A number of absentee ballots that were initially at risk of not being counted because they were lacking the necessary postage will, in fact, be counted thanks to Pitkin County and the local Democratic Party.

Instead of affixing the 60 cents it costs to mail the two-page ballot, a number of voters have affixed a single 37-cent stamp on their return envelope, putting their vote in jeopardy.

The postal service cannot deliver ballots unless they are paid for in full.

"The ballots were sent out with 60 cents, so you'd think people would be aware of how much it costs to mail them back," Pitkin County Clerk and Recorder Silvia Davis said.

When a Democratic Party member learned of the problem yesterday morning, officials offered to pay the difference.

"Although we didn't do well in the absentee voting in 2000, we're absolutely committed to the idea that every vote counts, regardless of affiliation," said Mick Ireland, a Pitkin County commissioner and Democratic Party activist.

But acting Postmaster Phil Hice said he's not allowed to accept money from any of the political parties. The county, however, can be reimbursed by the political parties.

After a round of discussions with the post office yesterday, Davis came to the rescue by offering to pay for the missing postage. She agreed only after the Democrats promised to cover the cost.

"The Democratic Party is reimbursing me, [because] they have to be delivered directly to me," Davis said Monday.