Clerk solicits opinions on proof of citizenship
Almost 2,000 locals agree with El Paso County Clerk & Recorder Bob Balink’s controversial view that proof of citizenship should be required when registering to vote.
But the method through which Balink found his allies is nothing more than a “push poll” to “bolster his own personal and political agenda,” critics say.
Customers who have gone to the El Paso County Clerk & Recorder’s Elections or Motor Vehicle Department since Jan. 7 have been asked to fill out a four-question survey written by Balink in his attempt to gather opinion statistics on the issue.
“I am asking them what their view is,” Balink said. “How can I influence their answer when I am giving them two direct answers to choose from?”
But critics, who say requiring proof of citizenship such as a passport for voter registration would disenfranchise the poor, elderly and minorities, say the survey is worded to solicit specific answers.
“This is clearly his personal and political agenda,” said Jenny Rose Flanagan, executive director of Colorado Common Cause, a liberal lobbying organization. “If it was a survey that would benefit El Paso County, it might seem appropriate, but a political mission isn’t appropriate.”
At the bottom of the survey, residents had the option of including their name and phone number if they wanted “information and updates or support proposed legislation requiring proof of citizenship.”
Proof of citizenship for voter registration has been Balink’s pet project for more than a year. He has said that while he would prefer the Colorado Legislature pass a law, he is willing to unilaterally enact the policy in El Paso County to spark a lawsuit that would put the issue in front of a judge.
“I can have an opinion like everyone else,” Balink said. “All I’m trying to do is follow the law.”
When asked “Do you strongly believe ‘Proof of Citizenship’ at the time of registering to vote is important,” 95 percent of respondents checked “YES, it is important that only U.S. citizens vote, as stated in the law.”
The other 5 percent responded “NO, access to the ballot for everyone is more important than determining one’s eligibility to vote.”
In addition, 98 percent of respondents said they would be able to provide documented “‘Proof of Citizenship’ in order to be able to vote this year.”
Balink cites those results as evidence that requiring proof of citizenship may not be as large of a barrier to the ballot as critics of the proposal claim.
“I would be the first person to be in line to help everyone find the proof of citizenship that may someday become necessary,” Balink said.
Balink plans on using the survey results as ammunition when he testifies Feb. 7 before the state House State, Veterans and Military Affairs Committee on HB 1177, which would make proof of citizenship a requirement when registering to vote.
Similar bills have never made it out of committee in recent years.
Balink wants other Colorado counties to conduct similar surveys and is sending a letter to the heads of the Colorado Republican and Democratic parties encouraging them to poll the issue.
The El Paso County survey will continue to be given to Clerk & Recorder customers. Balink will tally the results once a month, he said.
Whether Balink is overstepping the boundaries of his role as Clerk & Recorder by using county resources to conduct the survey is unclear, Flanagan said.
“Broadly speaking, I think it is a question for the taxpayers of El Paso County,” she said.
CONTACT THE WRITER: 636-0232 or carlyn.mitchell@gazette.com
