Election-reform legislation in Colorado
Re: “Election reforms on books,” June 9 news article.
Voting is the most tangible connection most people have to their government. But trust in the democratic process has declined among too many citizens and even some elected officials. This lack of trust was the impetus for election-reform legislation passed by the legislature and just signed into law by Gov. Owens. These reforms will move Colorado to the ranks of the leading states for ensuring fair, honest and accurate elections.
The new Colorado law requires that electronic voting machines be retrofitted to produce a paper record that voters may use to verify their votes. The law goes a step further and requires that the paper records be audited. These are important reforms that will ensure that votes are being counted as they were cast.
Another important reform involves provisional ballots. The new law will count provisional ballots cast in the wrong precinct for all federal and statewide races.
Senate bills 198 and 206 make other critical reforms, including more training for election workers, new requirements for voter registration drives, new rules on absentee and provisional voting and clarification on which felons can’t vote.
Confidence in elections is critical to participation. The 2004 election saw a turnout of nearly 60 percent, the highest since 1968. To maintain this upward trend of voter participation, we must continue to improve elections. We should all be proud that our state is now a leader in demanding high standards in the conduct of our elections.
Jenny Rose Flanagan, Denver
The writer is Associate Director of Colorado Common Cause
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Limited sale of IMF gold to relieve debt
Re: “Gold for debt ensnarls Newmont,” June 6 business article
Your article highlighted the concerns that our organization and more than two dozen religious leaders have about Newmont’s opposition to limited sale of International Monetary Fund gold to fund poor country debt cancellation.
The National Mining Association claims gold sales would hurt countries it is trying to help. Nothing could be further from the truth. The head of the IMF has publicly explained how the IMF could sell some of its gold without any impact on the world price, thus eliminating any potential harm to developing nations or U.S. industry.
Many governments support limited and responsible sale of IMF gold, including the UK and other G-7 nations, as well as Guyana, South Africa, and Tanzania – all gold-producing, developing nations.
There is a growing global consensus on the need for limited and responsible sale of IMF gold to finance debt cancellation. We call on Newmont to join that consensus.
Neil Watkins, Washington
The writer is National Coordinator, Jubilee USA Network
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Kudos to Aurora traffic
I started a new job about a year ago and commute northbound on Parker Road between 5 and 6 a.m. For that entire time, the traffic light at Parker Road and Lehigh Street has given about equal time in both directions. In all those months, I’ve seen a total of maybe five cars on Lehigh, despite the difference in traffic on the two streets.
I finally called Aurora traffic. I was quickly connected to a woman who was knowledgeable, and thankful that I had taken the time to report the problem. The same day, I received a call from an Aurora traffic engineer. He had confirmed there was a problem and corrected it.
I can’t imagine a better response from any organization, and I am still stunned that it came from a government department that has something to do with motor vehicles. My hat is off to you.
David Jones, Aurora
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