Colorado Amendment K would adjust constitutional election deadlines

Colorado would tighten some key behind-the-scenes deadlines in its election calendar if voters approve Amendment K in November.

The proposed change to the state’s election law would extend the deadlines for judges applying to take office, citizens’ initiatives and the publication of ballot measures in local newspapers.

The measure was placed on the ballot by the Colorado legislature. A vote of 55% is required for passage because it would change the state constitution.

What would Amendment K do if passed?

The change would push back deadlines for three parts of the election calendar: signature petitions, judges requesting retention and the publication of ballot measures in local newspapers.

Petitions to change state laws or challenge laws passed by the legislature currently must be filed three months before the general election. This change would move that deadline a week earlier.

Additionally, the deadline by which state judges must declare that they are seeking retention would move to a week earlier – to three months plus a week before the general election. Judges in Colorado are initially appointed by the governor and must seek retention from voters after a provisional two-year term in order to serve a full term. They represent re-retention for subsequent terms, which last four years for district judges, six years for district judges, eight years for appeals court judges and 10 years for Colorado Supreme Court justices.

Amendment G would require the state to publish the title and text of all statewide ballot measures in newspapers throughout the state at least 45 days before the general election. Currently, the measures must be published 15 days before the election.

How much will change K cost?

State financial analysts noted that there are no significant costs associated with the measure. For local governments, this would shift the workload of county clerks and recorders, giving their staff more time to format and translate ballots and program voting systems. For the state government, it would change when petition signatures are checked and information is published.