Donna Zimmerman, Barton County Clerk and Election Officer, attended the Kansas County Clerks and Election Officials at the Ramada Inn in Salina on May 3, for the annual 2011 Spring Conference.
The conference opened Tuesday afternoon with the Board of Directors Meeting, followed by registration. Wednesday morning the Clerks and Election Officials assembled for the General Session and were welcomed to Salina by Samantha Angell, Salina Mayor and John Reynolds, Chairman of the Saline County Commissioners. Committee reports were given by committee chairpersons. Sherrie Riebel, Chairperson of the Election Committee, presented information on 2011 election legislation and plans for 2012 election legislation. A panel of County Clerks reviewed their procedures for Commissioner meeting minutes, motions, executive sessions, resolutions and charter resolutions. Wrapping up the day was Scott Leonard with the Kansas Historical Society, discussing records retention.
Marcia Sauber, Chief Deputy County clerk, John Debes, IT Director and Curtis Butler, Voting EQ Tech, joined Zimmerman at the Thursday session.  A prayer was presented by a group of County Clerks honoring the World Day of Prayer. Secretary of State Kris Kobach welcomed the assembly and numerous election issues were discussed by Kobach and his staff. Items for discussion included 2011 legislation, census/redistricting, implementation of the Military and Overseas Voter Empowerment (MOVE) Act, Help America Vote Act (HAVA), and ELVIS. Paddy McGuire, Deputy Director for Election Official Assistance, made a presentation on the Federal Voting Assistance Program and discussed changes in the Uniformed and Overseas Citizens Absentee Voting (UOCAVA) Act. Secretary of State Kris Kobach addressed the group on the Secure And Fair Elections (SAFE) Act that will be placed into law effective Jan. 1, 2012. The session was concluded with many questions and answers. The Thursday evening banquet featured “The Altos,” performed by Good Company Productions.
Friday’s session ended the conference with the President’s Breakfast and Scholarship Awards. Following breakfast, skits were presented by regional clerks’ associations. This informative and educational conference provides Clerks and Election Officials with the opportunity to meet and discuss items with colleagues from across the State.