State steps in to supervise 2022 General Election in Pueblo County following another ballot misprint
PUEBLO COUNTY, Colo. (KRDO) -- Due to another ballot printing error in Pueblo County, the Secretary of State has appointed an Election Supervisor for the upcoming November election.
The state says this decision comes after "multiple mistakes" made by the Pueblo County Clerk and Recorder Gilbert "Bo" Ortiz during the Colorado State Primary Elections.
In June, roughly 250 Pueblo County voters were sent an incorrect ballot that didn't include all of the categories in the Colorado State Primary elections.
Monday, Secretary of State Jena Griswold announced another error had come to light. On Friday, Oct. 14, the Pueblo County Clerk alerted the Department of State of a misprint on the General Election ballots in Pueblo County.
According to the state, the misprinted ballots include a tear-off tab at the top that says "Official Primary Election Ballot." However, the rest of the ballot "makes it clear" that it's actually for the General Election. Because the misprint on the tear-off tab doesn't affect the legal validity of the ballot, is not legally required, and the infeasibility of printing new ballots in time for the election, the state says Pueblo voters will receive these misprinted ballots.
After this incident, Griswold appointed an Election Supervisor in Pueblo County for the 2022 Primary.
Following the latest ballot misprint, Griswold issued an Election Order appointing Teak Simonton as Election Supervisor in Pueblo County to "ensure the fair and accessible conduct of the upcoming election."
“Every eligible Coloradan – Republican, Democrat, and Unaffiliated alike – has the right to cast a ballot in accessible and secure elections. That’s why I am taking action to appoint an Election Supervisor in Pueblo County,” said Griswold in a press release. “My Office will continue to work closely with the Pueblo Clerk and Recorder’s Office to ensure the county meets its obligations and duties for the 2022 General Election.”
According to the state, Simonton, a professional election administrator, will monitor decisions made and actions taken in Pueblo County related to the administration of the 2022 General Election starting Monday, Oct. 17, 2022.
Simonton will be on-site throughout the election to assist Pueblo County in mitigating and preventing any other errors. As the Supervisor, he's authorized to monitor the activities of the elections staff of the Clerk and Recorder’s Office and is there to help the county meet its duties and obligations under state and federal law.
Additionally, Ortiz and staff will take all lawful direction from the Election Supervisor and any other Secretary of State designee on all election matters.
