This week, Colorado Secretary of State Jena Griswold announced a program to provide funding for up to 100 additional ballot drop boxes for the upcoming November 3 General Election. This is in addition to the 2019 Colorado Votes Act, through which the Secretary of State is helping to provide funding for 91 additional drop boxes across Colorado.
“The right of eligible Americans to have their voices heard in our elections does not stop in times of crisis,” said Griswold. “Adding these additional drop boxes across the state will make our elections more accessible for Coloradans who vote their ballots at home, which is especially important during the COVID-19 health care crisis.”
Through this grant program, counties may apply for funding to install additional ballot drop boxes. Each of Colorado’s 64 counties is encouraged to add at least one drop box.
“We are excited to obtain another 24-hour drop box in Archuleta County,” said Kristy Archuleta, Clerk and Recorder in Archuleta County. “The new drop box will be located in Arboles and will service the residents that reside there, as well as the Southern Ute Indian Tribe. It will save them an hour round-trip drive to drop off their ballots and help them avoid possible weather conditions and wildlife.”
Colorado’s county clerks and recorders may apply for more boxes, and those applications will be reviewed on a case-by-case basis. The Secretary of State’s Office will reimburse the cost for each drop box, with counties eligible for up to $10,000 per drop box. The funding is made possible by the CARES Act, which allocated $400 million nationwide to improve elections during the COVID crisis.
Brenda Corbett, Clear Creek County Clerk and Recorder said, “I am thrilled that we have funding to allow the opportunity to add ballot boxes to our state and alleviate some of the traffic flow into our VSPCs! Our main objective is keeping our community safe, while still allowing every opportunity for my voters to cast their vote safely and securely. A new ballot box in Clear Creek County will give over 1,200 voters on the east end of our county access to a nearby ballot drop box.”
Counties have until August 1 to submit applications.
This is the first of a series of grants that the Secretary of State will offer counties to bolster Colorado elections during the COVID-19 health crisis and to help ensure that Colorado’s elections continue to lead the nation.
For more information on Colorado’s elections, please visit www.sos.state.co.us.
The Pagosa Daily Post welcomes submissions, photos, letters and videos from people who love Pagosa Springs, Colorado. Call 970-903-2673 or email pagosadailypost@gmail.com