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Steamboat Springs — Colorado Secretary of State Bernie Buescher said he’s looking forward to his visit to Steamboat Springs today.

Not only will his visit allow him to meet with some locals about his 2010 campaign, but he’ll also have the opportunity to discuss last week’s election with Routt County Clerk and Recorder Kay Weinland, Buesch­er said Sunday.

This year’s election gave Colorado counties the option of offering their residents mail-only ballots. Buescher said 60 of the 64 counties in the state had all-mail elections and they “worked very, very well.”

Statewide voter turnout figures weren’t available, Buescher said, but he’s encouraged about turnout from what he’s been hearing in meetings with county clerks throughout the state since the election.

“I want to talk to the clerks about what worked, what are the best practices and how we can make our elections more efficient,” he said.

Part of the efficiency reduces costs, Buescher said, which was especially important for the smaller Colorado counties on the Eastern Plains and Western Slope.

Weinland has estimated the county would save $40,000 on the election this year in the all-mail format. On Sunday, she said the actual costs of the election would be available this week.

Despite not being pleased with the voter turnout — at 36 percent this year compared with the last three odd-year elections exceeding 50 percent — Weinland said the election went “extremely well.” And Weinland said she’s looking forward to discussing it with Buescher.

“We’re a team. We work together,” she said. “… His office has made some real progress with the voter registration process. I’m really looking forward to working with him to provide secure, transparent, efficient elections.”

Weinland said the cost savings from having an all-mail election were “significant” for the county, and she has budgeted for an all-mail election for next year’s August primary. Realizing the cost savings, Buescher said one of his main focuses was working with county clerks to control the costs of elections.

Buescher said he’s also anxious to hear Steamboat residents’ thoughts about the all-mail election during his meet and greet. He said he had a similar meeting with Grand Junction residents Saturday night, and he’ll continue to travel across the state.

“It’s just useful for me to go around the state and get people to talk about that and get their input,” he said.

Gov. Bill Ritter appointed Buescher, a Democrat, as Secretary of State in January after the post was vacated by Mike Coffman, who was elected to Congress. Republican Scott Gessler, a Denver attorney, will challenge Buescher in 2010.

Routt County Democratic Party chairwoman Catherine Carson, who’s helping organize the event, said it would be a great opportunity for anyone to learn or ask questions about the Secretary of State’s office, which also handles statewide licensing and manages business filings. She said anyone is welcome to attend.

— To reach Jack Weinstein, call 871-4203 or e-mail jweintein@steamboatpilot.com