Committee Approves Bill to Boost Ballot Accessibility and Transparency

HB26-1320 would make ballot language more accessible so more Coloradans are encouraged to vote

DENVER, CO – The Senate State, Veterans, and Military Affairs Committee today passed legislation sponsored by Senator Adrienne Benavidez, D-Commerce City, to make ballot language more accessible, transparent, and easy to understand. 

“The complex statutory language that appears on ballots is a substantial barrier to the average Coloradan voting on ballot measures,” Benavidez said. “Under this legislation, ballot title language would be more accessible so that more Colorado voters feel empowered to cast their ballots and make their voices heard.”

HB26-1320 requires ballot titles to be written in plain language that is understood by the widest possible audience. Under this bill, ballot titles would be required to include language that is substantially similar to the statutory language, rather than word-for-word, to make it easier for voters to understand. 

This bill also adds language to tax revenue ballot titles to include the effects of tax revenue increases or decreases to better inform voters. By including plain language in the bill title, voters would have a better understanding of the impact of a ballot measure from the beginning. 

Colorado has one of the highest voter turnout rates in the country. HB26-1320 is the latest in a series of bills championed by Colorado Democrats to safeguard and improve Colorado’s election system. This includes HB26-1084, which aims to share information with voters about how much proposed ballot measures could impact state finances and essential services, and HB26-1113, which makes necessary modifications and updates to Colorado’s election system.

HB26-1320 now moves to the Senate floor for further consideration. Track its progress here.