Date: 01/24/2006
Final
Briefing by Secretary of State
HOUSE COMMITTEE ON STATE, VETERANS, & MILITARY AFFAIRS
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02:04 PM
The committee was called to order.
02:04 PM -- Briefing by the Secretary of State
Ms. Gigi Dennis, Secretary of State, briefed the committee regarding the Office of Secretary of State (SOS). Secretary Dennis was joined by a number of employees of the SOS, including Keith Whitelaw, Director of the Business Division, Dana Williams, Public Information Officer, Mike Shea, Director of the Licensing Division, Bill Compton, Director of the Elections Division, Bill Hobbs, Deputy Secretary of State, Patti Fredrick, Director for the federal Help America Vote Act (HAVA), and Brian Balay, Chief Information Officer. Secretary Dennis referenced a packet containing background materials regarding SOS (Attachment A), copies of which were distributed to the committee. Secretary Dennis started off the presentation by discussing the SOS's new computer system. Secretary Dennis and Mr. Whitelaw answered questions regarding the functioning of the new system, and clarified what the SOS considers to be an electronic transaction. Secretary Dennis next provided an overview of a backup data center set up by SOS, which will be used by a number of state agencies when fully implemented. Secretary Dennis then briefly discussed bingo and raffle licensing. Mr. Shea answered questions regarding bingo and raffle licensing and training.
02:17 PM
Secretary Dennis provided an update on securing a vendor to implement a new statewide voter registration system, and answered questions about this implementation. Secretary Dennis followed up with an overview of SOS's efforts to ensure that Colorado complies with HAVA. Secretary Dennis responded to a question regarding the cost associated with purchasing technology to comply with HAVA.
02:28 PM
Secretary Dennis further discussed statewide voting and associated costs. Secretary Dennis then agreed to provide data to committee members regarding the number of active and inactive voters in Colorado. A discussion ensued regarding voting costs, with Mr. Compton joining the discussion to provide clarification pertaining to funding for the holding of elections. Secretary Dennis agreed to provide a phone list of SOS contacts to committee members.