DENVER -- Denver's Clerk and Recorder Wayne Vaden tendered his resignation on Tuesday in the wake of an elections debacle in which thousands of people waited hours to vote and several races remain unresolved -- one week after Election Day.

Vaden's resignation is effective Dec. 31, or upon the appointment of his replacement, the mayor's office announced.

"Serving beside my colleagues in your administration has reinforced my belief that accountability is the underpinning of honorable public service. Consequently, I must also acknowledge personal disappointment over my efforts with the Denver Election Commission," Vaden wrote in his resignation letter.

"Serving as one of three Denver Election Commissioners has proven to be a difficult and frustrating experience, which has led me to agree with the administration that a thoughtful and thorough re-examination of the entire organizational structure of the Denver Election Commission is essential. ... Although I am only one of three Denver Election Commissioners, I accept my fair share of responsibility for the problems experienced in the recent election," he wrote.

"I know that he has been frustrated by the difficulties he experienced at the Election Commission, and the manner in which he is accepting a share of responsibility without blaming others is a reflection of his strong character and commitment to Denver. We appreciate the service he has shown the city and wish him well in his future endeavors. In the meantime, we greatly appreciate his commitment to seeing the certification of this election through and offering support to our investigative panel," said Mayor John Hickenlooper.

Vaden has served for three years as clerk and recorder. He also said he will cooperate with investigations into the city's election problems.

Denver officials say there are still thousands of ballots left to be counted, and the delay has left at least two races undecided -- the secretary of state race and a local issue on new funding for preschools.

Also on Tuesday, the Denver City Council said it will convene a public hearing on Saturday, Dec. 2 from 10 a.m. until noon in the council chambers to gather comments on the conduct of the recent Nov. 7 election.

"This session will give Denver citizens the opportunity to speak to city council members about their election experiences, as well as offer recommendations to council for restoring public trust in the Denver election process," the city council said.

Denver Election Commissioners Sandy Adams and Susan Rogers have also been invited to respond to citizen comments at the meeting.

Anyone who cannot attend this meeting can direct their election concerns to Council members via DENCC-Election@ci.denver.co.us

During the Monday night city council meeting, city council members also issued a proclamation stating that the election process in Denver on Nov. 7 was unacceptable and it thanked Denver citizens for their patience and devotion to the democratic process, despite the overwhelming inconveniences suffered.

Voters experienced long lines at many vote centers, due to breakdowns in the new electronic poll book, which is used to check voter registrations at the 55 voting centers that replaced 210 neighborhood-based precinct polling places.