(EL PASO COUNTY, Colo.) — The El Paso County Clerk and Recorder’s Office has confirmed it received two ballots soaked in bodily fluids during the March and June primary elections.
The Clerk confirmed to FOX21 News that a blood-soaked ballot was received during the March 2024 Presidential Primary Election, and a ballot soaked in urine was received during the June 2024 Primary. The Clerk said both instances were treated as hazmat situations and proper policies and protocols were followed.
For the 2024 General Election, the Clerk’s Office said it would be partnering with the Pikes Peak Regional Office of Emergency Management (PPROEM) for additional coordination and planning.
“We work year-round to be sure we have the right people talking to each other, and asking the right questions proactively, ahead of any potential issue that might come up,” said Regional Emergency Management and Recovery Director Andrew Notbohm of PPROEM. “We have plans to support the Clerk & Recorder and our community around the election, and are continually improving our readiness to provide information, coordination, and resources as needed.”
The Clerk said the partnership during the election cycle would have multiple benefits:
- Coordination among local, state, and federal law enforcement, public health, and other relevant agencies, including the Colorado Springs Police Department, El Paso County Sheriff’s Office, Hazardous Material Team, and Homeland Security.
- Assessing and preparing for potential threats, from cybersecurity concerns to civil unrest.
- Bolster public confidence by demonstrating the office is taking all necessary precautions to ensure the safety and security of the election process.
- Increase resources and faster response during emergency situations, severe weather, and traffic incidents.
The partnership with the PPROEM will also include a Command Center during Election Day, with direct lines of communication to law enforcement, election officials, and other agencies. The Clerk said law enforcement teams will also be on call and have specific patrol routes to Voter Service and Polling Centers and 24/7 ballot drop-off box locations.
“My duty as the Clerk and Recorder is to ensure a safe, fair, and secure election,” said El Paso County Clerk Steve Schleiker. “Part of that is the safety not only of my staff, the 800 election judges that will be helping us out, but also the safety of all the voters that will be participating.”
With expected high turnout, passionate emotions among voters, and safety concerns during previous elections, Schleiker said this partnership with the PPROEM was a “no brainer.”
