KSJD recently spoke with Jerri Frizzell, a Republican candidate for Montezuma County Clerk and Recorder.
Frizzell said she has worked for Montezuma County for more than 16 years, including four years in the motor vehicle department and nearly 12 years in the recording department. She said that experience helped convince her to run for the clerk and recorder position.
The county clerk and recorder’s office handles a range of public-facing services, including elections, motor vehicle services, public records, birth and death records, marriage licenses and property records. Frizzell said one of the office’s most important responsibilities is keeping the public informed about those services.
Frizzell said she wants more residents to understand how they are registered to vote, including their party affiliation, and how to update their registration when needed. She said she also wants to help residents understand what to do when someone dies or moves and a ballot arrives at the wrong address.
On public access, Frizzell said she would like to find more ways to reach residents who do not use computers. She pointed to the county’s property fraud alert system as one example of a service that may be useful to residents, but said some older residents may need other ways to access that kind of information.
Frizzell also addressed election security, saying Colorado elections are governed by state statute and that election staff and judges receive training. She said access to the election room is limited, and that only a small number of staff members have badges to enter that area.
Frizzell said current County Clerk Kim Percell has done a good job leading the office, and said she does not believe a new clerk has to make changes immediately. She said she would focus on supporting staff, helping residents understand office procedures and continuing to adapt as state systems and requirements change.
