Voting Centers Receive Endorsement

Fort Collins Coloradoan editorial on 11/5/04

Larimer County voters appeared to roundly endorse the voting center concept on Election Day.

Tuesday was third election that Larimer County used vote centers -- 31 sites located throughout the county where voters could cast their ballots. Larimer County is the only county in the nation that currently uses the centers, which allow eligible voters to cast ballots anywhere in Larimer County.

The model in Larimer County is based on making voting and counting ballots more efficient, cost-effective and more secure than using dozens of precinct locations.

Of 155,045 active voters in Larimer County, 145,052, or a phenomenal 93.5 percent, cast ballots Tuesday.

County elections officials were well prepared with adequate staffing and information. While lines were long because of the record turnout, most residents reported a wait of less than 30 minutes, which is much less than other counties reported. Larimer County elections workers were able to check the status of each voter via an electronic poll book.

A few unavoidable glitches were reported, including a computer breakdown in Wellington, but for the most part, voters made it to the voting booths in a reasonable manner.

The vote centers also save taxpayers money because they require fewer workers and volunteers than do precincts. County officials also were able to post voting results quickly on the county Web site at www.larimer.org, with unofficial final results in by 11:16 p.m. Tuesday.

This election has seen much rancor and criticism about government as well as concern about the elections process. Larimer County's voting center concept, however, is a positive example of what government can and should do for the people.