CO HB1070

Election judges must compare signatures on mail ballot return envelopes with signatures stored in the statewide voter registration system for all municipal mail ballot elections conducted after March 30, 2018.

Clerks may allow election judges to use signature verification devices to automate the comparison process.

If signatures are disputed, election judges must document discrepancies and follow a multi-step review process, including consultation with additional judges if the initial comparison is inconclusive.

Voters with signature mismatches must be notified within three days of the discrepancy and given eight days after election day to confirm they submitted the ballot; ballots are counted only if the voter confirms or if multiple judges agree signatures match.

$15,450 appropriated to the Department of State for implementation, with the act taking effect August 10, 2016, unless subject to a referendum petition.