unnecessary expenditure, possibly politically motivated, not in the best interests of the people.
A mandatory (Party Affiliation) field is missing. The clerk’s response talks about an unrelated topic (how to declare a new affiliation). The law requires that the party affiliation be asserted. This field can serve as a check – (1) is this the actual voter? (2) is the registration file correct? (3) Is the voter being sent the correct ballot?
It is not true that the only information mailed was the name and address. The package also announced that the person identified on the package is “an active voter who is eligible to vote in this primary election”? Tens of thousands of these packages wound up in recycle bins. This invites mischief.
The clerk’s response attempts to misdirect the reader from the fact. I did not suggest elimination of absentee voting. I object to the clerk’s pushing it. It is the most expensive and least secure method of voting. Also, it gives an advantage to an incumbent since it elongates the peak campaigning period.
It is not true that the court ruled that “the number used by our voting system is in no way associated or tied back to a voter or any associated voter record”. We challenge the clerk to produce a record that documents this decision by the court.

This clerk does not serve the interests of the people and must be replaced by somebody who does.

From: Al Kolwicz [mailto:alkolwicz@xxxxxxxxx]
Sent: Monday, July 24, 2006 6:54 AM
To: Al Kolwicz
Subject: PRESS 07192006 A response to Al Kolwicz

http://www.coloradodaily.com/articles/2006/07/19/opinion/your_take/yourtake2.txt

A response to Al Kolwicz

BY CARRIE HAVERFIELD
Wednesday, July 19, 2006 9:03 PM MDT

I would like to respond to some statements made by Mr. Kolwicz July 16th's Your Take.

The points I would like to address are:

“Salas used more than $25,000 in county funds to print and mail an election brochure.”

The voter information guide was part of an on-going voter education outreach effort by the County to inform voters of their options for voting as well as the upcoming election deadlines.

“There is no provision in Colorado law that authorizes election officials to mail unsolicited absentee ballot applications.”

We believe this is good customer service and this practice has been done in many other Colorado counties. Many voters have thanked us for sending out the absentee ballot application and in fact, almost 21,000 people have taken advantage of this outreach effort and have already submitted their application.

“The application forms appear to be flawed. A mandatory field is missing.”

The absentee ballot applications that were sent out were state-mandated forms. There is in fact a section on the form which allows the voter to declare a new party affiliation or remain unaffiliated.

“The mailing included information which identifies an eligible voter, so they are a potential candidate for identity theft.”

The only information printed on the form was the voter's name and address. This information was printed on the form to help the Election's Division process the applications more quickly and reduce the chance of human error.

“One must ask why Salas promotes voting by mail when it is less secure, less accurate, and much more expensive.”

Voting by absentee ballots is not only mandated by state law, but it is also an easy way for busy voters to participate in the election process, and thus helps increase voter turnout.

“Salas has steadfastly refused to abide by Colorado's requirement for anonymous voting.”

The District Court and the Secretary of State, Gigi Dennis, have ruled that the number used by our voting system is in no way associated or tied back to a voter or any associated voter record. They were persuaded by the case of Schooler v. Salas, Case No. 34CV1282, Oct. 21, 2004, in which the Court clearly ruled that “ballots containing the serial number and bar codes substantially comply with Colorado election law and the Colorado Constitution.”

Carrie Haverfield is Voter Education and Outreach Specialist with the Boulder County Elections Division. The views expressed here are her own, and not necessarily those of the Colorado Daily management or staff.