Signature requirements for ballot measures in Colorado
This page details signature requirements for statewide ballot measures in Colorado.
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Requirements
In Colorado, the number of signatures required for a successful petition is equal to 5 percent of the total number of votes cast for the office of Colorado secretary of state in the preceding general election. The secretary of state is elected every four years. Elections were held for Colorado secretary of state in 2022. The same total number of signatures is required for constitutional amendments, statutes, and referendums.
The chart below shows election years and the signature requirement for initiatives designed to appear on the ballot in those years:
| Year | Amendment | Statute | Veto referendum |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2023-2026 | 124,238 | 124,238 | 124,238 |
| 2019-2022 | 124,632 | 124,632 | 124,632 |
| 2015-2018 | 98,492 | 98,492 | 98,492 |
| 2011-2014 | 86,105 | 86,105 | 86,105 |
| 2007-2010 | 76,047 | 76,047 | 76,047 |
Changes in number of signatures
The chart below illustrates the increase in the required number of signatures over time.
See law: Colorado Constitution, Article V, Section 1, ¶ 2
Basis of calculation
Initiative signature requirements are calculated by taking 5 percent of the number of total votes cast for the office of Colorado secretary of state.[1] [2] [3]
| Year | Votes cast for secretary of state |
|---|---|
| 2022 | 2,484,758[4] |
| 2018 | 2,492,635 |
| 2014 | 1,969,834 |
| 2010 | 1,722,096 |
Signature deadlines
Colorado features initiatives during both even- and odd-numbered year elections. Petitioners have six months to circulate signature petitions. The deadline for submitting signatures is set by the state constitution at three months before the election. State statutes, however, set a deadline of three months and three weeks before the election. The Colorado secretary of state sets a deadline each year, which is usually about three months prior to the election. Deadlines for each election year since 2010 are displayed below. Signatures for referendums are due 90 days after the adjournment of the legislative session.
| Year | Deadline |
|---|---|
| 2026 | August 3, 2026 |
| 2025 | August 4, 2025 |
| 2024 | August 5, 2024 |
| 2023 | August 7, 2023 |
| 2022 | August 8, 2022 |
| 2021 | August 2, 2021 |
| 2020 | August 3, 2020 |
| 2019 | August 5, 2019 |
| 2018 | August 6, 2018 |
| 2017 | August 7, 2017 |
| 2016 | August 8, 2016 |
| 2015 | August 3, 2015 |
| 2014 | August 4, 2014 |
| 2013 | August 5, 2013 |
| 2012 | August 6, 2012 |
| 2011 | August 1, 2011 |
| 2010 | August 2, 2010 |
A statute passed in 2009 said the deadline was July 12, but some sources said that this statute conflicted with the Colorado Constitution and that the deadline was actually August 2. A federal judge granted an injunction against the law, and at least one initiative sponsor received a letter from the Colorado Secretary of State putting the deadline on August 2.
Recall
In order to recall an elected official in Colorado, petitioners must collect signatures equal to 25 percent of the total vote cast in the last election for candidates for the targeted office. Petitions can be circulated for no more than 60 days.
See also
- Laws governing the initiative process in Colorado
- History of Initiative & Referendum in Colorado
- Ballot access requirements for political candidates in Colorado
External links
- Colorado Secretary of State: Initiative Filings, Agendas, & Results
- Colorado Secretary of State: Initiative procedures and guidelines
Footnotes
- ↑ Colorado Secretary of State, "Official 2018 General Election Results," accessed December 18, 2018
- ↑ Colorado Secretary of State, "Official 2010 General Election Results," accessed February 10, 2015
- ↑ Colorado Secretary of State, "Official 2010 General Election Results," accessed January 2011
- ↑ Colorado Secretary of State, "Certified 2022 General Election Results," accessed December 22, 2022
