DENVER – La Plata County could transition to a new voting system in 2017 as part of an effort to create statewide uniformity.
Clerk Tiffany Lee Parker said she is hesitant to make the switch in 2016, ahead of the presidential election. But given that the system used by the county dates to 1996, Parker said there is a need to upgrade. She has her sights set on 2017 for making the transition, though financial hurdles exist.
The initial projected cost for La Plata County to acquire a complete new system is $185,249, with annual licenses of about $28,650 starting in the second year. Money would come from the county’s general fund.
The current system used by the county is provided by Nebraska-based Election Systems and Software.
“We’ve been in need of new equipment. The equipment works great, but there is much better technology out there,” Parker said.
Secretary of State Wayne Williams announced last week that the state will enter into an agreement with Denver-based Dominion Voting Systems, as Colorado moves toward a uniform voting system. Contract negotiations with Dominion are ongoing, so costs could change.
Dominion received overwhelming support from a committee that evaluated options for the state. The system was piloted in eight counties before the committee reached a decision.
“We’re trying to make that transition as painless as possible,” Williams said. “Every clerk who tried out new systems loved the new system they tried out compared to their old system.”
The effort to transition the state to a uniform system is three years in the making, and was launched by former Secretary of State Scott Gessler.
It may take several years for the transition, as counties are not mandated to make the switch. Counties can decide to acquire new equipment, or continue using existing systems.
Considering some counties are so small that they still hand count ballots, it’s unlikely that the state will have a complete uniform system in the near future. It’s more likely that Colorado would have a “majority system,” Williams said.
The benefits to a uniform system include a consistent in-person voting experience, allowing clerks and staff to “speak the same language” in terms of training and sharing information and possibly lowering costs for smaller counties that pay more because they see less volume.
In terms of reporting results, a uniform system would allow for a streamlined election-night process, in which data is easily entered into the statewide system.
Most voters won’t notice much of a difference if their county makes the transition. Mail ballots – used by about 95 percent of voters – would look the same. In-person voting, however, would be a bit different, as voters would be presented with a tablet to enter their choices. Voters would be given the chance to review their ballot, which is then printed so voters can drop it in a ballot box.
Parker also serves as president of the Colorado County Clerks Association. The association is not taking a formal opinion on the uniform system. But informally, Parker believes there will be majority support.
Some clerks, however, have raised concerns about cost. Statewide implementation comes with an estimated price tag of $9.1 million.
Other clerks simply don’t want to make the switch, underscoring that they are familiar with their current systems.
“Clerks, we’re independently elected officials. Elections are huge,” Parker said. “Some of us have a comfort level. ... This is going to be very different for some clerks.”
Williams equates the issue to making the switch from a flip phone to a smartphone. While some might be initially nervous to upgrade, their fears usually go away after completing the transition.
“I doubt you’re using the same cellphone as 15 years ago. You’re probably not using the same computer as 15 years ago,” Williams said. “Many of these systems actually are using operating systems that are no longer supported.”
pmarcus@durangoherald.com
