Utah County shakes up elections staff

Randall Jeppesen and AP reporting Utah County is hoping to make the voting process go a little smoother the next time around by bringing in a new election expert.

In the last several Utah County elections, it's been one thing or another: long lines, voter results incorrectly reported, or something else.

County Commissioner Steve White says this stems from the federal government forcing them into electronic voting machines. "It didn't give us the expertise to operate in an election seamlessly," he said.

Former Elections Supervisor Sandy Hoffman has been moved to a new office position. County Clerk-Auditor Bryan Thompson says he decided to shift personnel to maximize efficiency.

To take Hoffman's place, Denver's former deputy elections director is joining the staff in the newly created role of deputy chief clerk-auditor. His specialty is electronic voting machines. He plans to start Monday, gearing up for this year's next big vote. "He gets his baptism of fire right now," White said.

White wants to split the jobs of county clerk and auditor. He says it's too much for just one person.

(The Associated Press contributed to this report. Copyright 2008 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.)

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