Press Release: Governor Hickenlooper Signs Elections Bill

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:

Contacts:

May 10, 2013

Elena Nunez, (303) 292-2163

Ellen Dumm, (303) 810-4370, ellendumm@comcast.net

Governor Hickenlooper Signs Elections Bill

Big Win for Colorado Voters

Governor John Hickenlooper today signed the Colorado Voter Access & Modernized Elections Act (HB 1303), giving Colorado voters simplified, more modern elections that will save counties money.

Under the new law, every registered voter will receive a mail ballot and it will be their decision on how to cast their vote. Voters can mail back their ballot, drop it off, or vote at a voter service center during early voting or on Election Day.

“This is a new system designed around Colorado voters. Every registered voter is treated equally statewide and will receive a ballot – no more confusing inactive status if you don’t vote in one election. It’s much simpler from the voters’ perspective,” said Donetta Davidson, executive director of the Colorado County Clerks Association.

Colorado residents will also be able to cast a vote in person or register to vote at any voter service center in their county, beginning 15 days before the election and through Election Day.

“Colorado’s new elections law is unique to Colorado. It is a pragmatic, commonsense approach to elections that reflects our voters. The goal was to assure maximum access to the ballot and integrity in the elections,” said Carol Tone of the Colorado League of Women Voters.

Every county will have access to searchable, real-time online voter database to verify voter information.

“Anytime you expand access and services, it is good for democracy. Same day registration has demonstrated in nine other states and the District of Columbia to increase participation in elections without compromising security,” said Elena Nunez, executive director of Colorado Common Cause.

The Colorado Voter Access & Modernized Elections Act will take effect July 1.

The bill was supported by AARP CO, Colorado County Clerks Association, Colorado League of Women Voters, Colorado Common Cause, Interfaith Alliance of Colorado, Mi Familia Vota, New Era Colorado, NAACP of Colorado Wyoming Montana, The Legal Center for People with Disabilities and Older People, Vets Voice Foundation, 9 to 5 Colorado.