Election Reform Task Force plans four public meetings

For Immediate Release: January 31, 2005

The public is invited to provide its ideas on how to improve the state�s election system at four meetings around the state scheduled by the newly formed Election Reform Task Force.

�This is an opportunity for Washington citizens to tell us what they think should be changed and improved about our voting system,� said Governor Christine Gregoire who announced formation of the task force in her inaugural address.

The task force is co-chaired by Secretary of State Sam Reed and former State Senator Betti Sheldon of Bremerton. Other task force members are former Washington State University President Dr. Sam Smith of Seattle and former State Senator Larry Sheahan of Rosalia.

The task force will hold public meetings at:

Vancouver -- 6:30 - 8:30 pm Thursday, Feb 10, at Clark College Foster Auditorium..
Des Moines -- 6 - 8 pm Monday, Feb. 14, at Highline Community College Student Union Building.
Pasco -- 6 - 8 pm Wednesday, Feb. 16, at the Columbia Basin College Student Union Building.
Spokane -- 6 - 8 pm Tuesday, Feb. 22 - Spokane Community College Lair Student Center.

�The problems that have occurred during the 2004 election cycle are unacceptable and need to be fixed,� said Reed. �I am eager to hear suggestions from citizens on how to do that."

�The election last fall demonstrated to all of us that we can do better to make sure that every vote counts and that every vote is counted correctly,� Sheldon said. �I urge Washington residents to help us find better ways to ensure a timely and accurate election.�

Citizens attending the public meetings will be able to sign up to speak. The meeting will begin with opening introductions and a short presentation and then the meeting will be open for questions or comments from the public.

The task force will report back to Governor Gregoire with recommended reforms by March 1.