“The consultant-level recommendations of the two prior Committees have been a valuable part of the restructuring of the Elections Section and the restoration of public trust that the ballot process is open, transparent and secure,” said Councilmember Jane Hague, Vice-Chair of Council Affairs and prime sponsor of the ordinance. “The creation of an ongoing group of citizens assisting the Council guarantees that there will always be a ‘public eye’ involved with election reform.”

“Our citizens’ committee has proven to be a valuable tool for effective election reform, providing an independent voice in identifying changes that needed to take place within the Elections Division,” said Council Chair Larry Phillips. “We have twice called on the members of the CEOC panel for help, and their recommendations have assisted King County Elections in making tremendous strides in a short period of time. While this will be a new committee, I hope we can convince members of the earlier panels to continue working with the Council to improve the election process.”

Today’s ordinance makes the CEOC an ongoing committee that will present an annual report to the Council on election activities for the previous year and make recommendations directed towards improving elections processes, performance and accountability.

Under the ordinance the Council will re-evaluate the need for a continued CEOC in 2009. In that year the CEOC will send to the Council an evaluation of the effectiveness of the improvements made to the Elections Section and a recommendation on whether the Committee is still needed.

Members of the committee would be nominated by Chair of the Council and the Vice Chair of Council Affairs from nominations made by all Councilmembers. Committee member will include representatives from:

The representatives from the Secretary of State’s Office and the State Auditors Association would be ex officio, non-voting members of the Committee.

The Council created the original CEOC in 2003. That committee presented the Council a lengthy report and a series of recommendations in 2004 many of which were implemented by the Elections Director.

The panel was reactivated last year to review the 2004 general election, monitor elections in 2005, and make recommendations for improvements. In March 2006, the CEOC presented the Council with six “high priority” recommendations that included all vote-by mail elections, the consolidation of election facilities, improved management, communications and leadership and improved voter registration and security. The term of the second Committee expired on February 28, 2006.