Metro KC Council appropriates $1.2 M to improve election system

THE METROPOLITAN King County Council Monday appropriated $1.26 million to improve the operation of the county’s Records, Elections and Licensing Services Division.

The majority of funds approved by the Council will be used to strengthen efforts to get absentee ballots out on time for the 2003 primary and general election. At the same time, the Executive and the Council have agreed on initial funding to begin an expedited process to upgrade the voter registration system in preparation for 2004.

“Restoring confidence in the election process begins with moving decisively to shore up the current system,” said Councilmember Dow Constantine, chair of the Labor, Operations and Technology Committee. “This short-term fix will allow us to lay the groundwork for the comprehensive overhaul that we believe must take place before the 2004 presidential election cycle begins.”

“These funds are needed to strengthen the foundation of the current election system,” said Councilmember Larry Phillips. “When the 2003 election cycle is complete, we’ll be able to focus our resources on ensuring that the mistakes of the past are not repeated in a year when we’ll be electing a Governor and a President.”

Metropolitan King County release, July 28,

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