Election Teams In Group, Elderly Homes Under Scrutiny
DENVER (CBS4)- For people who live in nursing or long-term care facilities the process of casting a ballot is not always simple and can be controversial. Election teams sometimes go into the group homes to help residents cast ballots.
One woman, who didn't want to be identified, recorded a conversation with her father about his voting experience. The man, in his 90s, claimed he was confused and perhaps influenced.
Daughter: So you weren't really sure what they were talking about when they were trying to get you to vote?
Father: That's right and I don't know if I voted for who I wanted or if I voted for who they wanted.
The woman didn't want to say where her father is living, but other residential communities explain their positions when it comes to casting ballots.
She was told by the election division if her father wanted to change his ballot, he would have to go through a difficult procedure.
"The tradition of voting is endemic to our way of life," said voter Westy Woodward.
At the Rowan Community, Woodward told us he has all he trust in the world for those who help him in voting.
Social worker Susan Hanson may assist in the process but said ballot security is monitored.
"I make sure it is sealed in front of them, they sign it, I witness it, I put it into our postage meter, it goes into the mail immediately," said Hanson.
In a facility operated by Vivage, the company says it doesn't get involved in resident competency in such matters.
"If you don't need help, tell them so. Everything will run smooth," said resident Duane Gammel.
There are individual but unlocked mailboxes for each resident. That's why they are personally given their ballot.
In other facilities, bipartisan teams help the residents cast their vote but such help is not necessarily welcomed.
When resident Jan Qualteri was asked how she would feel if someone tried to help her, she replied, "I wouldn't allow it to interfere with my thoughts, my feelings."
