HomeMy WebLinkAboutPitkin Co Urges No on HB 19-1278 2019
Steve Child Patti Clapper Kelly McNicholas Kury Greg Poschman George Newman
County Commissioner County Commissioner County Commissioner County Commissioner County Commissioner
Vice Chair Chair
BOARD OF COUNTY COMMISSIONERS 530 East Main Street
Aspen, Colorado 81611
Phone: (970) 920-5200
www.pitkincounty.com April 2, 2019
Dear House State Affairs Committee:
On behalf of Pitkin County, the Board of Commissioners we urge you to vote NO on HB 19-1278, Concerning Modifications to Miscellaneous Provisions of the “Uniform Election Code of
1992” - the Elections Omnibus Bill. As proposed, HB 19-1278 is a $5 to $6 million-dollar
unfunded mandate for counties across Colorado.
Colorado has one of the best voting models in the nation. Nationally, Colorado is second in the nation (behind only Minnesota) in voter turnout and fourth for lowest wait times. Yet HB
19-1278 will make operations for counties unattainable. Even if fully-funded, the requirements
outlined in the bill will create risks to Colorado’s election model in advance of the 2020
Presidential Election and sets the State up for failure rather than success. Of the $5 to $6 million-dollars of the proposed unfunded mandate, Pitkin County’s operating
costs will increase $45,122 annually for each November election, and $225,610 over the next
five years. The bill will require Pitkin County to expand Voter Service and Polling Center
(VSPC) hours by 79 additional hours, or add 180 more election judge shifts for scheduling and training. Yet, Pitkin County’s elections have high voter turnout and limited wait time.
Experienced election officials know and understand their duties and what it takes to ensure
successful elections with integrity. This bill only adds administrative burdens with no
discernable benefit to the county, its taxpayers or its voters. If improvement in Colorado’s elections results is desired, more effective actions can be taken that will prove less financially overbearing to the counties and result in greater improvement. Vote NO on HB 19-1278.
Sincerely,
Greg Poschman
Chair, Pitkin County Board of Commissioners
cc. Representative Julie McCluskie
Senator Kerry Donovan