Election officials prepare for high-stakes November ballot

During a recent El Paso County government meeting, officials discussed preparations for the upcoming November election, emphasizing the importance of ensuring all necessary materials and resources are in place. The meeting highlighted the successful certification of the 2024 state primary election, with Clerk and Recorder Steve Schleicher reporting on the completion of a risk-limiting audit that confirmed the accuracy of the election results.

Schleicher detailed the election statistics, noting a total of 131,918 ballots cast, with a turnout rate of 27.96%. He also addressed the issue of undeliverable ballots, reporting a significant reduction in such cases compared to previous elections, thanks to proactive measures taken by the elections team. The team is focused on maintaining accurate voter rolls in preparation for the general election.

Looking ahead, the November ballot is expected to be extensive, potentially featuring a three-card layout due to numerous local and statewide measures. Among the anticipated items are various municipal questions, including TABOR questions from the City of Colorado Springs and Academy School District 20. The meeting underscored concerns about \"ballot fatigue,\" given the length and complexity of the upcoming ballot.

Commissioners expressed their commitment to ensuring a smooth election process, with plans to increase the number of voting service polling centers from nine during the primary to 38 for the general election. The meeting concluded with a call for continued public engagement and awareness as the election date approaches.