Every ballot that must be replaced, either because it is torn by the automated ballot reader or crumpled by a nervous or careless voter, must be accounted for. The system has worked. Mistakes are made, however. Rhodes and Zimmerman are on the ballot again today asking voters in portions of Adams County and eastern Boulder County to choose between them. Another close race is expected.
Slow returns result in lost sleep for election officials and candidates.
But when close races take place, the tedious process pays off. Flack said there is no margin for error in an election. Despite the age of the hole-punch system and the length of the ballots, she is confident the results will accurately reflect the will of the people. Although the polls close at 7 p.m., people still waiting in line then will be allowed to vote. That means some voters may not cast their ballots until 9 p.m., pushing back the posting of results precinct by precinct even later.