Article Contributed on: 9/26/2008 12:23:57 PM
Douglas residents are getting ready to participate in the 2008 General Election on November 4, and County Clerk and Recorder
Jack Arrowsmith is doing everything he can to make the process smooth this year, adopting the slogan, "Don't Wait in '08."
Arrowsmith is calling on voters to vote by mail or to vote early at designated polling places.
Unike other areas, the Douglas County electronic voting machines worked fine in 2006. Arrowsmith said, however, "We estimated it would take five minutes to vote but it took 8.3 minutes per person. I believe the last person in the Continental United States to cast a ballot was at 1:30 a.m. in Douglas County's Westridge Recreation Center in Highlands Ranch." He said many had been in line since 7 PM to exercise their right.
He said several factors will influence this year's balloting.
• First of all, interest in the 2008 elections is likely to cause a record turnout. In 2006, 140,000 voted. In 2008, at least 170,000 are expected.
• Secondly, the ballot will be the longest in Colorado history. There will be 18 statewide initiatives as well as several local tax-increase proposals, along with a lengthy list of candidates for office. For example, there are no less than fifteen candidates for President of the United States.
Douglas County Elections Manager
Sherri Muehlfelt said there will likely be no way to avoid long lines on Election Day and encouraged voters to vote by mail or take advantage of the early voting opportunities.
Clerk and Recorder Arrowsmith said many people vote at the last minute, because they "want to wait to get all the dirt." He urged voters, however, to vote early. Here is the schedule:
1. Voters must register by October 6. Registration forms are available at DouglasVotes.com. Select "Forms" on the left hand side of the page. Forms are also available at the Motor Vehicle Offices and the Clerk and Recorder's Office.
2. Voters may check a box on the registration form to get a Mail-In Ballot. Arrowsmith says this is the easiest method of voting; it can be done in the convenience of the home.
3. The registration form must be returned before October 6 to the Douglas County Clerk and Recorders's Office by mailing it to P.O. Box 1360, Castle Rock, CO 80104. The form may be dropped off at 301 Wilcox St. in Castle Rock. It may also be faxed to 303-688-3067.
4. October 3--The "Blue Book," providing details on tax-related issues on the November Ballot will be mailed to all registered voters. It will also include a Douglas County Sample Ballot.
5. Sample Ballots will be available on DouglasVotes.com as of October 3.
6. October 10--The "Mail-In Ballot" will be sent to all individuals who have requested them. Voters should remember to carefully follow the instructions and to place postage on the return envelope.
7. October 20--Early Voting begins at 11 Early Voting Sites in Douglas County
8. November 4, Election Day-- Polling sites will be open from 7 am to 7 pm. Voters who did not sign up for early voting will receive a yellow signature card and should bring the card with them to the polling place (or at the early voting sites). Voters are also able to bring notes or "cheat sheets" with them to aid in voting.
Voters who have questions should contact the Douglas County Elections Office at 303-660-7444.