Council confirms value of Elections Oversight panel

August 23, 2010

Summary

Adopted motion calls for continued operation of Citizens’ Elections Oversight Committee

Story

As King County Elections continues its tabulation of last week's primary election, the Metropolitan King County Council today praised the citizen committee that helped restore confidence in county elections. The Council unanimously adopted a motion affirming the value of the King County Citizens' Elections Oversight Committee (CEOC) in maintaining public confidence in elections and supporting the retention of the committee.

“People expect their government to carry out certain basic tasks accurately; elections being a prime example,” said Council Vice Chair Jane Hague, prime sponsor of the motion and sponsor of the legislation that created the CEOC. “The CEOC has had significant success in restoring voter confidence in King County Elections. I’m proud of what we have accomplished, especially since the 2004 debacle. ”

“King County Elections has had a complete turnaround since coming under scrutiny for problems in 2002, and much of that improvement can be attributed to the recommendations of the Citizens’ Elections Oversight Committee,” said Councilmember Larry Phillips, co-sponsor of the legislation that created the CEOC. “This group of citizens has donated hundreds of volunteer hours to helping Elections establish best practices for conducting accurate, secure, and transparent elections.”

“Since its creation in 2003, the oversight committee has provided sound recommendations and helped King County restore public trust in our elections process,” said Council Chair Bob Ferguson, a co-sponsor of the motion.

The King County Council created the CEOC in 2003 to oversee elections and make recommendations to improve the performance and accountability of the King County Elections Division. The Council made the CEOC a permanent, ongoing committee in 2006. During its existence, the Committee has written two substantial reports listing over 180 recommendations to improve King County elections. Nearly all the recommendations have been implemented by the County or addressed by changes to federal or state election laws. In addition, the Committee provides annual reports to the Council on its activities and elections operations.

The members of the CEOC are appointed by the County Council and represent specific constituencies:

• Ellen Hansen, Chair—Registered Voter
• Ross Marzolf—Registered Voter
• A.J. Culver—Municipal League of King County
• Paul Guppy—Washington Policy Center
• Frank Radford—Finn Hill Park and Recreation District
• Sheryl Moss—Washington Secretary of State’s Office
• Emily Willoughby—King County Democratic Party
• James Rigby—Washington State Republican Party
• Michael A. Snyder—Washington State Democratic Party
• Marilyn Knight—League of Women Voters
• Monica Tracey—King County Republican Party
• Kim Wyman—Thurston County Auditor

When the Council made the CEOC an ongoing committee, the adopted legislation included a provision requiring the committee to evaluate the extent to which county elections operations have changed or improved since the committee’s creation and determine whether there was a need for ongoing elections oversight. The adopted motion states the Council’s intent to retain the services of the panel.


The adopted legislation advances the Council’s priority of Trust in Government