Pam Anderson, Jefferson County Clerk and Recorder, was appointed to serve on the inaugural Elections Best Practices and Vision Commission.

Secretary of State Bernie Buescher announced the members who 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.”

Last year, Buescher proposed a departmental rule establishing 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 vet the best practices used within and outside the state to seek improvements and efficiencies in our election processes,” Buescher said. “I will look to the unique experiences of each of the members to objectively review our current practices and make recommendations in the best interest of the voters.”

Anderson was elected as Jefferson County Clerk and Recorder in 2006. She oversaw Jefferson County’s 2008 Election, which had 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 in Jefferson County, Anderson served as the elected city clerk for the City of Wheat Ridge. She has a bachelor’s in history and a master’s in public administration. She 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 include:

• State Representative Carole Murray (R-Castle Rock)
• State Senator 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
• Carol Tone, Colorado League of Women Voters

For more information, contact Citizen Involvement Coordinator Jennifer Kostka at jkostka@jeffco.us or (303) 271-8521.