I am excited for the opportunity to present HB 13-1303 because this is an exceptional bill that brings our elections into the 21st Century. Although many have remarked that this is model legislation for our whole country, this is clearly a Colorado solution, and crafted specifically to suit our unique elections needs. This bill is a culmination of work done by various stakeholders and reflects decades of practical experience in civic engagement and administering elections. It impacts coordinated and general elections.
On November 29th, 2012, all members of this General Assembly received a letter from the County Clerk’s Association stating that “we have a very good election system, but it is no longer meeting all needs of our voters.” They stated their desire to work with legislators to improve our elections system to focus on the “needs of citizens over political interests or personal ambition.” It was the clerks who proposed a meeting to examine our election system and make needed adjustments to better serve Coloradans. This bill is a product of that collaboration. That’s the way I “officially” became involved but, I have some personal experiences that drove me to work on and carry what I believe may be the most important bill of my legislative career. I walked precincts a lot this last year and in the month prior to the 2012 election I encountered a great many age-eligible voters who hadn’t yet registered to vote. I was often surprised at the level of engagement of these folks – we had some of the best conversations about issues impacting our country and our community. And I walked away ultimately, disappointed that they’d be unable to express their engagement in casting a ballot.
As legislators we say we want to hear from our constituencies, we want them to inform us of critical issues and come testify in support of our bills to address those issues. So, it is our responsibility to do everything we can to ensure this most basic form of engagement, voting.
We know that voting is the hallmark of our democracy. We need to make it simpler, more accessible, and more convenient to eligible voters in CO by giving Coloradans full options on how and where they vote.
This bill does three things:
· It makes our elections and voting more efficient, cost effective, and simpler.
· It modernizes voter registration and modernizes voter list maintenance so that it is more secure, and in-line with 21st century technology and 21st century standards.
· And it expands voting options
Let’s start with registration: 1303 will provide enhanced registration opportunities – including registration by mail, online, or in person. Please note: 1303 changes the standard voter registration deadline and state residency requirement from 29 days (what it is currently) to 22 days before any election. At any time, eligible citizens may register at County Clerk’s offices during normal business hours. But, starting 15 days before Election Day, voting service and polling centers will open and folks can register there all the way through Election Day. Coloradans may also register on the internet through the Online Voter Registration System (OLVR system) until 8 days before the election.
This system cleans up our voter rolls, with live poll books at service and polling centers so elections officials can better locate a voter’s record and determine eligibility. The system will utilize the postal service’s National Change of Address forms and automatically notify elections officials when a person moves, triggering proactive voter outreach and improving the accuracy of Colorado’s voter rolls.
All eligible voters will receive a mail ballot, and there will be options to return that ballot by mail or at a ballot drop off location. If you’re like me and you prefer to vote in person, this bill also provides voters the chance to do that by going to a voter service & polling center starting 15 days before the election. Most people aren’t like me - more than 70% of voters used mail ballots in 2012, but there are still circumstances and people that require in-person voting.
It’s important to note that this is not a “one size fits all” solution – this legislation recognizes the differences between counties in terms of geography, population and resources. The uniformity of having voter service and polling centers opening 15 days before any election will help ensure that any issues associated with registration or voting are adequately addressed. This bill allows for maximum flexibility while providing commonsense solutions at the county level.
This system enhances security, and strengthens protections against fraud. Let me say that again, this system enhances security, and strengthens protections against fraud! Elections officials will have real time access to the statewide voter file, allowing them to see who has voted.
With the robust protections already in place, the simplified elections system created by this bill will ensure Colorado has the cleanest elections possible.
And, HALLELUJAH, this bill eliminates the confusing Inactive Failed to Vote status.
Let’s talk about cost savings: the County Clerks put together a comprehensive, 47 line-item assessment of current costs under our present system and projected costs under 1303. The total savings in operational cost and equipment purchases is over 50% with small and medium sized counties realizing a slightly greater percentage of savings then large counties.
Finally, I want to say a few words about our process… all of this bill’s sponsors concur that our process has been incredibly thoughtful. As you all know, when we bring together stakeholders to work on legislation, we look for people who have hands-on experience. We sought input from civic engagement groups and Colorado’s clerks. Unfortunately, when this bill was heard in House committee, Colorado’s Secretary testified that we sought to exclude him. Frankly, that is just not true. In fact, before this legislation was introduced, we reached out to him to present the components of the legislation; we were even scheduled to meet with him. Sadly, we were uninvited.
At least 75% of the Clerks are supporting this legislation, and the Clerks Association has taken a formal position of endorsement. The County Clerks have a particularly credible voice – after all, they know what works and what doesn’t. The letter they sent last November said clearly, we can do better. This is a bipartisan show of strength for a bill that will give every active registered voter a ballot and a choice for how to cast their ballot. I want to publicly thank the clerks for their careful input and work to make this legislation a viable reality.
As excited as I am for the opportunity to present 1303, I’m even more excited for you to hear from those folks on the ground. Even though I’ve been working for months on this bill – this is a bill born of years of practical experience of those on the front lines of election reform. I know this committee well and I know you do your homework so, I’m eager to have you hear from these experts. I’m confident they can answer all of your questions and put to rest any concerns.
