Oct. 3, 2005

"I am pleased with the report's positive assessment of the progress we've made. The improvements we've seen in the 2005 Primary and recount are an important first step in regaining voter confidence by establishing a positive track record.

"We recognize there is more work to be done and this audit report is a valuable tool in our continued efforts to improve. Our own self-assessment, ordered by the King County Executive, mirrors much of what was presented in this audit: the need for legislative changes lengthening the time between the Primary and General Elections, the importance of a consolidated facility, the organizational position of the elections function within county government, and procedural flaws in the reconciliation process.

"The issues related to security and the need for a consolidated facility are underscored by the recount of the King County Sheriff's race. While we have already made many of the recommended improvements in security, still the limitations of our facility demand that the recount happen in three separate locations with ballots being transported between them.

"The security improvements we already have made include:

• Increased video surveillance at critical facilities -- King County Administration Building Tabulation Room, Front Counter and Back Door Access; and similar installation at the Mail Ballot Operations Satellite (MBOS).
• Tighter controls on access to election facilities through key card access to limited staff. Facilities include the Elections Office at the Administration Building , the Elections Section vault, and the ballot tabulation room through key card access to limited staff.
• Ballot storage has been further secured by extending fencing to the ceiling and scheduling coverage of the skylight.
• The presence of uniformed King County Sheriffs has been increased when ballots are being processed at MBOS, the Election Distribution Center and at the temporary recount facility during recounts.
• The transport of ballots has been made more secure by requiring two elections staff to escort the ballots and making the process open to official party observers.

"The recount also underscores the challenges of certifying an election in the short time allowed and conducting the General Election such a short time after the Primary. As we are seeing now, the extra time needed for the recount will mean the turnaround for finalizing the General Election ballot in time to make print deadlines will be less than 24-hours.

"Regarding our outreach to non-English speaking communities and efforts to make polling place accessible, we have already made a request to the Secretary of State for a facilities planner to help us make sure we have polling places that are compliant with the Americans with Disabilities Act. And, our bilingual program has seen tremendous success this year earning recognition from the Community Coalition. Thanks to voter outreach and education, we've seen an increase of 44 percent in the number requests for election materials in Chinese. In the 2005 Primary 96 bilingual poll workers were enlisted as compared to 62 in last year's General Election.

"The numerous external reviews and recommendations have been valuable to our elections team. Now it's time to devote the resources -- time and budget -- to ensuring security and consolidating our facilities. We are committed to making positive use of the audit process. Continued dedication to our mission will reflect that over time."

Dean Logan is Director of King County Records, Elections and Licensing Services.

Related information:

• Council releases Elections audit
• Elections audit report (PDF file, 1.5M)
• Statement of King County Executive Ron Sims on the Council Elections Audit

Updated: Oct. 3, 2005

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