SB16-216 Summary

• Restores Colorado's presidential primary election, held on a Tuesday designated by the governor between the earliest date major parties allow delegate allocation without penalty and the third Tuesday in March, but at least 14 days after the precinct caucus.

• Governor must designate the primary election date no later than September 1 of the preceding year; each major political party with qualified candidates receives a separate ballot, and unaffiliated electors may declare party affiliation at the election.

• Candidates must submit notarized statements of intent and petitions signed by at least 1,500 affiliated eligible electors, with petition circulation beginning no earlier than the first Monday in November and filing required 85 days before the election.

• Political parties must use presidential primary election results to allocate delegate votes to presidential candidates in accordance with state or national party rules; candidates receiving less than 15 percent of votes need not receive delegates unless required by party rules.

• General Assembly shall appropriate general fund moneys to cover state costs and reimburse all actual direct costs incurred by counties for election preparation and conduct, with the Secretary of State determining eligible reimbursable costs by rule.