Shortage of voting machines blamed for Douglas County delays
Rocky Mountain News  By Charley Able   November 8, 2006

CASTLE ROCK — Douglas County's Election Day backups, which kept voters at some voting center in line until after 1 a.m., resulted from too few voting machines and too long a ballot, County Clerk Carole Murray said today.

"The reason we called this press conference today, was for me to apologize to the citizens of Douglas County," Murray said. " I am just heartbroken about what happened at the polls yesterday. There are a lot of angry people out there and I don't blame them."

Murray laid the blame for the long lines and voter frustration on the number of voting machines, which she said was inadequate to efficiently handle the second longest ballot in Colorado history.

The county recently purchased 300 E-Slate voting machines at l cost of $1.4 million.

"I would say we need at least 200 more to handle a ballot the size of Tuesday's," Murray said. Buying more machines definitely might be an option, Murray said.

The county plans to appoint a panel that will work with the Secretary of State's Office, the major political parties and citizens to find a solution.

"We need some time. The board of county commissioners is absolutely committed to working with the clerk" to head off future problems, said County Commissioner Steve Boand.

Murray joined all three commissioners in praising the cooperation of voters.

"I want to compliment the voters and their patience and determination," Murray said.