Season 3, Episode 6 - Navigating Elections, Innovation, and Community in El Paso County with Steve Schleiker

Navigating Elections, Innovation, and Community in El Paso County with Steve Schleiker

 

In this episode of Beyond the Dais, Scott Anderson catches up with El Paso County Clerk and Recorder, Steve Schleiker, for a thorough discussion about the clerk's role and the recent election processes in the county. Reflecting on his experiences from the past year and a half, Steve delves into electoral reforms, enhancements in service delivery, and the community's engagement in local governance. 

Evolving Role and Responsibilities: El Paso County residents might be surprised to learn about the multifaceted nature of the Clerk and Recorder's duties. Beyond managing elections, the office handles public records, DMV services, and also issues marriage licenses. Since being elected and sworn in as clerk and recorder in 2023, Steve Schleiker has embraced a dynamic role, striving for efficiency and transparency across his office's operations. 

Electoral Innovations and Achievements: The conversation delved deeply into the intricacies of election management and the innovative measures Steve has introduced. His pride in the electoral participation was palpable, noting that El Paso County has consistently high voter turnout, remarkably surpassing Denver and Jefferson counties. However, he identifies an opportunity to further engage citizens, particularly by reducing the ballot's complexity to alleviate voter intimidation. 

One standout initiative is the integration of Experian to refine voter rolls, dramatically reducing undeliverable ballots from 49,000 to just 9,000, saving taxpayers over $170,000. Moreover, live-streaming ballot boxes and developing a GIS election platform empower citizens with real-time election insights. 

The Impact of the 2024 Election and Recount: El Paso County's 2024 general election was an exemplar of why "every vote counts." With a razor-thin margin of six votes triggering a recount in the House District 16 race, the recount process underscored Colorado law’s meticulous nature in ensuring electoral integrity. Steve shared insights into the recount's logistical demands, coordinating 387,000 ballots amid a snowy Thanksgiving week. The process revealed community dedication and culminated in a historically close race, highlighting the sanctity of each ballot. 

Fostering Community Engagement: Steve Schleiker is keen on making voting as accessible as possible. By collaborating with organizations like Westside Cares, his office has improved ballot accessibility for homeless and marginalized citizens, reinforcing the principle that every individual should have the opportunity to vote. 

Moreover, the strategic partnership with the Office of Emergency Management enhances election security, ensuring the safety of voters and election staff during significant events. This forward-thinking approach is being considered by larger counties nationwide. 

Pioneering DMV and Public Services: Beyond elections, Steve’s office has streamlined DMV offerings. El Paso County uniquely operates on Saturdays, catering to residents who can’t afford weekday visits. There's been a positive response, even drawing visitors from neighboring counties, affirming the policy's success in meeting community needs. 

Steve is forward-looking, contemplating expansion into fast-growing areas like Falcon and Monument, reflecting his commitment to addressing the county's evolving demographic demands. 

Future Goals and Reflections: Steve reflects on his tenure, emphasizing a philosophy of listening and implementing changes based on community feedback. His vision encompasses complete election transparency, ambitious reformative goals, and a consistent drive toward customer-centric service delivery. 

With a focus on innovation and responsiveness, Steve Schleiker continues to lead El Paso County with an agenda of transparency, efficiency, and inclusivity, ensuring the Clerk and Recorder’s office remains at the forefront of serving its citizens effectively. 

The conversation with Steve Schleiker offered an illuminating look into the behind-the-scenes operations at El Paso County's Clerk and Recorder's office. His leadership extends beyond traditional roles, fostering an environment of trust and efficiency that has made a tangible impact on the community. As Beyond the Dais continues to explore local stories, Steve's narrative enriches our understanding of public service's commitment to its citizens.