Colorado does not need to radically alter its election laws. Though improvements can be made, Colorado conducts great elections, and Colorado turnout is among the best in the country. The 2012 election was a success.

2012 General Election Review (PDF)

HB1303 would mandate every county use Voter Service Centers. This would do away with traditional neighborhood precinct polling locations. In fact, the legislation would lead to a large decrease in the number of polling locations in many counties.

Reduction in Polling Places Under HB1303 (PDF)

HB1303 would institute election day registration in Colorado. Though proponents claim this will increase participation, academic studies suggest otherwise, and the cost for implementation would be huge.

Election Day Registration Not Right for Colorado (PDF)

HB1303 would institute mandatory mail ballot elections in Colorado. All mail ballot election rely on a single point of failure in the U.S. Postal Service and academic studies challenge the notion that they increase voter turnout in General Elections. Further, three-quarters of Coloradans oppose mandatory mail ballot elections.

Mandatory Mail Ballot Elections (PDF)

Proponents of HB1303 claim it will save costs in election administration. A CU Denver study does note possible cost savings in mail ballot elections, but that is for elections that only include mail ballots. HB1303 would also require county clerks to set up and operate vote service centers so voters can cast their ballot in person if they choose.

Changing the Way Colorado Votes: A Study of Selected Reforms (PDF)

HB1303 would make a change to the “Inactive-Failed to Vote” status in Colorado law. This change was negotiated as a compromise between the Secretary of State’s office and the Denver Clerk and Recorder—two parties who have been adversaries in court on the interpretation of the current statute. The compromise solution will improve the accuracy of the voter rolls while reducing confusion among voters.

Inactive Voter Compromise (PDF)