The city of Boulder's election official and city clerk, Alisa Lewis, learned from the Boulder County Election Division this
week that about 900 special election ballots mailed to University of Colorado (CU) students living on-campus were not
accounted for.
These ballots are part of a July 10 special election to elect one Boulder City Councilmember.
State law requires that election ballots be mailed to all active voters in a mail ballot election. In compliance with that law,
on June 15, 44,979 ballots were mailed to active registered voters residing within the city of Boulder. Approximately 1,200
ballots were mailed to active registered voters with addresses listed in CU residence halls. The city verified with the
United States Postal Service (USPS) that those ballots were delivered to CU. However, mail delivery to the residence
halls routinely is suspended during summer months.
This week, the Boulder County Election Division contacted CU because the county is required by federal election law to
account for all mail ballots and had not yet received the "undeliverable" ballots expected from CU residence halls. After
checking with their mail staff, CU located about 250 ballots and determined that the remaining ballots were recycled by
its mail staff consistent with normal practice.
"I am confident that this incident occurred without any intent to tamper with our special election ballots," said Lewis. "CU
is working diligently and honorably to assist in resolving the issue, and the checks and balances that are in place will
maintain the integrity and accuracy of this election. In partnership with Boulder County and CU, we will take the
necessary steps to ensure that this does not happen again."
Lewis said that ballots will be reissued and officially returned by CU as "undeliverable" to ensure proper accountability for
ballots issued to electors with CU residence hall addresses.
"Every election presents learning opportunities," said Lewis. "Because of the important relationship the city and CU have
worked hard to cultivate, the city will take extra steps to work more closely with CU in the future to communicate
proactively the requirements surrounding special election laws."
"We appreciate the university's cooperation in working to resolve this issue," said Hillary Hall, Boulder County clerk and
recorder.
City of Boulder, Colorado
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