Observers with the Secretary of State’s Office have concluded in an initial review of election processes that City Clerk Kathryn Young has met or exceeded legal requirements.

“Observers are satisfied that Clerk staff is properly following the law and documented procedures. Accordingly, the Secretary of State is confident in the processes observed to date,” according to a report based on two site visits.

Future reviews are planned for this coming Monday and April 5, which is Election Day.

Mayor Lionel Rivera said he wasn’t surprised by the initial findings.

“I’ve been involved in seven elections, either as a candidate or as the mayor actually certifying the election results,” he said.

“I’ve always walked through the operations and looked at the security and the counting operation and signature verification, and it’s always been top notch,” he said. “I’m glad for Kathy that the secretary of state’s initial report is one that’s very positive.”

On Monday, a three-member team from Secretary of State’s Office reviewed the following processes: Overall procedures, security, voting equipment preparation, ballot issuance and processing, and drop off location procedures and accessibility.

On Tuesday, Wayne Munster, deputy director of elections for the state, reviewed the signature verification process.

“Based on observations of the election processes in Colorado Springs, the Secretary’s observers believe Clerk Young has met and/or exceeded legal requirements,” the report states.

“At the same time, there are more election procedures to inspect, meriting future visits, as follows. If appropriate, the observers will inspect additional processes or conduct additional visits.”

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