 June 6, 2005 Dean Logan responds to election contest ruling"I commend Chelan County Superior Court Judge John Bridges' fair-minded decision. Faced with an extraordinary amount of information and tasked with discerning between proven and unproven allegations, Judge Bridges' decision addressed each issue carefully and impartially. "Washington's constitution provides the legal framework to allow voters to contest close elections, a hallmark to a free and democratic society. While the decision will likely be appealed to the Washington Supreme Court, today we are one step closer to the end of the historic 2004 General Election. "I am cognizant of Judge Bridges' comments with regard to King County Elections and assure both him and the public we can and will do better. "Efforts are well underway to address the human errors and administrative deficiencies that occurred in November. Rigorous quality control measures, enhanced reconciliation processes, and improved reporting of ballot accountability have already been implemented in the three special elections held in February, April and May this year. "Today, like every day since November, Elections staff is working long hours to examine and improve the way elections are conducted in King County and to implement several new election laws and a new September primary. "Having recently certified the last of a series of special elections, we will take the next three months to carefully examine and address decade's old elections problems which have plagued this organization. In the 21 months since I came to King County, we have worked hard to address a great deal of problems, many of which culminated during the historically close 2004 General Election. Rest assured, we have learned from our mistakes and I remain committed to continuous improvement and meaningful reform. We will address the critical issues of elections in King County from the inside out as well as from the outside in. "The Executive's supplemental budget request submitted to the County Council last week is a significant step forward in improving King County Elections. Consolidating core election processes under one roof, a top recommendation of the Secretary of State and the King County Council's Citizens' Election Oversight Committee, will help meet the demands of new, more complex elections systems and improve efficiencies, security, and oversight of elections - while maintaining transparency and public access. "Likewise, we welcome the external reviews and recommendations of the Executive's Independent Task Force on Elections and the newly reconstituted Citizens' Election Oversight Committee. These efforts along with a council-sponsored independent audit of the Elections Section provide the best opportunity for organizational improvement and meaningful change. As we move forward with administering the 2005 primary and general elections, we will remain focused on public trust and confidence in the elections process." |
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Updated: June 6, 2005 King County | Elections | News | Services | Comments | Search
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