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HomeAmendment K: Stance

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BALLOT MEASURE SUMMARY

If approved by voters, various election deadlines will be changed in the Constitution to allow election officials more time before finalizing ballots to meet federal requirements due to the “Uniformed and Overseas Citizens Absentee Voting Act”.

Specifically:

· Initiative petitions must be filed with the secretary of state at least 3 months and one week before the general election (instead of 3 months).

· Referendum petitions from the legislature must be filed with the secretary of state not more than 83 days after the final adjournment of the legislature (instead of 90 days).

· The nonpartisan research staff of the general assembly will publish the text and title of every measure at least 45 days before the election (instead of 15 days).

· Moves earlier by one week the period of time that a justice or judge must file a declaration of intent to run for another term.

The legislature referred this to the ballot with SCR24-002.

BACKGROUND

Through this concurrent resolution, the legislature referred the proposed constitutional changes to voters, with bipartisan sponsorship and an almost-unanimous vote in both chambers. The deadlines are listed in the constitution, so a constitutional amendment is necessary instead of a bill in the legislature.

LINK TO FISCAL NOTE

CLICK HERE

The fiscal note indicates that no appropriation is required to implement this measure.

LEAGUE POSITION

Colorado Constitution (excerpts): For evaluating the Colorado Constitution and proposed constitutional amendments in terms of clarity of language, suitability of topic, and detail, the LWVCO favors use of the following criteria.

The constitution and proposed amendments should:

• provide for establishment of the executive, legislative, and judicial branches; establish the basic function of each with checks and balances, provide clearly defined lines of authority and responsibility and grant them adequate powers to carry out these responsibilities;

• provide a flexible framework for effective state and local government broad enough to allow for changing conditions;

• be a concise, understandable, and integrated statement of basic law free from statutory detail and obsolete provisions, logically organized, and internally consistent;

• allow intergovernmental cooperation;

• be consistent with the Federal constitution.

LWVCO Positions for Action 2023-2024 p 25

Local Government: The League supports measures to improve the coordination, effectiveness, efficiency, and economical operation of local government units.

LWVCO Positions for Action 2023-2024 p 38

RATIONALE FOR STANCE

The changes were requested and supported by the county clerks, as they have tight deadlines to certify their ballots. The adjustments in deadlines should provide relief so they have more time for quality control and to ensure accuracy of ballots.

Have you ever wondered...
HOW DOES THE LEAGUE TAKE A STANCE?

These two publications are designed to help League members use LWVUS and LWVCO public policy positions effectively at the state and local levels.

NOTE: For information on how to take action that the League supports or opposes, please visit our Take Action page.

LWVCO 2024 Positions for Action

LWVUS 2022-2024 Impact on Issues

QUICK REERENCE GUIDE

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