Former state Rep. Bernie Buescher sailed over the first hurdle Monday on his course toward being approved as secretary of state.
A state Senate committee gave unanimous approval to Buescher’s appointment, meaning he has only to be approved by the full Senate, possibly as early as today.
The state election system has gone on a topsy-turvy ride the past few years after a lawsuit led many voting machines to be decertified, only to be recertified after a tumultuous debate at the Capitol last year.
A committee of state and local officials is looking at ways to reform Colorado’s election system, even though a survey recently presented to the committee showed most Coloradans were happy with their voting options.
During Monday’s hearing, Buescher pledged to bring transparency to the secretary of state’s office, which, in addition to overseeing the state’s elections, conducts business licensing and regulates nonprofit groups.
He said he would work to establish a testing process for electronic voting machines that is free from political influence, and he said he would also push for thorough vote-tally audits after an election.
“If we do that in a way that is transparent and rigorous, we should be able to establish the credibility of elections going forward,” Buescher said.
John Ingold: 303-954-1068 or jingold@denverpost.com
