s_sa_2017a_2017-03-20t13:32:13z1 Hearing Summary

Date: 03/20/2017

Location: SCR 357

01:40 PM -- SB17-209



Senator Priola, sponsor, presented Senate Bill 17-209 to the committee. This bill makes the following changes related to candidate access to the ballot and the filling of candidate vacancies:



• Designated election officials are prohibited from certifying a candidate for placement on the ballot if the official deems the candidate is unqualified based on residency requirements following a review of the candidate's residency information contained in the statewide voter registration system.

• The time-frame for circulating candidate petitions to designate party candidates at a primary election is changed to allow circulation starting on the first Monday in January and require them to be filed by the last day in February.

• The Department of State is authorized to create rules allowing for circulator affidavits with an error to be cured by providing a new, corrected affidavit within five days of receiving notice of the error.

• A party chairperson is authorized to provide notice of a vacancy committee meeting to committee members by email.

• Designated election officials are required to post notice of a candidate vacancy and the name of the replacement on their website and in each voter service and polling center.

• Statutes pertaining to the process for filling candidate vacancies before and after a primary election are reorganized.



Committee members discussed the bill with Senator Priola.



01:44 PM -- Suzanne Staiert, Deputy Secretary of State, testified in support of the bill.



01:48 PM -- Ben Schler, representing the Office of the Secretary of State, answered committee member questions on the bill.





01:55 PM



Ms. Staiert continued her testimony on the bill. Ms. Staiert and Mr. Schler responded to committee member questions.



02:04 PM -- Chris Murray, representing the Colorado Republican Committee, testified in support of the bill.





02:06 PM



Senator Priola presented amendment L.001 (Attachment B). Committee members discussed the bill and amendment with Senator Priola.



17SenateState0320AttachB.pdf