Date: 02/05/2009
Final
BILL SUMMARY for HB09-1160
HOUSE COMMITTEE ON STATE, VETERANS, & MILITARY AFFAIRS
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12:23 PM -- House Bill 09-1160
Representative Miklosi, prime sponsor, presented House Bill 09-1160, concerning the ability of a qualified elector to submit information via the secure web site of the Secretary of State. Representative Miklosi explained the effect of the bill, and described the implementation of Internet voter information-sharing programs in other states. Committee members received a background handout on the bill prepared by Representative Miklosi (Attachment C), and a letter from the Washington State Office of the Secretary of State explaining its experience with on-line voter registration (Attachment D). Representative Miklosi then explained the benefits of implementing an on-line voter information program.
12:25 PM
The following persons testified regarding House Bill 09-1160:
12:25 PM -- Mr. Steve Fenberg, representing New Era Colorado, testified in favor of the bill. Mr. Fenberg discussed the convenience that certain populations would experience if the bill passed, including young people, and the potential cost savings for state government that may result. Mr. Fenberg used the state of Arizona as an example of a state that allows submission of voter information in a manner similar to the system installed by House Bill 09-1160. Mr. Fenberg then addressed the potential for fraud as a result of the bill's passage, and explained how concerns over fraud are mitigated by the bill. Mr. Fenberg also explained that use of the secure web site to register to vote is optional. Discussion ensued regarding technologies that compare electronic signatures of voters when they submit voter registration information electronically, and the potential for the commission of identity theft and other crimes as a result.
12:36 PM
Discussion continued regarding validation of electronic signatures electronically for voter information submission purposes. Mr. Fenberg clarified that the bill does not provide for signature verification. Discussion ensued regarding the ability to confirm the veracity of certain information electronically without a signature.
12:42 PM -- Clerk Pam Anderson, Jefferson County Clerk, and Clerk Hillary Hall, Boulder County Clerk, representing the Colorado County Clerks Association, testified in favor of House Bill 09-1160. Clerk Hall discussed the ways in which the public will be better served under the bills, and the potential cost savings that may result if the bill is enacted. Clerk Hall also discussed the benefits of centralizing the gathering of voter information through a statewide voter information system. Clerk Anderson discussed the specific areas in which cost savings may be realized at the county level, and the methods by which voter information is collected by counties under current law. Clerk Anderson clarified the way in which voter signatures are gathered currently and under the provisions of the bill. Discussion ensued regarding the security of signature information under House Bill 09-1160, and citizenship verification when an individual applies for certain identification.
12:52 PM
Representative Lambert read a statement by Clerk Robert Balink, El Paso County Clerk and Recorder, expressing reservations with the bill. Discussion ensued regarding the costs associated with the bill, and the potential for litigation if the system created by House Bill 09-1160 is put in place.
12:55 PM -- Mr. Richard Coolidge and Mr. Trevor Timmons, representing the Secretary of State, testified in favor of House Bill 09-1160. Mr. Coolidge discussed how an individual will register to vote under the bill, and how counties will process voter information under the bill. Mr. Timmons clarified how signatures are verified electronically under the bill. Mr. Coolidge responded to questions regarding the ability of the Department of State to verify voter information electronically under House Bill 09-1160. Representative Miklosi clarified how a voter would provide verification using the system installed by the bill. Discussion ensued regarding the potential for litigation if the bill were to pass, certification of certain voting equipment, and certification requirements for the statewide voter registration system.
01:05 PM -- Ms. Christine Watson, representing the League of Women Voters, testified in favor of the bill. Ms. Watson discussed the fact that the amount of lead time before the next election will allow for the system required by the bill to be properly implemented. Ms. Watson also discussed the convenience that certain populations will experience as a result of the bill.
01:08 PM -- Ms. Faith Gross, representing the Legal Center for People with Disabilities and Older People, testified in favor of House Bill 09-1160. Ms. Gross explained how the bill will increase independence and convenience for certain populations.
01:09 PM -- Mr. David Larson, representing Coloradans for Voting Integrity, testified in opposition to the bill. Mr. Larson expressed concerns over the security of the on-line system required by the bill, and discussed instances where on-line systems have been compromised. Mr. Larson responded to questions regarding the motivations of those who might hack the on-line system required by House Bill 09-1160, and the potential for an attack to compromise the database created under the bill.
01:16 PM -- Ms. Sheryle Hutter, representing the Colorado Cross-Disability Coalition, testified in opposition to House Bill 09-1160, in light of the discussion. Ms. Hutter discussed the fact that the system created by the bill would be convenient for many people, but concerns over fraud and the inability of certain populations to benefit from the system outweigh the benefits.
01:19 PM -- Ms. Margit Johansson, representing Coloradans for Voting Integrity, testified in opposition to the bill. Committee members received a letter from Ms. Johansson with attached materials outlining her opposition to the legislation (Attachment E). Ms. Johansson echoed concerns regarding the potential for malicious attacks on and fraud associated with the on-line system required by the bill, and read a portion of Attachment E. Ms. Johansson recounted a personal experience where her credit card information had been compromised through electronic means, and stressed the need for experts in the field of computer science to tackle these issues.
01:25 PM
Representative Miklosi addressed concerns raised during testimony.
01:26 PM
The committee adjourned.