Jay Stooksberry
Writer & Editor
Delta, CO—Concerns and anxiety about political violence, such as the attempted assassination of former President Donald Trump, are at an all-time high. However, Delta County residents can rest assured that democracy and civil discourse are alive and well in their community.
This message reverberated throughout Restore the Balance – Delta County’s (RTB-Delta) annual meeting on July 18 at the Orchard City Town Hall.
In front of a crowd of about 40 people, members of this nonpartisan organization presented their accomplishments and achievements for the year, including election and outreach efforts and community events.
Staff from the Delta County Elections also presented. Teri Stephenson, Delta County clerk and record, and Melinda Sanford, election clerk, shared the detailed process required to count votes and certify elections.
“Our team makes sure that our elections are conducted fairly and with integrity and transparency,” said Stephenson. “We are dedicated to making sure every eligible vote counts.”
Following the presentation, RTB-Delta recognized and honored Stephenson’s team with the inaugural “Champions of Democracy” award. Aaron Clay, the RTB-Delta chair, and Dea Jacobsen, an RTB board member, presented a plaque to Stephenson and Sanford for “their efforts to ensure impartial, fair, and open elections.”
“It’s important to recognize the people who keep our democracy safe and do a great job conducting our elections,” said Clay.
Stephenson and Sanford received a standing ovation from the audience.
The event closed out with questions, comments, and prize drawings. Clay and his fellow board members also encouraged attendees to endorse RTB’s seven principles—a pledge that promotes bipartisan decision-making and good-faith discourse and rejects political violence and extremism.
Currently, 148 Delta County residents have endorsed RTB’s principles.
“I was pleased to see so many community members not only attend our annual meeting but also engage in open dialogue about our local elections,” said Clay. “These conversations give me hope for the future of Delta County and our republic.”
RTB-Delta plans to distribute candidate questionnaires for the upcoming Delta County elections in November. More information is available on the organization’s website and Facebook page.
Restore the Balance – Delta County recognized and honored the Delta County Elections office for their efforts in conducting "impartial, fair, and open elections." Pictured (L-R): Judy Briscoe, Teri Stephenson, Melinda Sandford, and Aaron Clay.
Delta County Clerk and Recorder Teri Stephenson (left) presents at the RTB-Delta annual meeting, sharing the process for counting votes and certifying local elections in Delta County.
Contact: Aaron Clay or Jim Brown
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