Jeffco Clerk named to first Election Practices panel

JEFFERSON COUNTY – Pam Anderson, Jefferson County Clerk and Recorder, is among a baker’s dozen of Colorado citizens appointed to serve on the state’s first Elections Best Practices and Vision Commission.

Secretary of State Bernie Buescher last week announced the members of the panel, which will meet for the first time as a commission on April 21 at the Secretary of State’s office.

“I am looking forward to working with the other members of the commission to represent the citizens of Jefferson County and the state,” Anderson said. “I hope to contribute in a meaningful way to the discussion on the future of elections administration in Colorado.”

Buescher last year proposed the rule that established the commission and its membership. The draft rule calls for at least 11 members consisting of county, municipal and special district election administrators, political parties and other members of the public.

“My aim through this commission is to fully vett the best practices used within and outside the state to seek improvements and efficiencies in our election processes,” Buescher said.

Anderson was elected as Jefferson County Clerk and Recorder in 2006 and managed the county’s 2008 election, which drew the biggest turnout in the county’s history. This year, her office will hold the county’s first all mail-ballot primary election.

Before being elected to the Jefferson County post, Anderson was elected as Wheat Ridge city clerk. She has a bachelors degree in history and a master’s in public administration.

Anderson is a certified election official and member of the Colorado County Clerks Association. She participates in many civic organizations including the Optimists, American Legion and several chamber organizations.

Elections Director Judd Choate will chair the Elections Best Practices and Vision Commission. Other members are State Rep. Carole Murray (R-Castle Rock); State Sen. Rollie Heath (D-Boulder); Stephanie O’Malley, Denver County clerk; Garland Wahl, Washington County clerk; Ryan Call, counsel to Colorado Republican Party; Martha Tierney, counsel to Colorado Democratic Party; Micki Wadhams, Colorado Special Districts Association; Kathy Young, City of Colorado Springs clerk; Kevin Paul, attorney; Joe Richey, Coloradans for Voting Integrity; and Carol Tone, Colorado League of Women Voters.