Area clerks getting ready for November: Despite a slew of new rules brought on by a court ruling, county clerks say they are prepared.

Byline: Anthony Mestas

Oct. 9--Election officials in Southern Colorado say they are ready for the November elections despite late-breaking security requirements issued by the Colorado secretary of state.

On Sept. 27, Secretary of State Gigi Dennis imposed strict new election security measures after a Denver judge ruled that she had done a poor job of certifying new computerized voting machines.

Judge Lawrence Manzanares ordered county staff to recertify the machines and improve security for the election. His detailed ruling spelled out provisions for locked storage of the machines, surveillance of polling stations and even such esoteric requirements as temperature controlled rooms.

Interviews with county officials found that while several object to the cost of the state requirements, few expect any glitches to mar the upcoming vote.

Southern Peaks region

Compliance with the new voting equipment surveillance regulations shouldn't be a problem, said Las Animas County Clerk Bernard Gonzales. He said his office has been expecting the changes for years in a county with 8,754 registered voters.

"We'll comply long before other counties do. I gave the heads up to the county commissioners years ago," he said, adding that his office was…