February 29, 2024 – Maybe it’s a business, school, church, or community center. Do YOU know where the perfect Voter Service and Polling Center should be? If so, the El Paso County Clerk and Recorder’s Office wants to hear from YOU!
The Clerk’s Office will hold a public comment period to get input on Voter Service and Polling Centers (VSPCs) locations for the 2024 General Election. The Clerk’s Office asks that anyone who either owns or knows of a suitable VSPC location to send the information to Director of Elections Angie Leath, angieleath@elpasoco.com or (719) 520-7325. The official public comment period will be open from February 29, through April 29, 2024.
“In this Presidential Election year, establishing Voter Centers in conveniently strategic locations is essential to ensure all eligible citizens have an opportunity to vote,” said Clerk and Recorder Steve Schleiker. “People know their neighborhoods and businesses where establishing a VSPC may be possible. We encourage them to notify our office of these locations and in turn they will be helping voters who need in-person service.”
Though Colorado conducts mail-ballot elections, Colorado law stipulates that a Clerk and Recorder must operate a certain number of Voter Service and Polling Centers throughout the county. VSPCs allow citizens the opportunity to vote in person, register to vote, update their voter registration record, get a replacement ballot, or drop off their completed mail ballot. All locations also will be ADA accessible and will have user-friendly ballot marking devices for voters with disabilities.
According to Colorado law, a VSPC location must meet the following criteria to be eligible for consideration:
- Available for Clerk and Recorder use anywhere from 9-25 days preceding the November 5, 2024, General Election
- Secure computer access
- Secure internet access
- Sufficient electrical power for the equipment
- Minimum 1,600-2,000 sq. ft.
- Accessible for people with disabilities
- Sufficient public parking spaces (preferably free)
- Close proximity to public transportation lines
- A public location that typically services a significant number of people
- Geographically diverse to maximize coverage throughout the county
- Suitable restrooms for staff and voters
- Proximity to other VSPC locations
- Availability 8:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. Monday through Friday and 8:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. on Saturday, November 2, and from 7:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. on Monday, November 4, and Election Day, November 5, 2024
- Accessible to county election staff to set up and take down equipment
- Open to other minor compliance needs to satisfy state and federal law, such as posting election notice signs before and during the facility open to the public and/or temporarily installing video surveillance equipment
“Setting up and operating a VSPC entails many requirements,” said Clerk Schleiker. “The first step is identifying suitable locations which will meet those requirements and ensure voters are enfranchised. We greatly appreciate the support of our community in assisting with this essential process.”
If you would like to suggest a VSPC location, please include the location name along with any other helpful information such as the name and phone number of the owner or space coordinator. Generally, the Clerk’s Office prefers donated space.