Prowers County Clerk Jana Coen participates in summer County Clerk conference in Burlington

Back row, left to right: Baca County Clerk Sharon Dubois, Logan County Clerk Pam Bacon, Washington County Clerk Annie Kuntz, and Crowley County Clerk  Melinda Carter.  Front row, left to right:  Lincoln County Clerk Corinne Lengel, Yuma County Clerk Beverly Wenger, Prowers County Clerk Jana Coen, Bent County Clerk Lynda Moss, and Kit Carson County Clerk Susan Corliss

A relaxing summer conference helped rejuvenate Colorado’s county clerks, who reveled in the hospitality they received in Burlington while being updated on the areas they administer, from elections to motor vehicles to recording documents.

Kit Carson County Clerk Susan Corliss hosted the Colorado County Clerks Association conference with the help of her fellow Eastern Plains clerks, including Prowers County Clerk Jana Coen.

“Staying connected with other clerks can help with office practices and procedures. Leaning on each other for help is so very important,” Coen said. “And the location was a fun atmosphere.”

The conference was held at Burlington’s Old Town, a collection of 21 fully restored buildings with authentic artifacts from the turn of the century. Conference-goers praised the food, the hospitality, the banquet at the fairgrounds, the music and more.

Clerks conferences in odd-numbered years generally are more laid back because there are typically fewer and less high-profile types of election. The November ballot usually includes municipal and special district elections, school board races, and statewide ballot TABOR measures, if there are any.

Last year clerks conducted three elections: a March presidential primary, a June partisan primary and the November presidential election, which included other types of statewide and local races. Next year Coloradans will elect a new governor and secretary of state, for example, as well as other office holders via an August primary and the November general election.

National election experts who addressed the conference praised the Colorado County Clerks Association, saying it enjoys a sterling reputation nationwide.

Matt Crane, the executive director of the association, pointed out that when he was the Arapahoe County clerk he opposed CCCA’s proposal to make Colorado a mail-ballot state, noting the majority of residents already requested clerks mail their ballots. The legislature approved the bill.

“We give people space to disagree,” Crane said. “Yes, we have differences, but we are much stronger together. It is up to us to honor the legacy of those who created and sustained this association over the last 56 years to stay together and stay strong.

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